How To Prevent Blisters When You Wear Boots, According To Podiatrists
When you’re looking for the perfect fall boot to slip into no matter what you’re doing — picking apples, walking your dog, or sipping a pumpkin spice latte at your local coffee shop — comfort is key, especially if you haven’t already retracted. And that means no blisters.
HuffPost spoke to two podiatrists to learn what features of a boot cause blisters and how to prevent them. Here’s what you need to know.
Bubbles are caused by movement
Wearing fall boots that are too wide or too narrow is pretty much a one-way ticket to Blister Town.
“One of the most likely causes of crash boot blisters is improper fit. Exercise can cause blisters,” said Dr. Saylee Tulpule, podiatrist at Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic. To avoid this, she recommends getting fitted at the store (where you can walk around in them before buying) and making sure your boots are laced tightly enough (if they have laces).
according to dr Wenjay Sung, a podiatrist at USC Arcadia Hospital, most blisters are caused by moisture and friction where the boot or sock rubs against your foot.
“Bulbs are small pockets of fluid that form in the outer layers of skin,” he said. To prevent this, wear well-fitting boots and keep the sweat at bay with synthetic or wool socks. You can go the extra mile to ensure a good fit by consulting a podiatrist to find out your foot type (eg, flat foot, high arch, or straight foot).
“Not all boots are the same and of course not all feet are the same,” Sung said.
Your socks can make a big difference
You may be surprised to learn that podiatrists aren’t fans of cotton socks.
“As podiatrists, we recommend avoiding cotton socks as they retain moisture and can cause friction blisters,” Tulpule said. She recommends going for moisture-wicking materials like wool or synthetic fibers like nylon and X-Static. If your feet tend to sweat, she recommends using absorbent powders.
“Socks can prevent or cause blisters on feet depending on numerous factors,” Sung said. “Eliminating sheer forces on the foot and skin or controlling perspiration are ways socks can prevent blisters.”
Choosing thicker socks can also help cushion your feet and prevent blisters from forming. Sung noted that there are socks on the market with increased density or padding at pressure points to reduce friction in blister-prone areas.
Take the time to break in fall boots
An easy way to minimize blistering from fall boots is to break them in gently. It might be tempting to wear your new boots everywhere from the moment you get them, but being patient will reduce your chances of painful blisters. Tulpule recommends wearing new boots for 30 minutes at a time over the course of a week to break them in gradually.
Looking for a new pair of boots or socks for fall? Here are some options approved by the podiatrists we spoke to.
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Sorel
Sorel Hi-Line Heel Chelsea Boots for women
An elevated take on a classic Chelsea boot, these Sorel boots offer a fashionable look without sacrificing comfort (thanks to the chunky heel and platform design). The lightweight sole offers solid traction and a heel tab helps you slip these boots on quickly and easily. The Sorel brand recommends Tulpule to its customers.
Amazon
dr Martens Unisex 1460 Non-Slip Service Boots
“DR. Martens is solid when it comes to slip-resistant soles for fall boots, and because of their durable design and looks, they offer the perfect balance of comfort and ease of use with a low risk of blisters,” said Sung. These boots have signature design cues like yellow welt stitching and a scripted heel-loop, along with comfort-enhancing features like moisture-wicking insoles and strategically placed memory foam pods.
Neiman Markus
Frye Carson ankle boots in leather with piping
This bestseller from Frye, a Tulpule endorsed brand, is crafted from soft full-grain leather and has a supple leather lining that offers a smooth, comfortable fit, as well as a piping detail at the side that adds subtle western vibes. The company notes that this pair doesn’t need to be broken in, but we’d probably do it anyway, just to be on the safe side.
Macy’s
Timberland Women’s Premium Waterproof 6 Inch Cleated Sole Boots
Stylish and functional, these waterproof boots have a shock-absorbing midsole for added comfort. The tapered design of the soles makes the boots more supportive and lighter, and the Timberland brand is recommended by Tulpule.
bomb
A 4-pack of women’s merino wool calf socks with a colour-block design
Made from moisture-wicking, non-itching merino wool blended with polyester and spandex, these socks are designed to keep feet comfortable, cool and most importantly, dry. They also have a cushioned footbed for extra sole support and Bombas’ signature Honeycomb Support System that cradles your arches.