An alternative option for socks (but one I haven’t tested so can’t comment too much) is to dust your feet with talcum powder and slip on five-finger running socks which cover each toe like a pair of gloves. Even worse is if you've been using lubricants or powders which are now ingrained into your shoe lining. To fit them, you have to position the patch exactly on your insole in the location where it rubs, which is easier said than done. Training for Marathons and running over 100 miles per week puts a considerable amount of strain on the feet and blisters were an occupational hazard for me until I was introduced to ENGO. This led to the invention of Teflon, which is used in non-stick cookware, as it is resistant to high temperatures and chemicals.

Patches, Better Known as ENGO Blister Patches PTFE Patches, Better Known as ENGO Blister Patches

If you’re a runner and you run most days, or you're on a multiday hike, you’ll recognise the wasted time spent taping your feet. Some people swear by wiping vaseline on their feet instead which would certainly work out cheaper, but then you’d have greasy feet and socks all day, whereas Compeed anti-blister sticks are non-greasy and pretty much invisible.

Having used talcum powder (whenever I can be bothered to find the bottle) I can confirm it definitely helps.

ENGO Blister Prevention Patches - Heel Pack (E-2HSP)

Third, I’ve now learnt that by placing these patches on my heel before I go for a walk I never get heel blisters in the first place, which my beloved Berghaus boots (link to my review) are prone to giving me. Second, they contain a special hydrocolloid gel (which provides moistness) to encourage new skin growth and I have to say whenever I’ve had a blister they always seem to heal faster in a Compeed patch than when I just leave them open to the air, admittedly because whenever I do that the fluid bubble inevitably pops too early. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. They may be unsightly but the hardened skin is your body’s natural way of dealing with skin abrasions, and best of all they’re an anti-blister product that’s completely free. The two Rectangle Patches in the ENGO Blister Patches Rectangle Pack provide the largest area of protection for your feet.Well… no, they don’t, and my faith in cheapo plasters disappeared completely after a friend recommended Compeed which are superior in every possible way, which is why I now happily recommend them to everyone. For the infection to be diagnosed a small tissue sample may be taken after which they will likely prescribe antibiotics either in the form of an oral tablet or a cream or ointment that is applied directly to the affected area. The ENGO Blister Prevention Patches Heel Pack is specially designed for full coverage of blisters at the back of the heel. This can be a problem if you're a few hours in to your hike, your feet have been sweating profusley because it's a hot day, and you can feel a hotspot.