Picking out a new pair of shoes can be fun, but you never really know how they are going to fit your feet until you’ve worn them for a while. New shoes can rub our feet in different locations, and this sheering can cause blisters to develop. However, if you’re aware of how blisters form and you take a few preventative measures, we’re confident you can reduce your risk. Below, we share five ways to help reduce your risk of blister formation when wearing new shoes.
Preventing Blisters in New Shoes
Here are five tips for preventing blister formation when you’re wearing new shoes.
1. Gradually Break Them In – If you’re buying new soccer cleats or basketball shoes for the upcoming season, don’t wait until tryouts or the first practice to wear the shoes for an extended period. Wear them in the backyard for 15 minutes or walk the dog in your new basketball shoes. This will help relax the stiffness of the shoe and help you identify potential areas of irritation before you need to wear the footwear for hours on end.
2. Right Size Socks – Make sure you also have appropriate socks underneath your new shoes. If your socks are low cut, your heel or the bony parts of your ankle may rub against the shoe and cause blisters. If you’re wearing a high heel or a sandal without socks, make sure you abide by the next tip.
3. The Right Fit – Regardless of whether you’re wearing socks or not, it’s very important that you wear the right fitting shoes. If the shoe is too loose, your foot is going to move around slightly as you walk, which will cause sheering. Make sure you are professionally fitted when buying new shoes so that your foot remains stable during activity.
4. Keep Your Feet Dry – Another way to help prevent blister formation is to keep your feet dry, because dry skin won’t blister as easily. Invest in moisture-wicking socks that will keep sweat away from your feet, or pack an extra pair in the event your socks get damp. Some people also find it helpful to put a little talcum powder on their feet as an added means of keeping them dry.
5. Blister Tape – Finally, if you notice that one area of your foot is prone to blisters, or that a new shoe is rubbing one particular spot more than the others, consider purchasing some paper surgical tape. A 2016 study found that paper surgical tape can reduce blister formation by 40 percent. You should be able to find an inexpensive roll at the nearest Walgreens, CVS or Target.
