40 Mile Sponsored Walk. Blister Help!!

[dave-1982]

I'm doing a sponsored 40 mile walk in the Lake District in May and was looking for some tips on how to avoid / reduce the risk of blisters?? This will be the second year i've done it. I did it last year as a last minute replacement for someone who pulled out of a team so only had 2 weeks to prepare and with very little time to prepare i suffered horrible blisters and had to hobble half way round, stumbling over the finishing line in a time of 12 1/2 hours! This year i hope to shave 2 hours off that time with practice and better preparation. I'm looking for tips on stuff like sock to wear (thick better??) and i've also heard an old wives tail about soaking feet in surgical spirit a few times before?? Anyone any experience or helpful tips that could help me?? Thanks in advance.

[sandyRoe]

Slather your feet with Vaseline and wear two pairs of socks. I'll guarantee you'd not get a blister.

[237SJ]

Two pairs of thin socks are supposed to work because the socks rub against each other rather than your skin. My sister walks a lot and she gets socks that are one pair but two layers. I don`t think the surgical spirit idea works. Failing everything else, Compeed.

[Orderlimit]

The most effective way to stop blisters / heat burns in endurance sport / events in to wrap your feet in Zinc Oxide Tape (Super strong adhesive).

[Orderlimit]

Here is a random link http://www.firstaid4sport.co.uk/cid/VXMJNKSVP2436Z5C20R83NCPR49V5VZV/4sport-Strappit-Zinc-Oxide-Tape-P4670/

The best bet is to get a slim roll of the tape so you can individually wrap each toe and easier to tape the whole foot. For a 40 miler I would use several layers particularly on the side and back of heels. Its a pig to get off and could stay on for a week or two but definitely worth it. Dont waste your time with any other method for endurance.

[Orderlimit]

Sorry forgot to say, only use the light coloured (white) zinc Ox tape as opposed to the rougher brown tape which will come loose and cause hell.

[anjlegs]

I brought some socks from john lewis , they had a very fine lining inside , to stop friction. They worked for me .
They are called hilly socks.

[giveup]

If the worst happens and you get blisters just dab them with whisky(I know its a waste).I was told this years ago by an old man who was a medic in WW1,have tried it and it helps.

[pdq1]

I've tried using vaseline and 2 pairs of socks for much shorter events than you and neither worked. What did work especially for the heels was wrapping duct tape around the foot. No good just sticking it to the heel as the friction makes it come off.

[argorstran]

Based on my own walking experience :
Wear walking boots with an all-leather upper .
Get them one size above your normal shoe size (your feet expand when walking long distances)
Wear one pair of thick spring-looped socks with the maximum percentage of wool content that you can find (75 or 80% wool)
This combination will ensure the maximum evaporation of perspiration from your feet (I would go against putting any kind of substance on your feet as this will interfere with the evaporation of perspiration)
Good luck , I hope everything goes well .

[johnk]

I used 2 pair of socks and used tlc on my foot and between the socks and between sock and boot. This seemed to work for up to 20 miles. I also wrapped medical tape around big toe and the next one individually and then together because they rubed the skin off but that's probably just my feet!
Best of luck

[furrypusscat]

Soak in Surgical spirit each night for 2 -3 weeks before your hike is a good way to prepare as it toughens and hardens the skin.
I also agree with good walking boots with adequate room to wear two pair of socks. I like the breathable socks with padded sole and heel for extra comfort. Take some Compede blister plasters with you.
Good luck.