Wear the right socks. Instead of cotton socks that hold sweat and often bunch up, you want socks made from synthetic blends that wick away moisture, such as CoolMax or Wonderspun. There are even socks with Teflon that are designed to prevent blisters. Grease up. Apply a lubricant such as Bodyglide or BlisterShield powder to blister-prone areas before walking. Petroleum jelly is not a good choice because it tends to melt and thin out. Trim ’em. Cut nails so that they don’t rub against the tip of the shoe, or an adjacent toe. Act fast. When you feel a “hot spot” on your foot, act immediately. Take off your shoe and apply moleskin or an adhesive bandage over the affected area. If you have chronic blistering and none of these tips help, go to your local specialty running shop and have them evaluate your choice of shoes. More from Prevention: Your 10 Most Common Walking Pains—Solved
