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How to Prevent Blisters When Traveling

Person wearing white tennis shoes

Don’t let painful blisters ruin your trip! Prevention is key to keeping your feet blister-free. Check out these tips on how to prevent blisters, and keep your feet happy, when traveling.

Nothing ruins a vacation like blistered feet, yet it’s something that most of us don’t prepare for when packing. To make sure you can enjoy your trip from start to finish, it’s essential to have the right footwear and to pack items for blister prevention.

With the right strategy and preparation, you’ll never have to worry about blisters ruining your vacation ever again!

Top Tips For Preventing Blisters While Traveling

I am the queen of blistered feet. Ever since I was little, I had problems with constant blisters. So over the years, I’ve developed the perfect plan for preventing blisters. But traveling can still be stressful — which shoes should I pack? Which are the right shoes for my vacation? Which shoes are the least likely to give me blisters?

Here are some things to keep in mind before your trip and what to pack during your trip so you’re prepared.

Before Your Trip: Break in Your Shoes

The best shoes are the ones that are well worn in and you know won’t give you blisters.

If you have to buy new shoes before your trip (like I did before my trip to Italy) and you don’t have a lot of time to break them in, you can use a tree horn or stuff the shoes with thick socks or newspaper in order to stretch them out.

What to Pack to Prevent and Treat Blisters

With the right gear, you can avoid the painful annoyance of blisters. Stock up on these prevention products so you can avoid blisters on your next trip.

Good socks

Blisters are caused by friction, so you want socks that won’t cause friction. Synthetic and wool socks are better than cotton socks because cotton doesn’t dry well; when your socks and feet are wet, they tend to rub more.

You could also wear two pairs of socks — a thin pair underneath your regular socks — so that the friction is contained between the pairs.

Bandages

Bandages in various sizes come in handy. I usually put one on a known trouble spot before I go out and do a ton of walking. Moleskin is also a good choice for wrapping around your foot and preventing chaffing.

Anti-chafe balm

This balm basically keeps your feet from chapping and chaffing. BodyGlide has an anti-blister balm specifically for feet, and they have other general balms that work just as well for feet too. Just swipe it on your feet and you’re good to go.

Blister pads

Blister pads are my best discovery! These hydro-seal Band-Aid blister pads cover the blister, help it heal, and cushion the blister against further pain.

If You Do Get Blisters When Traveling…

Even with great prevention, you can still get a blister. If you do get a blister while traveling, treat it right away by putting on either a blister pad or a topical treatment with a bandage; I personally like using the blister pads best, though. Make sure your feet are dry and your blister is covered before putting your shoes back on.

You should still be able to enjoy your vacation because you were well prepared!

Blister Prevention FAQ

How do you prevent blisters before they appear?


Wear comfortable shoes that you know fit well; wear synthetic and wool socks that won’t cause friction on your feet; cover problem spots with bandages, moleskin, or blister pads; us an anti-chafe balm.

Do thicker socks help prevent blisters?


Thicker socks won’t necessarily prevent blisters. What you want are socks that don’t cause friction rubbing against your feet. Typically, wool or synthetic socks are best. You can also double up on socks so that the friction is contained between the pairs.

What should I rub on my feet to prevent blisters?


If you’re prone to chafing, you’ll want to rub your feet with anti-chafing balm or Vaseline before putting on your socks and shoes. This will keep your socks from rubbing against your skin and causing a blister.

How do you get rid of blisters fast?


Hydrocolloids have been found to help blisters heal faster. These moisture-retentive bandages protect your blister from bacteria, creates a moist environment that promotes healing, and protects new tissue. You can get a hydrocolloid bandage like these hydro-seal Band-Aid blister pads.

Looking for more travel packing tips? Check out these posts:

Don’t worry about forgetting something — these posts will help your pack all the essential items that are must-haves for any trip.


Ready to take a vacation? Plan your trip with these tips.


Cheers!

Paige

How to Prevent Blisters When Traveling

What are your tips for prevent blisters when traveling? Share them with me in the comments!

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