Boot Blisters

R

Ramsrule

Member
Joined
Jan 8, 2022
Messages
23
Hi all, I’ve been breaking in my boots for a little while, however I’ve been getting consistent blisters on the back of my heel, is this normal or should I be doing something other than running with them consistently, and is there anything I could do differently to prevent getting these blisters? Thanks
 
Keep in mind, you are also breaking your feet in. If they are only used to athletic shoes, there is your cause. Try getting your socks damp and then wearing the boots for a short period. The moisture will help make the boot leather more pliable when molding to your feet. It will take a some time. Try Moleskin on your feet too. It will protect the tender spots during the process. They will come together. Take some Moleskin to Beast too.
 
Breaking your boots in is a similar process as starting with new insoles/inserts. Start by wearing them an hour or so and increase daily by 30-60 min until you can wear them all day. How long did you wear them doing normal daily activites before starting to run all the time in them?
 
Some products to try:
Moleskin Tape Flannel Adhesive Pads Heel Stickers Blister Prevention Pads Anti-wear Heel Pads for Feet Fabric Padding, 11 Shapes (110 Pieces) https://a.co/d/2lPNVUf

KT Tape KT Performance+ Blister Prevention Tape, Designed for Athletes, Breathable, Durable, Conforming, Precut 3.5 Inch Strips https://a.co/d/2oywgHl

Band-Aid Brand Hydro Seal Adhesive Bandages for Heel Blisters, Waterproof Blister Pad & Hydrocolloid Gel Bandage, Sterile & Long-Lasting, 6 ct https://a.co/d/2w1t3Pr
 
Make sure your boots actually fit properly and are snug.
Good advice above, but I don’t recommend intentionally getting your feet wet and then walking in your boots. You are toughening up your feet as well as breaking in your boots, however, the key to to healthy feet is dry socks and boots. That’s why you will change out of wet socks (and boots if available) and powder your feet to keep them dry when the mission and time allows.
Wet feet=Soft skin=blisters
I will add: Don’t run while wearing your boots! That is not a common practice and should be avoided so you don’t damage your feet.
Next to hydration, maintaining healthy feet for you and your soldiers is one of the most important health concerns when in the field…..
 
You mentioned that you are "running" in your boots. As mentioned by @shock-n-awe above, you should not be running in your boots, particularly while breaking them in. It is not good for your feet. Wet boots (or wet socks) will destroy your feet if they are not properly conditioned for your feet. Dry socks and feet are the key. If you are using something like moleskin, make sure you know how to apply it properly. Too many people think you just cut a piece of moleskin and slap it over the hot spot or blister. That is not how it should be done.
 
These newer boots will not break in as much as you think they will. There is some slight give over several days. The unfortunate piece is you may have to go through different models of boots and sizes until you find one that works. If you have a hot spot on your foot you are playing with gasoline. That thing will get worse under ruck sack weight, with a wet foot, or while moving from side to side. I refuse to have a single hot spot in a combat boot I will wear in the field.

Some general tips: Wear the socks that you will use in the field. Keep your feet dry. Explore using foot powder to soak up extra moisture. Keep your toe nails trimmed. Change your socks frequently. Speed laces your boots with knots at the end so your boots get laced back up the same way (you don't want to change how the laces put pressure on your feet unexpectedly). Using moleskin on a blister is a temporary fix and should not be relied upon long term. A good way to break in boots is to wear them around the house for a few days on carpet doing chores. The advantage to doing that is a store will be more likely to accept them back for a return with no tread wear/marks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top