Want to walk longer, take on bigger hikes and finish the day with happy feet? At Plein Air Entrepôt, we see hikers every day who come back with blisters or sore feet. The good news: most of that discomfort can be prevented with a few simple habits. Here are our four tips to go farther, more comfortably.
Tip #1: Choose the right shoe
This is the foundation. A shoe that doesn't fit you well will stay uncomfortable, no matter which socks, insoles or tricks you try. There is no way to make an uncomfortable shoe comfortable.
Take the time to try them on in store. Come see us: our team will help you find the shoe that suits your foot and the distances you have in mind. The right model should not give you any pain or discomfort in store.
Tip #2: Keep a liner sock in your pack
You've found the perfect shoe and you're ready to go. But during a hike, especially a long day, feet tend to swell. What do you do?
Start the day with a good merino wool sock, such as a Smartwool with light cushioning, or zoned cushioning with a little extra padding at the forefoot and heel. That's our go-to hiking sock.
In your backpack, also keep a liner sock. It's a very thin sock that solves two problems:
- When your feet swell: take off the wool sock and put the liner on instead. You'll gain a lot of room in your shoe.
- When your boot is a little big: if your foot slides on descents and you feel rubbing under your foot, wear the liner under your wool sock. With two layers, the friction happens between the two socks instead of on your skin. The result: no blisters, and a snugger, more precise fit in your boot.
Tip #3: Wear gaiters
Gaiters don't get talked about enough, and too few hikers use them. Yet they address one of the main causes of blisters.
Why do we get blisters? Often because our feet get damp and a little sand keeps working its way into our boots as we walk. We put up with it, but that small grain eventually creates a friction point, then a blister.
The fix is simple: low gaiters that fit over your shoe, like the Kahtoola INSTAgaiter. They are very light, stretchy and breathable. No sand, rocks or ticks get into your shoes. You stay drier, debris-free, and you get far fewer blisters.
Tip #4: Bring a blister kit
Despite every precaution in the world, on a long hike the odds of getting at least one blister are close to 100%. So be ready for it.
A small first aid kit dedicated to blisters, like the one that proved itself on the Pacific Crest Trail, lets you do two things:
- Prevent: as soon as you feel a hot spot, apply a very thin membrane that stops the rubbing before a blister forms.
- Treat: if the blister is already there, the kit has what you need to protect it and keep walking.
Summary
| Tip | What it solves |
|---|---|
| The right shoe | Baseline comfort over the whole distance |
| A liner sock in your pack | Swollen feet, a slightly big boot, friction |
| Gaiters | Sand, rocks, ticks and moisture in your shoe |
| A blister kit | Preventing and treating blisters on the trail |
When you're well equipped, you can go farther, more comfortably, and it's so much more enjoyable. Drop by to try on footwear and round out your gear. See you on the trails!
At Plein Air Entrepôt, we offer a carefully curated selection of hiking footwear, socks and accessories from top brands - Smartwool, Kahtoola and more - at prices up to 60% off regular retail.
Our team of outdoor enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect shoe and the gear that will take you farther, based on your goals and budget.
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Plein Air Entrepôt - Trekking, hiking and travel specialists since 2007. Expert advice at warehouse prices.