Take steps to prevent agony of the feet

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January 14, 1999

Take steps to prevent agony of the feet

By KRISTIN HOSTETTER
SPECIAL TO THE POST-INTELLIGENCER

For many of us, blisters are a regular and accepted part of hiking. Blisters are to hiking what mosquitoes are to June -- tough to avoid.

After all, when you cram a foot into a stiff leather boot, then pile on a 40-pound pack and walk for five days straight, there's bound to be a bit of friction.

If your boot is ill-fitting or your sock is bunching, you might as well forget it -- your feet are toast.

But if you want to prevent blisters, there are a few things you can do.

Make sure your boots fit well. Movement means friction and friction means blisters, so look for a boot that locks your foot into place.

Make sure your socks fit well. That means no bagging or sagging around the toes, no lumpy seams, and a heel pocket that wraps snugly around your heel.

Break in your boots. It can be a long process for heavy leather boots, but it's worth your patience. Take your time and gradually work up to longer hikes.

Lace your boots properly. Be sure your laces are evenly snug, but not tight. A good lacing job can prevent loads of movement inside the boot.

Pay attention to hot spots. A lot of blisters can be prevented if you stop to take care of hot spots (tender areas) before they become blisters. As soon as you start to feel some friction, take a break, remove your boots and socks, and place some moleskin, duct tape, or Vaseline on the tender area. It will reduce friction and might prevent a blister from developing.

Keep your feet as dry and cool as possible. That means taking off your boots and socks at rest breaks and changing into clean socks at least every other day. Some people with really sweaty feet find that foot powders or underarm antiperspirants work well. Experiment and see what works for you.

If a blister does develop, the following moleskin method is my favorite way of treating it. (There are other products that work well for blisters, such as Second Skin, Compeed, and good old duct tape.)

Sterilize. Clean the blistered area with soap and water. Then sterilize the tip of the sharpest blade on your pocketknife with a flame.

Slice and drain. Carefully slice the blister open and let the fluid drain completely. Be sure to leave the flap of skin intact -- it protects the wound and helps it heal faster.

Dress and protect. Apply a gob of antiseptic gel to the blister. If you have tincture of benzoin, smear it on the skin around the wound -- it will help the dressing adhere.

Next, cut a hole just larger than the blister in a piece of moleskin and place it over the blister -- this creates a pressure-free pocket for the sore.

Lastly, tape over the moleskin with medical tape. For a tape job that won't peel, run strips of tape along the sides of the foot toward the toes, then secure the ends with a few loops around the instep.

Kristin Hostetter is the equipment editor for Backpacker magazine. She resides in Portland, Ore., but spends most of her time in the wilds testing gear. For more information on equipment, check out Backpacker's Web site atwww.bpbasecamp.com.