eNZees Blog

eNZees Foot Soother to be at Colorado Trail Days this weekend

by Jill Schuman | June 24, 2016 | 0 Comments

A view from Cataract Ridge on the 486-mile Colorado Trail

As many of you may know, eNZees Foot Soother is based out of Durango, a town of 16,000 on the remote Western Slope of Colorado. Among other points of notoriety – like our huge craft brew scene, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and Mesa Verde National Park – Durango is known for being the southern terminus of The Colorado Trail, which connects us to Denver 486-miles away.

The Colorado Trail attracts hikers, backpackers, and even mountain bikers from all over the country and world. It truly showcases some of the best scenery in Colorado, but you have to work for it. The majority of the trail is at or above 10,000 feet! Though I have never done the entire trek, I am happy to support the first annual Colorado Trail Days this weekend in Durango.

The event is organized by one of the first stores to carry eNZees Foot Soother, Backcountry Experience. I will be at the event on Saturday morning, spreading the word about the benefits of using lambswool to protect your feet from hot-spots and blisters. (I’m sure you thru-hikers know a thing or two about those!)

If you’ve always wanted to get into hiking and backpacking, Colorado Trail Days will have plenty of free clinics on backcountry skills and gear. There will also be prize drawings throughout the event with prizes from Osprey Packs and Outdoor Research. All proceeds are benefitting the amazing volunteer trail maintenance efforts put on by the Colorado Trail Foundation.

If you’re in the Durango area, come on out and support this great community event. Hope to see you there!

Tagged: colorado trail, colorado trail days event, durango and silverton narrow gauge railroad, durango colorado, hiking the colorado trail, how to prevent blisters while hiking, mesa verde, prevent blisters on your feet

Foot Care Tips to Prevent Blisters

by Jill Schuman | February 12, 2016 | 1 Comment

How to prevent blisters and hot spots on your feet

When you worry about getting injured from running, walking or some other part of your fitness routine, you expect it’ll be something major, like a wrenched knee or a sore back. But quite often, an injury smaller than the size of a dime can take you down.

I’m talking about blisters, those tiny, puss-filled hot spots that crop up on your feet, especially on the toes, heels and edges. Blisters are caused by friction and irritation, usually from something that scrapes against your foot. Some people are more prone to blistering than others, but anyone is susceptible.

The body responds to the friction by producing fluid, which builds up beneath the part of the skin being rubbed, causing pressure and pain. A blood blister occurs when the friction ruptures tiny blood vessels.

Prevention of blisters

  • Moisten your feet. Just like sweaty skin, dry skin is also more prone to friction. Use skin creams and lotions liberally on a daily basis to maintain proper moisture.
  • Choose blister-free socks. Merino wool and synthetic socks wick moisture away from the skin; while cotton becomes soaked with sweat, creating a moisture rich environment which can increase friction and the likelihood of developing a blister. Socks with reinforced heels and toes also help reduce friction.
  • Wear shoes and socks that fit. Find a speciality shoe store that specializes in bootfit to help you find the perfect shoe or boot for your foot. Shoes that are too small will cause blisters under the toes and on the ends of the toenails, while shoes that are too big will allow your foot to slide around. Your socks should fit smoothly, with no extra fabric at the toes or heels.
  • And don't forget your eNZees! Our all-natural New Zealand wool can help even the most active person from developing foot irritations on their feet, keeping pesky blisters at bay.

Tagged: how do I prevent blisters?, how to prevent blisters, how to prevent blisters from shoes, how to prevent blisters while hiking, shoes to prevent blisters, socks to prevent blisters, what causes blisters?