Antiperspirant to Prevent Blisters?

[Boboque]

I saw this tip the other day and thought that it was strange. The tip was to use an antiperspirant on the places where your shoe may rub and it would keep a blister from forming. I didn't see any rational but I thought the tip was interesting. What say you?

[Hikenhunter]

I never heard of using it to keep blisters from forming but I have used it simply to keepp my feet from perspiring. Maybe it prevents blisters because if your feet don't sweat, your socks don't get wet and wet socks do rub and cause blisters. Foot powder should take care of the rubbing as well.

[RingTwist]

Yes, I think the antiperspirant quality is the only reason it would work. Using baking powder would probably do the same thing and it’s cheaper and better for you.

[Gondor]

I see the logic behind it but I doubt it will help a lot. If you had blisters before than you know how hard is to stop them from forming let alone handle them once they are formed.

[Newanderthal]

blisters form when your skin continually rubs against something. the problem is made worse when your skin is softened by moisture. The best way to prevent blisters is to cut down on the rubbing motion against your skin.

wear shoes/boots that fit
lace your shoes/boots properly to minimize sliding
wear hiking socks to provide cushion/further minimize sliding
wear sock liners so the socks can slide against something other than your skin
change your socks and liners if they become damp (hang damp socks from your pack to dry them out. you can change socks when you stop for lunch, wearing one pair in the morning and another in the afternoon)

if warm spots develop, STOP. remove shoes and socks, dry your foot, and apply a patch of duct tape to the warm spot

lastly, know your limits. if hiking ten miles kills your feet, plan shorter trips

[wvbreamfisherman]

For serious hot spots and blisters, I've found that moleskin does a pretty decent job. I usually end up using a couple layers , but the padding helps.

On the AT section hike, I switched to two pairs of my regular hiking socks and that really alleviated the problem.

[Theosus]

I know it seems backwards, but I wear my heavy wool hiking socks year round, never had a blister. I guess they soak up the water well. Thin socks for me are the worst.

[Boboque]

Good advice guys. I really didn't see how the antiperspirant would have helped to prevent blisters. Believe it or not, the worst blisters I've ever had were when we went to Disney World. The kids were even complaining of sore feet after several days of staying there.

[mccallum]

I was once told by a ground pounder that usng bandaides and some form of cream helped; it did by the way. So if the antiperspirant allows the sock to slide and not make a hotspot then maybe. I would rather cover the spots that I know I blister with cream and bandaides than try to use antiperspirant and hope it works!

[campclose]

First I have heard of this. Makes sense from a sweating standpoint though. I usually get blisters when I wear new "not broken in" shoes or shoes that are too big.