Blisters

[Wolfclan]

What kind of tape can I put on my feet before blisters? I have tried mole skin and duct tape but I have heard of something better that long distance love, anyone know what that type of tape is?

[4eyedbuzzard]

Leukotape works well for many. It's in my kit.

[Donde]

Some people like leuko or KT tape. If this for pre blister try lubing them up with body glide or vaseline. Also you can make any of the tapes more effective with a little bit of benzoin tincture.

[Fireonwindcsr]

There's a product called "Glide" that you can use. I'm told by a former thru hiker that never got a blister while using.

[squeezebox]

My plan for foot care is;
morning; washing with soap and water, dry, a very thin layer of vasoline, gold bond powder, toe socks, regular socks.
evening ; soap and water, dry out the feet, air them out ie. no socks, or wrap in TP to absorb extra water on those rain all day days, clean dry socks
blisters; antibiotic ointment , leukotape, or athletic tape, Duct tape is a real bad idea, it retains moisture. needle and thread to keep blister drained.
camp shoes not hiking shoes in the evening, the hiking shoes caused the blisters to begin with.

[garlic08]

If I feel a hot spot developing, I use 1" or 1.5" wide white athletic tape, the kind trainers use to tape sprains. It's thin, it breathes, it sticks well enough yet comes off easily, and it's cheap. The only drawback is that I haven't found anything else it's good for. I agree duct tape is a really bad idea, though many swear by it. I have not tried Leukotape brand--it looks like a higher-tech version of what I use.

[garlic08]

I forgot to mention, if I feel a hot spot developing, first thing I do is take care of the problem! That might mean slowing down the pace, resting a bit, washing my feet and socks, changing socks, etc.

[Pedaling Fool]

I do barefoot running periodically on both sand and pavement; no blister worries here.

[ChrisJackson]

I have to add to the leukotape vibe here...I blister easily and leukotape has worked really, really well.

[scrabbler]

Kinesio Tape I find is a little easier to source locally, smoother, and more forgiving to apply.

[Slo-go'en]

My plan for foot care is;
morning; washing with soap and water, dry, a very thin layer of vasoline, gold bond powder, toe socks, regular socks.
evening ; soap and water, dry out the feet, air them out ie. no socks, or wrap in TP to absorb extra water on those rain all day days, clean dry socks

That sounds like a lot of work. I doubt that regiment will last long I'm lucky in that I rarely get blisters, but when I do the only treatment I use is New Skin.

[Wolfclan]

Is leukotape and KT tape the same thing?
Thanks everyone

[July]

Must admit duct tape has always worked for me, if needed goes on in the morning and off at night. When coming into a trail town it is always easy to acquire. I'm sure some of the specialized medical tapes may be better, I have always used the duct due to ease of access everywhere and it can be used for a million and one purposes.

[July]

Must admit duct tape has always worked for me, if needed goes on in the morning and off at night. When coming into a trail town it is always easy to acquire. I'm sure some of the specialized medical tapes may be better, I have always used the duct due to ease of access everywhere and it can be used for a million and one purposes.

Also known as 100mph tape!

[xrayextra]

Do you wear liner socks? I always wear them and never get blisters. Wore them when I thru hiked the AT two years ago, never got close to getting blisters.

[Walkintom]

Since I started wearing good socks and shoes, no significant blister issues. I always carry a travel size deodorant stick that is aluminum based (white) and use it on any area suffering from friction. Prevents chafing and blisters.

And I suppose you could use it on your pits, too.

[Canute600]

I used gold bond frequently on my last section hike. Try it - it works wonders.

[Elder]

I can recommend www.wrightsocks.com
Blister free guarantee. Sewn in liners

Wa out your socks, not your feet!

[ChrisJackson]

Is leukotape and KT tape the same thing?
Thanks everyone

They're both tape...but, they're different. This page gives a good run-down of both: http://fellrnr.com/wiki/Taping

[chiefduffy]

For me, band-aids work just as well as any more expensive tape. Put on hotspots, then rub with bodyglide, it won't develop a blister. If you already have one, it works for that too. Not painful to remove, and multi-purpose.