[pct-l] Blisters and more.

[Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com]

On Dec 11, 2009, at 2:16 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
> I am wondering how in the world can I better prepare or treat blisters
> before hand or while on the trail???

First, get much bigger shoes so your feet don't rub. I believe your  
toes should not touch any part of the shoe, nor should they touch  
each other. The shoes should be flexible enough that you don't get  
heel blisters. They should move with your feet. They should be big  
enough to accommodate layers of gauze and duct tape, too! And if you  
do the two-sock method, they should be roomy enough for two socks.

Second, get shoes that are so airy and made of mesh that your feet  
are completely black after a few hours of walking. Those puppies need  
air.

Third, because even mesh shoes are not breathable enough, stop and  
air out your feet from time-to-time. Once a day, once an hour.  
Whatever works for you.

You might also try bringing along many different kinds of socks and  
several different insoles and swapping them out each day or even  
multiple times a day until you find what works best. Toe socks, socks  
without toes, thin socks, thick socks, wool, synthetic etc. Same with  
insoles. Try the expensive ones at the outfitter. Try the cheap ones  
at the drugstore. Whatever works.

I think the reason this trail is so bad for blisters, aside from the  
obvious heat at the beginning, is that the tread is so consistent.  
It's a repetitive motion injury machine. 10 miles switchbacking only  
on one side of a mountain with the trail leaning outward will ensure  
you get blisters on one foot and probably knee problems, too.  
Whatever you can do to break up the monotony helps.