Great vid! I say loosen up your boots a bit, and learn to lace them right. I used to blame my boots too, but I learned how to lace and tie them properly and haven't a single blister since. Even in my Scarpas! lol It's important to understand what kinda boot you've got too. Expedition/backpacking boots usually have rigid soles and/or shanks that stiffen then footbed for support, and a boot like that will tear your heel apart if too tight, whereas lighter hiking boots or something like trail runners are very soft soled and much more forgiving due to the flex.
Thanks for sharing your insights! Proper lacing can really make a difference, and it's great to hear that you've found the right fit for your Scarpas. I go through my latest lacing technique in a soon to be released video! Happy hiking!
As a pharmacist, I figured out why it is that I understand the importance of examining every aspect of hiking to "unveil" the enjoyment of the expedition.
I have been using Scarpa boots for forty years. Excellent boots. I am a size 50 EU but have narrow feet. I have never had a blister but am fastidious about making sure that they are not tight. I always wear a thin liner sock inside a heavier woolen sock. It works like a treat. Two socks thin innef snd heavy outer works do well.
Forty years with Scarpa boots-that’s some serious commitment! Sounds like you've perfected your system, especially with the liner and wool sock combo. It’s great to hear that it’s worked so well for you, especially with narrow feet. Avoiding blisters is key, and it’s clear that your attention to fit and sock layering has paid off. Thanks for sharing your technique-definitely a tried-and-true method for happy feet on the trail!
One good tip is when you buy new shoes when you want to break them in wear them around the house for a week because if they don't feel right you can always take them back for a swap/return if you go outside and wear them in the shop won't take them back hope this helps
Great content..once again, you covered it all. After 40 years of running & hiking i swear by twin-socks (stitched at the toes) / or just use 2 pair of socks (1 thin + 1 thick). My first run-hike decade was plagued with blisters, so I tried everything & anything.. patches, creams, strapping, loose boots, tight boots.. then no more blisters for the past 30 yrs after the 2 socks treatment. Nothing else is required. I follow it religiously, every time I go for a run or a hike. cheers,
To add some just use shoes that are too tight, most would be better off with a half or full size higher, or change the lacing pattern to offload the pressure spot, to be more around the ankle so the footwear doesn't come off but have mobility. More so with toe box issues.
I'm sure the island dressing is a good idea. Though years ago, when I developed a blister (intact) on the sole of my big toe, with three more days of hiking ahead, I slapped a Compeed on it, which is fully adhesive, and then wrapped medical tape around my toe including the Compeed, completely "packaging" the toe. It worked beautifully. No shearing, and the blister was completely protected. Could finish the hike with virtually no discomfort, and at the end of the hike, when I unwrapped my toe, kinda scared of what I might find there, the blister was gone, and the skin had healed. So I guess it also depends on where you get the blister - if it is on a sole of a toe, then putting a medical blister adhesive on it, and wrapping up the toe can also work.
That’s a great tip! Sounds like the Compeed and tape combo worked wonders for your blister. Fully wrapping the toe to prevent any shearing is a smart move, especially with a few more days of hiking ahead. It’s always a relief when you unwrap and find everything healed up nicely. Thanks for sharing!
I now double sock my feet. I either use a light sock, Armaskin covers (when wearing the Scarpas in winter) or mostly Injinji toe socks. Touch wood blisters have been a thing of the past for some time (probably jinx myself now)..
Wrong, wrong. I picked up some info from an oldtimer around 1990 about using a square knot. Unlace your laces down to about the 3rd crossing of laces. You want to tie a square knot just above the ball of the feet. This should not compress the metatarsal area of the foot too much, but be tight enough to keep the foot from shifting forward and causing toe jamming and/or heel shifting up and down. I absolutely do this the moment I get any new shoes. On a particularly tall boot I might have 2 square knots. I usually have to fine tune the square knot as I make minor adjustments to my shoes or inserts. Then you can tie the uppermost part of shoe to lock everything in place. This is the best info I have ever received on footwear and I haven't had toe jam or heel blisters for over 30 years. 100% gurantee this will work.
Your best video to date. Information rich, informed with experience, and told through story and personal experience. Much research was required to develop the video. Well done and thanks.
Super video Mowser, excellent detail. Wanted to know if you'd recommend Vaseline or some lubricant and strapping before setting off on track? Also, considering the tough terrain and multiday hikes you do down there, id be keen to know (perhaps in a video) your approach/s to the mental side, especially when it gets tough (conditions, blisters etc). Love the channel, cheers
I have used Vaseline or lubricant in the past with guided guests who were having lots of trouble. If blisters are a constant problem then you can do this but also need to get to the root cause of what is causing the blister and the shoe fit etc and try and fix that. Funny you mention the approach to mental side. Was only thinking the other day I should do a video on this so stay tuned!
@@mowsertas Thanks Mowser. Think I am zeroing in on root cause thanks to your vid and will upgrading the boots and socks as part of that as well. Would you recommend going a half or full size larger (to allow for swelling etc?). I'll look out for that vid on the mental side. Not sure it's particularly well covered for oz from my travels at least. Thanks!
Hey Mowser. Great vid. Yes blisters are a showstopper and will stop Superman. I never start a hike with fresh, clean socks. I start with the ones I've been training in....already a bit greasy. I go oversized boots, thick socks and bulk vasaline.
There is a saying that as you age your height slides down and makes your feet bigger. Of course that's not what's happening but yes, we do lose height and get bigger feet! (and ears) I've had to size up on my footwear recently.
I swear by Injinji toe sock liners under normal crew socks. Don't know the science, don't care. Not a single blister since switching a few years ago. Big toe lock lacing also has helped stabilize my foot and prevent toe jamb.
Thanks! I haven’t used wonderwool but my understanding is that is mainly for between toes and soles of feet 🦶But can certainly assist with prevention in those areas.
If you mean the white type of tape (with the shiny backing) made by Leukoplast and other brands then yes I have found this great in the past for use when you first start developing 'hot spots'. Get it on as soon as possible and it will hopefully help reduce that skin shear.
Honestly, I should be sponsored by Compeed. I must have made them so much money. xD What would you suggest doing afterwards? When you have those healed broken blisters where it's just thick dead skin on top of the newly formed skin? how would you get rid of that? being moisturising so far. The intact ones just become part of you, It's just a giant callus thing on the side of my big toe and on top of my index toe. (also lost nail on the index toe...both of them last year, will probably lose it again in a matter of a month given the blackness right now). The thing is, those are prone to blistering again straight away, cause they're so big and thick. The broken blister skin instead is just hanging there like an open crater... like wtf. I love hiking but this is crazy and kinda disheartening at times. I spend that month between hikes just recovering before it happens all over again.
I always keep applying compeed to a raw blister until the skin has completely healed. Normally a week or two does it. The dead skin if its just sitting there and not integrating to the new skin growth - could cut that away. For that calloused, thick skin then it's probably a trip to the podiatrist to have it cut away a bit. There are ways to minimised toe nail issues also such as boot tying techniques which we will be going into on another video soon. I see toe nail loss on people often. It definately sounds like you should chat to a podiatrist. Could be worth contacting www.blister-prevention.com/ and seeing what they think also. They are the gurus in all things blisters. You can also try some of the Engo tape on the the shoes. Best of luck with it!
Top video, Mowser. A very methodical approach I would add that when using tape (as per your "Raw Blister" advice) care needs to be taken when removing the tape to ensure that no skin is torn off. Skin can become very soft when wet from sweat and moisture. The following video shows some useful techniques for tape removal: ruclips.net/video/sANemSYgxAg/видео.htmlsi=3Q4ICNJhbTCAb4ZG
Great tip! I should have mentioned that. You definately need to be VERY careful. For things like Primafix/Fixomull a little bit of vegetable oil or olive oil applied to the dressing and left for a few minutes helps to make removal easier. They use a lotion in that vid which also works well!
Great vid! I say loosen up your boots a bit, and learn to lace them right. I used to blame my boots too, but I learned how to lace and tie them properly and haven't a single blister since. Even in my Scarpas! lol
It's important to understand what kinda boot you've got too. Expedition/backpacking boots usually have rigid soles and/or shanks that stiffen then footbed for support, and a boot like that will tear your heel apart if too tight, whereas lighter hiking boots or something like trail runners are very soft soled and much more forgiving due to the flex.
Thanks for sharing your insights! Proper lacing can really make a difference, and it's great to hear that you've found the right fit for your Scarpas. I go through my latest lacing technique in a soon to be released video! Happy hiking!
As a pharmacist, I figured out why it is that I understand the importance of examining every aspect of hiking to "unveil" the enjoyment of the expedition.
I have been using Scarpa boots for forty years. Excellent boots. I am a size 50 EU but have narrow feet. I have never had a blister but am fastidious about making sure that they are not tight. I always wear a thin liner sock inside a heavier woolen sock. It works like a treat. Two socks thin innef snd heavy outer works do well.
Forty years with Scarpa boots-that’s some serious commitment! Sounds like you've perfected your system, especially with the liner and wool sock combo. It’s great to hear that it’s worked so well for you, especially with narrow feet. Avoiding blisters is key, and it’s clear that your attention to fit and sock layering has paid off. Thanks for sharing your technique-definitely a tried-and-true method for happy feet on the trail!
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! You actually explained what ‘good foot care’ is and what to do when xyz. Best vid for sure, thanks Mowser! 🙌🏼
Glad it was helpful! And thanks for watching! 😀
One good tip is when you buy new shoes when you want to break them in wear them around the house for a week because if they don't feel right you can always take them back for a swap/return if you go outside and wear them in the shop won't take them back hope this helps
Great tip! Thanks!
Great content..once again, you covered it all. After 40 years of running & hiking i swear by twin-socks (stitched at the toes) / or just use 2 pair of socks (1 thin + 1 thick). My first run-hike decade was plagued with blisters, so I tried everything & anything.. patches, creams, strapping, loose boots, tight boots.. then no more blisters for the past 30 yrs after the 2 socks treatment. Nothing else is required. I follow it religiously, every time I go for a run or a hike. cheers,
Yep, the double socks seems to be a great solution for a lot of people! Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed!
To add some just use shoes that are too tight, most would be better off with a half or full size higher, or change the lacing pattern to offload the pressure spot, to be more around the ankle so the footwear doesn't come off but have mobility. More so with toe box issues.
I'm sure the island dressing is a good idea. Though years ago, when I developed a blister (intact) on the sole of my big toe, with three more days of hiking ahead, I slapped a Compeed on it, which is fully adhesive, and then wrapped medical tape around my toe including the Compeed, completely "packaging" the toe.
It worked beautifully. No shearing, and the blister was completely protected. Could finish the hike with virtually no discomfort, and at the end of the hike, when I unwrapped my toe, kinda scared of what I might find there, the blister was gone, and the skin had healed. So I guess it also depends on where you get the blister - if it is on a sole of a toe, then putting a medical blister adhesive on it, and wrapping up the toe can also work.
That’s a great tip! Sounds like the Compeed and tape combo worked wonders for your blister. Fully wrapping the toe to prevent any shearing is a smart move, especially with a few more days of hiking ahead. It’s always a relief when you unwrap and find everything healed up nicely. Thanks for sharing!
LOVE my SilverLite socks - I’ve been wearing them every day (as well as hiking) for the past 3 years. Best gear choice I’ve made in a long time!
Yep! They are fantastic!
I now double sock my feet. I either use a light sock, Armaskin covers (when wearing the Scarpas in winter) or mostly Injinji toe socks. Touch wood blisters have been a thing of the past for some time (probably jinx myself now)..
I used to always double sock. Swore by it! Not sure I went to single socks but seems to be working for me now.
Wrong, wrong.
I picked up some info from an oldtimer around 1990 about using a square knot. Unlace your laces down to about the 3rd crossing of laces. You want to tie a square knot just above the ball of the feet. This should not compress the metatarsal area of the foot too much, but be tight enough to keep the foot from shifting forward and causing toe jamming and/or heel shifting up and down. I absolutely do this the moment I get any new shoes. On a particularly tall boot I might have 2 square knots. I usually have to fine tune the square knot as I make minor adjustments to my shoes or inserts. Then you can tie the uppermost part of shoe to lock everything in place. This is the best info I have ever received on footwear and I haven't had toe jam or heel blisters for over 30 years. 100% gurantee this will work.
Thanks for the tip! I'll make sure to give the square knot a shot next time I lace up.
Great video as always. Very specific and detailed.
Much appreciated! Glad you liked it!
Your best video to date. Information rich, informed with experience, and told through story and personal experience. Much research was required to develop the video. Well done and thanks.
Thanks so much! Appreciate it and glad you enjoyed! 😎
Nice Video!
Another tip: There should be no detergent residue in the socks, as this softens the skin.
Thanks! Excellent tip!
Super video Mowser, excellent detail. Wanted to know if you'd recommend Vaseline or some lubricant and strapping before setting off on track?
Also, considering the tough terrain and multiday hikes you do down there, id be keen to know (perhaps in a video) your approach/s to the mental side, especially when it gets tough (conditions, blisters etc).
Love the channel, cheers
I have used Vaseline or lubricant in the past with guided guests who were having lots of trouble. If blisters are a constant problem then you can do this but also need to get to the root cause of what is causing the blister and the shoe fit etc and try and fix that.
Funny you mention the approach to mental side. Was only thinking the other day I should do a video on this so stay tuned!
@@mowsertas Thanks Mowser. Think I am zeroing in on root cause thanks to your vid and will upgrading the boots and socks as part of that as well. Would you recommend going a half or full size larger (to allow for swelling etc?).
I'll look out for that vid on the mental side. Not sure it's particularly well covered for oz from my travels at least. Thanks!
Hey Mowser. Great vid. Yes blisters are a showstopper and will stop Superman. I never start a hike with fresh, clean socks. I start with the ones I've been training in....already a bit greasy. I go oversized boots, thick socks and bulk vasaline.
All good points. If it works, stick with it! I never take brand new socks. Always make sure they’ve had a bit of wear!
My old man taught me to always use a liner sock and I have never had blisters during hikes.
@@田中太郎-s5h9x this is very wise advice. I have recently started with liners and love it!
There is a saying that as you age your height slides down and makes your feet bigger. Of course that's not what's happening but yes, we do lose height and get bigger feet! (and ears) I've had to size up on my footwear recently.
I swear by Injinji toe sock liners under normal crew socks. Don't know the science, don't care. Not a single blister since switching a few years ago.
Big toe lock lacing also has helped stabilize my foot and prevent toe jamb.
Yes I have some of their running socks. They are great socks and everyone who uses them swears by them!
@@mowsertas I don't 😂 No problems with blisters in general. Untill I start wearing Injinji toe socks. From that point on it's blisters everywhere 😅
@@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl touché! ☺️
Very good information.👏
Thanks!
Very helpful! Many thanks! 😊
Thanks so much for watching!
Great vid - learnt a lot! Where does hikers wool play a part in this ? Is it mainly for the toes ?
Thanks! I haven’t used hikers wool but my understanding is that is mainly for between toes and soles of feet 🦶
Mowser, does wonderwool work as a blister prevention?
Thanks! I haven’t used wonderwool but my understanding is that is mainly for between toes and soles of feet 🦶But can certainly assist with prevention in those areas.
What about zinc oxide tape?
If you mean the white type of tape (with the shiny backing) made by Leukoplast and other brands then yes I have found this great in the past for use when you first start developing 'hot spots'. Get it on as soon as possible and it will hopefully help reduce that skin shear.
Honestly, I should be sponsored by Compeed. I must have made them so much money. xD What would you suggest doing afterwards? When you have those healed broken blisters where it's just thick dead skin on top of the newly formed skin? how would you get rid of that? being moisturising so far. The intact ones just become part of you, It's just a giant callus thing on the side of my big toe and on top of my index toe. (also lost nail on the index toe...both of them last year, will probably lose it again in a matter of a month given the blackness right now). The thing is, those are prone to blistering again straight away, cause they're so big and thick.
The broken blister skin instead is just hanging there like an open crater... like wtf. I love hiking but this is crazy and kinda disheartening at times. I spend that month between hikes just recovering before it happens all over again.
I always keep applying compeed to a raw blister until the skin has completely healed. Normally a week or two does it. The dead skin if its just sitting there and not integrating to the new skin growth - could cut that away. For that calloused, thick skin then it's probably a trip to the podiatrist to have it cut away a bit. There are ways to minimised toe nail issues also such as boot tying techniques which we will be going into on another video soon. I see toe nail loss on people often. It definately sounds like you should chat to a podiatrist. Could be worth contacting www.blister-prevention.com/ and seeing what they think also. They are the gurus in all things blisters. You can also try some of the Engo tape on the the shoes. Best of luck with it!
Well, I just got an appointment. We’ll see how that goes. Thanks!
@@JuliaHikesToEat hope it helps! Keep on hiking!
Altra. I need say no more.
unique content!
Thanks for watching!
Id be interested in preventative application of tape. If there is such a thing. Surely it would do no harm.
Yes, I have used this before. I have found the Leukoplast tape to be good. It's slippery and holds on well. geni.us/14v9Bpc
Top video, Mowser. A very methodical approach
I would add that when using tape (as per your "Raw Blister" advice) care needs to be taken when removing the tape to ensure that no skin is torn off. Skin can become very soft when wet from sweat and moisture. The following video shows some useful techniques for tape removal:
ruclips.net/video/sANemSYgxAg/видео.htmlsi=3Q4ICNJhbTCAb4ZG
Great tip! I should have mentioned that. You definately need to be VERY careful. For things like Primafix/Fixomull a little bit of vegetable oil or olive oil applied to the dressing and left for a few minutes helps to make removal easier. They use a lotion in that vid which also works well!