Taking steps to prevent foot blisters can help make your runs much more comfortable and pain-free. Try some of these products to help prevent and treat blisters from running.
BodyGlide
Photo by Christine Luff
BodyGlide is a lubricant that's designed to prevent blisters and/or chafing in vulnerable areas, such as your feet, inner thighs, sports bra lines and underarms. It comes in a stick and is applied like a deodorant, leaving no sticky, oily or powdery mess. I never do a long run or race before applying some BodyGlide.
WrightSock Double Layer Running Lite Anklet Socks
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WrightSock Double Layer socks are designed to prevent blisters. They feature two totally separate layers that allow movement between the layers. As a result, heat and friction stay between the layers, not between the sock and your foot. The socks' Dri-WRIGHT, multichanneled yarns wick moisture away from the foot, which allows the moisture to spread out, giving it a larger area from which to evaporate. So your feet stay dry and, hopefully, blister-free.
Gold Bond Powder
Wearing the right socks help keep your feet dry, but a little sprinkle of powder can't hurt. Just put a little bit of Gold Bond Powder in your socks before putting them on. Some added bonuses: The powder helps neutralize foot odor and also contains a special cooling ingredient to help keep your feet comfortable.BlisterShield Roll-On
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BlisterShield Roll-On eliminates or greatly reduces the friction that causes painful blisters and chafing. This silicone-based product is non-greasy and can be applied daily before running. It won't rub off during your runs, but is easily removed with a little soap and water.
Moleskin
Moleskin can also be used to cover a blister that has already formed. It comes in sheets, so you can cut the size and shape that you need to cover. Some runners also put moleskin over "hot spots" on their feet that are prone to blisters, as a preventive measure. If you do this, just make sure the moleskin is applied smoothly (no wrinkles) and not too tight.Hydropel Sports Ointment
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Hydropel Sports Ointment protects the parts of your skin that are prone to chafing and blisters. This maximum strength skin protectant is great to use on your feet, underarms, chest and thighs. The ointment also doubles as a natural barrier to harmful irritants including poisonous plants and chemicals.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
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Aquaphor is a great alternative to BodyGlide, and unlike BodyGlide, it's available in most drugstores. I've gotten some travel-size tubes of Aquaphor in race goodie bags, and they're convenient and small enough to carry in your running pack or hydration carrier, so you can reapply on the run.
Spyroflex Blister Dressings
Spyroflex Blister Dressings are another great product for blister protection. They're very flexible and are specifically designed to absorb fluid and cushion blisters from further painful contact and rubbing.Adventure Medical Kits Blister Medic
Adventure Medical Kits Blister Medic kit contains everything you need to help prevent and treat blisters, including moleskin adhesive, bandages, Spenco Second Skin, double antibiotic ointments, molefoam, antiseptic towelettes and even a small pair of folding scissors. It all comes in a lightweight and convenient kit.
