How to have a blister-free festive season

When it comes to blisters, few things are more important than wearing comfortable shoes that fit well, to minimise the chances of them rubbing painfully against your skin. You’ll have experienced this when breaking in a new pair of shoes, when you’ve opted for style over practicality, or simply if you’ve bought the wrong size.

• Check the fit. When buying shoes, make sure they are neither too loose nor too tight - both possibilities can cause the rubbing friction that leads to blisters. Ideally you want them to be snug, but with enough room to move your toes about.

• Pick a well-loved pair. Ideally, you should wear shoes that you’ve already broken in, particularly if you’re going to be on your feet for a long time. 

• Consider comfort–enhancing features. Shoes with cushioned soles can make walking have significantly less impact on the feet. You may also want to try a cushioned insole, especially if your shoes are a bit too large and you’re looking for a snugger fit. 

• Consider stability. Wearing shoes that make you stand and walk in a certain way (e.g. high heels) can cause your feet to move in a fashion they are unused to, increasing the risk of rubbing.

And if you’re just too excited to put off wearing that brand new pair of shoes, try breaking them in by wearing them for short periods of time around the house.

There are a few things you can do to prepare your feet for all the work you’ll be putting them through over the festive season.

• Hydrate and soften. Keeping your feet moisturised means they will be less hard and less prone to chafing. Consider applying foot cream the night before or a few hours before heading out - or better yet, apply cream daily as part of a footcare routine.

• Proactive friction prevention. The Compeed Anti-Blister stick is an ingenious way of reducing friction on areas of your feet that are prone to blisters. Simply rub onto the skin and it will leave an invisible protective layer that makes your skin glide more easily against anything it comes into contact with. 

• The ultimate protection. If you already have a blister, can feel one forming, or are even simply worried about getting one, it’s a great idea to put a Compeed Blister Plaster on the area before you head out. This will cushion your blister or hot-spot entirely, preventing any pain from rubbing and creating a fast-healing environment if you already have a blister. 

The festive season provides ample opportunity for getting dressed up to the nines, but you might want to weigh up practicality as well as style when it comes to picking your shoes. So if you’re looking to avoid blisters, you should consider some of these options:

• Lower heels, or block heels that provide more support

• Elegant flats that have comfortable padding to cushion your feet

• Boots with soft linings

• Shoes with adjustable straps for a guaranteed snug fit

Even if it means choosing a shoe that doesn’t look quite as showy or exciting as others, your feet will thank you for it later!

The worst thing you can do is ignore the early signs of pain that indicate you’re at risk of developing a blister. It might just be a light rubbing sensation, or a tiny tingle of pain - but it’s vital that you take care of it immediately.

Having Compeed Blister Plasters on hand means that you can address these kinds of issues as soon as they develop, applying a cushion that immediately prevents any further rubbing, stops the pain and creates a moist healing environment to help cure blisters before they get any worse. 

So wherever you are, make sure you’re carrying a small pack of Compeed - you never know when it might come to your rescue. 

After a long day of trudging about in the cold, or dancing the night away at a party, nothing feels better giving your feet a little pampering. Why not try one of these luxurious ways to unwind:

• Soaking your feet in warm water and Epsom salts to ease your aches and pains.

• Pop your feet up on a footstool to recline and reduce swelling. 

• Slip into something more comfortable like cosy slippers or thermal socks to keep your feet warm.

• Gently exfoliate your feet to remove dry skin and keep them supple. 

Just follow the above advice for a more restful and comfortable winter holidays - and if you don’t already have a foot spa, then it’s clear what needs to be added to your festive wish list!