How to Prevent Blisters

I vote on reducing friction by whatever means possible. My skin blisters if it rubs. maybe a boot full of vaseline or powder works for you.
For me, liner socks that stick to feet which moves the friction from skin-sock to sock-sock. Duct tape works because the surface is slick and it slides against the sock.

While hiking the 800Km Camino de Santiago in Spain I had terrible problems with sweaty feet. It was suggested to me by an eccentric French woman who ran one of the pilgrim hostels where I stayed to put a woman's clean sanitary napkin in the boot to absorb moisture. It worked like a charm! Duck tape is something I tried earlier to keep some cushioning in place and it ripped the crap out of my feet. I wouldn't recommend that to anyone.

I start with a thin pair of double layer socks (www.wrightsocks.com)then wool socks. DON'T ever put any cream or powder with aluminum in the ingredients. Very dumb advice Backpacker!!

I have had a lot of luck, oddly enough, by keeping my feet soaking wet. I discovered this while descending Whitney in a rain storm, with at least a few miles at a jog, without a single hot spot. My feet were wrinkled almost beyond recognition, but felt good. Now when I feel a blister coming I start walking in creeks.

Does this work for anyone else?

I second the Duct tape comment. I have a wide foot with narrow heels, and I tend to get blisters on my heels if I don't remember to tape up. I also like to use liners, but they don't work as well as tape.

Preventing the blister is key to an enjoyable hike. I use a product called Glide on my trouble spots to help decrease the friction against the skin. Applying duct tape over problem areas to prevent the blister helps too. Just wrap about 3-4 feet of the duct tape around a pill bottle and keep in your backpack, use to prevent blisters, to cover a "hot" spot, or to add a layer of protection to the skin where a blister has already formed. Wear good hiking socks, like Smartwool, and invest in a good pair of hiking boots!

Here's a quote from inspire.com, sourced from these journals:
Journal of Applied Toxicology. Concentrations of Parabens in Human Breast Tumours Darbre P.D., Aljarrah A., Miller W.R., Coldham N.G., Sauer M.J., Pope G.S. 24:1, 2004
(1) DeVita, Sabina, Saving Face: The Scents-able Way to Wrinkle-Free Skin. Brampton, Ontario, Canada, 2002.
(2) Network News and Publications, Rub A Dub, Dub� Is Cancer in Your Tub? Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 1999.

The problem with deodorants and antiperspirants is not only the aluminum, but how it works to reduce sweat and smelly odors.
Aluminum compounds or aluminum salts, such as aluminum oxide (Al2O3), are key ingredients in almost every antiperspirant. They are powerful astringents that close pores, stopping sweat and odor from escaping the body.
Antiperspirants may leave the outside of the body smelling fresh and clean but inside, the toxins that would have escaped the body in the sweat have nowhere to go. For this reason, antiperspirants have been linked to problems with the sweat glands and lymph glands in and around the underarms.

Whats more, antiperspirants are designed to be absorbed�; the aluminum and many other chemicals are taken into the body and may affect the endocrine and lymphatic systems, as well as being a potential risk factor in breast cancer.

** It surprises me that Backpacker, a magazine about an environmentally-friendly outdoor activity, would mention these ingredients and their use without mentioning the health risks also. **

when I was in the military we wore 2 pairs of socks, one thin inner one heavy outer and that worked for everyone. They work against each other instead of wearing skin against the scoks.

Duct tape works great. Apply when skin is dry at the start of the day. The shinny side is slick and avoids rubbing. Old runner trick.

Try "Body Glide Liquified Powder" ($10 REI) between the toes!! Best stuff I've ever used!! :) For those deep ones under the ball of the foot, or heels...I use athletic tape.

wax paper! wrap your heels in it as a preventative when hot spots appear - although it's a bit messy when you pull out your foot. Liners do work the best.

I'm surprised the article didn't mention using sock liners. I've found that to be the best blister prevention method. The liner hugs my foot and slides against the sock, instead of my foot sliding against the sock, which is what causes most of my blisters.

Super glue on the hot spots, it gives a much less expensive "second skin" so that it wears off before the blister forms. This is really helpful for me, BUT ONLY BEFORE the blister forms. AFter--OUCH!

Sweaty Feet stink! Wrap 'em up!

Two words: HOCKEY TAPE!
WHEN: before I leave and every morning until I am home. Haven't had a blister since.

I've been taping with Johnson & Johnson first-aid tape after blisters appear (so i know where to tape), but the blisters keep forming under the tape. Specifically on the top inner-side of the big toes and the top and bottom of both #4 toes. What could be the problem? Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!

gold bond foot powder is a life saver. it help keep your feet dry.i know becuase after 45 miles your sock are wet with sweat.

The one thing I probably bring to much of are socks. Of course, in my opinion you can never have enough of them. The difference between a horrible trip and a once-in-a-lifetime trip can often be how your feet feel. I change my socks during every break and if there is a steam nearby, I'll rinse them out and let them dry on my backpack. I also use Dr Scholls foot powder (fill up a couple film canisters depending on length) and also put duck tape over the "trouble spots" on me feet before I get started. The best way to cure a blister is to take the necessary steps before the hot spot even develops.