How To Prevent Blisters When You Wear Boots, According To Podiatrists

Are your socks made of cotton? That might be part of the issue.
What's inside those boots (and how they're tied) can have just as much of an impact on your comfort as the footwear itself.
Lenka Zahradnikova / EyeEm via Getty Images
What's inside those boots (and how they're tied) can have just as much of an impact on your comfort as the footwear itself.

If you’re looking for the perfect fall boot that you can throw on no matter what you’re doing –– picking apples, walking your dog or grabbing a pumpkin spice latte at your local coffee shop –– comfort is key, especially if you haven’t broken them in yet. And that means no blisters.

HuffPost chatted with two podiatrists to learn what qualities in a boot cause blisters and how to prevent them. Here’s what you need to know.

Blisters Are Caused By Motion

Wearing fall boots that are too wide or tight is pretty much a one-way ticket to Blister Town.

“One of the most likely causes of blister formation from fall boots is improper fit. Motion can lead to blisters,” said Dr. Saylee Tulpule, a podiatrist at Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic. To avoid this, she recommends getting fitted at the store (where you can walk around in them before buying) and making sure your boots are laced tight enough (if they have laces).

Most blisters are caused by moisture and friction where the boot or sock rubs against your foot, according to Dr. Wenjay Sung, a podiatrist at USC Arcadia Hospital.

“Blisters are small pockets of fluid that form in the outer layers of skin,” he said. To prevent them, wear boots that fit well and keep sweat at bay with synthetic or wool socks. You can go the extra mile to ensure a good fit by consulting a podiatrist to find out your foot type (like flat-footed, high arch or rectus).

“Not all boots are made the same, and of course not all feet are the same,” Sung said.

Your Socks Can Make A Huge Difference

You may be surprised to learn that podiatrists aren’t fans of cotton socks.

“As podiatrists, we recommend avoiding cotton socks, since these can retain moisture and cause friction blisters,” Tulpule said. She recommends sticking with moisture-wicking materials like wool or with synthetic fibers like nylon and X-Static. If your feet are prone to sweating, she recommends using absorbent powders.

“Socks can prevent or cause blisters on feet, depending on numerous factors,” Sung said. “The elimination of sheer forces against the foot and skin or controlling perspiration are ways socks can prevent blisters.”

Choosing thicker socks can also help cushion your feet and stop blisters from forming. Sung noted that you can find socks on the market with increased density or padding along pressure points to decrease friction in blister-prone areas.

Take The Time To Break In Fall Boots

An easy way to minimize blister formation from fall boots is to gently break them in. It may be tempting to wear your new boots everywhere from the moment you get them, but having some patience will decrease your chances of painful blisters. Tulpule recommends wearing new boots for 30 minutes at a time over the course of a week to break them in gradually.

Shopping for a new pair of fall boots or socks? Here are some options approved by the podiatrists we spoke to.

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

1
Sorel
Sorel women’s Hi-Line Heel Chelsea boot
An elevated take on a classic Chelsea boot, these Sorel boots offer a fashionable look without having to sacrifice comfort (thanks to the chunky heel and platform design). The lightweight sole offers solid traction, and a heel-pull tab helps you put on these boots quickly and easily. The Sorel brand is one that Tulpule recommends to her clients.
2
Amazon
Dr. Martens unisex 1460 slip resistant service boots
“Dr. Martens are stable when it comes to no-skid soles for fall boots, and because of their long lasting design and look, they provide the perfect balance of comfort and usability with little risk of blisters,” Sung said. These boots have signature design elements like yellow welt stitching and a scripted heel loop, plus comfort-enhancing features like moisture-wicking sock liners and strategically placed memory foam pods.
3
Neiman Marcus
Frye Carson leather piping ankle booties
This bestselling style from Frye, a brand recommended by Tulpule, is made from soft, full-grain leather has a supple leather lining that offers a smooth, comfortable fit, plus a piping detail on the side that gives subtle Western vibes. The company notes that this pair doesn’t need to be broken in, but we’d still probably do it to be on the safe side.
4
Macy's
Timberland women’s waterproof 6’’ premium lug sole boots
Fashionable and functional, these waterproof boots have a shock-absorbing midsole for added comfort. The cone design of the soles makes the boots more supportive and lighter, and the Timberland brand comes recommended by Tulpule.
5
Bombas
A 4-pack of women’s colorblock Merino wool calf socks
Made with moisture-wicking, non-itchy Merino wool blended with polyester and spandex, these socks were designed for keeping feet comfortable, cool and most importantly, dry. They also have a cushioned footbed for extra sole support and Bombas’ signature Honeycomb Support System which cradles your arches.

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