Running and hiking without blisters

What you wear on your feet is extremely important if you want to avoid blisters.  

If you’re planning some serious walking, a pair of trainers or everyday boots won’t do. Normal trainers or all round boots are not suitable for hiking - they’re often too soft and don’t provide the necessary support during periods of extreme stress. Go for hiking boots instead that extend above the ankle. These are usually made with hard soles for multi-day trips. Alternatively go for softer soles for shorter excursions. 

Get advice from a specialist in a shoe store where they’ll measure your feet. Stores like this often have a sloped area where you can test out how boots feel walking up and down an incline. Take your time and think about the terrain you’ll be walking on. It’s a good idea to buy walking boots in the afternoon when your feet will have a swollen a little and to try them with hiking socks.

Of course, even after all this preparation there’s still chance you could get a painful blister on a run or hike. If this happens, the secret is to treat it fast. Immediately take a break at the first sign of burning or pressure and take your shoes off as quickly as possible. First dry your skin, then cushion the running blister, sore or wound. The best way to do this is to use Hansaplast Blister Plasters. These superior blister plasters relieve pain right away. Based on the Hydrocolloid Technology, they work on the principle of moist healing so your blister can start getting better immediately. Hansaplast Adhesive Technology ensures that the blister plaster stays firmly in place as you walk or run – in fact they’ll stick securely to your skin for up to 48h. Available in a variety of sizes from small right up to XL, these blister plasters are extremely flexible and robust – exactly what’s needed for sports blisters!