Summer is just around the corner and I'm excited for everything the warm weather has to offer. From picnics and barbecues to strawberries and hamburgers, this is my favorite time of year! And with Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, and Memorial Day, there are a lot of parties to look forward to. Wondering what items we're totally obsessing over this month? Here they are, our must haves for May.
I have scars on my feet. I'm sure we all have some scars on our feet. Our feet are our tools for experiencing life, really. They take us through our day-to-day and beyond. They are important, they are precious. We should take good care of them! So the next time you're not sure if you can afford a pedicure, consider this your pep talk.
Many of us also have a shoe fetish and will sometimes splurge on a killer pair that we pray will not pinch and blister our precious feetsies. Alas, it happens. And when it does, it's good to always have a certain something on your person.
To meet a foot's best friend, read more
Dear FitSugar,
Your recent hiking post reminded me of a problem that I am having with my new hiking boots. I am trying to break in the shoes in preparation for the Half Dome hike in Yosemite next month. Unfortunately, I got terrible blisters on the back of my feet (under the Achille's tendon area) after hiking the first day. Desperately needing to break in the boots, I just bandaged the already punctured blister and went hiking again the next day with 2 pairs of socks, even though it was quite painful. After the second day, the blister got bigger and even more painful. Should I ignore the wound and keep hiking or wait until the blister heals before wearing the boots again? Is this common when breaking in new hiking boots or is there something wrong with my boots?
That's a great question since it is hiking season and lots of people are shopping for new boots. The key to breaking in new hiking boots is to take things slowly. Different kinds of boots will require different amounts of time to break in. Lightweight models might not need much breaking in time at all, while the heavier, stiffer, all-leather boots could take weeks to soften up and form to the shape of your feet.
Want to hear my advice? Then read more
Do you get blisters when you work out? Sweat can soften your skin, which will make you more prone to blisters when your foot rubs against your shoes. Then the friction can tear softer skin and cause blisters -- Ouch!
A sock that keeps your foot drier will help to prevent blisters from forming. Socks with wicking will help to wick (or draw) the moisture away from your foot to keep your tootsies dry and blister free.
I like: Patagonia's Lightweight Endurance Ankle Socks ($14.50) are lightweight and airy, with enough ankle coverage to stop the sock from slipping in the shoe. Buy them here.
Or you can try: Nike's AirMax 360 Dri-Fit Tab Sock ($7). Dri-FIT properties wick away moisture for rapid evaporation and cooler, drier wear and Air Max technology cushions feet against impact. Buy them here.
Fit's Tip: If you're blister prone then pre-treat problem areas. So say you always get blisters on your heels, pad them with moleskin prior to working out.
