Preventing Heel Blisters (In all Shoe Types)

They can happen anywhere.  The dreaded heel blister from a pair of shoes you’ve been walking, strutting or running around in all day that will leave you wounded and unless like Achilles himself.  Worst of all, heel blisters are not prejudice!  Any type of shoe will do: gym sneakers, running shoes, high heels, dress boots, work boots, sandals, flats…   You name it, someone has endured a painful and debilitating blister from it.  But don’t worry, we have identified the leading (avoidable) causes of shoe heel blisters and the top secrets to preventing them from happening to you!

Poor Shoe Fit:   Finding the right shoe that fits your foot properly is critical.  Shoe and heel blisters are formed from repeated friction and a shoe that’s too small or to big will either cause friction due to your foot sliding within the shoe, or swelling and rubbing of a shoe thats too small against your skin.  

Solemates Heel Guards may close the gap to a perfect shoe fit.  Their PediSol technology helps to enhance comfort, prevent your foot from sliding within the shoe, and even add a cushion barrier for shoes that may fit a little too snug or may not be conditioned well.  The reduction of friction alone will provide amazing comfort and prevent blisters from forming anywhere on your foot, especially your heels.  A must have for every pair of shoes you own.  

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Poor Shoe Choice:  Some boots were made for walking, just like some sneakers were made for running.  Blisters can quickly be formed if you are wearing a pair of shoes that are not specifically designed for a certain activity or prolonged activity.  If you go hiking or sightseeing in your high heels, you can only blame yourself if you’re in crippling pain at the end of the day.  Chose shoes that are functional and well designed for what you are planning to do in them.  Sneakers should be breathable and well fitted.  High heels should not be worn on occasions where you will be running, climbing or performing various physical and repetitive activities.  Some shoes have additional padding and comfort for uneven trails while others are best suited for flat surfaces.  Wear the right shoe to all events and activities and blisters will be an afterthought.  

Poor Foot Care:

1. Moisturizing.  Some people take care of their things better than they care for themselves and an expensive pair of shoes may be no exception.  You wash, clean and condition them, keeping them looking beautiful, while your feet are cracked and drying do to harsh winters or even salty summer beaches.  Dry and unnourished skin will peel, crack, and become damaged much easier than healthy, soft and beautiful, well moisturized skin.  Keep your feet healthy and blisters will be a thing in the past.  

2. Foot Blister Protectant Spray. Some people believe you need to build up callouses to prevent blisters, which yes, will create tough patches of skin more immune to friction.  But why should you have to create blisters to prevent them?  And do you really want ugly, thick, rough patches of skin all over your feet?  No way!  You just paid your pedicurist $30 to remove them.  But don’t worry!  Solemates has a life-changing product that does the same job at protecting your feet from blisters that callouses can do, but keeps them looking perfect at all times.  

Solemates Blister Blocker is an unbelievable anti-friction spray that works to prevent blisters in all types of shoes, not just on your heels, but anywhere on your feet!  Simply use the applicator and glide the Blister Blocker onto your feet for an invisible, odor-free, non-greasy barrier that will keep rubbing and chaffing down to a minimum.  

You can get Solemates Blister Blocker here: 

Wearing the wrong socks: One of the best ways to avoid blisters in shoes is to wear the right socks.  Believe it or not there are hundreds of, if not thousands of highly engineered styles of socks that are designed with very specific functions in mind, but all with the main goal of protecting your feet.  

1. Moisture Wicking Socks: These socks are made of a special material that helps keep your feet dry from sweat that can cause rubbing and unwanted friction in your shoe.  

2. Padded Socks: Sometimes just a little extra foot padding in the right place is all you need to prevent blisters.  There are socks that are reinforced and double padded for comfort and protection in areas such as your toes, the ball of your foot, the heel of your foot and even your shins.  Figure out the biggest blister problem areas and try out socks that have extra support where you need it the most.  

You can even change your socks during vigorous exercise to help prevent the moisture that inevitably causes blisters and rubbing.  


Not Enough Lubrication:  Even though the goal is to keep your feet dry to reduce friction, sometimes if you can’t beat them, join them!  Adding lubrication to your feet to get them to slide smoothly instead of rubbing harshly is an option.  Lubrications such as petroleum jelly, AD ointment, or body glide can help.  However some of these can be messy and quiet disastrous in creating way too much sliding if too much is used, making anti friction foot sprays a better option when available!  

Not supporting the problem areas on your feet:   If you only have one specific area that is prone to blisters, sometimes all you need to do is just reinforce that area. Sports tapes and bandages can help address the issue and do just that.  

Solemates make Ball of Foot Cushions that are heaven sent.  They protect the ball of your foot by reducing friction, providing extra support and making your heels more comfortable to wear.  I put them in every pair of shoes I own.  

You can check them out here: