Get your feet ready for sandals weather
Heels, sneakers and flats—all of them can rub your feet the wrong way, causing friction that leads to blisters. Follow these simple tips to ensure a blister-free summer:
How to Prevent Blisters
Make sure the shoe fits. Always try on shoes before you buy them, even if you know and have other shoes by the manufacturer. Have shoe fittings in the late afternoon or early evening because that’s when your feet are biggest (they swell during the day). Stand while the salesperson is measuring your feet. Walk in the shoes.
Slip on a pair of socks. Before taking a new pair of shoes out for a spin, wear them with socks around the house the day before for a few hours. This practice serves two purposes: You’ll figure out if your new shoes are rubbing your feet and where, and it helps break in the shoes by making the leather more supple. Wear moisture-wicking socks with athletic shoes to reduce friction and keep feet dry.
Tape it up. Got a blister-prone spot? Cover the area with tape. Many runners swear by duct tape because it stays put. And moleskin over a piece of gauze is generally stickier than Band-Aids, though any bandage that minimizes friction will work.
Use a slicking agent. Apply talcum powder, petroleum jelly or Dr. Scholl’s For Her Miracle Shield to your skin to provide a barrier between your skin and your shoe. If it’s going to be a long day—or you’re going for a long run—you may need to re-apply.
How to Treat a Blister
If you already have a blister, try to keep it from getting bigger or infected. A tiny one that’s not causing much discomfort should be left alone to heal on its own. But you can pop a large, fluid-filled blister that’s too painful even for comfy shoes. Clean the blister and the surrounding area first with rubbing alcohol or antibiotic soap and water. Sterilize a needle (wash it with soapy water, dry it and rub it down with alcohol), pierce the blister where it meets the skin, apply an antiseptic and cover with a bandage. Do not puncture the top of the blister, and change the bandage daily.
