What Do Hikers Use for Blisters? A Comprehensive Guide

Blister Wool

Jun 5, 2024

3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Ask ten hikers how they deal with blisters and you’ll get ten answers. Most experienced walkers carry a small kit with more than one option, because different situations call for different fixes.

Here’s an honest rundown of what hikers actually use, what each one is good at, and where it falls short.

Runner removing sock with Blister Wool in place

1. Blister tape

A strong, low-stretch tape stuck over hot spots before you start, or as soon as you feel rubbing.

Good for: heels and the balls of your feet, and long days where you want to set it and forget it
Watch out for: it can peel off with sweat or water, it’s fiddly on toes, and pulling it off can tear skin if a blister has formed underneath

2. Hydrocolloid blister patches

Gel-like cushioned patches designed to go over a blister.

Good for: a blister that has already formed. They cushion it and help it heal.
Watch out for: they’re for after the fact rather than prevention, they can slide off in sweaty socks, and they cost more per use

3. Moleskin

Thick, soft felt with an adhesive back, usually cut to shape. Cutting a doughnut shape lets it sit around a blister.

Good for: padding a pressure point, especially on heels
Watch out for: it’s bulky in tight shoes, you need scissors, and it doesn’t handle moisture well

4. Anti-chafe balms and lubricants

Balms or petroleum jelly rubbed onto problem areas to reduce friction.

Good for: quick application, and areas that are hard to tape, like between toes
Watch out for: it wears off, so you’ll need to reapply. On long days it can also hold moisture against your skin and pick up grit.

5. Toe socks and liner socks

Toe socks separate each toe. Liner socks add a thin layer so the socks rub against each other instead of against your skin.

Good for: people who regularly get toe blisters, and long-distance hikers
Watch out for: finding the right fit takes trial and error, and they don’t help with heel or forefoot hot spots

6. Hikers wool

Soft, natural wool tucked around a hot spot, with your sock pulled over the top. The wool meshes with your sock and stays in place.

Good for: prevention on any part of the foot, especially toes. It doesn’t need scissors or adhesive, it breathes, and a pinch is enough.
Watch out for: it isn’t a dressing. Don’t put it directly on broken skin. Cover an open blister with a patch first, then use wool around it.

We’re biased here, since we make Blister Wool. But it’s the one we reach for first because it’s quick, light and works anywhere on the foot. It’s 100% Aussie-grown wool, cleaned and combed with nothing added, and fine enough that it won’t itch.

Quick comparison

Option	Best for	Main drawback
Blister tape	Heels, long days	Peels when wet, fiddly on toes
Hydrocolloid patches	Blisters that have already formed	Not for prevention, can slip
Moleskin	Padding pressure points	Bulky, needs cutting
Balms and lube	Fast, hard-to-tape areas	Wears off, holds moisture
Toe and liner socks	Recurring toe blisters	Fit trial and error
Hikers wool	Prevention anywhere, especially toes	Not for broken skin