Not that new to backpacking, but I am getting ready for a new pair of boots and I was wondering if anyone else has trouble with the type of blister I am seeing. Unlike every other blister I have had (on my hands from working, once in a while from hiking) I have on recent trips gotten blisters on the bottom of my heels. These things are not on the surface of the skin however. I get a hot spot that eventually will blister under the layers of my heels, at the very back. On a recent trip to REI, one of the salespeople assured me they would fit me with boots that would be just what I needed (of course), but I am wodering something. I never see these on dayhikes. If I am out for 5 or 6 days in the sierras I will see them on the 4th or 5th day. Here in CT, where the trails have more rocks, it takes only 2 days. I wonder, is it just the fact that I am carrying a heavy pack? Has anyone had this type of blister? Should I just work up to a heavier weight gradually?
Thanks!

I've gotten a small one under the callused bottom of my big toe. Not fun is it?

Do you have inserts in the boots? A gal in my hiking group had horrible heel blisters after putting partials in her old boots - she ended up taking everything back to REI for a refund after getting golf ball size blisters. Sometimes improperly fitted inserts make it worse.

I would work on lightening the pack and perhaps giving the feet a long rest at lunch, taking off the shoes/socks, if you aren't doing that already. I wasn't resting and it makes a huge difference in how sore I get by the end of the day.

http://gorp.away.com/gorp/activity/hiking/medical/happy_feet.html
http://www.superfeet.com/foot-health/FHI15.aspx?FL=B


I have superfeet inserts - no blisters since I got them. i wear sock liners, Thorlos or other wool/blend socks, and either my Saloman trail shoes or Keen boots. I still get a bit footsore but I'm working my way up to longer hikes.

It sounds like what I get with my water shoes that have a heel strap. I don't get blisters because I don't wear them long enough. I think what is happening is that the cushioning directly under your heel is worn out and compressing too much. The cushioning on the outer edge of your heel is stiffer and gives less, while the inside gives more than it used to. This makes the hard stiffer part push against the edge of your heel because the cushion in the center isn't supporting your weight. I would guess that any new shoes with new insoles would solve your problem. Remember that this is just a guess and I am not a doctor. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

How thick are the calouses on your heels? I would see a foot doctor or podiatrist and have the problem assessed. If you're developing blisters that deep under the skin, there may have been some delamination going on that may be difficult to heal (Heal the Heel LOL). I once had a deep blister like that on my heel, not on the sole, but up the inside of my heel just a scosh. It was from hiking, and it was a good 15 years before I stopped getting hot spots in the same place if I didn't take care to protect the area well. Deep delamination injuries can take a long, long time to heal completely.

MNS

Thanks for your replies. It's funny how everyone hit on somethig I was thinking <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. Delamination is was it reminds me of. My heels are fairly calloused on just a regular basis; the depth of the blister below the callous gave cause for pause when someone suggested draining them. Too much chance for infection. With regard to the cushion, I think these boots are 6 years old; they've seen a lot of the country.
I have heard a lot of good things about the superfeet inserts, but I talked myself out of them, and the fit of these boots prohibits anything more than my socks. The good news is I already have an appointment with a podiatrist for another issue, and new boots are on the Xmas list!

Try wearing a good pair of socks, like Thorlos. Not the cheapo 6 pair for $10 socks. I also got full inserts for my shoes. These have a plastic base with arch support and you put them in hot water to soften them, then wear them to shape them for YOUR foot. Do not get Dr. Sholes inserts, they are just thin foam and provide no support. Do not get leather inserts, they are flexible and again, provide no support. Get something with a firm plastic base with padding on top of that. Supports full of liquid gel just squish the gel from front to the back of the insert, and again, provide no support. I have not used the solid gel inserts.

Whenever I hike I also put bandaids on my heels to preempt any blisters in that location. It works for me.