Preventing Blisters
Who hasn’t had blisters before? There are many causes from poor-fitting footwear to extreme treks. Yes, can do everything right, but if the trek is so extreme that your sole gets worn off, then blisters may be almost impossible to prevent.
So should you listen to someone who has never had blisters? Or should you listen to someone whose feet is studded with calluses. Frankly, I’ve not met a trekker or adventurer who has never had blisters. So why are the folks who keep getting blisters giving us advice on how to prevent blisters?
There is some pretty sound advice on how to prevent blisters at Adventure Travel Magazine over here.
The part about double socks is debatable. Some people swear by it. Some say it’s misleading. To me, a pair of boots that allow you to wear two pairs of socks must be over-sized. So the advice on fit of boots in the article can’t be followed. Furthermore, with oversized boots and double socks, your feet will not be able to feel the ground as well. Trips, falls and even sprains will be more likely. Would you rather get those instead of blisters? Always bear in mind that inelastic wool socks tend to bunch together after a while. This way result in your toes-nails getting pushed in or flicked out. That has happened to me before when I wore two pairs of socks.
After I’ve learned my lesson, I buy fitting boots and wear a single layer of socks. It is also important to beware of insoles that are very smooth. It may give you the same effect as double socks. Your socks may keep slipping on them, pushing your toes into the toe caps of the boots. I’ve also lost quite a few toe-nails this way. But seriously, the best way to prevent blisters while trekking is to rest and take off your boots at about hourly intervals. Check for sore spots and apply cream before they turn into blisters. Or you could dust some foot powder. Pull up your socks, make sure they don’t bunch up at the toes. This procedure may sound troublesome, but it’s actually the least troublesome way to prevent blisters.