Properly fitting shoes and boots are the single most important factor in prevention of blisters. Without a snug (but not too tight) and accurate fit, the pressure exerted by the constant forward motion and lateral movement of most sports and daily walking will surely result in discomfort or injury.

If boots and shoes are too loose, toes quickly get irritated in the toe box. If they are too tight, pressure leads to blisters and abrasions that result in a host of painful problems and keep you indoors or, worse, compromise control during an athletic activity and lead to an accident.

Tight footwear also may inhibit circulation of the blood vessels of the lower extremity and cause cold feet, which both compromises performance and presents danger in the cold.

Causes of Blisters:

• Ill fitting shoes
• Stiff shoes
• Wrinkled socks against the skin
• Excessive moisture
• Foot deformities

Prevention:

• Keep your feet dry
• Always wear socks as a cushion between your feet and shoes
• Wear properly fitting shoes
• If a blister forms, do not open blister
• Cut a hole in a 1/4" piece of foam or felt, forming a doughnut over the blister; tape the foam or felt in place or cover with a soft gel-type dressing
• Treat an open blister with mild soap and water' cover it with an antibacterial ointment and protective soft gel-type dressing to prevent infection and speed up the healing process