I have a pair of running shoes which I LOVE. The problem is after about mile 2 my ankles start rubbing on the edges. So, what do you use for large areas prone to blisters?
The only thing that works are layers of large bandaids. I can use up a box of 10 in 3 runs, and as you can see its getting pretty expensive.
Yes I know...I could just get another pair of shoes. But we all know when you find a great pair of running shoes that fits you PERFECTLY its hard to run in something else. I have weird arches and these shoes are the only ones that gives the kind of support I need, that's why I keep going back to them and trying to wear them. Thick socks, gel pads and gauze don't work. Running more on the balls of my feet and pushing my foot forward in my shoe isn't working either.
I don't know if this would work for running shoes or not, but I have an old trick I used to use with strappy sandals in the summer, that would rub the tops of my feet after walking a little bit. About 10 minutes or more before I put my shoes on, I would paint on some liquid bandaid (easily found at any drug store), onto the area that tends to rub. You can't see it with the shoes on, and I got no more blisters! Maybe worth a shot!
I hate to state the obvious, but apparently these shoes don't fit you perfectly.
Try a different kind maybe with arch support inserts?
Hmmm. I think the shoes dont fit you perfectly if they give you blisters on your ankles.
However, one other trick - two pairs of socks - put one pair on, rub a bar of soap on the outside, and then put the other pair on. Thats what we did when we went to sports camps growing up.
Do you have a Run On or Luke's Locker in Houston? I recommend going to a running store (see who sponsors the local road races) to get fitted. Definitely worth the extra money.
Good luck!
If you are getting blisters, your shoes do not fit you perfectly. Get new ones.
I just bought moleskin at my husband's suggestion for a blister problem with new shoes. I have a healing fractured ankle, and I'm transitioning out of the boot, so very few shoes are comfortable, but these seemed to attract moisture inside and I got blisters. I haven't yet tried the moleskin--it's till in the box, but my husband said it works great. Good luck!
I had a pair of running shoes once that had such high support padding around the ankles that they caused blisters and threatened repetitive contact injury to my Achilles tendons. I cut the padding off with some heavy-duty scissors. It looked a little rough, but turned the shoes into my favorite running shoes ever.
That is strange, usually when I blister the skin heals harder so it doesn't blister again. If that isn't happening with you then new shoes may be your only options.
Sounds like no matter how much you like the shoes you run in, you have the wrong shoes for your foot. The perfect pair of running shoes should not give you an ounce of trouble. Without knowing which brand of shoes you prefer, most sites have a shoe fitter site that can give you shoe suggestions for your type of running (road or trail), arch (low or high), etc. Go to Nike.com for a start. I already knew what shoes worked for me and just for fun when Nike came out with this shoefitter site, I plugged in my specifications and it came up with the exact shoe I was already wearing. It's worth a try. Another option is to go to a running shoe specific store where the staff are all runners and running shoe knowledgeable, explain your difficulties and they should be able to help you. Do not mistake Sports Authority, Academy, etc. for a running shoe store. It needs to be a speciality store, like Luke's Locker, which is my personal favorite. Luke's gets all of my business. You may pay a little more but for the comfort of your feet, isn't it worth it? I log 100+ miles each month and don't ever think twice about my feet or shoes when I run, neither should you. Good luck.
Have you tried moleskin? That provides a lot of padding and would be cheaper than all the bandaids.
My opinion is if you are getting blisters these shoes aren't as perfect as you think. I've ran since high school and never gotten blisters when I've worn shoes that fir perfectly.
I suggest going to a runnng shoe store like Fleet Feet and have them help you get fitted for a pair of shoes. Bring your current shoes so they can check them out.
Is the back of the shoe just positioned incorrectly for your ankle? If so you might be able to form them differently by bending them or putting a firm block in the shoe over night to stretch them the correct way. You could also try to find a shoe repair place and ask them what to do? The other thing might be the shoe is the incorrect size or fit. Just one pair of tick socks might not work as well as a couple or even long socks folded over multiple times to make a build up over the area that is being rubbed.
I am an avid runner and there are many things you can do to keep you comfortable during a run.
First, even though your shoes might be comfortable, you still might be wearing the wrong shoe for your foot or even the wrong size. Typically, you are suppose to wear one size larger than your typical shoe size in running shoes. Your feet swell why running. I suggest going to Fleet Feet or Lukes Locker to get fitted properly for a running shoe.
Second, cotton socks can cause blisters. You should be wearing some type of wicking sock. I love the socks at REI. They are for cycling but I like them because they are not boring white.
Third, to prevent chafing and blistering in other areas or on your feet, you should get a product called Body Glide. It looks like deodarant. I put this on my thighs and sometimes under my arms if my shirt is rubbing. You can get this at any running store and I think you can find it at Academy.
Mole skin was the only thing that saved me in Basic Training. It is way better than the band-aid buildup.
I don't know if this well help you but I like to use those round makeup sponges. They're cushiony, cheap & come several in a pack & last a while, just stuff them down in your socks...lay 'flat' against your skin, not wadded up. Maybe it'll work for you? good luck.
I LOVE this book: "Marathoning for Mortals" which has all kinds of tips. Here is what is stated on page 162:
"Cotton kills... cotton will tear your feet to shreds in a long-distance training run or walk. So buy synthetic. You've got plenty of options. Some people like thick socks. Brands like Thorlo and Smartwool, for example, make and entire line of socks that are well-padded at the heel and toe. Others of us like very thin socks. Brands like DeFeet and Patagonia make and excellent line of thin socks."
Anyway, my point is maybe your socks are causing the problem if you're wearing cotton. That or perhaps you needed to get fitted for a running shoe or need to replace your shoes. Shoes should be replaced every 500 miles or 6 months. I always just buy the same brand when replacing my shoes. The book also states that your shoe needs to match your arch, which is sounds like you are keeping in mind. Also, running shoes should only be worn for running and not recreational use. It affects how the breakdown the shoe takes place.
Good luck with fixing the problem!! And good for you on running!!! :-)
Do you wear double-layer sports socks? These have helped me.
Buy some mole skin at the local pharmacy. It can be put directly on the skin or even in the shoe for a more semi permanent solution.
