How to Avoid Blisters on the Camino - Yes it can be done

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  • Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024

Комментарии • 108

  • @robscamino
    @robscamino  Год назад +10

    Update. I recently spent 60 days walking 1,200 kms on Camino, in trail runners. Still No blisters 🙂 Same routine.

  • @Silvia-gz4rp
    @Silvia-gz4rp Месяц назад

    I used your routine last year and it was magical. Prepping for new Camino and training now, same routine! As always thank you Rob!

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  Месяц назад

      Glad to hear it worked for you 🙂

  • @joehorn8985
    @joehorn8985 2 года назад +7

    Thanks Rob. I watched your videos in preparation for my April 2022 Camino Frances. Success! I wore Hoka trail runners one size larger, Vaseline between toes and on the foot, thin liner socks or toe socks under Morino wool socks packed with that wonderful hikers wool. Also I was aggressive with Compeed and toe condoms. Not one blister! The wool also served as a pad for hammer toes and tops of the toes. Thanks for the great advise also on packing lists! I met some of your Aussie friends while on Camino! Keep up the good work.

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  2 года назад

      A blister free Camino! Well done. 🙂 Yes, lots of Aussies on the Camino usually.

  • @alanday4343
    @alanday4343 2 года назад +3

    Hi Rob, Great anti-blister tips, I have done 2 Caminos from St Jean, never got one blister, I use normal hiking socks only, and my boots weigh 840gms each, the Secret is, get your feet used to the boots & the boots used to your feet, after the shower at night, I walk about in Tramping Sandals. Buen Camino. Alan

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  2 года назад

      Well done. Blisters are not inevitable!

  • @mtmoonan
    @mtmoonan Год назад +2

    I used your methods and I was blister free, thanks a bunch

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  Год назад

      Glad to hear it worked! I hope it does for me again this year. Fingers crossed.🙂

  • @johnmcevoy6635
    @johnmcevoy6635 Год назад +2

    Also please bring a nail clipper.
    You won't regret it 😄

  • @BiancaCDE
    @BiancaCDE 3 года назад +5

    I walked in July 2016 and I have my boots about half size larger mostly due to the fact that I have a wide foot, but it also helps as I double up on my socks. The only other thing that I did was if we stopped for more than five minutes, I took my shoes and socks off to let my feet breathe, thankfully no blisters, but I did loose a toe nail(ha ha) and I was told that was mostly due to the friction at the toe box from coming down the mountains... The toenail did not hurt at all and I would rather that, than any blister.

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  3 года назад +2

      Yes, I've lost a toe nail. They turn black and just fall off. Thankfully they grow back 🙂

    • @BiancaCDE
      @BiancaCDE 3 года назад

      @@robscamino ha ha... I just had a bit of discoloration and it took about three months for it to grow back. I'd still rather that happen, especially since it was not painful, then have any blisters. Had to tell so many people to take care of their feet, vaseline I learned from my father from his time in the Army and the double socks, one wool for sure I learned from various pilgrim sites and hiking before I started the Camino. When I got there because it was a hot summer, someone that rested with us leaving Orisson told us about letting our feet breath whenever we rested.

  • @michelletracey4700
    @michelletracey4700 2 года назад +2

    I walked the Camino from Sarria to Santiago de compostella not one blister. Wore 1000 mile socks and road shoes 👟. Changed and washed socks daily . 1000 miles socks are excellent. Longest day 32 k.

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  2 года назад

      You obviously looked after your feet well.

    • @michelletracey4700
      @michelletracey4700 2 года назад +2

      @@robscamino you need to take care of your feet prior to a Camino , at least a daily walk for about 6 months before the start date and making sure your feet are in top shape as they have to carry you . Foot wear and socks are essential to healthy happy feet 👣

  • @bbttresidder7224
    @bbttresidder7224 Год назад +1

    I so appreciate your knowledge on avoiding blisters. For any hike, this is great advice!

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  Год назад

      Glad it was helpful! It does seem to work. I had a few people on the Camino Frances this year tell me they had watched this video, and it worked for them. I'm a bit paranoid about blisters and make sure I avoid them! I'm sure there are other techniques, but this one I find works for me.

  • @chantalbelanger2054
    @chantalbelanger2054 2 года назад +1

    Thank I just discovered your videos
    I am in Quebec Canada
    I am leaving for Camino Frances sept 6
    All your videos are very helpful
    🙏🏻😀

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  Год назад

      Sorry I missed your comment. How was it?

  • @CJonesApple
    @CJonesApple 2 года назад +1

    Keep feet dry and clean. Double layered socks. This is what succeeded for me.

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  2 года назад

      Yep, makes sense to me. Whatever works. We all have different 'regimes'. Just don't take blister avoidance advice from someone who got blisters! 🙂 You often hear things like "Oh, I only got a few small ones, it really worked" 😉

  • @gustavorueda7404
    @gustavorueda7404 3 года назад +3

    Very interesting. Gotta try it my next Camino 👍

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  3 года назад +2

      As with all Camino 'advice', best to do your own trials and research 😉 This works for me, but may not suit everyone.

  • @pammcfarland1727
    @pammcfarland1727 11 месяцев назад +1

    Love your channel, everyone should watch your excellent advice!

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  11 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks Pam. I don't claim to be a Camino 'expert' but just happy to share some thoughts and ideas that have worked for me and seem to help a lot of others. I met quite a few Pilgrims this year on Camino who said this video helped them a lot. A few less blisters has got to be a good thing 🙂

  • @vornwend
    @vornwend 2 года назад +3

    Thanks for an interesting video, great advice. Never come across this wool before. I don't suffer much from blisters but as I'm planning 2 long walks this year including the Camino Norte I will probably get a pack of this wool. I was lucky enough not to get any blisters on the Camino Frances in 2019 - walked that in 34 days but I had done a LOT of training beforehand which I think is an important preventative measure too. I met quite a few folks who had never even walked 10 miles before let alone that distance and more day after day after day. The feet and other parts of the body will object to that!

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  2 года назад +1

      Very true. Few of us are used to walking hours per day, day after day.

  • @nancyjohn9459
    @nancyjohn9459 3 года назад +2

    Great advice. We followed this advice doing a couple of long distance walks across England, with great success. Locals there gave us fresh wool right from the source 😀🐑. For my liner socks , I used the Injiji toe socks to reduce friction between toes. Thank you for your videos!

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  3 года назад +2

      Sheep's wool is great isn't it!

  • @RobertPesserl
    @RobertPesserl 3 года назад +3

    Quality shoes that are brake in in advance, quality socks (I prefer synthetic materials because they dry quickly) and on every break longer than 10 minutes, I take off my shoes to let the socks dry a bit and to have the shoelaces adjusted again to a foot that is probably a little swollen.

  • @youkat07
    @youkat07 5 месяцев назад +1

    Thank you Rob. I really enjoy watching your vids. What a great tip. Bless you and your work. Appreciate it so much. 👍👏👏🙌❤️

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  5 месяцев назад

      If it helps you avoid Blisters and enjoy your Camino that is more than thanks enough. 🙂

  • @johughes5766
    @johughes5766 2 года назад +1

    Thanks Rob for your great advice. I have been doing the same routine for my hiking at home in Australia but now use Pawpaw gel instead of Vaseline to same effect but has healing properties as well and no petroleum jelly. Actually use Papaya Lips by P'ure Papaya Care (paw paw & calendula) so also a lip balm and first aid antiseptic cream in small 10 gm tube. Also wear the hikers wool for any likely sore spots as preventative measure. Thanks for your video. Jo

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  2 года назад

      Sounds like a good product. I only use Vaseline because it's readily available and I can top up along the way. I use a lot!

  • @Lautaro_Guindulain
    @Lautaro_Guindulain Год назад +1

    Dear Rob.
    I’m currently in Triacastela. I hope you remember me from September last year when I stared watching your videos. I am writing to thank you for all your videos.
    This particular video was crucial for me. I have been using the NZ wool regularly and the double sock technique.
    In these 27 days no blisters so far.
    I have been recommending to other pilgrims your videos and in particular I met a Spanish friend called Victor from Granada. He also watches your videos and we spent hours talking about you.
    The only advice that I want to flag with you I didn’t like is the use of disposable foam slippers when showering. In 90% of the times they were extremely slippery and dangerous. I think it is better to stick to normal slippers that you can use to shower and for later in the afternoon.
    I’m hoping to continue to Finisterre next Monday. Let’s see! I have until 28 October when I’m flying back to Sydney.
    All the best!

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  Год назад

      Glad it's all going so well! And good feedback with the slippers......... I'll add a warning on the relevant video. Maybe I was just lucky with mine......

  • @13milesfromsantiago
    @13milesfromsantiago Год назад +1

    Another good way to avoid blisters is just by having tough feet! I’ve done two Camino from sjpdp to Santiago, both in brand new boots (not broken in), both times started in January and both well under a month and never had a blister. I spend a fair bit of time bare foot, I’m in my feet all day for work and my feet are as tough as iron 😂. Stop pampering your feet!!

  • @encouragesolutions2595
    @encouragesolutions2595 Год назад +1

    Another very good reason for having larger than normal shoes is toenail damage. When you are going downhill, as stated, your toenails push against the shoe/boot which can lead to toenail injuries and loss of toenails. Ouch ! You may benefit from a pedicure before you go. Long toenails are not good.

  • @Hal_Jr
    @Hal_Jr 2 года назад +2

    Rob: First and foremost, many thanks to you for the quality of material you are producing. I’m planning my first Camino (CF), starting mid-May… your vids have been extraordinarily helpful. And now for what I fear is a bit of a silly question. What impact does the vaseline have on the liner sock when it’s time for washing? When one does laundry, how do the liners ever fully dry? Sorry to ask a laundry question, but I reckon you’ll know! Cheers!

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  2 года назад

      There are no silly questions 🙂 The vaseline in my experience has zero impact on the socks.

  • @davidmewburn1682
    @davidmewburn1682 3 года назад +2

    To break in new shoes/boots, I have always put some Vaseline on the outside of the sock on the extremity points (heel, toes,etc) and this allows your foot to move in the boot without rubbing, and also rubs into the boot as well.
    Having grown up not wearing shoes to school when I was young, my feet are rather wide, so I have found a brand that really caters for wide feet, and I have never had a problem with them! 😉

  • @cristinagalindo4946
    @cristinagalindo4946 Год назад +1

    Wow!! Fantastic tip, thanks!!!

  • @Squirrel200
    @Squirrel200 Год назад +1

    Lanolin works for me in place of Vaseline. Your mileage may very.

  • @labriquejaune39
    @labriquejaune39 7 месяцев назад +1

    Hi Rob, I'm planning my next Camino in April. My question is how much of hiker wool you use for the Francès to give an idea..Thanks

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  7 месяцев назад

      I go through a large bag in about a month, and it's enough to share some with others.

  • @klipitar2007
    @klipitar2007 2 года назад +2

    Hi Rob! Do you «re-use» it a few times? Or do you throw it away every day? I would love to get your take on this! Thanks in advance! Love your videos, lots of it is things I have experience my self but after 4 camino’s I am still getting all the tips I can, and sharing experiences with pilgrims, it is the best feeling ever!

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  2 года назад +1

      It can be reused a bit, though it loses it's effectiveness somewhat. Loses the oils a bit. I take a whole ack and that lasts me 800 kms or more.

  • @julianlord5366
    @julianlord5366 3 года назад +3

    Best way is to just let the skin on the bottom of your feet toughen up like leather -- but this works less well for women than men. From that, I haven't had a serious blister since 1994.
    Otherwise most people need the larger size shoes/boots but not everyone, as some people are lucky enough to have feet that don't swell when hiking.
    And 100% or 80% woollen socks are very helpful, including for when you do get a blister, as they both help your feet breathe and act as an instant bandage and liquid absorber for the blister, which helps dry it out and make it less painful.

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  3 года назад

      I can remember back in my Army days with those old leather boots, we used to soak our feet in Methylated Spirit I think? To toughen the skin. Still got blisters though. 😞

    • @julianlord5366
      @julianlord5366 3 года назад +1

      @@robscamino Different people need different solutions -- but I don't think just toughening it works, I may have mistyped, it actually needs to get thicker ; typically nowadays when I get a small blister it just breaks leaving a tough underlayer of skin exposed ; often I just don't feel it at all, and sometimes just as a minor annoyance that passes after about 15-30 minutes.
      Often I only notice I had a small blister when taking my socks off at day's end, and seeing it's already burst and completely dried up.
      But this method generally works less well for women and children and others with thinner skin naturally.
      (I do sometimes still get small blisters on my hiking staff hand though !! Wearing a glove for a day usually fixes that.)
      Oh, and my current footwear, on Camino and off, is size 14½ French Army boots.

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  3 года назад

      @@julianlord5366 So how do you make the soles of your feet thicker/tougher?

    • @julianlord5366
      @julianlord5366 3 года назад +1

      @@robscamino For me it was a result of a 42K daily average on my 1994 Camino from Paris.

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  3 года назад

      @@julianlord5366 I think that would give me Blisters LOL

  • @skeltongez
    @skeltongez Год назад +1

    Hi Rob, really love your videos and the insights you share. I’m looking to start my training as I have a plan to do the Frances as my first Camino in March April ‘23 but recognise I suffer very easily from blisters. In your blister video, you mentioned Icebreaker socks as the under layer to blister mgt. can you let me know please what material you suggest is best to act as the inner layer, I seem to only be able to see merino and also would you recommend their mini socks as an option from you’re experience? Thanks Gerry

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  Год назад

      Sorry I missed this comment, have you been yet? I just use a thin merino or blend inner sock. Haven't seen mini socks, sorry.

  • @loveboston2859
    @loveboston2859 Год назад +1

    Hello , I am planning Camino this beginning October but I really want to know . Cause I try Marino wool sock for walking 8 hour , I feel very hot . Any recommendations how to use and don’t feel hot . Thank you 🙏

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  Год назад +1

      I use a thin merino liner sock and a thicker wool outer sock. What type of footwear are you using? Do you take your footwear off to let your feet breath?

    • @loveboston2859
      @loveboston2859 Год назад +1

      @@robscamino I use boot . I don’t take my footwear off to breathe. Maybe I should try to take my footwear off . Thank you 🙏 for reply

  • @Lautaro_Guindulain
    @Lautaro_Guindulain 3 года назад +1

    Thanks for this video Rob. I just ordered the wool.
    You mentioned that your wife consumed this a lot the wool during the Camino. Did she put the wool after walking right when she felt the hotspot or also in the morning at the beginning of the day after applying the Vaseline ?
    Thanks again!

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  3 года назад +1

      She would apply it in the mornings, anywhere she thought might become a hot spot! A bit of over kill. I use it on anywhere that 'feels' like a hot spot.

  • @britchie7224
    @britchie7224 Год назад +1

    Any ideas from anyone on preventing cramping?

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  Год назад +1

      Always good to get professional advice on these things, but from my amateur viewpoint. 1 - Stay hydrated. 2- Keep up electrolyte levels. 3 - Regular stretching. 4 - I eat bananas! (magnesium) Lots of good tips online. www.backpacker.com/skills/fighting-cramps-on-the-trail/

    • @britchie7224
      @britchie7224 Год назад +1

      @@robscamino thank you. And thank you for your all your you tube information. Appreciate it .

  • @kay-jv3hz
    @kay-jv3hz Год назад +1

    Have you tried to put hikers wool right from beginning of the walk rather than wait for hot spot then place the wool? And also are any type of socks for a first layer should be ok?

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  Год назад +1

      It would be hard to know where to put it until a hot spot occurs.... socks are a very personal choice. I use thin Merino / poly blend as my liner socks.

  • @Chrisdotnorthwich
    @Chrisdotnorthwich Год назад +1

    Thanks Rob. How many pairs of socks do you carry with you?

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  Год назад +1

      I 'double sock' meaning liners and outers. So 3 pairs of each. That gives me a spare set for changing through the day if required. It also allows for damage. After 600 kms on this current camino one set of liners have holes.

    • @Chrisdotnorthwich
      @Chrisdotnorthwich Год назад +1

      @@robscamino thanks so much for this and your great videos.

  • @JoseFCosta-kc8sn
    @JoseFCosta-kc8sn 2 года назад +1

    I heard you’re doing Via de la Plata. How are things going? I’ll be starting near Xunqueira on the 16th April 💪

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  2 года назад

      Won't be this year for me sadly. Buen Camino @Jose

    • @JoseFCosta-kc8sn
      @JoseFCosta-kc8sn 2 года назад +1

      @@robscamino sad to know. Hope to see you when you come. I’m starting mine next 15th - alone as usual - and already planning the next year one with some foreign friends 😉. If you need anything from Portugal, just let me know. Cheers.

  • @laurap.5804
    @laurap.5804 Год назад +1

    hi, shorter boots are not sort of dangerous to get an ankle feet distortion while hiking?Or is the Camino so flat one has hard chance to get it? Thanks!!!!Nice to know about blisters!!!

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  Год назад +1

      There is always a big debate about footwear. I have always worn boots, as I feel they hold my ankles secure. But a very experienced friend who tests hiking gear for a living tells me the extra support is a bit of a myth. Two physios (along the Camino) have also told me to wear lighter footwear. So this time I'm trying trail runners.

    • @laurap.5804
      @laurap.5804 Год назад

      @@robscamino will wait for news on Your videos than!

  • @meqqui8249
    @meqqui8249 3 года назад +1

    Rob, do you think I will be able to start The (so much awaited) Camino mid april???

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  3 года назад

      April 2021? I doubt it, unless perhaps you live n Spain.

  • @camilapereyra321
    @camilapereyra321 2 года назад +1

    Do you think cotton can be used as you use hikers wool? I dont think they are available where i live

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  2 года назад

      I doubt it would work. Are you thinking cotton wool? It's tough, dry and abrasive. Compared to sheep's wool. The main difference with sheep's wool I'd say is that it contains natural oils like lanoline. I order mine from New Zealand here. Very good service. www.hikerswool.co.nz/ There are probbaly other places selling it online, but this is the product I use, so I know it works. 🙂

    • @camilapereyra321
      @camilapereyra321 2 года назад +1

      @@robscamino thank you, but i recently found about it and im leaving in 2 weeks. I dont think they will get here in uruguay in less than 2 weeks

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  2 года назад

      @@camilapereyra321 Oh I see. You could always have them send a packet to your start point....

  • @maryolsovsky6301
    @maryolsovsky6301 2 года назад

    Rob, I'm wondering what your thoughts are on walking in Teva or Chaco sandals? I have a bunion that doesn't hurt unless I'm in hiking boots or other close fitting shoes. I've found a few brands that accommodate the bunion but haven't tested them on the long mileage. I have done 13+ miles in the sandals and trust them more to keep my feet healthy. Thanks!!

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  2 года назад

      Personally I need the support of boots or shoes. I have Teva sandals for evening wear and as a backup in case of some kind of foot issue. But I don't think I could walk far in them, with the lack of support. But......others certainly do! I know a few people who walk in them.

    • @maryolsovsky6301
      @maryolsovsky6301 2 года назад

      @@robscamino Thank you so much! I plan to check out your other videos. I'm planning to go in September, probably the camino frances.

  • @fabianamagalhaes8350
    @fabianamagalhaes8350 Год назад

    👏👏👏

  • @IvanJoel
    @IvanJoel Год назад +1

    My feet tend to sweat quite a bit and I am fearful of wearing TWO pairs of socks when my feet get hot and sweaty with just one. Have you ever tired feet antiperspirants?

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  Год назад +1

      Maybe don't over think it :-)

  • @robscamino
    @robscamino  3 года назад +3

    If you too have totally avoided Blisters walking the Camino, what's your tip?

    • @jamescarson6815
      @jamescarson6815 3 года назад +3

      Terrific video! Thank you so much for your excellent advice. I've just ordered some hiker's wool :-) Just one other comment. If you have bought new boots or hiking shoes, make sure they are properly broken in before you start walking the Camino. This may take some time, so get them well in advance of your Camino.

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  3 года назад +3

      @@jamescarson6815 That's a great point. Though most modern boots/shoes don't really need 'breaking in'. Leather footwear, certainly does I think. It might be more a case of breaking in your feet I think. Getting your feet used to the footwear. My Salomon boots felt like bedroom slippers from day 1. Same with the trail runners I'm trialling now. Hoka and La Sportiva.

    • @cristinagalindo4946
      @cristinagalindo4946 Год назад +1

      @@robscamino I like Salomon brand also for hacking

    • @robscamino
      @robscamino  Год назад +1

      @@cristinagalindo4946 I love my current boots, but sadly Salomon have now 'improved' the design. With hiking gear this usually means cost cutting on materials. I wouldn't use the new versions. Not as comfortable.