How To Prevent Blisters - HikingGuy.com

[@phon14593]

I just found your channel after having to suffer from crazy blisters. Would've been so much nicer if I had stumbled upon this prior to my journey! Thank you for awesome contents like this and hope to see more from you.

[@paulshaw7201]

I found instead of covering your feet with powder, you move the powder when you pull your socks on, put the powder in your socks and give the socks a shake, then put them on. It works for me.

[@Hikingguy]

Nice, giving it a try next long hike, thanks!

[@tootsla1252]

Paul Shaw Good one.

[@walterrussell7584]

What about just putting it in my shoe

[@JonnyD3ath]

@@walterrussell7584 it will be outside your sock then. It needs to be on your skin

[@dwnk4691]

I want to thank you for this video. I applied your ideas for a walking pilgrimage from Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris to Chartres Cathédrale - a walk of 70 miles over two and a half days. But first I put on antiperspirant all over my foot. I used old spice traveling size antiperspirant,and then medicated foot powder, silk sock liners from REI, and wool hiking socks from Costco. I also broke my boots in at work, where I do a lot of walking and sometimes have to work for 20+ hours straight. I used crocs at the end of the day. God bless you.

[@Hikingguy]

Whoa, that's great! Glad the strategy worked out. That sounds like an incredible walk. I've been to both places but never walked between them. Sounds very cool.

[@maxsuica6144]

Here's a trick that makes it easier to put on toe socks: 1. Invert the sock so there are only a couple inches to the toes. 2. stretch the sock sideways, and get the toes in. 3. Grab the sock at the heel and opposite to the heel; pull the sock on to the heel. 4. Grab the cuff of the sock; pull sock on the rest of the way

[@dannagarcia2936]

Instead of duct tape, KT tape has great grip and is more resistant to water. It is also more pricey but once it's on, it's not going anywhere unlike the duct tape that can shift or ball up. Great video!

[@Hikingguy]

Good call. I actually have that in my med kit but didn't think to use it for that. Will give a try if I get a blister again! If anyone wants to grab some, they have it at REI here: bit.ly/2kaZShB

[@hotelmanagerchannel]

Hello Danna! I saw your comment and I was wondering if you could give me a feedback of the KT-Tape as a Blister protection. I run 25km a week and I frequently have blisters. I've tried duck tape, but it always goes away while I'm running... What do you think of the KT-Tape ? Does the KT-Tape also go away when you run? Or does it hold well on your ankle despite the sweat? Thanks !

[@redoak3809]

You have to be very careful of dog pads, too, especially in dogs that don't do a lot of hiking. Moleskin is definitely your friend and should be included in gear. In a pinch, you can put your socked feet in plastic bags and stuff them in your boots to keep them dry but you will want to make sure you handle sweating, as your feet will get wet inside the rubber especially when not being able to breath. Better to invest in Gortex boots. Gaiters help keep debree out. Love the tip for extra socks. Thanks for the powder tip. Not sure if I could wear those toed socks. Duct tape is a necessity and will help to keep moleskin in place. You are spot on with the flipflops and air drying.

[@ronbrown1895]

Great tips as no matter how time i spend on the trail i often get blisters on my baby toes. I have the good shoes and the smartwool/merino wool socks. I bought some mole skin yesterday, but i definitely want to try the gold bond powder and sock liners with individual toes! Subscribed!!

[@Hikingguy]

Thanks for the sub, and yea, even the toe socks by themselves should help. If none of these tips works, you might also want to try a wider shoe. Good luck on a blister-free future!

[@Billcarsonstobaccobox]

Toe socks work.

[@RogueArcher24]

just saw this video. Helpful thanks. I'm about to walk 1800KM from Ontario to Nova Scotia (canada). Goal is to do 30-40km a day in 8 hours or less, over 30-40 days. It's February so I might be slowed by weather conditions (camping out in forested spots along the way). Definitely going to use that power!

[@Hikingguy]

That's incredible, good luck on your adventure! And the powder should work nicely to keep your feet cool and dry.

[@_JS96]

How'd the trip go? I'm in Ontario too, love our winters

[@RogueArcher24]

@@_JS96 it went alright, didn't cover nearly as much as I had hoped. Ended up doing 800km on foot over 2 months. Made it though, and ended up moving to Nova Scotia after getting there :)

[@richardjeun]

You have a good method, but you might want try something I learned from a nurse that works over 12 hours a day. After washing your feet, dry and apply lotion. Then foot powder. First layer is women’s knee high or ankle high nylons. Second layer is cotton sock, thin and tight, like dress socks. Third layer, which is the last layer is thick cotton socks. This system pulls moisture away from your feet and reduces friction. Changing socks is the best method, during the middle.

[@Hikingguy]

I like it, thank you! Will give it a try.

[@gunterbecker8528]

Washing ones feet is usually a no no cause u soften u skin by doing it,and nylons don't breathe much i thought . I don't understand the logic behind it !

[@richardjeun]

You have to wash & DRY. Washing your feet is important to reduce the chance of fungus. Applying a little lotion to your skin also keeps your skin from drying out. The nylon socks does not provide air; it’s simply a water transferring medium. Try wearing a tight cotton shirt, then dip into a pool, get out and try patting yourself with a cotton towel - you will still be wet. Try the same thing with a tight nylon shirt - your skin will be much dryer.

[@loooo69k]

3 socks?

[@grim789]

Good video man thanks helped me out. I am going to attempt hiking across Iceland coast to coast next year and never done a hike longer than a couple miles so should be interesting haha.

[@Hikingguy]

Awesome, glad it was helpful. Sounds like a pretty sweet hike too, hope to do it at some point too! Bring some duct tape for your toes too, just in case.

[@blatherskitenoir]

If double socks feel too bulky, go with tights or knee highs as the inner layer, preferably inside out if there are seams.

[@Hikingguy]

Good tip! Also worth mentioning: you can get different weight socks. So if I'm doubling up I'll wear two thin pairs. Or with my winter boots, I buy them a half size up and wear thicker ones.

[@josephbeussink9504]

Something I used for blister prevention in running marathons is to use antiperspirant on feet to reduce sweating in normal and dry conditions. If running in the rain I lubricated hot spot areas with Vaseline. I have run entire marathons in rain with little problems with Vaseline. If you experience wet feet conditions due to wet trail or rain, switch to dry socks when conditions change.

[@Hikingguy]

That's a great tip, thanks. Yea, once the socks are wet you're in trouble, so the Vaseline makes sense. Will give it a whirl on my next run.

[@martyelliott2665]

Cris, good video. With the Injinji socks, what works for me is to slip them on, line up the toes, then make sure you push in the loose material between your toes, instead of trying to initially pull them over your toes. Seems to work for me.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, good point, I usually start with the pull, and then push to fine tune. I can never do it with just one. Will add that point to the blog post, thank you!

[@martyelliott2665]

they are a struggle for sure, but so worth it. Going to try the powder too

[@williamsmith1032]

Marty El liott

[@JoeZUGOOLA]

There are trail shoes that compensate for a wider toe box ( let your toes run wild and free!) Altra) European shoes for some reason have narrow toes (Scarpa boot wearer for 10 years) and American trail shoes ventilate the best IMHO. (As a Brit hiking in European summers)

[@travis2467]

I have found that athletic tape is by far the best blister prevention tape. I've had it last up to 3 days on my feet. It can get wet and still withstand the friction from your boat. Just make sure it is a high quality athletic tape, don't go cheap.

[@Hikingguy]

Nice, yea, I've tried that in the past but maybe what I was using wasn't good quality. Will give it a whirl again next time I get a blister...

[@RogueArcher24]

You know I have to thank you lol, athletic tape complete slipped my mind! I was watching this, thinking, "ok sure I guess I'll try this duck tape thing, but theres no stretch, so idk..," and then saw your comment lol. plus duck tape is non breathable and can cause alot of sweating and that adhesive can cause skin irritation.

[@Morpholess]

Awesome prevention solution is ArmaSkin tech liner socks. : )

[@brooklynbound1000]

Gold bond, vicks, and old bay. I use that on just about everything.

[@questmarq7901]

We do this in the Greek army since here it's obligatory and we walk sometimes almost 20 hours per day

[@gunterbecker8528]

Greeks only know how to drink coffee 20hrs. a day 😉

[@questmarq7901]

@@gunterbecker8528 we have mandatory army for minimum 6 months, so yeah.. sure

[@HikeRx]

Pressure also contributes to blisters...not just friction and moisture.

[@Phil_AKA_ThundyUK]

Thanks man. I hate blisters. I always get them on the ball of my feet below my big toe. Nightmare.

[@茶日]

Same here hate the annoying thing

[@12vLife]

My issue is usually my pink toes flatten to a sharp edge that blisters.

[@ronbrown1895]

yup, that is exactly my issue too. I hope the sock liners with the toes and powder will address this!!

[@cameronhamer2860]

Great tips, I have one toes that is giving me trouble I will try the talc, I have silver socks that seem to work but I just wore them on their own it seemed better

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, give the talc / Gold Bond Powder a try and be liberal. Since I started using it with the toe socks, no blisters at all.

[@leahr9038]

I just ordered some silicone toe shields from Amazon for less than $9. Waiting for delivery, hope they work 🦶

[@SamWolfBB]

Did they work?

[@fivesfish]

Foot Powder, absorbers moisture and prevents chaffing!

[@walterrussell7584]

Thanks I was wondering about if I should bring Gold Bond

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, works for me but some people feel passionately both ways. One thing I'd add is that I've been using a wet-wipe to clean my feet off after the hike and remove any powder and mitigate any potential negative effects.

[@michellamontagne6092]

been looking for toe socks on line & just finding poor quality cotton socks. Where would one find wool blend toe socks? Please!

[@Hikingguy]

Try Darn Tough

[@michellamontagne6092]

@@Hikingguy got some thank you

[@bigbywolf6510]

What about chafing between legs?

[@CaptainGnarkill]

I love Crystal Cove State Park. And solid info, thanks!

[@Hikingguy]

Schweet, glad it was helpful!

[@kevinhammond2361]

I live in Seattle, and in 2015 I went to the OC for training, and hiked Crystal Cove during that (a long 9 mile loop up to the ridge and back). That was the hike that really "got the bug into me" and eventually turned me into a serious hiker. It's such a beautfiul park - and was the first time I had a really good view of the Pacific (I grew up in New York)

[@anurruti]

Good tips. What's the material/fabric of those finger socks? whool, as well? Btw, roll up/cabbage the socks and you will not have the trouble putting them on.

[@Hikingguy]

Thanks! The toe socks are 67% nylon/28% CoolMax polyester/5% Lycra spandex

[@pjimpin]

Lol of course I’d be the guy that needs this information after I get the blister. Thanks for the great video.

[@Hikingguy]

Haha, yea, been there too so don't feel bad...

[@juddery]

I'm guessing that's what brought most of us here. It sure was for me. I've put a huge amount of weight on over the last few years and I'm trying to get out for long, brisk walks to start fixing that, but even with just a 2 mile walk, I've been getting multiple massive blisters, struggling to hobble home and then unable to go out walking again for a couple of weeks, while they heal, which defeats the point of trying to get some exercise. The last time was 9 days ago and it's still too sore to stand for more than a few mins at a time. This last time though, I decided enough was enough and have been soaking up information on how to prevent getting such bad blisters again in the future. So far I've bought 2 new pairs of trail shoes, Leukotape and wax paper to stick strips of the Leukotape to, wicking morino wool blend hiking socks and cracked heel cream, because the skin on my feet is currently really dry and hard and almost non pliable in places. It looks like I should probably add some foot powder and toe socks to that list too now though. I sure hope that all of this helps, because I really need to lose a lot of weight, but it's a bit of a chicken and egg scenario. Being extra heavy means more pressure on my feet and a higher chance of getting really bad blisters. Having really bad blisters reduces the ability to exercise. Fingers crossed.

[@茶日]

Can I use Johnson's baby bowder or it has to be that particular powder?

[@Hikingguy]

I think you can use that. As long as it lubricates your feet and keeps them dry. Think they're all talc-based anyway.

[@l.a.210]

Hi hiking m8, I’ll be going back to S.calif for L.A. 2.0 for the summer as my feet were completely wasted in summer of 2022 from LAX then Venice-Santa Monica than 460 bus to OC for Newport Beach by urban hiking as a backpacker. Any additional advice as in the videos and comments for a situation in my case where my original backpack weight was around 13-15 kilos tops but hoping to cut half of that and make it below 7-10kg for my next trip as the backpack load is a detrimental factor for blisters ie. weight/pressure ? I love everything as an urban hiking backpacker but the worst were blisters after blisters as it totally scarred me and was probs the worst experience for my 2 month trip by far!

[@Hugofmunoz]

The "Sock Links" is broken. Could you repost? Thank you for this video!

[@Hikingguy]

Thanks for the heads up - just follow the gear link, socks on there (updated post too)

[@Shawn-in-da-Canyon]

Put the powder in the Injini sock. It’s hard to put to much in there.

[@tarakankvadrobober]

Yeah, Moleskin doesn't work. At least in summer when it's hot - they just melting and slide out from toes

[@Michael-jv2gf]

This saved me

[@aliabdelali2399]

Thank you very much, very interesting !!

[@thepap000]

This was helpful

[@peterjackson2632]

Great info but not sure about the multitoe socks

[@Hikingguy]

What's your experience been? I use those socks over thousands of miles and it works great.

[@Scarlet-qg1xi]

They work!

[@operationseekingtruth]

Catalina Wine Mixer!

[@JoeZUGOOLA]

I'm surprised a dessert lad like yourself likes goretex! Do you get many puddles? Excellent vid btw

[@JoeZUGOOLA]

Also I'm sorry if you're not in the dessert!😂👌

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, that video is about 4 years old, check this newer vid out > kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoKzlWCPe5edbs0

[@lazmotron]

Great review.

[@aidanbrom8117]

Thanks for the info. Looking to buy some la sportivas to train and hike mount Whitney with. Any recommendations?

[@Hikingguy]

Try these guys, I've been using them for 3 years now (2 pairs) and love them: hikingguy.com/hiking-gear/best-hiking-shoe-la-sportiva-synthesis-review/

[@likeris2]

I got blister and I must to go tommorow to job (50min walk) I can't walk. what I must to do? I must walk, no other option. help me please. I got blisters on both hills. I got duck tape.

[@eduardocortes-dv4lo]

That will work in a short trip. what about long hikes like a month? should you pop the blister?

[@RogueArcher24]

100%. Im about to walk 1800km in 30-40 days. If i get a blister it needs to be popped, cleaned, polysporened, then dressed. Otherwise theres no more efficient walking. a small pin prick to the bubble then depress the bubble till empty (sterilize pin or knife first)

[@RogueArcher24]

100%. Im about to walk 1800km in 30-40 days. If i get a blister it needs to be popped, cleaned, polysporened, then dressed. Otherwise theres no more efficient walking. a small pin prick to the bubble then depress the bubble till empty (sterilize pin or knife first)

[@sbc289]

Can I use duct tape, on the outer edge of my left big toe, before a blister occurs.? I want to wrap it, but mole skin and surgical tape, doesn't work -or- takes too long, to apply. Thanks :)

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, I've done that before, apply tape over a hot spot. And the mole skin always comes off for me too. You can also try Tenacious Tape.

[@iannicely1]

Somebody with orthotic walking braces needs to make a video like this... blisters in braces suck...

[@archierobinson9324]

I play football and have very bad blisters on my toes from where me feet sweat and move around, do u think that this will work the same ?

[@Hikingguy]

Give the powder / talc a try first, I think that might do it for you. Gold Bond powder is a good choice that you can get at CVS, etc.

[@archierobinson9324]

HikingGuy.com thanks a lot for the quick reply will give it a go

[@allowme-m2d]

@@archierobinson9324 hey, did it help anything, putting powder on?

[@عليستارجبارهاشم]

I wear spong sandal for long walk its not tight but i still have blisters on my feet ??

[@Hikingguy]

Sandals can be tough because of the chafe. Maybe try a trail running shoe?

[@RogueArcher24]

lmao

[@freedompatriot1097]

What is your opinion on Bamboo socks?

[@tcbtt6300]

Haven't tried them yet - any brand you recommend checking out?

[@freedompatriot1097]

@@tcbtt6300 No. I am new to hiking and have been using them. I went on a 30km walk and blistered up. That's how I found your channel and subbed. I was looking at how you prepare your feet. Great video by the way. Power, inner sock and outer sock. And when you talked about wicking socks, I dont know if bamboo does it. My socks get wet that's for sure.

[@freedompatriot1097]

@@tcbtt6300 Bamboo socks feel like silk. They are the most comfortable sock I have ever worn.

[@SaltyDalty2196]

Don't ball your socks. Over time it stretches the fabric. They won't fit as snug then.

[@Hikingguy]

Thanks for the tip, makes sense!

[@diversity7777]

Thanks much!!!!

[@tootsla1252]

I never get blisters (*Merrill boots + Spenco liners and ThorLo hiking sox!!), but my granddaughter is a serious soccer player and she has had horrendous blisters and eczema on her feet. I'm going to recommend this to her. Thanks! *I started using ThorLo sox and Spenco liners in the 90s when I did an 18-mile walk for charity - in brand new walking shoes! Not one blister or even a hot spot, but my boss was crippled with silver dollar sized blisters by the time we finished.

[@joeldeoliveirajunior6809]

Cris, Im from Brazil.🇧🇷🇧🇷 Can you tell me if the campsites below have a place to bathe and wash the dishes? Yosemite Valley - Lower Pines: Yosemite Valley - North Pines: Yosemite Valley - Upper Pines:

[@Hikingguy]

They have water & toilets

[@TimOE2000]

48 hour anti perspirant and 2 pairs bamboo socks - cheap and very effective

[@danjones3402]

Anti perspirant?

[@TimOE2000]

@@danjones3402 yep, cheap and very effective. No sweat, no blisters.

[@danek893]

I put powder directly to the sock before i put socks on it no mess. FYI 👍 video

[@zachleist8540]

Yes. I just want so many blisters.

[@unbeatable7772]

Lmfao

[@Slept-on-one]

All well and dandy if you can afford gortex, that shit is expensive

[@kublakhan1334]

Forget the toe socks , more trouble than they are worth.

[@loooo69k]

Why?

[@gaylecheung3087]

Thank you that’s why your toes and feet are so pretty!

[@Hikingguy]

Ha never heard that one before!

[@Lakffr]

I love feet 🥰🥰🥰😝😝😝 (I’m joking I just don’t wanna have blisters when I revive my new boots)

[@nismovic]

I Cary Finger-tape...

[@robin3463]

How to not get blisters: stay at home. I went for a really long hike and my feet are destroyed :,(

[@Hikingguy]

Yup, staying home works great too!

[@tootsla1252]

Awww! Don't give up. There are really good tips here. Honestly, blisters are preventable you just have to find the right combination of shoes, liners, sox and the good advice offered here!

[@JaredRietdyk]

Breathable, gortex, pick one.

[@Hikingguy]

"Gore-Tex is a waterproof, breathable fabric membrane and registered trademark of W. L. Gore and Associates. Invented in 1969, Gore-Tex is able to repel liquid water while allowing water vapor to pass through, and is designed to be a lightweight, waterproof fabric for all-weather use."

[@younggun7722]

Wash your legs often, have a good pair of wool socks and a good pair of hiking boots. Everything else is rubbish.