Blisters on your feet are most often caused by wearing shoes that rub- or cause constant friction- on your skin. They can also be caused by wearing socks that have holes in them, or that have been darned. To avoid this uncomfortable problem, use these 7 ways how to prevent painful blisters on your feet!
1. Buy Shoes That Fit Properly
When you shop for new shoes, take your time and make sure the styles you choose fit your feet properly. Don’t put just one of the shoes on, try them both on. Then, feel the area of the shoes above your toes to ensure they’re not too tight. Press your thumb down on the end of the shoes. There should be a thumb’s width of room between your big toes and the end of the shoes. Also, check the sides along the widest part of your foot, as well as the heels, to make sure they don’t rub your feet. Finally, walk around the shoes store for several minutes to get a feeling for how the new shoes fit your feet.
2. Break-in New Shoes By Wearing Them Around the House
Since new shoes are a common cause of painful blisters on your feet, you should break them in before you start wearing them on a daily basis. An easy way to do this is to wear new shoes around the house for a couple of hours every day at first. After a few weeks, the shoes will be more flexible, and, more comfortable for your feet.
3. Use Petroleum Jelly to Reduce Friction
Whether you’re going to wear a pair of new shoes for the first time, or, you’re planning on walking or running a lot, you can use petroleum jelly to prevent blisters on your feet. Before you put your socks on, apply some petroleum jelly to any places where the shoes may rub the skin on your feet. Then, put your shoes on and you’re ready to go!
4. Place Insoles Inside Your Shoes to Cushion Your Feet
An effective way how to prevent painful blisters on your feet is to use insoles. Insoles provide a protective barrier between your feet and the hard soles of the shoes you wear. They also help your feet kind of float over the soles so they don’t rub on the shoes.
5. Always Wear Socks Inside Your Shoes
Unless you’re wearing flip flops or sandals, or you’re a lady wearing hose, you should always wear socks inside your shoes. If you stick your bare feet inside a pair of shoes, then you’re just begging to get blisters on your feet. The simple truth is, socks protect your feet. The best type of socks to wear are made of acrylic. Acrylic socks are better than cotton because they can actually reduce the friction on your feet.
6. Stay Away From Poor-Fitting Tube Socks
Another way how to prevent painful blisters on your feet is to stay away from form-less tube socks. According to the foot experts, tube socks don’t actually protect your feet because they don’t fit your feet properly. Since they are made in a tube shape and they don’t have heels, this type of sock can’t protect your feet from painful blisters. Socks that have reinforced heels and toes offer even more protection yet.
7. Keep Your Feet Dry to Prevent Blisters
To help prevent painful blisters from forming on your feet, keep your feet dry: use foot powder on a daily basis before you put your socks and shoes on; if your feet perspire a lot, try wearing socks that are made out of a synthetic material instead of cotton; change your socks at least once a day to help keep your feet dry.
