Blister prevention, my arches?

I am training for my first half marathon and seem to be taking the skin off my foot on the inside of my arches. I have wide flat feet, wouldn't you know it! I changed my shoe, got some ascis ones and was advised to get a bigger shoe (wider) that suposedly suited my low arches. Sounded good, but as I ramp up the miles I still am taking the skin off my arches.





Should I shell out on a pair of fancy running socks as well!! or strap up my foot.





I thought this would be painfull, but wasn't prepared for taking the skin off my arches after just 6 miles!!!

Blister prevention, my arches?
A couple of things you can try without spending lots of money.


1. turn your socks inside out


2. use a little vaseline on your foot before running


3. buy cheap gel insoles


Sometimes you can't stop blisters but usually it is caused by ill fitting shoes or mechanical problems running.


If you have a flat foot you should look with a shoe with a straight shape (look on the sole(bottom)) of the shoe and one with a board last( a really stiff shoe, try to bend it in half and it should be stiff).


hope this helps.
Reply:You will have to build up (thicken) the skin on your feet for any shoe to be comfortable. Some runners have this curse and some do not.


I, unfortunately am of the cursed variety. I initially had a problem, and found a wonderful product called molefoam. You can get it at the pharmacy or any store that has a special section for insoles and things like that. It's flesh-colored and layered foam with adhesive on the back. You can cut it to fit in whatever area you are having problem with (you will see what I am talking about when you look at it). It's a godsend, and really helps. I strapped my foot and used it until I built up even more skin to travel on.


I hope this helps, and good luck with the marathon!
Reply:blisters are caused by your skin rubbing against the sock or shoe. its usually because your shoes are too loose.





I would go to a store that specializes in running shoes, and let them look at your feet and stride. bring in your old shoes, too. they can look at the wear on them to analyze your stride.


and dont wear cotton socks! when they get wet from sweat, they rub and cause blisters.
Reply:Blisters on the arches are by no means normal. You shoudn't have to "toughen up" the arches like you have to with toes. Definitely shell out for running socks. Especially when you are running as far as you are, you need a nylon or similar sock. Wright socks are great because they have two layers: one sticks to your foot while the other moves with the shoe, most socks only have the one layer that moves with the shoe causing friction and blisters. BUT, your shoes aren't right for you. Anytime you have blisters on your arches, you need a better fitting shoe. What you said about getting a wider shoe sounds good, but what you have may have too high of an arch support or the shoe is too big and the arch support hits in the wrong place. Either way your shoe isn't right. If you got your new pair at a running store you should be able to take it back and get something else. If you didn't get them at a running store then you definitely need to go to one. You don't realize how much you don't know until you visit a running store.





Good luck with the blisters and with the marathon!
Reply:It is possible that it is your shoes...but you also could have a skin condition. I literally can't build up calluses on my feet or hands because of a genetic thing-so no matter what I do, I get blisters. (Also, my dermatologist told me to never become a park ranger because of it...darn it, she crushed my dreams! :) I'm joking about the dream part) However, it's more likely that it's your shoes. I'd go talk to someone at a running store-be sure and bring your shoes, and wear socks you normally run in. They can help determine if it really is your shoes doing this. However, if it's not your shoes, I'd go see a dermatologist about them, and see if s/he can give you anything to help. Good luck with your half marathon!
Reply:Your shoes are to loose!! Go to a running shoe store that specializes in running only!! They have a special machines that you walk on and checks your feet. Also get some special socks that may help blisters!! It is worth the money!!