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My Secret Weapon for Blisters

JJinWI

Active Member
Apr 25, 2018
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jjscamino.wordpress.com
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2022 French Way
Prepare yourself, fellow pilgrims, for I am about to reveal my secret weapon against the dreaded blisters (your mileage may vary) As I embark on my third Camino journey, I simply couldn't resist sharing this pearl of wisdom with you.

I have utilized this technique not once, but twice on the Camino (and if the stars align, I shall employ it for the third time), as well as during numerous hikes in the splendid wilderness of Utah. And lo and behold, not a single blister dared to mar my foot! The secret lies in an ancient and sacred art that I acquired during my days as a hockey player. Yes, my friends, I have unlocked the mystical power of blister prevention :)

Ready for the big reveal? Here it comes!
1684466903610.png
Step one: Don a nylon ankle sock. Step two: Slip on a pair of top-notch wool socks. Boom! A match made in blister-fighting heaven. The sleek nylon sock acts as a shield, preventing friction and irritation, while the cozy wool socks provide that extra cushiony goodness. It's a one-two punch that'll keep blisters at bay!

Now, armed with this sacred knowledge, go forth and conquer the Camino with the confidence of a blister-free warrior. Embrace the power of the nylon ankle sock and wool sock combo, my friends. May your feet remain blissfully blister-free as you stride towards Santiago!

Off you go now, conquerors of blisters! Let the trails tremble beneath your blister-free feet!

(FYI... I thought I would have a little fun using chatGTP :) )

Cheers!!!!
 
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Jul 18, 2014
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FYI... I thought I would have a little fun using chatGTP :) )
Stick with your own brain @JJinWI. It does a way better job.😉

But the nylons? Yeah, they do a fine job on heels and soles. Sadly, they're no use for toe blisters. Paper tape and hikers wool are my friends. Along with decent sandals for my very wide feet.
 
Sep 11, 2021
56
91
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Apeldoorn, NL
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San Salvador 2024
Invierno 2024
Last year I used them too, worked very good against blisters on heals. To prevent blisters on toes I taped them.

This year on my Camino I wore toe socks and did not have to tape my toes. I put the nylons over my toe socks. Prevented getting blisters on my heals. Because of the friction the nylons stuck to my socks and when I removed them they ripped apart. Luckely the €1 shop/ chinese bazar sells these short nylons, so bought extra on my my Camino.
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

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dfox

Active Member
Dec 14, 2008
257
417
Time of past OR future Camino
2017
When I prepared for and did my first Camino, I followed forum members' suggestions to deal with potential blisters and they worked (work):
  • Nightly apply Vaseline to soften the skin of the feet while walking the Camino.
  • Wear "anti-blister" socks or two socks. (I had the ones with Camino Shell symbol embodied in it. (Wright?).
  • Change socks when they are wet as soon as possible.
Buen Camino
 
Last edited:

RibbonRomanceAuthor

Active Member
Jan 3, 2019
105
240
USA-Ohio
Time of past OR future Camino
Caminos Frances, Norte and Ingles June-July 2022
Stick with your own brain @JJinWI. It does a way better job.😉

But the nylons? Yeah, they do a fine job on heels and soles. Sadly, they're no use for toe blisters. Paper tape and hikers wool are my friends. Along with decent sandals for my very wide feet.
I used to get blisters where my toes rub so this solution would be incomplete in my case. I applied petroleum jelly with one finger using a finger cot to reduce the potential messiness. Then Injinji toe socks followed by REI Merino wool socks and Hokas. No blisters except one tiny one where a bit of sand remained after a beach walk. That was my fault. I walked over the Pyrenees to Pamplona on the CF, from Bilbao to Llanes on the CN and all of the CI.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Jul 18, 2014
13,991
57,999
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I used to get blisters where my toes rub so this solution would be incomplete in my case.
Exactly where I can get (bad!) blisters.
The thin paper tape and a wisp of wool work very well for me.
I applied petroleum jelly with one finger using a finger cot to reduce the potential messiness. Then Injinji toe socks followed by REI Merino wool socks and Hokas.
I can't imagine all that fabric, each toe with its own socklet and wool socks on top of all that. In closed shoes? No, thank you. My feet are too wide for all that bulk. (I tried the ininji socks on their own once. That was enough. Maybe if they were lighter weight; nylons would be perfect thickness).
My system works for me, yours works for you...all good.
 
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Dec 12, 2022
1,025
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Ireland
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CF 2006, CP 2013, Salvador2017,
Inglés 2019
To the OP: So good to see you around. On the Portugues from Porto, we used your three motivational words to keep us going. Do I recall them? Ah go on! Give me some slack! What I do remember is that every day, once we were on the camino, we used your words as our walking aids. Thank you, Sincerely.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.

RibbonRomanceAuthor

Active Member
Jan 3, 2019
105
240
USA-Ohio
Time of past OR future Camino
Caminos Frances, Norte and Ingles June-July 2022
Exactly where I can get (bad!) blisters.
The thin paper tape and a wisp of wool work very well for me.

I can't imagine all that fabric, each toe with its own socklet and wool socks on top of all that. In closed shoes? No, thank you. My feet are too wide for all that bulk. (I tried the ininji socks once. That was enough.)
My system works for me, yours works for you...all good.
My thoughts exactly when I first heard of them in 2006! I thought of those huge knitted things but these are thin, wicking, seam-free and a lifesaver. But you are absolutely right! We each need to find something that works for us. Buen Camino
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Jan 27, 2023
3
2
63
Netherlands
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino del Norte July/ August/September 2023
Prepare yourself, fellow pilgrims, for I am about to reveal my secret weapon against the dreaded blisters (your mileage may vary) As I embark on my third Camino journey, I simply couldn't resist sharing this pearl of wisdom with you.

I have utilized this technique not once, but twice on the Camino (and if the stars align, I shall employ it for the third time), as well as during numerous hikes in the splendid wilderness of Utah. And lo and behold, not a single blister dared to mar my foot! The secret lies in an ancient and sacred art that I acquired during my days as a hockey player. Yes, my friends, I have unlocked the mystical power of blister prevention :)

Ready for the big reveal? Here it comes!
View attachment 147290
Step one: Don a nylon ankle sock. Step two: Slip on a pair of top-notch wool socks. Boom! A match made in blister-fighting heaven. The sleek nylon sock acts as a shield, preventing friction and irritation, while the cozy wool socks provide that extra cushiony goodness. It's a one-two punch that'll keep blisters at bay!

Now, armed with this sacred knowledge, go forth and conquer the Camino with the confidence of a blister-free warrior. Embrace the power of the nylon ankle sock and wool sock combo, my friends. May your feet remain blissfully blister-free as you stride towards Santiago!

Off you go now, conquerors of blisters! Let the trails tremble beneath your blister-free feet!

(FYI... I thought I would have a little fun using chatGTP :) )

Cheers!!!!
😂
 

bullingtonce

Member
Jun 25, 2020
79
270
North Tustin, California
Time of past OR future Camino
I plan to do the Ruta de la Lana in August/September 2021
Prepare yourself, fellow pilgrims, for I am about to reveal my secret weapon against the dreaded blisters (your mileage may vary) As I embark on my third Camino journey, I simply couldn't resist sharing this pearl of wisdom with you.

I have utilized this technique not once, but twice on the Camino (and if the stars align, I shall employ it for the third time), as well as during numerous hikes in the splendid wilderness of Utah. And lo and behold, not a single blister dared to mar my foot! The secret lies in an ancient and sacred art that I acquired during my days as a hockey player. Yes, my friends, I have unlocked the mystical power of blister prevention :)

Ready for the big reveal? Here it comes!
View attachment 147290
Step one: Don a nylon ankle sock. Step two: Slip on a pair of top-notch wool socks. Boom! A match made in blister-fighting heaven. The sleek nylon sock acts as a shield, preventing friction and irritation, while the cozy wool socks provide that extra cushiony goodness. It's a one-two punch that'll keep blisters at bay!

Now, armed with this sacred knowledge, go forth and conquer the Camino with the confidence of a blister-free warrior. Embrace the power of the nylon ankle sock and wool sock combo, my friends. May your feet remain blissfully blister-free as you stride towards Santiago!

Off you go now, conquerors of blisters! Let the trails tremble beneath your blister-free feet!

(FYI... I thought I would have a little fun using chatGTP :) )

Cheers!!!!
Now, do not disappoint us . . . you are not going to, later on, charge us for your terrific advice and use your lawyer to sue us if we do not pay up? I don't know. Perhaps I should just wire you the $20 now.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.

JJinWI

Active Member
Apr 25, 2018
149
560
2 Seasons Wisconsin (Winter & Road Construction)
jjscamino.wordpress.com
Time of past OR future Camino
2018 French Way
2022 French Way
To the OP: So good to see you around. On the Portugues from Porto, we used your three motivational words to keep us going. Do I recall them? Ah go on! Give me some slack! What I do remember is that every day, once we were on the camino, we used your words as our walking aids. Thank you, Sincerely.
Great to hear from you!

FYI - I'm starting my third Camino (French Way again) on June 1.
I'm going ultra lightweight this time... so no daily blog :-(
Last year I carried 22 pounds (~10kg)... which included a laptop, charge, mouse... so I could do my daily blogs
This year I will carry about 17 pounds (~7.7kg)

"It's A GREAT day to be a Pilgrim!!!"

Cheers,
 
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JJinWI

Active Member
Apr 25, 2018
149
560
2 Seasons Wisconsin (Winter & Road Construction)
jjscamino.wordpress.com
Time of past OR future Camino
2018 French Way
2022 French Way
Stick with your own brain @JJinWI. It does a way better job.😉

But the nylons? Yeah, they do a fine job on heels and soles. Sadly, they're no use for toe blisters. Paper tape and hikers wool are my friends. Along with decent sandals for my very wide feet.
You assume I have a brain :)
 

Ellann

Active Member
Dec 10, 2015
130
191
Australia
Time of past OR future Camino
Portuguese Camino 2022
French Camino 2024
Prepare yourself, fellow pilgrims, for I am about to reveal my secret weapon against the dreaded blisters (your mileage may vary) As I embark on my third Camino journey, I simply couldn't resist sharing this pearl of wisdom with you.

I have utilized this technique not once, but twice on the Camino (and if the stars align, I shall employ it for the third time), as well as during numerous hikes in the splendid wilderness of Utah. And lo and behold, not a single blister dared to mar my foot! The secret lies in an ancient and sacred art that I acquired during my days as a hockey player. Yes, my friends, I have unlocked the mystical power of blister prevention :)

Ready for the big reveal? Here it comes!
View attachment 147290
Step one: Don a nylon ankle sock. Step two: Slip on a pair of top-notch wool socks. Boom! A match made in blister-fighting heaven. The sleek nylon sock acts as a shield, preventing friction and irritation, while the cozy wool socks provide that extra cushiony goodness. It's a one-two punch that'll keep blisters at bay!

Now, armed with this sacred knowledge, go forth and conquer the Camino with the confidence of a blister-free warrior. Embrace the power of the nylon ankle sock and wool sock combo, my friends. May your feet remain blissfully blister-free as you stride towards Santiago!

Off you go now, conquerors of blisters! Let the trails tremble beneath your blister-free feet!

(FYI... I thought I would have a little fun using chatGTP :) )

Cheers!!!!
I used exactly this, except just cheap wick off socks from Aldi. No blisters at all.
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-

WGroleau

Wandering Weirdo aka 伟思礼
Nov 23, 2015
1,005
1,319
Time of past OR future Camino
2015–2018 (partial)
(FYI... I thought I would have a little fun using chatGTP :) )
That disclaimer should have been at the beginning. Some of the replies sound like folks took it seriously. There are plenty of examples of ChatGPT and its cousins just making stuff up and/or spewing what the questioner wants to hear. Even citing sources that don't exist.
(I've personally witnessed three of the hazards I warn about. One example: ChatGPT wrote about how much Johnny Rotten and the Sex Pistols admired Elvis Presley. Took me less than fifteen seconds to find an interview transcript where they said Elvis sucks and his fans are idiots.)
And regarding "what the questioner wants to hear"—or what the people who train the app want you to hear. Those folks decide which texts the app will scan for material and which it won't.
 
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JJinWI

Active Member
Apr 25, 2018
149
560
2 Seasons Wisconsin (Winter & Road Construction)
jjscamino.wordpress.com
Time of past OR future Camino
2018 French Way
2022 French Way
That disclaimer should have been at the beginning. Some of the replies sound like folks took it seriously. There are plenty of examples of ChatGPT and its cousins just making stuff up and/or spewing what the questioner wants to hear. Even citing sources that don't exist.
(I've personally witnessed three of the hazards I warn about. One example: ChatGPT wrote about how much Johnny Rotten and the Sex Pistols admired Elvis Presley. Took me less than fifteen seconds to find an interview transcript where they said Elvis sucks and his fans are idiots.)
And regarding "what the questioner wants to hear"—or what the people who train the app want you to hear. Those folks decide which texts the app will scan for material and which it won't.
FYI... I only used ChapGPT to rewrite my content to spice it up with some humor/flair to the content.

It does a decent job and can add a little fun to the content (if you know how to use the right prompts)
 
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dougfitz

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Mar 12, 2011
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20,394
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Past: a few
Last: Sanabres
Next: St Olav's Way
Prepare yourself, fellow pilgrims, for I am about to reveal my secret weapon against the dreaded blisters (your mileage may vary) As I embark on my third Camino journey, I simply couldn't resist sharing this pearl of wisdom with you.

I have utilized this technique not once, but twice on the Camino (and if the stars align, I shall employ it for the third time), as well as during numerous hikes in the splendid wilderness of Utah. And lo and behold, not a single blister dared to mar my foot! The secret lies in an ancient and sacred art that I acquired during my days as a hockey player. Yes, my friends, I have unlocked the mystical power of blister prevention :)

Ready for the big reveal? Here it comes!
View attachment 147290
Step one: Don a nylon ankle sock. Step two: Slip on a pair of top-notch wool socks. Boom! A match made in blister-fighting heaven. The sleek nylon sock acts as a shield, preventing friction and irritation, while the cozy wool socks provide that extra cushiony goodness. It's a one-two punch that'll keep blisters at bay!

Now, armed with this sacred knowledge, go forth and conquer the Camino with the confidence of a blister-free warrior. Embrace the power of the nylon ankle sock and wool sock combo, my friends. May your feet remain blissfully blister-free as you stride towards Santiago!

Off you go now, conquerors of blisters! Let the trails tremble beneath your blister-free feet!

(FYI... I thought I would have a little fun using chatGTP :) )

Cheers!!!!
Sure. This is so secret that it was mentioned way back in 2013 by @Albertinho. There may have been earlier descriptions of the technique.
 
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Zoran K.

ZK1107
Feb 11, 2018
78
57
Croatia
Time of past OR future Camino
St. Olav 2005
CF 2018+2019+2023+2024
2020+2021 VF
Prepare yourself, fellow pilgrims, for I am about to reveal my secret weapon against the dreaded blisters (your mileage may vary) As I embark on my third Camino journey, I simply couldn't resist sharing this pearl of wisdom with you.

I have utilized this technique not once, but twice on the Camino (and if the stars align, I shall employ it for the third time), as well as during numerous hikes in the splendid wilderness of Utah. And lo and behold, not a single blister dared to mar my foot! The secret lies in an ancient and sacred art that I acquired during my days as a hockey player. Yes, my friends, I have unlocked the mystical power of blister prevention :)

Ready for the big reveal? Here it comes!
View attachment 147290
Step one: Don a nylon ankle sock. Step two: Slip on a pair of top-notch wool socks. Boom! A match made in blister-fighting heaven. The sleek nylon sock acts as a shield, preventing friction and irritation, while the cozy wool socks provide that extra cushiony goodness. It's a one-two punch that'll keep blisters at bay!

Now, armed with this sacred knowledge, go forth and conquer the Camino with the confidence of a blister-free warrior. Embrace the power of the nylon ankle sock and wool sock combo, my friends. May your feet remain blissfully blister-free as you stride towards Santiago!

Off you go now, conquerors of blisters! Let the trails tremble beneath your blister-free feet!

(FYI... I thought I would have a little fun using chatGTP :) )

Cheers!!!!
It did not work for me as it felt slippery in my shoes. But what did work, and I did all my Caminos using them, was toe socks, specially Injiinji brand. Never had a blister
 
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The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.

dougfitz

Veteran Member
Mar 12, 2011
7,551
20,394
Time of past OR future Camino
Past: a few
Last: Sanabres
Next: St Olav's Way
Thanks for the info... much appreciated!
Da nada. Not to rain too much on your parade, but I was introduced to the technique in 1974. I have used thin woollen or coolmax liner socks for a couple of decades now rather than thin nylon socks. It works for me.
 

SureFtWayEli

Member
Jul 14, 2023
36
59
SJPDP France
Time of past OR future Camino
April 2014, April 2017
Prepare yourself, fellow pilgrims, for I am about to reveal my secret weapon against the dreaded blisters (your mileage may vary) As I embark on my third Camino journey, I simply couldn't resist sharing this pearl of wisdom with you.

I have utilized this technique not once, but twice on the Camino (and if the stars align, I shall employ it for the third time), as well as during numerous hikes in the splendid wilderness of Utah. And lo and behold, not a single blister dared to mar my foot! The secret lies in an ancient and sacred art that I acquired during my days as a hockey player. Yes, my friends, I have unlocked the mystical power of blister prevention :)

Ready for the big reveal? Here it comes!
View attachment 147290
Step one: Don a nylon ankle sock. Step two: Slip on a pair of top-notch wool socks. Boom! A match made in blister-fighting heaven. The sleek nylon sock acts as a shield, preventing friction and irritation, while the cozy wool socks provide that extra cushiony goodness. It's a one-two punch that'll keep blisters at bay!

Now, armed with this sacred knowledge, go forth and conquer the Camino with the confidence of a blister-free warrior. Embrace the power of the nylon ankle sock and wool sock combo, my friends. May your feet remain blissfully blister-free as you stride towards Santiago!

Off you go now, conquerors of blisters! Let the trails tremble beneath your blister-free feet!

(FYI... I thought I would have a little fun using chatGTP :) )

Cheers!!!!
Nice, good one! Similar idea to Wright socks. My feet get hot, too, especially between toes, so I also use Ininji 5-finger socks. Both Wright & Ininji work for me. And if it is cold & wet & I am wearing hiking sandals, Smart Wool socks over one of those keeps my feet dry. In a downpour, I slip on plastic grocery sack then put on sandals. Usually briefly.
 

Zoran K.

ZK1107
Feb 11, 2018
78
57
Croatia
Time of past OR future Camino
St. Olav 2005
CF 2018+2019+2023+2024
2020+2021 VF
I've done 3 CF an 2 VF (1900 km) + St. Olavs traiil in Norway and never had a single blister. I use ordinary sport sock but my walking shoes are 1,5 size bigger than I use in every day use and that is the reason. When hot I use toe socks but you can just us ordinary sport socks and I put vaseline on my feet before I go to sleep 😀
Good luck on the 3rd Camino
 
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cathal Ferris

Member
Feb 20, 2014
75
71
Belfast
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29th April to May 31 2014
April to May (2015) starting in Burgos on the (27th April 2015) completing in Santiago on the 10th May flights booked from Dublin into Madrid and alsa bus up to Burgos
12th August 2015 Starting at Croagh Patrick Clew Bay to Downpatrick known as Camino Way of St Patrick
I used aluminum foil tape on soles of feet and never had a blister also used nylon with anti blister socks and have used sports socks as above use vaseline into feet at night take regular breaks have a foot massage some of the alberques i stayed in the monastary gave a foot bath on entering dont know if they still do that dont overdo and keep the pace at your speed and time enjoy Buen Camino
 

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