The bulb, a hiker's nightmare, is the result ofintense and repeated rubbing against the skin, which is why they are common when engaging in sports activities such as hiking. Moisture, heat, and the presence of foreign objects increase friction and exacerbate the issue. Although it may seem minor, it can quickly put an end to your hiking plans.

So, how to avoid blisters while hiking ?

Choosing the right hiking shoes

First and foremost, you must use specific hiking shoes. They are designed to minimize friction, provide optimal and comfortable support, and to wick away sweat while limiting the entry of external water. Make sure they are also suitable for your hiking practice.

Whether you are prone to blisters or not, be particularly vigilant about the following points:

Always try on shoes before buying them:

Whether purchased online or in-store, always try on your shoes before making a final decision. In fact, trying them on will confirm whether the shoe fits the shape of your foot. You should be Comfortable and stable, while being perfectly supported on the entire foot, without any pressure points or friction.
Remember to try on your shoes with a pair of socks that you will actually wear in real-life situations !

Choose the right size:

This is crucial for preventing blisters while hiking. Indeed, if your shoes are too big, even slightly, your foot "sails" inside the shoe When you walk, this inevitably causes friction, leading to blisters on the heels or toes.

If the shoe model you have chosen does not offer the perfect size that fits your foot, and you are in between two sizes, it is possible toAdd a sole specially adapted for hiking., in order to reduce the shoe size while adding softness and cushioning.

Taking the time to "break in" your new shoes:

Before embarking on a multi-day hike, Make sure to walk them several times on short walks to loosen them up. Indeed, this type of shoe is rigid. These little outings will allow them to adapt to the shape of your foot and your way of walking.

It will also be an opportunity to identify potential friction issues, and remedy it before a more ambitious hike. You can also test the pairs of socks that are best suited to your shoes, as well as the most comfortable lacing technique.

 

Tighten your shoelaces properly

A good lacing of your shoes is even more important as it allows your foot to be effectively supported in the shoe, reducing friction that causes blisters. It should not be too tight or too loose: it is important to stabilize the entire foot to limit friction and overheating, but it should not impede blood circulation.

Be attentive to your sensations throughout the day: readjust your lacing when you feel the need to, depending on the terrain you are walking on, for example., When going downhill, you can slightly tighten the laces. In order to prevent your toes from touching the front of the shoe. On flat ground, the tightening can be more moderate.

Choosing the right hiking socks

Socks are the direct interface between your skin and your shoes. That's why they are one of the best ways to prevent blisters during your hiking sessions. Therefore, choose them with the same care as you would choose your shoes.

Here are the selection criteria to focus on:

The thickness:

Depending on your shoes, your foot may have more or less room. It is advisable to adjust the thickness of your socks accordingly.
Socks that are too thick could lead to pressure points in certain areas, and Increase the risk of blisters due to friction.
Conversely, socks that are too thin do not help "fill in the gaps" between your feet and your shoes. The foot moves inside the shoe., This also increases the phenomenon of friction, and therefore the appearance of blisters.

The quality and the sturdiness:

Your pair of socks must be resistant to abrasion in order to fulfill its protective role.

By using high-quality socks designed specifically for hiking activities, you will be able to benefit from...An additional protection for the most sensitive areas, Thanks to the reinforcement of these areas. Also, the better support your socks provide, thanks to the presence of elastane in particular, or with so-called "morphological" socks (differentiated right and left foot), the less you will be exposed to the formation of blisters.

Double-layer socks:

This type of sock is a good alternative because their double-layer design helps to distribute friction between these two layers rather than on your foot. But be careful, This type of socks is thicker.

Double-layer blister-resistant socks Twin Trek Monnet's socks are designed to greatly reduce blisters while providing you with maximum comfort.

Friction-reducing materials:

Today, there are more and more materials with exceptional properties. Among them are anti-friction materials, which have the property of significantly reducing the level of heating during friction between the skin and the fabric. Thanks to it, the likelihood of blisters appearing is greatly reduced.

At Monnet's, it's all about technology. Soft-Rubbing ® : This one calls for the Friction-free ®, a polyester with low friction coefficient, which is used in the design of several models of technical socks.

Socks that do not retain moisture:

Last but not least, your socks should be as ventilated as possible. This means they should allow optimal airflow around your feet to help evacuate moisture. Sweat, if it soaks into your socks, significantly increases the risk of developing blisters.
So, we prioritize lightweight socks made with breathable materials (avoiding cotton!). And to be sure, we bring spare pairs of socks. It's better to be safe than sorry !

Taking care of your feet

As much as accessories and equipment, your feet must be pampered !

Before hiking, you can follow these tips to prevent blisters while hiking:

Cutting nails:

Before using any skincare product or dermatological accessory, it is essential to trim your nails! Indeed, Any growth or protrusion increases friction and the risk of blister formation. Nails should be cut short, without sharp edges. Nail clippers or scissors are used, followed by a file to smooth the cut.
Be careful not to cut too short, This would also lead to pain with friction.

Use an anti-chafing cream:

You can also prepare your feet using an anti-friction cream, which, when applied daily one week before departure, will soften the skin and help strengthen its ability to resist friction and chafing.

Applying Second Skin bandages: if you are ready to follow all the tips in this article to avoid getting blisters while hiking, but don't want to take any risks, you have the option to apply Second Skin bandages before your hiking trip, where you think blisters may appear. This type of bandage, in the form of a cushion, helps cushion the pressure and reduce friction. For some brands, they can stay in place for several days.

During the hike, it is also important to follow the following tips in order to prevent blisters from forming:

Dry your feet:

During your hike, Regularly let your feet air dry.. Take this opportunity to air out your shoes by opening them up well, and your socks by laying them flat on a rock or a branch. Placing everything in the sun, if it's out, is even better! Indeed, the sun has purifying virtues.

Powdering his feet:

We all know this old grandma's trick to keep a baby's bottom healthy. But is it effective for feet? The answer is yes! Talc will dry out your feet by absorbing sweat. This will result in... reduce the risk of blisters, Don't hesitate to powder your feet before starting, and throughout the hike, during your breaks.

Check the cleanliness of your socks and shoes:

Last point, make sure to remove any foreign objects from your socks and shoes. Indeed, the presence of sand or twigs will increase friction and raise the risk of developing blisters.

Have a great trek! tou.te.s ! !