Don’t Let Blisters Ruin Your Summer Vacation
Tourist taking pictures in Rome in front of Roman Forum by Moyan Brenn
Whether you’re headed to the mountains or a tropical destination, don’t let blisters stand in the way of your perfect summer vacation. Even a tried and true shoe can cause blisters under the right circumstances – increased humidity, heat, or a different type of terrain than you’re accustomed to. Try these four tips for preventing hot-spots and blisters on your next trip.
Footwear, footwear, footwear
Finding the right type of boot, shoe, or sandal for your foot is the first step in reducing the risk of blisters. Shoes that are too small, too wide, and even too big for your foot can cause uncomfortable friction or pressure. When you’re trying on shoes, the smallest irritant in the store can turn into a big problem when you’re walking through museums and tourist attractions all day. If you’re looking at buying a pair of sandals like Chacos, spend a little time adjusting the straps to get just the right fit for your foot.
Don’t forget your socks!
Even if you’re just exploring the shops and restaurants downtown, a blister can easily develop in less than an hour. Don’t forget to wear a pair of synthetic or merino wool socks. While cotton socks get soggy with sweat, synthetic or wool socks wick the moisture from your skin, reducing the risk of friction.
Tourists by János Szüdi
Pamper yourself
If ever there were an excuse to get a pedicure this is it: friction is more likely to occur on rough and dry skin. Moisture and exfoliate those tootsies!
When in doubt, use your eNZees!
Whether I’m headed into Manhattan or up a mountain, I always keep a little eNZees in my purse or backpack. The all-natural New Zealand lambswool reduces the friction between your shoe, sock, and skin and can prevent hot-spots and blisters. It’s lightweight and doesn’t require any tape or scissors to apply, so it takes up little to no room in my bag.
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