Why I Never Get Blisters - Footcare For Thru Hiking

If you're hiking upwards of 2,000 miles in a single push knowing how to care of your feet during a thru hike is a super essential skill to have. Your feet are what will take you the distance, an unhappy foot can mean an unhappy hiker, but foot pain or blisters can also mean the end of your trip. Something so small like a little blister can even lead to much more serious injuries as well, so it's very important to be proactive about footcare!
I personally don't often get blisters, but I used to get a ton of them! I think it is the preventative things I do with my gear and how I hike that has been the big change. A blister to me means that something is wrong, and if you get a blister it is for a reason that can likely be changed to avoid them in the future! Remember that it is much better to try and stop the blister from ever forming than it is to try and deal with later!
Mentioned in the video:
Leukotape - amzn.to/3vHQqbG
Darn Tough Socks - amzn.to/3Mrc9uk
Grip6 Socks - amzn.to/36Zvcvn
Injinji Socks - amzn.to/3pBNhpS
Farm to Feet Socks - amzn.to/3tsBLOK
Shoe advice video - • My Best Advice For Thr...
0:00 - Intro
1:15 - Shoes
3:27 - Socks
4:45 - Pace
5:32 - Pre-emptive Care
6:25 - Clean Feet & Socks
8:00 - Gaiters
8:44 - Air Out & Elevate
9:12 - Hotspots & Leukotape
10:22 - Blister Care
Prevention!
1. Find a good shoe. The problem is if you have a shoe that is either too tight or too loose. You don't want your foot and toes squished tightly into your shoe, and you don't want your foot sliding around in too loose a shoe! Try many brands and sizes out, and find the right one. During a hike like the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail your feet will grow, and you will need to size up. Check out this video I made about shoes! • My Best Advice For Thr...
2. Adjust the shoe, and try different lacing techniques. I often skip the bottom most lace giving my toes more room to breath, preventing blisters between them. People with high arches will skip the middle most lace on their shoes to give more space. There are even ways to tie your shoes to stop your heel from rubbing and lock it in place.
3. Socks are almost as important as shoe! Finding the right size and fit, as well as a comfortable amount of cushion in socks is very similar to the shoe. You don't want them too tight, or too loose! Some like very little cushion, while others like a lot of cushion.
4. Pace yourself, slow & easy means less blisters. If you are walking at an uncomfortably fast pace, that will cause problems. I recommend walking at a smooth and easy pace for you regardless of what others are doing. If you keep it light, smooth, and easy the miles will come.
5. Tape the spot before your trip even begins. If you know you are prone to getting blisters on your heel, tape it! Then when you do start hiking, the tape is already in place to protect you.
6. Keep your feet clean! I try to wash my feet with water once a day if I can. It keeps the dirt, and dust from combining with my sweat which would otherwise create more friction and abrasion causing blisters!
7. Keep your socks clean. I carry two pairs of socks, but three is also great! I swap my socks for the other pair everyday, and will wash the pair I am not currently wearing. Squeezing out whatever grime is in them, and then hanging them from my pack while I hike during the day to let them dry.
8. Wear gaiters. A company like Dirty Girl Gaiters makes a great product that will definitely make your feet happy. Gaiters are used to keep sand and pebbles from getting in your shoe, so that you don't have to clean them out as often! I highly recommend these.
9. Take time to take off your shoes. Any time you are taking a break longer than 5 minutes, take off your shoes.
10. Be quick with hot spots, as soon as you feel them don't wait, tape them. Leukotape is best as it sticks well while other brands will fall off or bunch up inside your sock.
- Sock liners, I have personally only had terrible experiences with these causing more blisters than I would have had I not worn them at all. But some like them
Problem! Now you got a blister
- If it is small, don't pop it but try to protect it. If it is large, pop it with a clean needle + thread. Leave the thread in the blister to keep it from resealing, and then protect it. Change plans & slow down.
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[@JupiterHikes]

Thank you for watching! I think footcare is a very important practice when it comes to long distance hiking so I am glad I can offer up some info that has worked for me! Goodluck to everyone out hiking this year!

[@BestFeminist]

Footwear in camp and during river crossings can help avoid injuries that can end a hike. Leukotape is much better than moleskin, but never thought of using them together. Nice tip

[@BurroGirl]

Definitely got helpful info from this video!

[@cecilialisbon8055]

Great tip about lacing, it never occurred to me that you don't have to lace every hole! Thanks for the info :)

[@LA_Viking]

I've only been hiking/climbing for 47 years so I'm still a relative newcomer. In less than fifteen minutes you described techniques that has taken me nearly one-half century to learn the hard way. Good video.

[@PisgahGravelProject]

In my experience, and what I've learned from mistakes in the past is a tip about socks. According to my podiatrist, thinner socks can make calluses grow faster than normal. Especially if the socks are old and compressed and the insoles of the shoes are compressed. I used to get really thick calluses on the balls of my feet and the outside ball of my foot too. These weren't normal calluses. These were thick, tough and painful ones. I'd have to go in to the Dr and have them shaved down with a razor blade to remove them. She told me they were from my footwear and my sock choices. I was using zeros and thin socks. For me, it was not a good mix. She explained that when calluses form it takes a long time, and the body will start adjusting it's gait to compensate for the pain. This change in gait will lead to tendon and ligament injury. Her recommendation was to use a thick sock, and a shoe with more cushion. I switched to altra/hoka with dt Xtra cushion socks and haven't had any more callus issues over the last 3seasons. Not saying everyone will have the same experience I have had using minimalist shoes with thin socks, but the risk is there. The most important thing she told me was to replace socks often. Once the cushion in the sock breaks down and becomes flat it is not different than wearing a thin sock. I replace my socks ever 200-300miles. It's a pain in the ass sometimes, but it's better than callus pain. I always thought I was supposed to wear the socks until they fell apart, I guess I was looking at it wrong for 2decades. Her recommendations have worked well and it was well worth the money spent for her time.

[@bajablast989]

Appreciate the post. More cushion, less impact and better protection

[@MixMeister5000]

Using thick, padded socks and / or shoes severely handicaps your feet over time.

[@AcrylicGoblin]

​@@MixMeister5000 why do you say that? Is that just something you heard somewhere or can you explain an actual mechanism for why that's true?

[@TheBigBlueMarble]

Light, easy and smooth is right. I constantly am telling myself...walk, don't march.

[@papajeff5486]

Excellent advice and blister care demonstration. I’ve been an infantryman and a medical guy, retired from the US Army. Care of our feet was a primary concern. Clean, well fitting shoes and socks, clean, maybe two pair of socks, a thin pair followed by a thick pair, clean, stay away from cotton, clean, clean, clean. Thanks for sharing, educating. Kentucky

[@belaort7]

Cool info! Im curious… Why should you stay away from cotton?

[@codybrown5408]

@@belaort7doesn’t wick moisture or dry quickly enough, which can cause blisters.

[@AcrylicGoblin]

I started wearing two pairs of socks playing tennis in HS. Then I wore two pairs in the army. Now, two pairs when hiking. It's a strategy that's been helping my feet for decades. For the PCT this year, I'm going with coolmax toe socks under darn toughs. That combo has been great in training.

[@robingood62]

Leukotape is the best! Hard to get it off after a hike. For me a good prevention is Vaseline. Keeps the skin soft and prevent cornea and cracks.

[@francismccabe3265]

Agree with the Vaseline. Used it on 5 Caminos de Santiago (approx 6-800 miles each) and never got any blisters. Prefer the slightly cushier Smartwools to the more coarse Darntoughs. Both start to wear thinner after 300 miles, so the person who replaces socks apparently already knows this.

[@Pacman259]

I hadn't thought of skipping laces. Good idea!

[@JupiterHikes]

It has been great for me! It's so hard to find a shoe that hits all the boxes of fit, durability, whatever that it's nice to modify shoes lacing to make it work for me even if it isn't the perfect shoe otherwise.

[@dac11jmn]

Some vaseline/pure petroleum jelly works well against sore skin too. Just rub it on your feet after a day's hike; or use it locally when your foot skin gets that burning feeling. Saved many trips for me!

[@bendover4496]

I’ve heard of popping a blister. However, that’s the first time I’ve ever heard of putting thread through the blister! It makes sense though, so that the blister can drain. Thanks so much for the pro tip!

[@___Chris___]

@Mithrandir By not popping a blister you make sure it stays sterile, but at the same time it will grow quickly, because each time there's pressure on the blister (which is inevitable), this pressure will be distributed to the circumference of the blister and the fluid will try to travel between skin layers, hence lifting up the 'stratum corneum', detaching it from the 'stratum basale' --> it's never going to reattach from there. I've been running marathons for more than 20 years, so my feet have seen a lot. In my experience the best thing you can do is letting the fluid drain as quickly as possible. I usually take sterile surgical scissors and make a tiny cut in the earliest stage of any blisters -> they never become bigger. I don't use needles because the puncture may close again. Never got one infected, either. The skin itself acts as the bandaid and through the tiny cut the (sterile!) fluid only goes from high to low pressure, hence the blister constantly cleans itself as long as fluid is produced.

[@colmclaurin9452]

This is a very factual Jupiter, and well presented mate. There's one other item which i feel is extremely important and has given many hikers and military people alike masses of blisters and that is wet feet, keep your feet dry. Don't walk through water with your hiking boots/shoes on unless its shallow and your boots/shoes are guaranteed waterproof. However once the water level goes over the top of the boot, it fills with water. What's designed to keep water out, will keep water in. I don't get blisters because I always take my boots off when walking through water and wear a pair of lightweight sandals until my feet are dry again, or if its too cold sit and dry them. Yes that takes time, but if one is in that bigger hurry to get in miles and get wet feet, your feet will became extremely soft and blister prone - guaranteed. The time spent in removing boots/shoes will more than be made with blister treatments and a lot of pain. And yes a double layer of woolen socks can also dramatically assist in preventing blisters, but as you say, spend time in selecting the correct size and shape boot/shoe that fits ones foot correctly and give them a trial run before a long hike is undertaken. I really enjoy all your videos Jupiter, your very thorough with your advice mate, based on your own extensive hiking experience and no B/S. The best of luck and enjoyment for your next hike.

[@BerenddeBoer]

Taking your shoes off is pretty bad advice in many crossings. Keep them on, but wring out your socks and soles afterwards. Many rivers have large stones and you can injure your feet dramatically when not protected by shoes.

[@colmclaurin9452]

Mate, I'm sorry but I can't agree with you based on my near 60 years of hiking and patrolling and at times in conditions, which include military operations in SE Asia and the Western Pacific, which at times are far far worse than US hiking tails. If you have wet socks and wet shoes and particularly wet boots, regardless how much you wring them out your feet will become soft which lays the foundations for blisters. The only way around it is to get them off ASAP and allow all to dry as much as possible. Large rocks are usually not a major problem its the smaller sharper ones that can cause the damage to soft feet. If you become used of hiking bare foot, which after some conditioning makes your feet much tougher, your bare feet will dry very quickly and they WILL NOT blister. Spend time barefoot with people like the PNG natives they'll soon show you how to walk barefoot and those techniques, like swimming, are never forgotten. And yes I never get blisters following this basically life long advise, try it sometimes. Always keep your socked and shoed feet out of water as much as possible.@@BerenddeBoer

[@thegorn]

In my 30 years of hiking I've never once gotten blisters between my toes. Therefor Injinji hold no appeal for me. The only blisters I've ever had are in the arch of my feet or the heel skin wearing off. Now I use a ball stretcher to mould my boots to relieve pressure points, and also wear thin synthetic liner socks. Plus I lube my feet with some Bodyglide/vaso and change the liners over regularly, and I never get blisters. Also I always weak half-gaiters or full gaiters to keep the grit out.

[@SummitSeeker546]

When hiking in arid climates one can get friction blisters due to very dry skin. Typically you’ll notice the skin around your heal or toenails has become rough and dry. This indicates that the skin is compromised and susceptible to getting a heat or friction blister. I used to get these blisters until I started using Aquaphor Healing Ointment 1.75oz. At the end of the day after you’ve washed your feet and are ready to crawl into your tent for the night, rub some of this ointment into those dried out areas. Your feet will thank you! Aquaphor is also great for wind burnt lips and dried out hands where you have dry split cuticles. It’s a must bring item for me!

[@texmexia49]

Great videos, lots of great tips. I would also add that it is important to change/rotate your socks when they get sweaty. Moisture is a major cause of blisters an dry socks are a major preventative. I hang my sweaty socks on my pack to dry when this happens and switch out to a dry pair.

[@smileyjoe]

I agree, foot Care is very important. But I don't think I ever knew about the thread thing. That's great! For anyone that wants to get super nerdy about it, the book, Fixing Your Feet, is a great resource.

[@JupiterHikes]

Fix your feet is without a doubt the number 1 resource out there!

[@przemyslawpralat621]

Great content Jupiter, I'm using pretty much all of the same techniques you've mentioned. One more thing I would like to add is to use two pairs of socks, some thin ones 'liner socks' and outer socks usually thicker ones. From the moment I started using such combo I have never had any blisters 🙂

[@JupiterHikes]

You know I almost mentioned liners in this! I didn't because I personally have not had great experiences with them. Though I know so many people love them I figured it was best my minimal experience wasn't taken too seriously. It has been 10 years since I tried a pair afterall! I am glad they work for you, and I hope others give em a shot if they are having trouble

[@Justintime246]

Yes I do this and it's bomb proof. Thin Injinjis under Darn Toughs and you got yourself a solid system. With gaiters too of course.

[@vidadvocate9522]

Agreed @przemyslaw pralat. When I was a kid...I got blisters. Then I started using the inexpensive, very thin sock and a thicker sock over it and (knock on wood) I've never had a blister since. I'm kind of old now and gone many miles but it has worked for me. ;) Thanks for new tips I hadn't thought of Jupiter !

[@_JS96]

I have one thin merino pair, and one thicker merino pair, and I alternate between them as well. Has helped massively with the blisters. Danish Endurance cycling/running socks for thins, and Silverlights for thick.

[@michellamontagne6092]

When I get a blister or a hot spot I put a little piece of small bubbles bubble wrap & then tape it up with Leukotape P. Before the hike I tape my heels. my big toe & my small toe as a preventive measure. I also tape up the toe right beside my big toe on my left foot because IT WILL blister if I cover more that 6 or 8 miles. Today I bought toesocks to experiment, high percentage of marino wool

[@rayklahne7117]

Great advice. I also put the leukotape on the wax paper, but I round the corners, which keeps it from peeling, and I vary the sizes. This can be done in the field. Also, good old-fashioned Crisco shortening is an excellent "body glide" for between the toes hot-spots. You just need a tiny flip top container.

[@Rocky-gw4jf]

Vicks VapoRub or Badger Foot Balm on toes and feet soles daily for a couple weeks before a long hike. Kills fungus that weakens skin and promotes blisters. Big difference for me, used for a long time. Also highly recommend gaiters. I’ve left upper lace holes open for years, never thought to leave lower ones open. Good video!

[@happycampers6592]

Darn Tough socks are my one and only choice. They are American-made by a family company and they have a life-time guarantee.

[@andyledger2307]

This is one of the best videos on blister prevention/treatment I’ve come across - very helpful, and well produced.

[@amyarcher8017]

Always love your videos. Great advice!

[@CastawayHikes]

Excellent advice as always 🤙

[@kookkamajunga]

Great content man

[@michaelb1761]

Excellent advice.

[@DR-fy7qy]

Great tips! Thanks.

[@jakemcavoy2554]

Very helpful! Thank you!!

[@acousticartist2601]

Great video! One thing to add about the socks is to make sure that they're stretchy enough/big enough especially for your toes to splay out. Even with wide toe box shoes, I've gotten blisters between my toes because my socks squished them together.

[@elifan2523]

Great info, methodical conveyed

[@brittanykopke6133]

Great video! Thanks so much

[@justinpoliszuk9303]

Good advice.

[@christopherch7307]

Thanks for all the awesome advice.

[@JaviTxantxu]

Great and very instructive video.

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video. Excellent insights!

[@minhhop3208]

ThNks so much ! Very helpful !

[@Jc21112]

Love your content and passion, cheers from Québec :)

[@jenniferhiking4mylife970]

Thanks...definitely got a few new helpful techniques from you! 🌞

[@seagypsiesbellydancers3047]

Thank you❤

[@kathycasey9153]

That was one of the most informative videos I've seen. Thanks!

[@Jonasvanjozi]

I can attest to the Injinji toe socks. I don't typically get blisters, but the socks are lightweight and comfy. THey also dry super fast so if you're going through a river or wet areas then they will dry quickly so you avoid sloshing.

[@TheIntuitiveBodyFoodieNetwork]

Love the adhesive paper tip for the leukotape; thanks!

[@tacklebill4835]

Thanks for the tip on packing labels for the Luko tape. Genius idea!

[@MrLorenzobringheli]

super channel, bravo!

[@douglasstraight3648]

You always have good practical advice in all your videos. Thanks much from a subscriber. Aloha

[@f.d.5952]

So wonderfully usefull advise even for everyday urban walks. Thanks!

[@dwightschrute491]

Great video, man! 👣👣👣

[@wanttogo1958]

Your use of the round corn pads to relieve pressure on small blisters is a great idea! I use a portion of a Telfa pad cut to a size slightly larger than the blister or hot spot. It acts to absorb any fluid escaping, prevents the leukotape tape I place on top from pulling the skin away when changed and provides a little bit of padding to relieve any pain that a blister might have produced. Rotating socks through the day or just drying the ones I'm wearing at my lunch break and adding some foot powder normally keep blisters from forming for me. Callous build up can normally be remedied by soaking your feet and then using a pumice stone to remove much of the top layers. Great summary of foot care ideas! Martin.

[@NateMaris]

New mantra! “Light, easy & smooth”

[@AbleHammer]

Excellent!

[@russelljackman1413]

Great advice! Thank you for these great tricks and tips--and for your kindness! Happy Trails!

[@randifriedner]

I learned a lot here. Adjustments you can make in the trail. Thank you!

[@senadapasic1732]

Super helpful especially for feet that swell.

[@bearanoia673]

Thanks for the lacing tips. I never knew that could make a difference.

[@Melanie-Shea]

Dog poop bag can also be a way to make a low friction patch over an area, it’s thin and slippery. In sock or over sock.

[@NateMaris]

Brilliant idea with the packing slip for the tape

[@impermanenthuman8427]

My brother got the record for the Australian Alpine Walking Track, he was very fit, but had limited experience with long hikes, well half way through the hike he called us for help, he had multiple blisters on both feet, and as each blister swelled, parts of his foot near the blister started rubbing more inside his shoes, which caused more blisters, etc so by the time we got to him all the blisters were infected and on top of that he sprained both ankles and had sprained one ankle twice and were both also swollen, his feet were an absolute mess! Large parts of this track weren’t really a track anymore apparently, it was just rocky barren wilderness plus the pace he was trying to hold resulted in sprains. He asked us to bring him some sandals (choko I think was the brand?) and he finished the hike in sandals. Also another weird request was he was craving chocolate for some reason but he normally never ate any junk food, but he chewed that chocolate down like he was starving 🤔

[@rushpinn]

Very well thought through and presented advice. No bullshit, you sre giving us exactly what we came here for. Good video as always. Thanks Jupiter.

[@ItsAStephanieB]

Thank you. It's great advice!! Very few hikers give advice and actual tips on how to prevent blisters.

[@stevebednarchik9390]

Great content Jupiter. That Lukotape on old label paper should’ve made that Top 100 Tip video. Brilliant mate!

[@JamesPanning]

Best backpacker footcare video I’ve seen yet.

[@JimiJimiYork]

This was a great video, man. I recently bought my first pair of trail runners and I was getting ready to return them due to the tightness in my toe box. Tried the “skip-the-bottom” lacing technique and these things feel freakin’ great. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. Love watching your videos!

[@lebowski5192]

I would add one more step to daily footcare - callous and nail sanding. I carry a full size dual-sided sanding board and use it every night before nodding off. Callouses form quickly and staying on top of them is key. I like boards with a coarse side and a medium side. The boards with a foam core are better at conforming to the curves in the foot too.

[@oysterbay9]

such an inspiring channel. even beyond the content.

[@BAC-bm8em]

👍 Good advice. Walking long distances with a limp will effect your spine. Blisters is the number one reason limp on the trail.

[@user-fm9ud1cy7b]

Great information for foot care, I plan on doing a section hike on the AT next year.

[@BurroGirl]

Awesome info thank you so much! You are so correct about a painful issue in one foot changing your gait which then can cause compensatory problems in the other leg/foot or the same leg/foot. Happens w four-legged critters too! (I'm an equine vet)

[@laurie2508]

Good video. One suggestion: any time you puncture the skin, clean with alcohol wipe. The thread idea can draw bacteria into the punctured blister. Especially important to clean before and after puncture using a tape that will seal. Last thing needed is an infection.

[@HikingwithGus]

Great tips! Neosporin or some sort of an antibiotic cream or ointment on the thread is one thing I have done. BTW, I can't believe I have not watched your videos before.... Great Stuff! When You get to Washington give us a shout if you need rides or anything!

[@aurtisanminer2827]

That bridge at 6:38 looks awesome! That leuko tape hack has been a really useful one for me. It was so hard to get that stuff off of a roll otherwise!

[@alyishiking]

Good idea with the wax paper. Litesmith sells mini rolls of leukotape too.

[@aaronperkinson4433]

Love the content lately Jupiter . Wish you the best of luck when you head out on the PCT this year and to not have another foot injury.

[@JupiterHikes]

Thank you! Definitely taking the trip seriously in how I go about it

[@BookwormSkates]

100% agreed on injinji socks. They're great in their niche, but simply do not hold up to hiking in my experience.

[@geraldwald3473]

Excellent video covering the issues of foot care. Friction and moisture are killers to feet.

[@AlbertVicol]

Xero shoes for the win! There is no other shoe I can wear anymore. Hfs and all the hiking are super super comfortable! Just found your channel and I love your tips!

[@stefaniegalvan]

I ran into an issue with a tight toe box. In my trip planning, I didn't account for foot swelling paired with thicker socks. Lessons learned. I have been able to keep my same shoes, now with a thinner sock. Great tip video. Thanks!

[@AndrewWisler]

Great comprehensive resource - I think a lot of experienced hikers have learned most of them over the years, but we would have done better to just watch this up front! I haven’t tried the thread trick, definitely going to add that to my kit. Also going to save some sticker sheets for my leukotape - I’ve always wrapped mine around something, but it’s a sticky mess to peel it off. Thankfully the stuff is so sticky it still stays on my feet for days anyway! I teach backpacking to a boys’ group every year, and I think I’m going to make this recommended viewing. Thanks for keeping your videos so upbeat and clean so everyone can enjoy. Maybe they’ll listen better to you than me - there’s always a few who seem to want to learn things the hard way, haha. Also appreciated the shots along the S Kaibab - took me back to a few years ago, and I’m scheduled to take another group there to hike RTR this year - can’t wait.

[@JupiterHikes]

Even when making this video it was honestly a great reminder for me. Stuff that I do, I just don't often think about it. So it's always nice to have a refresher, even on perhaps simple hiking subjects. I hope the kids you teach have some fun out there! The vast majority of my videos are indeed clean, but I can think of 2 that are maybe borderline (hitchhiking, and my bad experience in alabama) otherwise they're all good I think!

[@sirsir108]

one piece of advice i have with socks that may not apply to everyone but for me it helps and thats to not use brand new socks if you can try and wear them a few times (probably a few washes would work) i noticed when i got a few new merino wool socks for a festival that i work every year usually we will do 10-20 miles of walking each day i noticed my new new pairs of socks were a little slippery and made a bit of a hot spot and in the long run it was better to just cycle through the old pairs if i was going to be out walking around all day again this could just be a me problem and it may not be every merino wool sock but it couldnt hurt to give the new pairs a few walks and washes before going off on a big hike

[@92Pyromaniac]

Great tips, I definitely wish I'd followed these on my last trip! Figured some of them out with trial and error but a little too late. One trick I've seen elsewhere that I really liked is to carry a large ziploc bag with a bit of talc in it. Great for drying out your feet and I even found tipping some straight into my socks seemed to reduce sweatiness.

[@lscanlon9908]

One thing I would add to the Leuko is neosporin for when the blisters pop open. Also, I wonder if building up some moderate calluses as part of pre-trip training could help with blister prevention. Great video, by the way! you have a new subscriber :)

[@DirtyDirtbath]

Ayyyy grip6 I been thinking about trying their socks now im going to. Ive been using one of their belts for a year now and I LOVE it, the most ultralight belt thats actually a belt

[@SomeDudeWalking]

Video quality on this is 👍

[@mileswiththemels1718]

Great advice! I like rounding the edges of the tape so it stays better. For socks, Injinji liners are game changers. They are toe socks that are much thinner than regular socks, and they go under your socks. I know it's more to carry, but I find it really helps. Plus it makes your toe socks last longer. They can also be worn as just a sock so they are perfect for when you need a lighter weight or thinner sock.

[@stefandomagalski3722]

Great video! Dirty girl gaiters are a game changer for me. No more rocks 'n sticks in my shoes! Also YES,YES,YES to Leukotape. Thanks for the foam doughnut tip. I also keep some dried Yarrow (Achillia millifolia) in my first aid kit. It is astringent as well as antiseptic. Great for healing wounds, burns, blisters and cuts. It also stops bleeding quickly. Happy camping, safe travels

[@seamusOB]

I found that new hikers are more likely to ignore hotspots until it's too late. In my experience, if you start to notice a certain point on your foot (not painful, not really hot, just becoming conscious of it) stop (preferably in the shade) take off the boot and sock, have a look at the area of your foot and tape it.

[@sylv_ain]

Skipping laces holes is brilliant

[@trakyboy5128]

Right on 🤠👍🏽👍🏽 I've not used that tape But will get some to play with and learn what it's about 🙂. What i am quite familiar with is "Opsite post op visible" Opsite is a name brand ! But I learned of it's wide range of use from being married to a CCU RN. I suggest anybody interested Google the term off site and from there you'll just take off and all kinds of directions you'll find that there's other name brands for similar type of wound care it's addressing it's highly waterproof which is great for when you're crossing streams and you've got that hot spot covered with a piece of it it comes in sheets and you can just cut it off with your neck knife pocket knife whatever it is that you carry. You'll also learn that it's breathable as it's meant to let vapor or moisture from the wound to be able to come through and dry out. Etc. Foot care... Great topic & advise !!! I've been a hiker for more than 50 years and foot Care is definitely important especially when you're in extremely warm environments where the feet can heat up the shoe heats up heat comes from the ground that you're walking on radiates upward into the shoe and in cases your foot this can be an issue. So I have found that your policy on foot Care is spot on. Definitely keep it clean when you're at a water source take the time to stop and wash them out let him dry off the whole nine yards and if you have to keep a third pair just for sleeping in to keep you warm. But your bag clean ☺️🤠. Peace and keep on rocking the free world 🌎. B O L on ur thru hike you've got this one 😇👍🏽👍🏽

[@Hikesoup]

Mind blown with the new ways to lace

[@JupiterHikes]

There's so many ways I couldn't mention in this video! Just not enough time. But also if you are far from town and having a problem I've seen people adjust their shoes in otherw ays as well. A more destructive way is to literally cut off parts of the shoe. Heel rubbing? cut off part of the back. Too tight near the forefoot? Cut down the side to open the shoe up. Obviously this is more of an emergency situation thing, but if a shoe is bad enough it can be necessary

[@Strandlaeufer77]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing. In terms of "stickyness" and according to my experience Kinesiotape outperforms Leukotape. And it's also more flexible f.ex in the dimples between ankle and achilles tendon. Tradeoff to Leukotape: You will need scissors since ripping is not working well.

[@Runimani]

Really great advice Jupiter. Also its good to take off the leukotape and clean your blister before going to sleep. It helps the healing and prevent infection.

[@JupiterHikes]

Great addition!!!

[@LABoyko]

Never thought of skipping the bottom loops in lacing. Thank you. The issues I get with toes occur on downhill hiking. If the foot is not firmly secured into the heel cup, the toes will smash into the front of the shoe. Have found the foam donuts to dislodge too easily, even when taped over. Moleskin has been my go-to on hot spots/blisters.

[@jaymacpherson8167]

Leukotape is a bit thick imo. I use cloth sports tape. Yes, it can roll and detach. Tho I find assuring the tape’s end is where I don’t get wear rarely results in a roll. To avoid detachment, I double wrap (and it is still thinner than leukotape). Also, cloth sports tape comes off faster. Of course I played ultimate disc for about 35 years which gave me lots of experience taping my feet!

[@sk-wx1cf]

Nice video! One more thing that can help is to wear thin liner socks. These can be, for example, polypropylene socks that are sold for this purpose, or men's dress socks, which a similar. Happy hiking!

[@JupiterHikes]

The polypropylene socks I think are great for snow travel as well, if I am thinking of the correct fabric but I think I am!

[@RogerBays]

I haven't tried the brown leukoplast tape, but the white waterproof leukoplast works real good. Stays stuck on for a week or more, even in wet conditions. Before setting off I put 3 strips on each heel with a slight (4mm) overlap, so I have a nice wide band. Comes on a blue plastic roll with white text (at least in the UK and New Zealand).

[@scout06171]

Over a 21 year military career humping thousands of miles carrying 100+ pound packs (stupid, stupid, stupid) my best advice for preventing blisters other than all your great advice, is to wear women’s nylon pantyhose. During winter or in wet climates, wear the entire hose. In summer or desert regions you can get away with only covering your feet. This is old school and it’s possible that there’s clothing that’s just as lightweight and effective as nylons but I haven’t seen any yet. If you’re embarrassed to wear nylons while hiking, just tell people you identify as your Great Grandmother or that you heard this tip from an old Special Operations guy.

[@kennethwilson8633]

Anytime you take your shoes off you should change your socks. If you are prone to blisters wear nylon dress socks under whatever hiking sock you choose. Have fun stay safe.

[@sharontewksbury-bloom3801]

I have struggled with blisters for decades and have made a lot of changes you recommend in the video. Definitely good advice. The one other game changer for me is the foot salve that Squirrel Nut Butter makes. I got it from Run Flagstaff and have found it to be especially helpful as a preventative tool in hot weather.

[@JupiterHikes]

I used to use the same kinda thing on my feet! Dunno why I stopped. Anytime I was hiking in a wetter climate I'd apply it the night before. Love squirrels nut butter for chafe problems too!

[@brainp471]

Great content! I would add, dont hike with brand new shoes, use broken in shoes. Aloe vera can really help heal the skin overnight. Also avoiding socks and letting the feet air out at night

[@LappDog]

Many useful tips - thank you! One additional advice: use aloe vera (cream) for skin care and blisters.

[@trytheoutdoors]

Wonderful video. Great tips. Thank you. Quick question: would you sterilise the needle (eg using the flame from a lighter) before popping the blister? Rgds Imran UK

[@winstonfletcher1689]

I use Destin Cream on my feet if the trails are wet and Squirrel's Nut Butter when the trail is dry. In town if they are boogered up, soak in hot Epsom salt and add some Listerine. It will dry them out and kill off the rankness