blister solutions

[jjhack]

Many of the hunters I have in camp end up with a blister on their heel blow the narrow spot from the tendon running up the back of the heel to the calf muscle, or right on the back of the foot above the heel.

It seems no matter how well they think the boots are broken in they don't spend time walking up hills for an hour. This stress on the backs of the heels against a ill fitting boot or sock can cause a hella bad expereince and ruin the rest of the trip. Walking up hills for miles or very steep sections for even a few hundred yards can cause fast "hot spots" on your feet.

When I have a client that cannot walk due to raw feet after the first day of a ten day hunt, it's a really bad situation! I have searched high and low for the best solution and am always open to new Ideas. I use Mole skin and double socks with the boots tied loosely and we shuffle along as far as we can. Is there anyone anyplace that can provide a better fix?

Is it better or not to puncture the blister? I think it's worse to do this so I never suggest it. I think the water inside is the best protection it can have. But I just don't know what to do. Clearly the best thing to do is stop the very instant that a problem is considered. Most guys seem to think "oh it's nothing". Problem is that by the time you feel a little bit of a hot spot the damage is done. Going further is going to create an un-repairable condition. I have also found.......... on myself that as soon as I feel a hot spot if I take my socks off apply mole skin and replace with dry socks, I'll usually be just fine. If I let it go until a while later, I'm in big trouble!

No matter how tough your feet are or how well broken in your boots are, problems can come up. Wet sweaty feet are a primary cause. A folded or crumpled sock is another primary cause. Extreme angles for a long distance are the biggest killer for me.

If there are any new blister solutions please share them. My hunting season starts in May so I have a month to buy the proper stuff to help foot sore clients, or even myself before I leave for Africa.

Hard to walk and hike in this condition, an Expensive hunt can be ruined on the first morning hike if not prepared with good boots. Or if you do not understand the warning signs of early blister developement.

 

[bayedsolid]

Man....that picture is terrible.

I think that a lot of guys don't have their boots broke in enough, like you said. I don't know what to recommend once the blisters are already there other than to just tough it out. What I think you should recommend is that they bring an extra pair of tennis shoes or something that they wear alot at home. It's better to have little ankle support, soles that are not the best for hiking, or non-waterproof, and still be able to get out there than it is to have good hunting boots and sit at camp.

 

[Rancho Loco]

Not just broken in boots - but boots that really FIT!

Everyone's feet and stride are different, it's unrealistic to think that one boot will fit all feet and situations. When I buy boots, it takes me at least 45 minutes walking, jumping, squatting, going up and down stairs, etc. in the store before I make a decision. People look at me like an obsessive/compulsive freak, but it has to be done.

Another nice item are custom orthotics. I used to have a pair when I was younger, and they were awesome.



And man is that picture bad. Did they have to amputate?

 

[easymoney]

Great points... It is always surpising to me that people spend loads of money on new equipment(especially boots) and not take the time to get them fitted correctly, then break them in properly.
My experience has been to put on one thin wicking poly sock under a second pair of heavier socks. And, if I get any hint of a hot spot forming I use moleskin covered by duct tape Or better still if you have a history of getting blisters in a specific location, put the moleskin on BEFORE you walk one step. I hear Nuskin is supposed to be good to use before you get a blister. Never put it on after the blister forms... It is way too painful.

 

[Speckmisser]

Dang! You mean my feet AREN'T supposed to look like that after a hunt?

That explains a lot.

Seriously, I can't give a lot of info here except to say that proper fitting boots and GOOD SOCKS can make more difference than anything else. I have a pair of Rocky boots that will turn my heels into hamburger if I don't put on a decent pair of boot socks. I almost threw them away before someone gave me a pair of boot socks for Christmas. Night and day! I only have one pair that I use with liner socks, and those help even more.

A lot of guys go out and buy these $200 boots, wear them around the house a couple of times for "break-in", and then never put them on again until they hit the field. Unfortunately, as the guide, you can't do much about their break-in habits. But it mightn't hurt to keep a bundle of boot socks (I get mine at Wally World for about $6 for two pair) in camp. If you see these guys slipping on the athletic socks before a hunt, offer them a pair of the boot socks.

 

[bighorn67]

Never wear cotton "athletic" socks. These absorb moisture and create friction against the foot. Always wear thin, tight, nylon or silk liner socks under wool outer socks or wear boot socks. The liner sock will move with the foot against the outer sock reducing friction against the skin. Boots should be lined with a wicking material and be waterproof The key is to keep the feet dry. A high quality pair of boots will not need as much breaking in as most people think. For my feet, Wolverine boots work best.

 

[gtimo98]

Try this in additojn to good socks have them use a liner. They cost about $5 and may save a couple of blisters. I usually have them on to keep the blisters to a mininum.

 

[Lurediver]

There's a sock on the market called Double Layer from the manufacture Wrightsock, which offers two layers and allows Interaction betweenthe inner and outer layers that absorbs the friction and shearing forces to prevent blisters, the Inner layer is made of moisture-wicking CoolMax® for dry feet and outer layer of CoolMax and mesh weave to maximize moisture control and airflow,
Inner layer fabric content: 70% CoolMax polyester, 30% nylon
Outer layer fabric content: 72% CoolMax polyester, 24% nylon and 4% Lycra® spandex! These socks are light weight and I think one of the most comfortable!


Also try "Body Glide" you can find it at any running specialty store. It looks like a deodorant stick, put it on your hot spots, blisters or any chaffing! It saves your feet big time!

Sorry if I sound like a commercial, but these 2 items help!!!

 

[Mel Carter]

Socks do make a difference. find a moisture wicking sock and this should help. Also, what I do is keep some Mole skin in my fanny pack just in case I start getting a little blister started. I picked up like 5 packs at Walmart. They come in a sheet, you just cut out the size piece you need and then peel off the backing and stick it to the area. Seems to work for me.

 

[Wild1]

I know a lot more about hiking than hunting....this I may be able to help with. First, because everyone's feet, skin and boot fit are different the solution(s)/ results may vary or may need to me altered or modified - either way, there is no way a person's feet should get this way. Evertone knows about the importance of proper boot fit: not too tight, not too loose - about a 1/2 inch space between the large toe and the end of the boot. Everyone knows the causes of blisters: friction, sweating and heat. Here's a few things people may not know: 1. staying hydrated (drink a lot even when it's cool or cold outside) can actually help in the prevention of blisters. 2. NEVER wear cotton socks. Coolmax, Thorlo or Thermolite work well. 4. As for two pair of socks: yes that works for a lot of hikers, but you may have to try different ways. For me two pairs are just too thick, I wear a sock liner and then a regular thickness sock - works for me. If you prefer two pairs of regular thickness socks, or your're a drastic case (like the photo) try turning the second pair inside out (fuzzy side out). This will increase the friction between the two pairs and eleviate the friction between the sock and the foot(skin). 5. Some hikers with blister problems use a small amount of vaseline over the entire foot before putting the sock(s) on, some also put a coating of talcum powder before the sock(s) for moisture control. 6. Feet in the photo should never have gotten to that point: as soon as discomfort starts, take action!!! Use moleskin-type of material (Secondskin and Spyroflex are two of the best) to prevent more problems....a "donut" shape applied to the prone area seems the work the best. 7. Never wear socks with bulky stitching at the heels or toes. 8. Try adjustments with lacing pressure. 9. Gore-tex boots are more expensive but they allow the foot to breathe, thus cooling them and keeping them dryer which helps prevent blisters. 10. proper fit and proper break-in are paramount. Good luck.

 

[bzzboyz]

All good advice. I usually go with the thin/dress sock under a thicker sock.

But jjhack. I really, really could have done without the picture!!!!!!!!

That thing hurts just to look at.

 

[Raully]

Don't laugh but duck tape works good also. Before or after the blister devlopes. Just wrap the area and you ready to go. After the blister devolopes make sure you cover the blister with something first obviously. For example put on a thin sock then wrap with tape. Kind of like what they do for upland dogs with sore pads. The tape acts like a barrier between you skin and boot.

 

[birdhunter88]

Originally posted by raully@Mar 28 2005, 11:04 AM
Don't laugh but duck tape works good also. Before or after the blister devlopes. Just wrap the area and you ready to go. After the blister devolopes make sure you cover the blister with something first obviously. For example put on a thin sock then wrap with tape. Kind of like what they do for upland dogs with sore pads. The tape acts like a barrier between you skin and boot.

No matter wheather you have the best fitting pair of boots and the best socks out there... a person can always develop blisthers, especially on the heels. Take it from a Letter Carrier. Everyday I put strips of Athletic Tape across my heels. I have a narrow heel and will develop blisters very easily. Since taping my heels, I have "Never" had another blister. Good boots, good socks and TAPE THOSE HEELS.

bird

 

[One Track]

You might have your clients bring a back up pair of those Teva type sandals, just in case. Tevas would work for the long walk uphill. Then, apply the huntin' boots when you get off trail.

Liners + good socks = happy feet.

 

[Buck-eye]

I know that Dr Scholls has some sort of anti blister devises for the feet. I bought some for my AZ trip, but never got a chance to use them, so I cant give you a yea or nay on how they work. May want to get them just in case.

You cannot say enough about sock liners. They are critical. Also, my Danner's have a vertical seam right near the heel. I get some irritation there, but usuallky it is due to the socks kinda bunching up in that area.

 

[scr83jp]

I did some backpacking with illfitting boots and ended up with blisters and black toes carried moleskin.Next trip I had a pair of Raichle Lite Hikers wore olefin wick dry liners under my cotton blend hiking socks( wool allergy) had fewer problems as they were broken in,wore them hunting in Cal & Colorado and am still wearing them even though they're 20+ yrs old,wore them on my bison hunt last Sept.

 

[SierraExplorer]

Those are bad- but I have had alot worse.

Usually when I am at the extream of not being able to correct it with time. I fill in the missing chunks with SuperGlue. But now I have learned that Fletching Glue is better for 2 reasons.

1. It wont stay in as long.

and most important-

2. You can smooth it out with your tounge/saliva on the first application. Then cover with moleskin and hunt harder- then you wont feel your feet.

I have a post somewhere on here with a pic of 3 years back. I litterally had holes in my heels that match my head.

 

[ooja]

I remember the basketball running ladders, countless games, I was an addict, playing 2+ hours a day in high school. Oh the blisters! Bring on the vaseline! Friction causes them, socks rub as feet move around, eventually making a blister on the foot. As you said, when a steep angle happens, the blisters start. That is because only part of that boot is making contact. When hiking up hill, the hiker is walking on his toes. The heel might not even make contact with the hill, and the sock will start to slide back down into that boot, making wrinkles and eventually rubbing. Downhill starts the opposite trend. Since you don't know when the client's sock has shifted, or if he will tell you there is a problem, have them cover that foot lightly with vaseline in all rub areas, but only the rub areas. If the whole foot is covered, there is a better chance the sock will slip. Cover the toes, the heel, wherever any blisters have occurred in the past, leave the rest of the foot dry so there is less likelihood of sock slippage.

 

[muskeg]

Old loggers call that 'squeek heel'.

An old logger frind I had told me a story once. His son came to work logging with him for the first time. He sported a new pair of leather Corks. After the first day he had blisters on his heels and was complaining about it, and wanted to lay low for a few days, because of 'squeek heel'.

Well Jack went into the dry shack, took out his pocket knife, took his sons new boots and carefully cut a hole in them, where the blisters happen. Then told his son "There now you can go to work, I fixed your squeek heel !!!!".