There are many types of blisters. In my experience, toe and heel blisters are the most common, followed by ball of the foot. Here is a summary of the three.
Toe Blisters
Shoes with a toe box that is too short in length and/or height often cause toe blisters. The toes rub against the toe box and blisters result. Improperly trimmed toenails are also a common cause. Socks will catch on the toenails and push them back into the cuticles, causing blisters or fluid under the nails. Blisters between the toes are commonly caused by friction from skin on skin. Blisters on the bottom of the toes can be caused by friction from the insoles. Oftentimes the pinky toe curls under the neighboring toe, leading to blisters. Shoes with a good toe box and properly trimmed toenails are important to preventing toe blisters. Injinji toe socks can help those prone to toe blisters.
Ball of the Foot Blisters
Blisters on the ball of the foot are generally caused by friction. This may be from the surface of the insole or from socks. Often a lubricant or powder will help prevent these. Trying another pair of insoles can also help because your insole coverings may be rough. An ENGO Patch placed on your insole can effectively reduce friction.
Heel Blisters
One of the more common blisters found on athletes’ feet are on the heels. Is there a reason for this? Why do so many athletes blister there? The best answer is that heels move around a lot inside shoes. Both up and down and side to side. Some shoes have plastic in the heel counters-a piece of plastic that is curved around the back of the shoe’s heel counter. This plastic piece can sometimes be an irritant and rub on your foot, causing a hot spot that turns into a blister. Another irritant is the edge of the insole where it meets the inside of the shoe. Run your fingers around the inside of your shoe. Feel for seams or the hard plastic heel counter that can cause blisters. Feel the edge of the insole. Some insoles have a thick edge, while others are thinner. Another insole may fit better and not have the problem edge. Bottom of the heel blisters can be caused by a rough surface of your insole or socks that are worn through and the weave has irritated the skin.
Of course, there are blisters on the sides of the foot, midfoot, back of the foot above the heel, and more. The above three types are the ones I have found to be the most common. If you can master getting rid of these, and patching them if they occur, you’ll know how to patch any blister.
