Lube me up

Norrland

Thru Hiker
Can anyone recommend some magic formula to reduce toe friction? I get blisters so easily around my baby toe as unfortunately it is tucked under the toe next to it. But in general I’m quite susceptible to them everywhere. Is Vasciline basically just as good as anything? Currently I’ve got some toe socks and then I put zinc oxide tape over the culprit toes and other areas but I still seem to get blisters from hell on and around my wee toe. I wear shoes that don’t squash my toes also.
 

Odd Man

Thru Hiker
Get some silicone toe spreaders and wear them as much as you can. This will separate the toes and hopefully realign your little toe.
 

Norrland

Thru Hiker
Get some silicone toe spreaders and wear them as much as you can. This will separate the toes and hopefully realign your little toe.

Ahah interesting, didn’t know that was a thing. Could be worth a shot. Is it possible to actually use those while hiking, or just when sleeping and lounging around etc?
 

Odd Man

Thru Hiker
Ahah interesting, didn’t know that was a thing. Could be worth a shot. Is it possible to actually use those while hiking, or just when sleeping and lounging around etc?

Depends on the person and footwear. Some people do, some people can only wear it at home for short periods. Just start with the cheap thin silicone ones and then get the thicker ones if you feel that you need to.

I have a pair of these and seem to do the job.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0734QNXWZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 

edh

Thru Hiker
Others....

KNOC (my choice)
Sportslick
Bodyglide
Lanolin

.....Vagisil is the long-distance backpacking default as it is cheapish, proven, widely available...
 
I've used goo type stuff for chafing and works well. Vagisil, zinc oxide (yep zinc oxide is nappy rash cream -also it's sun protection and my chafing antidote ) I've used and like- but for chafing.
Blisters (the ones you get elsewhere) are likely different and caused by pressure (points) and combined with undue wetness of the layers of the skin. The damp layers of the skin then rub together under pressure causing the blister.
Don't know about your little toe sounds like moleskin might help but the rest sounds like overly hot and likely ill fitting shoes. Tightish shoes will not necessarily cause blisters if the skin (layers) remain dryish and there are no pressure points. Are you wearing hot or goretex shoes when the blisters appear? If the skin stays wet the shoe must fit really well, no undue high pressure points then you can walk all day with wet feet as long as you can air them say overnight.
Good luck.
 
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EM-Chiseller

Thru Hiker
Is that any different to say, nappy cream?
Hell of a difference... Nappy cream was developed to deal with nappy rash.... Gurney goo was developed to deal with, heat, water and friction.... By endurance athletes for endurance athletes and you.
It's not a gimmick.
I used it prior and during my ultra... My feet were in great condition considering I'd done just short of 18hrs accross moors, field, tow paths and fire tracks in warm, wet weather.
I can only lead you to the water.... Iys upto you wether you take a drink ;)
 
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Norrland

Thru Hiker
I've used goo type stuff for chafing and works well. Vagisil, zinc oxide (yep zinc oxide is nappy rash cream -also it's sun protection and my chafing antidote ) I've used and like- but for chafing.
Blisters (the ones you get elsewhere) are likely different and caused by pressure (points) and combined with undue wetness of the layers of the skin. The damp layers of the skin then rub together under pressure causing the blister.
Don't know about your little toe sounds like moleskin might help but the rest sounds like overly hot and likely ill fitting shoes. Tightish shoes will not necessarily cause blisters if the skin (layers) remain dryish and there are no pressure points. Are you wearing hot or goretex shoes when the blisters appear? If the skin stays wet the shoe must fit really well, no undue high pressure points then you can walk all day with wet feet as long as you can air them say overnight.
Good luck.

currently I use la sportiva Helios 3’s. No goretex. No real pressure points. My feet just get hot and sweaty real easy. And the toe problem is something I don’t think different shoes can fix. If I’m not wearing my toe socks I’m wearing women’s nylon sock things under a pair of wool socks.
 
currently I use la sportiva Helios 3’s. No goretex. No real pressure points. My feet just get hot and sweaty real easy. And the toe problem is something I don’t think different shoes can fix. If I’m not wearing my toe socks I’m wearing women’s nylon sock things under a pair of wool socks.
Yes my left foot has an oddity I'm with you there. Have you tried moleskin? Plus
 

Norrland

Thru Hiker
No I haven’t but I’ll check that out. I’ll probably stick with the zinc oxide tape for all around protection but that moleskin might be something for between the toes.
 
currently I use la sportiva Helios 3’s. No goretex. No real pressure points. My feet just get hot and sweaty real easy. And the toe problem is something I don’t think different shoes can fix. If I’m not wearing my toe socks I’m wearing women’s nylon sock things under a pair of wool socks.
I'm with you there John, I have a slightly odd left foot. I don't know the runners you mention but can you somehow get something airier? Some shoes even without gtx may as well be with all the padding etc. Have you tried moleskin on your toe or just frequently changing a band aid-sticking plaster? Just me but I reckon if you are constantly getting blisters the shoes don't fit as they should. Hope something works for you.

Edit out walking and my pot boiled so got distracted-take two.
 

Teepee

Thru Hiker
Gewohl extra
Kino tape
Carded wool

I used to have issues as both small toes crossed under the next from wearing too narrow shoes for decades and supinating
It's taken 2 years wearing silicone toe spreaders, much wider footwear and toe socks to correct them. Now they don't cross and are still improving.

Zero drop footwear helped a lot too, puts less weight on the forefoot.
 

Norrland

Thru Hiker
Gewohl extra
Kino tape
Carded wool

I used to have issues as both small toes crossed under the next from wearing too narrow shoes for decades and supinating
It's taken 2 years wearing silicone toe spreaders, much wider footwear and toe socks to correct them. Now they don't cross and are still improving.

Zero drop footwear helped a lot too, puts less weight on the forefoot.

Yes I have no doubt that a lifetime of wearing normal “modern” shoes has squeezed my toes together, but I don’t think what I’m wearing now is pushing on my toes. I even wear vibram v trails most of the time when walking on non rocky terrain. I think the tie spreaders will be a good option. I’ve seen some silicone uncapped toe spreaders thst I made be able to skip over my toe socks which could do the trick

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bukihome-Sleeves-Silicone-Protectors-Cushion/dp/B07YW3ZF1H
 

Teepee

Thru Hiker
I use these. Went from the thinner set to the thicker. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B079BY3X9K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Wore them at work and to break new shoes in; it allows the toes to form the depressions in the insole a bit more spread out. FWIW, I'm 2e and getting closer to 4e. I can wear the spreaders in my knit mesh Altras all day and still walk about.

Even though footwear may not be squeezing toes together, they may well be stopping them spread as normal.
 
...they may well be stopping them spread as normal.
Yep and many shoes don't allow this. Coupled with swelling of the foot and the half to one size jump that comes when the foot warms up, it can lead you up that famous creek quickly with only a barb wire paddle. Shoes feel ok when the foot is cool but after about 5ks tromping is the real test.
 

Foxster

Section Hiker
I think I tried most of the common anti-blister methods. What finally worked for me was Leukotape P tape applied before a trip and removed after. I put it in a strip across the base of my toes and the front part of the ball of the foot, with a little extra around my ever-suffering little toes.

So I'm surprised you say that you've tried taping and still got blisters.

Lateral thoughts are to wear soft vented boots/shoes to lower the temperature of your foot and also to toughen your feet through running.
 

Daymoth

Section Hiker
Can anyone recommend some magic formula to reduce toe friction? I get blisters so easily around my baby toe as unfortunately it is tucked under the toe next to it. But in general I’m quite susceptible to them everywhere. Is Vasciline basically just as good as anything? Currently I’ve got some toe socks and then I put zinc oxide tape over the culprit toes and other areas but I still seem to get blisters from hell on and around my wee toe. I wear shoes that don’t squash my toes also.

It doesnt sound like a rubbing problem, but a pressure problem. I dont think lubing will help you at all.

Try walking with the silicone aligners as mentioned above, you might need a wider shoe also to acomodate it.
 
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