In this video, Dr. Ray McClanahan, a sports podiatrist at Northwest Foot and Ankle and the inventor of Correct Toes, answers the following question:
What tape or blister treatments do you recommend for preventing blisters on long runs?
Dr. Ray notes that one of the key strategies for preventing blisters on long runs is to adopt footwear that's shaped like a natural human foot. Other helpful natural approaches include using a wicking sock (such as Injinji toe socks), keeping the inside environment of your footwear dry (by using Dr. Swaim's Medicated Body & Foot Powder), and wearing Correct Toes to help occupy the full toe box width of a foot-healthy shoe.
Note: In this video, Dr. Ray mentions Altra footwear as a good, wide toe box option for athletes and active individuals looking to prevent blisters. Since the original publication of this video and post, Altra, the company, has been purchased by a larger company. Much has changed about the footwear, including seemingly ever-increasing stack heights and a general narrowing of the toe box in models throughout the product line. So, for that reason, we recommend shoes like the Lems Trail Blazer instead, which retain the foot-healthy design features we've found to be beneficial in promoting optimal foot form and function.
Disclaimer:
The above content is for educational or informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or augment professional medical instruction, diagnosis, or treatment. Read full disclaimer here.
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Foot blisters are a problem that most people experience at some point during their lives. Blisters are usually caused by friction from shoes or socks rubbing repeatedly against the skin, causing friction burns. Friction blisters occur when the outer layer of skin separates from the inner layer of skin and the space between these layers fills with lymph fluid. Friction blisters can cause significant pain or discomfort and may impair...
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Keeping your feet dry is important in preventing blisters, warts, and fungal skin and nail problems. Consider incorporating the following tips into your daily routine to keep your feet dry and your foot health hygiene optimized: Remove the liners from your shoes; place your shoes next to a heat source to encourage complete drying; dry your feet thoroughly after bathing and/or swimming, especially between your toes; wear Cool-Max or wool...
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Let the team at Natural Footgear help you! Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest offers and helpful info, and sign up for our FREE email courses on various topics and foot health conditions.
$65.00
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I work as a professional guide in the state of Idaho. Most of my time is spent doing six to eight day white water trips. Most of the time I take a size 8, 2E boots. Often I have problems, due to narrow heels, high arches, and a high instep. I am looking for a rugged hiking/work shoe. Any recommendations? When I have to extend heavy work with horses involved I switch to my White’s Packers, but these are a bit much around camp and on the river.
Hi, Dan,
Thank you for your message. You may want to consider the Lems Boulder Boot (www.naturalfootgear.com/pages/lems-boulder-boots) for around camp and on the river. It’s a lightweight, minimalist boot with foot-healthy attributes, including a wide toe box that encourages natural toe splay. It’s a versatile piece of footwear that might make an excellent companion for your time in the Idaho wilds.
Kind regards,
Marty Hughes, DC