How to Heal Blisters on Feet Overnight: What Really Works

Blisters can ruin your hike, your run, or your trip. Whether it's from ill-fitting shoes, sweaty feet, or long hours on the trail, foot blisters are a common problem - and if you're here, you're probably wondering: can you actually heal a blister overnight?

The short answer? Sort of.

While there’s no magic fix that fully heals a blister in a single night, there are smart steps you can take to dramatically reduce pain, prevent infection, and get you back on your feet faster - especially if you're mid-adventure.

Here’s how to give your feet the best overnight recovery possible.

1. Clean and protect the blister

Whether your blister is intact or has popped, start by gently washing the area with clean water and mild soap. Avoid harsh scrubbing - just rinse away dirt and bacteria.

If the blister is unbroken, try to keep it that way. The fluid-filled bubble acts as a natural barrier to infection and speeds healing. If it has popped, don’t remove the loose skin - instead, apply an antiseptic and cover with a sterile dressing or hydrocolloid blister patch.

2. Cushion the area to reduce pressure

This is where Blister Wool comes in. On a hike or multi-day trip, you can’t always stop and wait for healing – but you can relieve pressure and friction to prevent further damage.

Blister Wool (also known as Hikers Wool by some) is a soft, fluffy, 100% Australian wool that you nestle between your toes or around hot spots. It cushions the area, reduces rubbing, and stays in place even during long hikes or runs. While it won’t heal the blister directly, it can make a huge difference in comfort and prevent things from getting worse.

Learn more or grab a pack from Blister Wool.

3. Let your feet breathe

Once you're done for the day, take your shoes and socks off and air out your feet. A few hours of airflow can dramatically improve healing overnight.

If you’re camping, try to wear sandals or let your feet rest barefoot for a while (just avoid dirty surfaces). Clean, breathable socks for sleeping are fine – preferably merino or another natural fibre that wicks moisture away.

4. Support healing overnight

Before bed, clean the area again if needed, reapply antiseptic, and use a blister-specific dressing or hydrocolloid patch to lock in moisture and promote healing while you sleep. These patches create the ideal environment for skin repair.

Avoid popping blisters before bed unless they’re painful or likely to burst on their own – and always use clean tools if you must drain them.

A quick note on prevention

Blisters often come from repetitive rubbing, heat, and moisture. The best long-term strategy is to prevent them in the first place.

That means:

• Properly fitted shoes

• Moisture-wicking socks

• Treating hot spots before they become blisters

• Carrying Blister Wool in your pack just in case

Even if a blister has already formed, a small pinch of wool around the area can make the difference between finishing your hike – or limping home early.

Final thoughts

You might not be able to fully heal a blister overnight – but with the right steps, you can minimise pain, avoid infection, and protect your feet so they’re ready to keep moving the next day.

And if you’re heading out again tomorrow? Don’t forget to pack some Blister Wool.