3-Day Blister Prevention and Sock Selection
Eeny, meeny, miny… TOE! One of the questions I get asked most frequently as a previous/current Breast Caner 3-Day walker is what kind of socks are the best to prevent blisters. I have tried and tested LOTS of different kinds of socks. Like most things, I truly believe it really comes down to personal preference. I think blister prevention also has a lot to do with what kind of shoes you are wearing. If you don’t have the proper size you are definitely more prone to get blisters no matter what kind of socks you are wearing. Go for a fitting at your local outfitter. You should get at least a 1/2 size to full size larger to give you extra room for swelling.
My opinion is that you should always select a sock with wicking technology (fabrics which draw moisture away from the body). I would say cotton is a no-no, especially for the 3-Day. Here are some suggestions:
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Injinji performance socks are my personal favorite. Why? Before I discovered them, I would get blisters in between my toes due to rubbing. After switching to Injinji, I no longer had toe blisters. I love that each toe has it’s own compartment. They are like gloves for your feet, and yes they are comfortable! You completely forget you have them on. For the 2008 3-Day I actually wore these with another sock on top for more cushion. Also, they come in pink. My teammate says they are not as comfortable for her feet, so you should give them try on a long-distance training walk before committing to them for the event.
Where to buy: InjinjiStore.com |
| Another good one are these Double Layer socks from BaySix. These socks have a 100% blister free guarantee. I also wore these during the 3-Day. I still did get a few blisters on the sides and bottom of my foot, but definitely not as bad as some other walkers did. These are comfortable and light. You can also select from anklet, crew or ped styles.
Where to buy: Cost: 3/$20, 6/$35 |
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Thorlo is another sock you will hear a lot about in the 3-Day community. Many walkers swear by these. A few years ago the company gave away these at the walk which generated a lot of buzz. I bought several pairs. They come in two styles– thick cushion and thin cushion. I actually prefer the thinner version as the thick version feels like you have about four pairs of socks on. When my feet were swelled, it was a lot harder to get my foot back into my shoes. I also found that Thorlos were harder to clean. Even after I wash them they still look dirty. They definitely do give you lots of cushion.
Where to buy: Thorlo.com |
Whatever socks you do choose, be sure to give them a test drive on a long-distance training walk to get an idea of how they will work for the actual event. I like to change my socks every 5 to 10 miles too in order to let them air out and get some that are completely dry on my feet. Also, make sure that you take all of your socks with you when you get fitted for your new shoes. This will ensure that you order the right size if you decide some of the thicker socks are the ones you prefer.
Good luck and happy walking!
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May 17th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
i have never had a blister in the many years i’ve participated in the 3-day. my blister free days are 100% attributed to the thinner cushioned thorlo’s mentioned above (purchase here http://www.thorlo.com/socks/walking-socks/mini-crew/663.php), body glide (purchased at any sporting good store…i prefer dick’s sporting goods), and proper fitting shoes (for me, i over-pronate when i walk, so i need a stability shoe. i also have medium feet with wider toes, so new balance sneakers are the best for me). good luck everyone! blisters are no fun…and the proper socks really do make all the difference!!!
May 17th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
I LOVE my Injinji’s… and yes, they are different than the stripes ones you wore as a kid! Don’t get just any toe sock – make sure they are wicking socks.
But the most important part of the blog above is that the best sock for you depends on you. I tend to get toe blisters – so Injini’s are GREAT. However, the Injinji’s do not help my friend who gets heal blisters. Some LOVE the Thorlo thick socks for all the cushion – but they make my feet feel like they are burning up from the heat.
So… as it says… consider your feet, where you tend to get blisters (if any) and then try one pair of a type that seems to make sense for your feet.
And when someone at a running store says that no way you need a shoe that is 2 sizes bigger than usual, ask them if they have ever fitted someone for shoes that will spend the better portion of 3 days in a row walking. Again, your training walks will help you find out if your feet swell a lot or not. I start with two pairs of socks in the morning (Injinji covered with a regular pair of wicking running socks with no toes) – then at noon, I switch to one clean pair of Injini’s without the second pair typically because my feet have swollen some. (If no swelling, then I add another outer sock to take up some of the extra room.) It isn’t that hard to adjust – if you are prepared. Then no matter whether hot or cold, wet or dry, you are prepared to change accordingly. Socks are lightweight and take up very little room… and if you walk a city that has cold mornings, that extra pair can serve as “mittens” first thing.
May 17th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
I found the new Experia® CoolMax® – Thin Cushion from Thorlo work really good. They only have cushion where needed (heel & ball of foot). The rest of the sock is supportive around the arch without being bulky. I like them much better than the regular Thorlo socks. A lot thinner and cooler.
May 17th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
Wright socks are another brand of double-layer socks.
May 18th, 2010 at 5:30 am
I love “Wright” socks.
They have “wick-away” fabric, very comfortable.
A light support.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:52 pm
Thanks for the great review! I will be walking for the first time, so I am soaking up any and all info.
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