I know 'blisters' have been discussed many times before but whilst on the Pennine Way I met up with three hikers and we had a long talk about them.
I didn't get any but the other three people did. I've come to the conclusion that blisters can only be solved by deciding that it's an individual matter, there may be universal reasons for them but we all wondered if these really help us to avoid them?
We all agreed that the distance of the hike, the terrain, the twisting of feet back and forth as uneven surfaces are walked on, inside boot temperature, the boots and socks we choose and the weight we may carry are all or individually contributing factors to bear in mind. I also believe that supple skin is important to avoid blisters but supple skin can perhaps be more prone to them as well?
I told them my experience, that I used to get blisters until I started to buy women's boots. I also realised that in my case if I am going to get blisters it's going to be on my small toes. As I studied my feet and the way I walked I noticed that most of the wear on my soles was along each out edge which told me that my feet were tilting to one side as I hiked and the most pressue was on my little toes. So I inserted half a trainer insert along each outer edge. So by tilting my feet back to neutral the pressure came away from my small toes. I also recognise when the 'tingles'; begin I act instantly as best I can, taking my socks off, turning them inside out, putting in an insert or taking out an insert, I wash my feet, I massage them, in fact, I do anything to change what has started to go on in my boots. And as a routine I will do this about 4 times a day. For me, I'm confident that it's paid off, about 260 miles and no blisters, for me total bliss.
I have also learned that when buying new books I use the sensitivity of the ends of my fingers to seek out any protruding spot inside the boot, maybe a tiny piece of thread or even a slight bump, anything can cause problems after a few days. These days no matter what, I always get out my half round end hammer and bash the inside heel area before I begin to use them, or will do it at a later date because I know from experience that if I'm going to have a problem it's going to start at my heels.
Although I no longer get blisters I am always aware that I could again so I am also aware of my weakness, I do not understand the role of socks, I bought a variety over the years, some work well, some don't but I can't pinpoint why they do or don't. I took two pairs of Bridgedale socks with me and on the hike 'burning' feet was my main problem. So uncomfortable, washing and cooling my feet helped a lot but only for a while, by the time I got to Hawes I was really annoyed with them and bought new socks in the local shop. It helped but it was the 'burning' feet sensation that was the main feature of my walk even to the end. I carried some anti-Covid 19 gel with me, I used most of it to cool and keep my feet dry, it works on my hands and it definately worked on my feet.