Thanks guys for all the wonderful advice, have ordered socks, duoderm and tape, hopefully one or all of them will work 🙂

Don't wear shoes/slippers at home the week before. It will let the blister dry and shrink. Avoid continual pressure as this will keep the blister going. Once healed a thicker patch of skin should result and fix future problems ...

Yes you can put duoderm on an existing blister (or use them if you think you might be getting one). I looked online and Boots sell them - they're made by ConvaTec Ltd. You're meant to be able to shower with them on but they go a bit like wet chewing gum if you do☹ so I'd just change it for a new one. Hope it gets better soon.

sorry to hear you are in pain kateB. there was a cracking article in trail mag a while back re blisters. if in severe pain yes pop with sterile pin/needle etc but only as a last resort. i find compede rubs off myself so have turned to a little secret my ex OE lecturer gave me - Gaffer Tape. its excellent never had any probs since using it. If blister is large get some gauze from chemist (non stick stuff)place that on blister to soak up juice and pad alittle, then Gaffer tape over the top.Bobs your uncle & fanny's your aunt. the outdoor world is now your lobster. hope works for you.

Always a bit further, not heard of Duoderm, is it ok to put onto an existing blister or just to prevent them happening?

Oh you poor thing HP, 3 peaks a very long walk to do with blisters - got mine on a 17 mile walk at weekend and it was not fun - had compeeds too but put them on too late and have a blister bigger than a 50p coin now☹

Thanks site admin, have very narrow ankles and feet bought Italian boots called Aku because they are meant to be narrow fittings ☹ ho hum, dont fancy ditching them having worn them twice! Shall try and lace them tighter!

You could try a dressing called Duoderm extra thin. Its a bit like a second skin, very flexible and stops blister hurting but it heals underneath. Not sure if you can buy them in chemists etc but should be able to get them online I think.

It sounds like your heels are loose in the boot. Either a) The boot heel is too big (is it a German make such as Meindl?) If so ditch the boots and buy new. If you have narrow heels try Scarpa or Mammut (Reichle). If your feet are narrow all over then a French/Spanish boot may fit better. I hear Asolo are good for narrow feet. b) Do the lace up well across the bridge. This forces the foot down and back in to heel and helps prevent movement.

I find a single sock layer is better than two - some people say the opposite! Experiment.

p.s. & i know your not supposed to burst blisters but i had to in the end & it was alot more comfortable to walk on..

i got a terrible blister on the 3peaks walk...it took about a week to heal! im sure its because i didnt do my boots up tight enough as ive never had blisters before with the same boots..so my advice is..tie yer boots tight enough!

Thanks for the advice everyone, much appreciated 🙂. Has anyone tried the 1000 mile socks that guarantee no blisters?? I am tempted but just not sure if they are technically advanced or just a gimmick.

when the compeed fall off, try and get loads of fresh air to the skin and keep it out of socks. cut down on bubble baths. Some say soaking your feet in salt water can harden the skin, not tried this though. and whenever i go walking i always cover vulnerable spots with moleskin, Scholl do some, you can buy padded or non padded but it protects the skin.

try 2 or even 3 pairs of thin socks rather than one thick pair .... my x wife used to go nuts because I would wear new boots around the house for at least a week before going outdoors in them ... and befor any comments come forth not in the bedroom

Ouch poor you, a friend of mine was recommended "second skin" you can get it from any good walking shop, it worked for her
good luck