How to Prevent Blisters When Traveling
I am the queen of blistered feet. Ever since I was little, I’ve had constant problems with blisters, so over the years I’ve come up with a solid plan for preventing them. But travel adds a whole new layer of stress — which shoes should I pack? Which ones are actually right for this trip? And which pair is least likely to leave me limping halfway through the day?
Nothing ruins a vacation faster than painful blisters, especially when you have long sightseeing days ahead. The good news is that with the right shoes and a few blister-prevention essentials, you can avoid most of the problem before it starts.
After years of dealing with this on walking-heavy trips, these are the blister-prevention steps I rely on most when traveling. Here are the things to keep in mind before your trip, plus what to pack during your travels so you’re prepared.
What Actually Helps Me Prevent Blisters on Walking-Heavy Trips
1. Break in Your Shoes Before Your Trip
The best shoes are the ones that are well worn in and you know won’t give you blisters.
I’ve learned this lesson the hard way for a Europe trip, when I packed shoes that felt fine at home but started rubbing after a full day of cobblestone walking.
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 designed to stretch out shoes.
There are other methods of stretching out your shoes like stuffing them with thick socks or newspaper, but I tried this before my Italy trip and it didn’t do as well as using a tree horn.
2. Pack the Right Gear 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.
A lot of people think thicker socks means more padding and less chance of blistering, but that’s not always the case. In my experience as a figure skater, I’ve found that a thin sock can be the better choice simply because it doesn’t move around as much.
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, Moleskin, and Bunga Pads
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.
Bunga pads are something I’ve come across since starting figure skating. These gel sleeves look like a bandage and protect the boney parts of your foot that are prone to blistering. There are pads that cover your heel, your ankle bones, the front of your foot where laces can bite in, the ball of your foot, and the sides of your toes. Wherever your problem area is, there’s a bunga pad for it!
Anti-chafe balm
Anti-chafe balm basically keeps your feet from chapping and chaffing. Just swipe the balm on your feet where you normally get blisters and you’re good to go.
BodyGlide has an anti-blister balm specifically for feet, and they have other general balms that work just as well for anywhere on your body, including your feet. This is the balm I pack when I know I’ll be walking all day in sandals or shoes that tend to rub.
Blister pads
Blister pads are my best discovery! I swear by these hydro-seal Band-Aid blister pads that cover the blister, help it heal, and cushion the blister against further pain.
I always keep these in my day bag, not just my suitcase, because once a hot spot starts, waiting until the hotel is too late. They’re the one item I never travel without.
3. Treat Blisters Right Away
Even with great prevention you can still, unfortunately, get a blister.
If you do get a blister while traveling, it’s best to treat it right away. When I feel that first sting, I stop and cover the area immediately. Ignoring it has never once worked in my favor. You can cover the area with either a blister pad or a topical treatment with a bandage. I personally like using the blister pads best.
Make sure your feet are dry and your blister is covered before putting your shoes back on. All of your prevention methods are also good ways of keeping the blister padded and protected from further rubbing.
You should still be able to enjoy your vacation because you were well prepared!
Prevent Blisters When Traveling Quick List
- Good socks: best for daily prevention during long walking days
- Bandages/moleskin/bunga pad: best for known friction spots before they get irritated
- Anti-chafe balm: best for recurring rubbing in the same area
- Blister pads: best for active blisters or hot spots that need cushioning
If you only buy one blister-prevention product before your trip, I’d start with these hydro-seal Band-Aid blister pads because they’re great padding for preventing blisters on known problem areas, and they’re the best for healing a blister fast.
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; and use 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, create a moist environment that promotes healing, and protect 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.
- This Is the Best Travel Gear to Pack for Weekend Trips
- 13 Must-Have Travel Essentials For Your Perfect Vacation
- 5 Effortless Packing Hacks for Stress-Free Travel
- Yellowstone Packing List: Essentials for Stress-Free Sightseeing
- 21 Useful Things to Pack For Your Caribbean Cruise
- What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise: Ultimate Guide
- Beach Packing List: Essentials for Your Beach Vacation
- What to Pack for a Trip to Costa Rica
- What to Pack for Belize: Must-Haves From Beach to Jungle
- What to Pack for Winter in Bavaria, Germany
- How to Survive a Long-Haul Flight, According to Frequent Flyers
- Knack Pack Medium Expandable Backpack Review
- Knack Expandable Packing Cubes Review
- How to Prevent Motion Sickness While Traveling
Ready to take a vacation? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Find cheap accommodation: Use my tips for finding cheap accommodation for travel every time.
- Book your flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Pack for your vacation: Make sure you’ve packed everything you need by checking out my packing list resources.
Cheers!
Paige
What are your tips for prevent blisters when traveling? Share them with me in the comments!
