343 Miles Without a Blister

What horrors lie beneath??!!

What horrors lie beneath??!!

¨How are your feet?¨

¨Do you have any blisters yet?¨

During my first few weeks on the trail my feet were the hot topic of texts from my Dad. (That and the weather, as is mandated by Dad-law.) When you’re on your feet most of the day (shout-out to servers and bar staff!), and trekking about a dozen miles during those hours it’s natural to expect the constant friction will lead to rubbing your feet raw. A comedian friend of mine even joked that order to relate to an audience of thru-hikers my comedy material would be all ¨So, blisters, huh?¨ It’s just part of the trail, right? According to the title of this article, so not so much.

Don’t worry- I’ve had my share of ailments. In my first 23 days on the trail I have experienced a yeast infection, a knee problem that had me hobbling several miles downhill, 2 hours of violent vomiting in the middle of the night (no Noro), pink eye and tendinitis, but no blisters. You could say I’ve had a specific number of problems, but my feet aren’t included in that specific problem count.

Tell me the secrets of the foot clan, already!

Lotion + blister block + Injinji toe liners + full cushion hiking socks = happy feet.

Happy feet high-five! Injinji toe liners in action!

Happy feet high-five! Injinji toe liners in action!

 

 

This system is a hybrid I developed by combining great advice from The Hiking Lady and adventurer guru Andrew Skurka (Fun fact: Skurka and I went to high school together. Shout-out to Seekonk!).

Step 1: Moisturize and Protect

Blister Block is better! I go on first and protect the foot! Peppermint lotion is better! I make the foot refreshed and soft!

Blister Block is better! I go on first and protect the foot! Peppermint lotion is better! I make the foot refreshed and soft!

I use Aveda’s Foot Relief lotion given to me as part of a Bon Voyage gift from stylist-extraordinaire Therese at Casal’s de Spa in Clarendon, VA. The peppermint in it feels good on sore feet and helps combat the stank. It also helps remove dirt and salt from sweat to reduce irritation. I apply it in the morning and at night.

About mid-day my feet start to swell in a manner that suggests they are trying to fulfill some Manifest Destiny between the coasts of my Oboz Sawtooth Mids. I apply the Blister Block to the spots on my feet that will be forced off their land onto the sides of my boots during this daily historical re-enactment.

Step 2: Toe Liners

Put ’em on.

So suave and debonair.

So suave and debonair.

Step 3: Full Cushion Hiking Socks

The starting line-up. Medium cushion is an alternate, and mostly sits the bench.

The starting line-up. Medium cushion is an alternate, and mostly sits the bench.

Dr. Scholl’s protege Rob at Outdoor 76 in Franklin asked why I was wearing liners with full-cushion socks. Then I took them off and he admitted my feet looked pretty good. So the short answer is: because it’s working. I bought a back-up pair of light cushion socks to switch to in the afternoon, but have discovered I can’t do decaf cushioning.

Do you have some tried and true foot techniques to protect your most important gear? Spill it, girl! Spill it! (In the comments.)

Happy Trails!

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