Effective Strategies for Preventing Blisters from New Shoes

Who doesn’t love new shoes? Whether it’s fresh sneakers, chic flats or the latest summer sandals, there’s no quicker way to make your heart sing — but there can be a downside. We’re talking foot blisters: those irritating blemishes that appear on your feet after stepping out in your latest footwear a little too enthusiastically.

How to Prevent Blisters From the Get-Go by Buying the Right Fit

The easiest way to prevent blisters on heels from new shoes? Buying footwear that fits properly in the first place. Make sure that you have sufficient room in the toe box (we recommend a finger’s width for walking shoes) so that your toes don’t hit the front of the shoe when you walk, and that your heel fits snugly so that your feet don’t slip around inside.

Check out this guide to finding the right shoe fit for more shoe-shopping strategies that help with blister prevention. A great place to begin is with incredibly comfortable shoes that have built-in features to eliminate a lot of the common causes of friction and heel blisters. Our Active Collection is a great example, with every pair featuring our Active Curves & Pods® removable footbed for superior support and a breathable fit. A pair of comfortable sneakers like Star Burst are designed with key features that help prevent new shoe blisters. In addition to the signature footbed, which keeps feet dry while letting them breathe, they are made with a flexible, durable outsole that prevents irritation from friction.

Socks Matter for Blister Prevention, Too

Friction — when your foot rubs up repeatedly against the inside of your shoe — is a leading cause of blisters from shoes. You can guard against friction blisters by choosing double-layered socks, which have two layers that move independently, rubbing up against each other to absorb any friction. The result? Blister-free feet.

Keep Your Feet Dry

Moisture is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to heel blisters, and the right socks can help here, too. Cotton is not your friend when it comes to blister prevention: It actually holds on to moisture, increasing your risk of discomfort. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends synthetic fabrics that wick it away instead.

A Heel Blister Can Form From Lack of Hydration

While sweaty feet and new shoes is a combination that can lead to painful foot blisters, you don’t want your skin to be too dry. According to Runner’s World, this can increase the risk of friction and lead to blisters on your heels from new shoes. Keep your feet healthy and hydrated by applying a moisturizing lotion regularly.

Protect Problem Areas That Usually Suffer From Foot Blisters

How to prevent blisters on heels? If your new shoes are rubbing up against the back of your heel (a particular hazard when you’re wearing in ballet pumps), lubricant can help. Applying petroleum jelly or a specialist foot lubricant to your heels will encourage your feet to glide smoothly against your new shoes instead of rubbing.

We all have spots that seem to attract foot blisters. If you have one area that you know is particularly sensitive, cover it up with a Band-Aid, sports tape or blister bandage before you step out in your new shoes.

Understanding how to prevent blisters means carrying on with your day pain-free. Nothing puts a dent in your daily routine like having to stop to take care of your heel blister. With these tips and the right pair of comfortable shoes, blisters from new shoes will be a thing of the past.

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