[at-l] Blisters

[WILLIAM D VINCENT]

I cut several of my hikes short this year because of blisters.  I'm diabetic so I'm extra cautious about infections.  I have done cotton, wool, and synthetic socks, I've swapped socks at mid-day.  This has happened in cool (30's) and hot (90's) temperatures.  It has happened wearing Merrel hiking boots and Nike trail runners.  The trail runners are retired and scheduled for replacement.  It's happened on the trail and on one extensive (21 m) road walk.  I treat with second skin, mole skin, vaseline (works for marathons) and tincture of benzoin (which my doctor laughs and says he has never heard of as a treatment for blisters).  I have worn both shoes extensively off the trail, for several days at a time without problems, and have run 15 to 20 miles in the trail runners without problems.  I have tried keeping the boots in a plastic bag between times so they won't "dry out".  The only times I haven't blister this past year is when I wear my
 Teva sandles---and I'm just to big a wuss to hike in them in January.  This leads me to a sock changing stratgey, but 10 pair of socks is more weight then I want to carry.  I do swim a lot in the summer but that doesn't explain the other six month's of the year.   
 
Any suggestions?
 
Happy Holidays......Bill
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