We’ve had this blister conversation before, many, many times. Yesterday’s run turned my “almost” blister into yet another giant, painful blister. I’ve had many theories in the past but now I have a new and improved theory. But bear with me, because this one is a little far fetched – but I’m desperate, so play along.
I’ve worn Brooks Adrenalines for about three or more years now and I’ve loved them like I birthed them out of my very own vagina. And ever since I was fitted with my first pair, I just walk into the store and say “hey, I need these in size 7, please.”
But over the years I’ve worked on my form. A lot. So much in fact that several of my running buddies have commented how much better it is (until I hit mile 17 and then all goes to pot). So here’s the theory: if my form has changed, maybe my shoes should too. I do need a new pair of shoes to break in before Chicago, so I was thinking of maybe getting fitted for a new pair this weekend.
What do you think – am I stretching things a bit out of desperate attempt to be blister-free? Or, perhaps it’s just a bazillion degrees outside and everyone has blisters from sweaty feet and I’m just being a big baby.
There are lots of causes of blisters. I’m a coach for Team in Training and I just wrote a “blister prevention and care” email for my team. It’s really long so I can’t post it here but if you email me I’ll forward it to you. It’s got tips on preventing blisters, caring for blisters, popping blisters, along with links to helpful websites. It could be your shoes, your socks, the heat, etc. Let me know if you are interested.
Good luck!
I think your footwear needs to change as your form improves and as your feet get stronger. For example, I was a diehard Adrenaline wearer (as well as Asics 2110). Now I find those shoes to be both too heavy and too stiff. I’ve moved to lighter, more flexible shoes and will probably soon start experimenting with “neutral” shoes (more variety!) to see if I can ditch the “stability” models.
As for blisters, mine are both wandering and chronic. I always have something flaring up somewhere. I have no advice, except to note which sock/shoe combinations you were wearing when the blister(s) started to form. Some shoes don’t get along with certain socks. Also, even if you’re wearing bandaids over them when you run, try to expose them to air the rest of the time (no bandaids + flipflops). They’ll heal faster that way.
Oh, and always sterilize the needle prior to popping!
I recommend Mission Product Anti-friction cream. Apply to the area prone to blisters. Rather than feeling greasy, it has a powder-like finish. http://www.missionproduct.com
i was in your shoes [hahahaha…i kill myself] years ago. i used to just walk into the store and ask for a specific pair of asiscs. once i started working on my form and started speeding up a bit, i found i was getting nasty, quarter size blisters on my arch. i picked up a new pair of shoes and that solved the problem.
give a new pair a try and pay CLOSE attention to any areas that feel odd. if you feel it when you’re trying the shoe on, it’ll only get worse by mile 17.
I say listen to jeff … he’s smart!
I was an Adrenaline wearer too… years ago. I ended up having some weird leg pain… changed shoes…and it was gone. I switched to the Brooks Trance and then finally to Mizuno Nirvana (the Trance’s equal). I LOVE my Nirvanas!!!! They are light and cool. I have never had a blister problem with them unlike all of the others I have tried.
Do you use Vaseline on your feet before you run? That helps a lot!
Good luck!!!!
absolutely try some new shoes. I used to get blisters so bad they would turn into big blood blisters…EVERY long run. When I got orthotics, and finally switched shoes… never ever get them anymore 🙂
good luck
Try some new shoes, can’t hurt…and if you’re like me you’ll be buying new ones again in 6 months anyway.
I’m adding another vote for new shoes.
I’d also like to say the image of you delivering twin Adrenalines is…. interesting. Reminds me of when I had my first and I just kept saying, “it’s a baby! it’s a baby! it’s a baby!” as though I was maybe going to give birth to a puppy – or to a pair of running shoes.
I’m a loyal wearer of Asics after starting out with Saucony and ending up with terrible IT band pain. Swictehd to Asics 2130 and have been happy for 3 years.
Try something new 🙂
Ditto 21CM on the birthing of the shoes…LOL!
Sounds like a good theory. I’ve always stuck with Brooks Beast and Brook socks but I’ve never had a blister, and my feet aren’t exactly cool and dry after my runs.
On the other hand, it could be that my form has never improved all these years. Damn.
Go barefoot most of the time and build up some calluses girl!
I’d say a new fitting might be good, but if you end up finding the same shoes feel best, try some bodyglide on your feet. I started doing that when I was marathon training and had blister problems. Now I always put it on for long runs!
Blisters problems is the runningshoe.The shoe is not oke en only the shoe gives the problems..By new shoos.
Before i run the marathon i take PUROL for my feet and toos..
http://holland-shopping.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=205
Groet Rinus.
http://rinusrunning.punt.nl/?home=1
i had the WORST blisters ever. EVER. worse than anyone who’s posted here (bcs i’m THAT special). They were BAD. changed sox, tried lotions, potions, cremes, powders. bah.
went thru 5 different types of running shoes until i finally found ones that did not give me blisters.
so the answer is (as with most things in life): buy lots of shoes.
SIZE SEVEN????
That’s all I have to say. I know nothing about running shoes. I wear a size TEN and I can’t believe a full grown woman (Well maturity-wise, if not in height) wears a size SEVEN shoe! I have fifth graders who wear larger sizes!
And to think that yesterday’s post was a prelude to this… wasn’t it just then that you felt some retail therapy coming on? Just kidding of course… got get some shoes to help those blistering feet!
I’m thinkin’ those Shiny Red Boots with the matching Shiny Red Purse will make those blisters just disappear!
Yup…I vote for a fitting before you buy new shoes…you may end up with the same model, but then at least you’ll know.
I still swear by the Injinji toe socks…never a blister since I started using them.
I’d like to state for the record that my shiny red patent boots are a size 5 1/2. I’d also like to state for the record that I’ve had two glasses of red wine and an Irish coffee.
Okay now, I’m done stating things. For the record.
It’s the shoes. Try something different; maybe with a lower arch that doesn’t rub in that spot.
By the way, my blue shoes are Nike Frees (5.0) – I reckon they’re the best shoe ever made (but don’t tell Nike that). Well, they suit my foot. I wouldn’t use them for marathons though (if I ran marathons).
I also wear Asics and sometimes Brooks Radius. I think alternating shoes between brands (or models) is good for your feet 🙂
the shoes. i’m sure of it. i switched shoes to help me with my blister-ful toes.
ewen also switches between pumps and flats.
Stop running after sixteen miles, ha! I was a New Balance cultist and switched to Asics so I vote for the shoes also.