If you’ve given eNZees Foot Soother a try, you’ll already know how good our soft New Zealand lambswool feels upon your feet. But this Earth Day, see why you can also feel good about doing your part for the environment every time you use eNZees.
It’s Sustainable & Renewable
Sheep by Katriona McCarthy
eNZees Foot Soother is 100% New Zealand lambswool. Because sheep are shorn each spring, each animal is technically producing a renewable product every year. And unlike synthetic materials, sheep create a product that’s part of the carbon cycle. According to the International Wool Textile Organization, “Fifty per cent of the weight of wool is pure organic carbon.” So the next time you use eNZees Foot Soother to relieve foot pain and prevent blisters, know that the wool you’re using comes from a better source than paper tape, moleskin, or other blister prevention and treatment products.
It’s Biodegradable
That’s right, wool is completely biodegradable. When you’re done with your eNZees for the day, the wool you pull out of your sock won’t just sit in a landfill for the rest of eternity. Wool breaks down quickly and decomposes like other natural materials.
It’s Long-lasting
If you’re like me, your closet and sock drawer are probably brimming with merino wool. Wool garments are proven to last longer than their synthetic and cotton counterparts. eNZees is the same. We’ve heard from numerous thru-hikers and backpackers that get multiple uses out of one application of eNZees wool. eNZees will go longer and farther than any other blister prevention product, which typically only get one use per application.
Give eNZees a try on your next hike, bike, walk, or run. Your feet and the planet will be glad you did!
I've written quite often about how I discovered using lambswool to prevent blisters while hiking New Zealand's Routeburn Track. But this is such an incredible Great Walk that I thought I should tell you a bit more about the trail itself! This is the first of a three-part series about New Zealand's Routeburn Track.
The Routeburn Track traverses wild and scenic mountains. It is located between the Hollyford and Dart Valleys at the base of the NZ Southern Alps on the South Island.
Photo by Larry Gross
Photo by Larry Gross
The terrain is rugged, scenic, wet, dry, and rocky and some of the most spectacular views I have seen in all my travels.
We started our trek through a low altitude Silver Beach forest to Key Summit and onto Lake Howden.
The wettest section of the Track was on Day 1 where I started getting hot-spots under my two big toes. It was raining and my pack was very heavy. The the climb on this first day totaled 4284 feet. I was pulling with my 2 big toes and thought I was in trouble if this is happening just a few hours into Day 1. I didn't know how in the hell was I going to figure out a way to get rid of those pesky hot spots before they turned into blisters.
I stopped and wrapped my two toes in the wool I'd purchased earlier and literally from that moment on forgot about my issue until I arrived at the hut at Lake Mackenzie Lodge 10 miles later. I pulled off my sock and to my amazement I found the wool in place where I initially positioned it; and it was woven into my sock and more importantly the bottom of my toes were as soft as a babies’ bum. That was my “aha” moment.
Of course I celebrated my good fortune of being able to trek on with with an ice cold beer!
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.
