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Hate blisters? So do we. That’s why we’re sharing our readers’ tips for preventing blisters when traveling, as well as how to treat those that already developed. Follow these tips to help you keep your feet feeling happy and looking good!
Preventing Blisters
Travel Fashion Girl helps! A reader asks:
I’ll be going to Paris and Barcelona where a lot of walking will be involved and, unfortunately, I have very delicate feet. For some reason, they can’t handle tons of walking without getting horrible blisters. Any suggestions?
Even shoes made for walking can cause blisters, especially if you have sensitive feet or are walking for long periods of time. A small blister can make it difficult to walk, and you don’t want your feet to ruin your travels.
Feet feeling tired from a long day of walking? Read our tips on how to soothe sore feet.
Here, our readers share their tips on how to prevent blisters.
Wrightsock Anti-Blister Double Layer Running II Quarter Sock
Wrightsocks
There are several types of socks that feature two layers, such as Wrightsock, as recommended by our readers. One says, “Wrightsock is a brand of running socks that have two layers so the layers slide past each other to avoid any friction on your feet. They’re perfect for my delicate feet.”
The outer layer of the sock is made of Enhanced Dri-Wright II polyester for rapid moisture wicking action and the inner layer is that same smooth hydrophobic Dri-Wright II for even better moisture management.
An alternative to wearing Wrightsocks is to double up on your socks. One reader says, “sometimes just wearing a thin sock underneath my ‘regular’ sock helps because when my heel slips it is not my skin rubbing, but the outer sock.”
Band-Aid Brand Hydro Seal Adhesive Bandages
Band-Aid Blister Bandage
Blister bandages not only help prevent blisters but they can also help protect and heal them if you get them while traveling. One reader says, “I live for those blister Band-Aids.”
These bandages from Band-Aid are durable enough to last all day, providing protection in a semi-translucent bandage material that blends with your skin, so you can even wear these with sandals. The bandage also helps prevent scab formation.
Compeed Blister Small Plasters
Compeed Blister Cushion
Similar to bandages, cushioned pads can also help. Several of our readers swear by Compeed. One reader says, “the best item I have found for treating blisters is Compeed,” while another adds, “I used them on top of blisters and where I was starting to blister. They stay on and act like a new layer of skin. They saved my Paris trip.”
These Compeed blister cushions helps protect blisters to stop pain fast. It also fits like a second skin and stays in place for several days.
Body Glide Foot Anti Blister Balm
Body Glide Foot Anti-Blister Balm
If you have sensitive feet, instead of layering up on bandages every day, swipe on an anti-blister balm. As one reader says, “I always wear Glide,” while another adds, “Glide is good stuff.”
Body Glide is an anti-blister balm similar to chapstick designed to help prevent blisters and raw skin caused by rubbing. Infused with vitamin A and C, it helps soften skin and restore dry, chapped, and chafed feet. It also helps minimize inflammation keeping your feet comfortable.
FirstChoice Extra Durable Moleskin
Moleskin
Moleskin is a popular option to help eliminate the problems of blisters, calluses, corns, and chafing, commonly caused by uncomfortable rubbing. Wrap it around your foot like a sock, or cut small pieces and place them on tender parts of your feet.
One reader says, “I take a whole roll of moleskin with me and apply it to any areas that are feeling even a little bit sore. There have been times when I looked like I was wearing moleskin socks but I have only had one blister in the last 15 years. Just keep in mind, moleskin is useless after blisters develop and it is virtually unobtainable in Europe, so bring it with you in your luggage.”
Bag Balm Medicated Ointment
If your feet are severely chapped and need extra TLC, look no further than Bag Balm, which is a medicated ointment for chapped conditions and superficial abrasions. Containing lanolin, it moisturizes and softens your feet.
One reader says, “Bag Balm saved my feet. I had gigantic blisters on my heels and the balls of my feet. I put it on overnight (it’s a heavy, greasy, salve) and the next day my blisters were gone.”
Here’s our tried and tested reader recommendations as the best walking shoes for travel:
ECCO Footwear Damara Ankle Gladiator Sandal
Hush Puppies Chaste Ballet Flat
Blondo Villa Waterproof Ankle Bootie
What are your tips on how to prevent blisters while traveling? Share in the comments below!
For more ideas on walking shoes, please read:
- How to Choose Travel Shoes
- The Most Comfortable and Cute Walking Shoes for Travel
- The Best Sandals for Travel
- Travel Shoes with Good Arch Support
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Thanks for these great tips!
Using compression socks on the plane can also help – one of the reasons I get blisters is because my feet swell on the plane, so even very well worn in shoes rub and rip my feet apart. The Compeed blister packs saved one of my multi-country trips and now whenever I am in Europe (the US ones dont work as well for some reason), I stock up!
Hi there! Thank you for sharing your great tip for preventing blisters!! Another awesome reason to use compression socks! 🙂
I think if you’re doing a lot of walking having light walking shoes with socks works best. For me, it’s the sole that blisters, especially in sticky heat, and it takes ages every summer for the sole to harden up. If you have tender feet, avoiding bare feet sandals for the longer expeditions helps – just put them on for shorter excursions or at night.
Hi Jennifer, thank you for sharing your great tips on preventing blisters whilst traveling!! 🙂