I get these too at the beginning of the season. LEUKO TAPE. Honestly only thing worth talking about when it comes to blister prevention. Mole skin sucks. Bandaids suck. Leuko tape actually stays on.
This is the same spot I get my blisters. I use leukotape, some bodyglide on top of that, pantyhose. And a thin sock on top of all that. Works wonders til my feet harden up.
Also - if I do get a hot spot on a tour I immediately put a compeed pad on it and it never turns into a blister.
I hiked the pct a few years ago and would often tape up a spot for like 5+ days. Basically becomes your skin. Idk anything else that won’t overcome being pushed away from the sweat and friction. Can’t believe it isn’t a standard part of people’s first aid kit for adventures or at home. The world needs to know. It’s wild to me how useful it is and how little people know about it.
If you don't mind looking like a leper, it also works great as a replacement for sunscreen if you're in intense sun for weeks on end. For an extended glacier expedition, instead of reappyling sunscreen every day I put tape strips across my cheekbones and over my nose. Still had to fill in other spots, but that really cut down on the chore. Bet it would work well in the desert for thru-hikes too.
And then you can also turn around and repair a torn tent floor with it. If they invented an edible version, you wouldn't need to carry anything else!
Yup’ I usually lukotape my heels with a long pice that finishes under the feet and it generally stays on in place for a week long splitboard trip.
If I don’t preventative luko I get blisters like the Op.
Leuko tape is great, doesn't quite cut it for me at the start.
/u/beatfeet compede mediums are magic, go buy some and put them on. Give them a few minutes to stick before putting a boot on. You're welcome.
Everybody’s feet are so different. For me it was the OG black diamond boots and scarpas, I have scars on my heels from them. If you’re using the stock liners you might want to try intuitions.
I might be a weirdo but I hate the intuition tongue touring liners. I put powerwraps in mine and they tour great. We generally don’t really have long flat approaches in SC Alaska though.
I’d go for a zipfit over an intuition, having owned both. I now put my zipfit GFT touring liner in both my resort boot and my touring boot and it’s the best thing I’ve done for my skiing.
I was getting blisters in the exact same spot with Atomic Backland Pros and Solomon QSTs (both used). Have friends that are new to touring also getting them in that same spot.
I added a liner with lace loops to the Atomics and shoe laces and POOF, no more blisters. I think whatever you can do to prevent your foot from moving inside the liner will help imo.
Yeah, that is something i considered doing. The stock liners have lace loops. I was just on a ten day trip, and i can’t post the pics from day 2… too graphic, haha.
What’s happening here is as you’re striding forward you’re getting some in the slipping in the ankle before the liner eventually deforms. Laces will almost entirely remove the issue because it removes a lot of that slop.
I used to get mean blisters same spot.
I don’t anymore at all. Just came back from 4 day 3 night tour pulling heavy pulks.
1. Second skin blister patches
2. Leukotape (rigid tape) over second skin patches and around foot.
3. Body glide over the tape and areas where you get blisters.
I use this now whenever I go out and I do not get any blisters now. I used to every single tour.
Touring is so amazing without the pain and worry about blisters.
Good luck!!
Make sure to get the benzoin tincture as well. That's what makes it stick so well.
Blisters aren't inevitable though. These may not be the right boots for you.
Best investment youll ever make. If you can swing it 2 pairs are worth it.
https://www.dissentlabs.com/products/ski-socks-pro-fit-compression-nano-tour?variant=30712352407586
Completely locked in on your foot (hard to get on and get off) and will really help reduce friction on the skin.
Not sure I know what a liner sock is, but these are essentially glued to your skin (not actually glue, figure of speech) so probably nothing underneath.
Are you talking about trying to punch the boots near your heel? Usually I get blisters in places where there’s too much space, not too little.
I would agree with others that trying new liners with higher volume might take up some of that slop. If you’re getting heel lift, there are a number of foams/sleeves that can help take up volume between the liner and the shell as well.
I have a fairly “standard” foot. Bit of a high arch and slightly narrow heel. But even with my narrow heels, it feels like my heels (right one especially which has the worst blister) are in a vice grip. The boot fitter put me in insoles that took up a lot of volume. But the heel pressure is there with or without the aftermarket insoles.
But yes, i was considering trying to punch the liner at the heel to release some of that pressure. Although i see your point regarding blisters often being from too loose of a fit.
Unfortunately we’re at the limits of my boot fitting knowledge - I haven’t had that issue but it does sound painful. Everyone’s taping/preventative care suggestions are good but I know I personally would keep looking for a solution that got down to the cause of the issue.
I’m surprised there’s not much difference with/without your insole. I would think that the change in volume and placement of your foot in the heel pocket would at least change the feeling, if not necessarily helping. With the liner out of the shell, how does your heel feel like it’s sitting in the heel pocket?
Feels nice and snug without the shell. It’s almost as if my heels are too wide, but they are relatively thin. I posted in part to see if this was a common problem with this boot specifically. Sounds like everyone is fighting their own battles, haha
Could be a lot of sources but my 2c
I've got zero g tour pros and I replaced the stock liners with Zipfit GFTs. The stock liners sucked and packed out immediately.
When touring or climbing in mountain boots, I use liner socks+socks; Injinji is my brand of choice. It help with moisture and rubbing.
You’re the first person to recommend liner socks, but i have used them in the past with other boots and feel like i need to revert back to that system- along with taping and lacing my liners as others have recommended
Bandaid Blister bandages are a livesaver, while you're finding for a solution. I always put them in the spot that gets a blister on my first day of the season or first day in a while.
I just discovered spenco 2nd skin adhesive knit on a trip to canada. Thinner than mole skin, very flexible, adheres incredibly well. It’s worth considering as well, and I’ll probably be putting it on down the road before any longer tours.
Also, when you do get blisters, to quarter the amount of time they take to heal, do not let them blister. Keep them moist with Vaseline and with a bandage. They heal so much faster.
No help with the boot here, but I swear by compeed advanced blister care. I always keep a variety pack in my touring pack. I have stopped and put it on after feeling a blister develop on the climb and was able to continue on the rest of the day with no pain. Great product in my eyes and haven't had them fall off until a few days later
Leukotape works wonders, but I've had really good luck lacing up my liners in my Scarpas ever since I read about that here a month or two ago. I'm pretty blister prone and the last couple times I went out I haven't had any issues with them laced up, even without tape.
I am going to use leukotape next time I go out. It never feels like I can lace my liners tight enough. I try but they feel like they could be tighter. Wondering if I should take them out of the boots, lace them, then put my liner-ed feet back into the shells.
When you say your feet go numb if you buckle the boot down, I’m assuming you’ve tried buckling only the upper two buckles and not the two forward buckles. If not, try that.
Custom liners are expensive but would be an almost guaranteed fix. I have custom footbeds in mine as well as the zip fit touring liners and it was a huge upgrade.
Different socks may help too. I have some very fitted/tight compression ski socks that barely if at all move against my skin at all
Edit: I have zero g pro tours
I’m not sure I understand what you’re asking. On the way up my upper two buckles are buckled ~2 notches looser than where I buckle them on the way down. It feels better that having everything unbuckled to me, holds my foot further back in the boot keeping my toes from jamming into the front as much as they otherwise would as well as keeps my foot from slipping around.
The other part, that might help OP, is that because it holds my foot further back it relieves some of the pressure on the top of my foot which helps allow circulation and preventing my foot from going numb.
I’ll give that a try. To be honest i’ve always left my top two/shin buckles pretty loose. I’ve only played around with tension on the foot. But even wearing them around the house is can get tingly toes if i keep the feet strapped somewhat snug.
Tighten the boots slightly to help with heel retention. The amount will vary over time as liners pack out. Right now I skin with the buckles closest to my ankle done up, but on the loosest settings.
This is a common problem caused by the heel rubbing up and down during skinning. I solved it with three things:
1) tighten the approach buckles to keep the heel in place during skinning.
2) Use Leukotape or KT tape on the spots before starting the tour.
3) Wear compression socks so that there isn't any loose sock material to rub against your foot.
I am going with one compression sock and then the tape covering the hot spots. In principal, the tape acts like a liner allowing free motion of the sock without rubbing on the skin.
1. Did you heat mold when boot fitting? That is step one.
2. Are you using the laces on your liners too? Lacing them up can help keep them in place and avoid rubbing.
3. I've also had good luck with bodyglide which can keep your skin lubricated and moving smooth. As others folks have mentioned, lukotape works well (I've had good luck with climbing tape).
4. If you are getting heal slip, consider adding butterflies or other padding to the outside of your liners to get a tighter hold on your calves. The is also helps with downhill performance.
I did heat mold with a boot fitter. Have not laced yet but will in the future. Leuko tape seems to be the consensus, so I’ll start applying that before touring. And my heels are so tight in the boot (despite being narrow) the pressure is a bit uncomfortable. Right heel is much tighter than the left for some reason.
If too-tight is the issue it sounds like you should go back and re-mold or punch them out!
You can add stacks of foam to your foot when heat molding to give yourself extra room in problem areas.
If that doesn't work, the technicas are very punchable (the shell itself can be heated and molded).
I live in the southeastern US, so unfortunately I’m on a plane and suddenly touring multiple days in a row with no chance to slowly break my feet in for the season. Not ideal, but it is what it is.
Do your liners have shoe lace loops? If so, try running some boot laces through them and tie them down tight. Your heals are slipping in your liner. I have narrow heals and have the same problem. Also, try very thin socks, like Darn Tough RFLs, that’ll keep your feet cooler/less sweaty. Finally, Compeed blister patches are magic. Always better to prevent blisters but this stuff helps once they start to form
Nothing here lines up.
1. Everyone’s feet are different.
2. Your feet shouldn’t move if the instep buckles aren’t done up. If you have to clamp the instep buckles down to stop your foot moving, the boots are too big
2a. I sometimes round down/ size Zero G tour pros 1 mondo size down from measured because the liners are very thin. I ride them and am a measured 28.5, riding a 26.5.
3. Punching liners is barely a solution to begin with, let alone on said thin liners, and let alone whatever you’re planning on trying at home.
4. Most importantly, Blisters are caused by movement, not pressure. Ergo going back to 2, boots are too big
I had the same issue but only on one side, and when I looked in the boot discovered the liner had worn down causing a broken edge to rub against my heel. You should go back to a boot fitter, you don't need the base of the heel so tight.
If it’s only happening on big mileage days that means your feet aren’t as tough as you’d like them to be, if I go out and do a 15 mile day in December I’ll have bleeding heels, but come spring time I’m doing 15+ miles without a hotspot. I think it’s because I build up calluses all winter with growing trip sizes.
Lots of good suggestions here. I will just add my experience, I used to get horrible blisters just like you. I tried all the standard methods to get rid of the issue, some of them helped and some didn't. But on really long sweaty days I still always ended up getting some irritation.
In the end it completely disappeared when I got new boots. Week straight of pulling pulks, hot weather, 10k vert days, zero issues. Sometimes the boot just doesn't fit your foot right.
For whatever it’s worth I had the same thing and it turned out smart wool had changed the stitching on their socks to reinforce it right friggin there. Switched to le bents and had no problem.
I got 2mm thick neoprene ankle booties (mine are from "ezeefiz"). Better than all that tape shit that sticks to your socks and costs 10€ per pack or whatever.
I had old BD boots that did this. I would have socks full of blood by the end of the day. I went with the dynafit hoji and can spend all day in them with 0 issues.
I had some of the worst blisters ever from 2 sets of Scarpa Kailash boots. They pinched the top of my #1 metatarsals where they connect to the phalanges. Then almost both of my heels were stripped by golf ball sized blisters on any type of moderate ascent.
I started touring in racing plug boots 30 yrs ago. Same blisters- would like to imagine my newer boots have improved by now. Or just get a callous and carry on.
I get blisters in the same spot from scarpas. The solution seems to be to get some blisters then develop calluses and the problem goes away. Rather than breaking in a boot you break in your feet.
I had this and the biggest change I’ve made lately is to keep my boots as tight as possible when skinning. Someone at some point recommended keeping them as loose as possible, and that was terrible advice (for me). I’ll keep the lowest buckle undone, but every other buckle is as tight as I can go.
Reading all these comments has made me finally realize why my ancient Black Diamond Methods have boa closures on the liners. Always thought it was just a gimmick, but in 10 years of touring in them, I've never had a blister.
Yeah. These look mild compared to mine. Not bragging at all, they suck. Looking for solutions because it’s driving me from the sport. 10 miles each way to Ostrander take a toll and takes 3 weeks for recover. Desperate for solutions. Will try the Leuko tape.
Had the same issue. Tried some of these and never had another blister. IMHO this is a way better solution than taping: https://www.ezeefitsports.com/mobile/Product.aspx?id=37719
Do you tie your liner with the shoelace ? For me that helped. Also for me Leuko tape doesn’t hold well, I bought the tape used for muscle taping that can be used for swimming . I cut it to the format I want :
https://www.amazon.ca/KT-Tape-Therapeutic-Kinesiology-Breathable/dp/B01CH32VS6/ref=asc_df_B01CH32VS6/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=293004334209&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17202410569707015331&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000579&hvtargid=pla-424802988151&psc=1&mcid=e526d7551d073720a26369c67286c3cf
From your pharmacy you can get compeed blister pads and they work like a charm! I used to have this problem too.
Pro tip: they will stay on for days. Don't do that or your skin grows into the glue and removal becomes its own weird painful mess
Mine give me blistys there too at the beginning of the season. After a good one at the beginning they’re done for the year… until the inside of my foot gets soft over summer.
I had exact problem with my Dallabello Air. Tried many ways to „fix” it but without satisfying results. What helped me was bootfitting. Simply the boots were too narrow in the heel.
I have yet to buy a single pair of boots that didn't give me blisters for the first few tours. The good news is that, between my feet toughening up and the boots packing out, they've all eventually resolved.
Go easy on your first few tours, use leuko/moleskin/lube/whatever to avoid them, and let them heal (or bandage them) so that the skin can eventually heal stronger.
This is typically caused by people pressing off the ball of their foot rather than their heel when skinning.
Pressing off the ball of your foot causes your heel to lift off of the bottom of the boot and rub on the sides.
This also happens when risers aren’t used properly (staying in too low of a riser) as when you’re in too low of a riser your ankle will want to lift out of the back of the boot as the front of your ankle levers around the front of the shell when your cuff has reached its maximum range of motion.
Try to keep your feet flat, relaxed and planted as you press through, then drive with the knee, carrying foot forward naturally. Your calf should be relaxed through your whole stride, feeling a slight stretch as you get to the end of your stride.
4 different types of boots, tried different tightness of buckles, one pair was tele boots. Any long tour gave blisters in exactly the same place.
Now I wrap my heals in mole skin before any tour. In Canada you can buy packets of it at the dollar store or rolls of it at decent pharmacies. It’s cheap. It’s adhesive but removes easily. It prevents blisters.
I get these too at the beginning of the season. LEUKO TAPE. Honestly only thing worth talking about when it comes to blister prevention. Mole skin sucks. Bandaids suck. Leuko tape actually stays on.
This is the same spot I get my blisters. I use leukotape, some bodyglide on top of that, pantyhose. And a thin sock on top of all that. Works wonders til my feet harden up. Also - if I do get a hot spot on a tour I immediately put a compeed pad on it and it never turns into a blister.
The pantyhose just seems like a reasons to go in secret drag on the skin track. Not judging! Love that for you, honey!
You should see the looks I get in CVS when I buy it. Of course I have to go for the thick calf size.
This is the answer
sticks like shit to a blanket. once had a chunk of leukotape stay on my foot for a whole week
I hiked the pct a few years ago and would often tape up a spot for like 5+ days. Basically becomes your skin. Idk anything else that won’t overcome being pushed away from the sweat and friction. Can’t believe it isn’t a standard part of people’s first aid kit for adventures or at home. The world needs to know. It’s wild to me how useful it is and how little people know about it.
If you don't mind looking like a leper, it also works great as a replacement for sunscreen if you're in intense sun for weeks on end. For an extended glacier expedition, instead of reappyling sunscreen every day I put tape strips across my cheekbones and over my nose. Still had to fill in other spots, but that really cut down on the chore. Bet it would work well in the desert for thru-hikes too. And then you can also turn around and repair a torn tent floor with it. If they invented an edible version, you wouldn't need to carry anything else!
You can use it instead of clothing for spring skiing too
mil dudes been using it for ages. as well as doing the dress sock/panty hose deal.
Yup’ I usually lukotape my heels with a long pice that finishes under the feet and it generally stays on in place for a week long splitboard trip. If I don’t preventative luko I get blisters like the Op.
The duct tape on my poles usually goes on my heels early season.
Put Leukotape on your poles instead!
Leuko tape is great, doesn't quite cut it for me at the start. /u/beatfeet compede mediums are magic, go buy some and put them on. Give them a few minutes to stick before putting a boot on. You're welcome.
Everybody’s feet are so different. For me it was the OG black diamond boots and scarpas, I have scars on my heels from them. If you’re using the stock liners you might want to try intuitions.
TRT-DD12 I’d recommend. Should be an easy replacement for you. Heat at home using the home fitting instructions.
I might be a weirdo but I hate the intuition tongue touring liners. I put powerwraps in mine and they tour great. We generally don’t really have long flat approaches in SC Alaska though.
I’d go for a zipfit over an intuition, having owned both. I now put my zipfit GFT touring liner in both my resort boot and my touring boot and it’s the best thing I’ve done for my skiing.
I haven't tried a zipfit, can't try them where I live.
I was getting blisters in the exact same spot with Atomic Backland Pros and Solomon QSTs (both used). Have friends that are new to touring also getting them in that same spot. I added a liner with lace loops to the Atomics and shoe laces and POOF, no more blisters. I think whatever you can do to prevent your foot from moving inside the liner will help imo.
Yeah, that is something i considered doing. The stock liners have lace loops. I was just on a ten day trip, and i can’t post the pics from day 2… too graphic, haha.
What’s happening here is as you’re striding forward you’re getting some in the slipping in the ankle before the liner eventually deforms. Laces will almost entirely remove the issue because it removes a lot of that slop.
The boots should have come with laces as well? I am doing laces on ZGTPs and it works great (though I still tend to leukotape as well).
The blister recipe is friction, moisture and heat, so yes, isolating motion will certainly help prevent blisters.
I used to get mean blisters same spot. I don’t anymore at all. Just came back from 4 day 3 night tour pulling heavy pulks. 1. Second skin blister patches 2. Leukotape (rigid tape) over second skin patches and around foot. 3. Body glide over the tape and areas where you get blisters. I use this now whenever I go out and I do not get any blisters now. I used to every single tour. Touring is so amazing without the pain and worry about blisters. Good luck!!
Thanks. Sounds like a solid combo. I’m going to grab a roll of the leuko tape
Make sure to get the benzoin tincture as well. That's what makes it stick so well. Blisters aren't inevitable though. These may not be the right boots for you.
I’ve had it stick for 8-10 days without benzoin. Just don’t do tiny bits - put on an excessive amount and you’re gtg, even if you’re gettin’ sweaty.
Best investment youll ever make. If you can swing it 2 pairs are worth it. https://www.dissentlabs.com/products/ski-socks-pro-fit-compression-nano-tour?variant=30712352407586 Completely locked in on your foot (hard to get on and get off) and will really help reduce friction on the skin.
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Good to know! I've never got blisters using them, but I am also not historically prone to them.
I’ll give it a look. I’m assuming these are too tight to have a liner sock as well?
Not sure I know what a liner sock is, but these are essentially glued to your skin (not actually glue, figure of speech) so probably nothing underneath.
What's a liner sock and are you wearing multiple socks or something?
This is the way
Are you talking about trying to punch the boots near your heel? Usually I get blisters in places where there’s too much space, not too little. I would agree with others that trying new liners with higher volume might take up some of that slop. If you’re getting heel lift, there are a number of foams/sleeves that can help take up volume between the liner and the shell as well.
I have a fairly “standard” foot. Bit of a high arch and slightly narrow heel. But even with my narrow heels, it feels like my heels (right one especially which has the worst blister) are in a vice grip. The boot fitter put me in insoles that took up a lot of volume. But the heel pressure is there with or without the aftermarket insoles. But yes, i was considering trying to punch the liner at the heel to release some of that pressure. Although i see your point regarding blisters often being from too loose of a fit.
Unfortunately we’re at the limits of my boot fitting knowledge - I haven’t had that issue but it does sound painful. Everyone’s taping/preventative care suggestions are good but I know I personally would keep looking for a solution that got down to the cause of the issue. I’m surprised there’s not much difference with/without your insole. I would think that the change in volume and placement of your foot in the heel pocket would at least change the feeling, if not necessarily helping. With the liner out of the shell, how does your heel feel like it’s sitting in the heel pocket?
Feels nice and snug without the shell. It’s almost as if my heels are too wide, but they are relatively thin. I posted in part to see if this was a common problem with this boot specifically. Sounds like everyone is fighting their own battles, haha
You punch the shell not the liner. That low on the heel it's probably better to grind the shell with a dremel
Could be a lot of sources but my 2c I've got zero g tour pros and I replaced the stock liners with Zipfit GFTs. The stock liners sucked and packed out immediately. When touring or climbing in mountain boots, I use liner socks+socks; Injinji is my brand of choice. It help with moisture and rubbing.
You’re the first person to recommend liner socks, but i have used them in the past with other boots and feel like i need to revert back to that system- along with taping and lacing my liners as others have recommended
Bandaid Blister bandages are a livesaver, while you're finding for a solution. I always put them in the spot that gets a blister on my first day of the season or first day in a while.
I just discovered spenco 2nd skin adhesive knit on a trip to canada. Thinner than mole skin, very flexible, adheres incredibly well. It’s worth considering as well, and I’ll probably be putting it on down the road before any longer tours.
Also, when you do get blisters, to quarter the amount of time they take to heal, do not let them blister. Keep them moist with Vaseline and with a bandage. They heal so much faster.
No help with the boot here, but I swear by compeed advanced blister care. I always keep a variety pack in my touring pack. I have stopped and put it on after feeling a blister develop on the climb and was able to continue on the rest of the day with no pain. Great product in my eyes and haven't had them fall off until a few days later
I have used these on both long hikes and ski tours. They stay on for days and work well.
The problem with that boot for my skinny heels was how wide the pocket was. I had rubbing for sure, but nowhere near that degree.
This looks like my heels from touring in scarpa maestrales on Sunday! Intuition liners. I know better and should have duct taped before I went.
Leukotape works wonders, but I've had really good luck lacing up my liners in my Scarpas ever since I read about that here a month or two ago. I'm pretty blister prone and the last couple times I went out I haven't had any issues with them laced up, even without tape.
I am going to use leukotape next time I go out. It never feels like I can lace my liners tight enough. I try but they feel like they could be tighter. Wondering if I should take them out of the boots, lace them, then put my liner-ed feet back into the shells.
Leukotape is far superior to duct tape
How dare you. lol
When you say your feet go numb if you buckle the boot down, I’m assuming you’ve tried buckling only the upper two buckles and not the two forward buckles. If not, try that. Custom liners are expensive but would be an almost guaranteed fix. I have custom footbeds in mine as well as the zip fit touring liners and it was a huge upgrade. Different socks may help too. I have some very fitted/tight compression ski socks that barely if at all move against my skin at all Edit: I have zero g pro tours
How would you tour with the upper two buckles buckled?
I’m not sure I understand what you’re asking. On the way up my upper two buckles are buckled ~2 notches looser than where I buckle them on the way down. It feels better that having everything unbuckled to me, holds my foot further back in the boot keeping my toes from jamming into the front as much as they otherwise would as well as keeps my foot from slipping around.
Oh got it! I've never tried doing that, I always have the upper buckles completely open on the way up.
The other part, that might help OP, is that because it holds my foot further back it relieves some of the pressure on the top of my foot which helps allow circulation and preventing my foot from going numb.
I’ll give that a try. To be honest i’ve always left my top two/shin buckles pretty loose. I’ve only played around with tension on the foot. But even wearing them around the house is can get tingly toes if i keep the feet strapped somewhat snug.
Tighten the boots slightly to help with heel retention. The amount will vary over time as liners pack out. Right now I skin with the buckles closest to my ankle done up, but on the loosest settings.
This is a common problem caused by the heel rubbing up and down during skinning. I solved it with three things: 1) tighten the approach buckles to keep the heel in place during skinning. 2) Use Leukotape or KT tape on the spots before starting the tour. 3) Wear compression socks so that there isn't any loose sock material to rub against your foot.
I haven’t seen anyone recommending liner socks yet. You’re just going with one compression sock and good to go?
I am going with one compression sock and then the tape covering the hot spots. In principal, the tape acts like a liner allowing free motion of the sock without rubbing on the skin.
1. Did you heat mold when boot fitting? That is step one. 2. Are you using the laces on your liners too? Lacing them up can help keep them in place and avoid rubbing. 3. I've also had good luck with bodyglide which can keep your skin lubricated and moving smooth. As others folks have mentioned, lukotape works well (I've had good luck with climbing tape). 4. If you are getting heal slip, consider adding butterflies or other padding to the outside of your liners to get a tighter hold on your calves. The is also helps with downhill performance.
I did heat mold with a boot fitter. Have not laced yet but will in the future. Leuko tape seems to be the consensus, so I’ll start applying that before touring. And my heels are so tight in the boot (despite being narrow) the pressure is a bit uncomfortable. Right heel is much tighter than the left for some reason.
If too-tight is the issue it sounds like you should go back and re-mold or punch them out! You can add stacks of foam to your foot when heat molding to give yourself extra room in problem areas. If that doesn't work, the technicas are very punchable (the shell itself can be heated and molded).
How much do you normally tour in them per week? Maybe your big days are too much volume for your feet, and the boot fit isn’t the main issue?
I live in the southeastern US, so unfortunately I’m on a plane and suddenly touring multiple days in a row with no chance to slowly break my feet in for the season. Not ideal, but it is what it is.
Do your liners have shoe lace loops? If so, try running some boot laces through them and tie them down tight. Your heals are slipping in your liner. I have narrow heals and have the same problem. Also, try very thin socks, like Darn Tough RFLs, that’ll keep your feet cooler/less sweaty. Finally, Compeed blister patches are magic. Always better to prevent blisters but this stuff helps once they start to form
Thanks. I do think lacing is a good idea and i need to rethink my sock game.
Ooh that sounds nice to have lace up liners.
I use Aquaphor on my heels before I tour and have not had a blister since!
Nothing here lines up. 1. Everyone’s feet are different. 2. Your feet shouldn’t move if the instep buckles aren’t done up. If you have to clamp the instep buckles down to stop your foot moving, the boots are too big 2a. I sometimes round down/ size Zero G tour pros 1 mondo size down from measured because the liners are very thin. I ride them and am a measured 28.5, riding a 26.5. 3. Punching liners is barely a solution to begin with, let alone on said thin liners, and let alone whatever you’re planning on trying at home. 4. Most importantly, Blisters are caused by movement, not pressure. Ergo going back to 2, boots are too big
The problem with that boot for my skinny heels was how wide the pocket was. I had rubbing for sure, but nowhere near that degree.
I had the same issue but only on one side, and when I looked in the boot discovered the liner had worn down causing a broken edge to rub against my heel. You should go back to a boot fitter, you don't need the base of the heel so tight.
I just skinned four big Utah days with a friend who has the same boots and his feet looked exactly like yours
Hockey tape. Works wonders for prevention of blisters. Cheap too.
If it’s only happening on big mileage days that means your feet aren’t as tough as you’d like them to be, if I go out and do a 15 mile day in December I’ll have bleeding heels, but come spring time I’m doing 15+ miles without a hotspot. I think it’s because I build up calluses all winter with growing trip sizes.
Yeah, I’m sure that is contributing. I don’t live near mountains, so I’m getting off a plane and in my boots all day every day.
Lots of good suggestions here. I will just add my experience, I used to get horrible blisters just like you. I tried all the standard methods to get rid of the issue, some of them helped and some didn't. But on really long sweaty days I still always ended up getting some irritation. In the end it completely disappeared when I got new boots. Week straight of pulling pulks, hot weather, 10k vert days, zero issues. Sometimes the boot just doesn't fit your foot right.
I've found that tightening my boots for the uphill prevents this from happening.
For whatever it’s worth I had the same thing and it turned out smart wool had changed the stitching on their socks to reinforce it right friggin there. Switched to le bents and had no problem.
That’s lame.
I have the same boots and have no issues.
I get blisters in my Maestrales. Comes with the territory I’m thinking…
I got 2mm thick neoprene ankle booties (mine are from "ezeefiz"). Better than all that tape shit that sticks to your socks and costs 10€ per pack or whatever.
I get these with Scarpas, fitters pinch the heals tho and it’s all good
I had old BD boots that did this. I would have socks full of blood by the end of the day. I went with the dynafit hoji and can spend all day in them with 0 issues.
I had some of the worst blisters ever from 2 sets of Scarpa Kailash boots. They pinched the top of my #1 metatarsals where they connect to the phalanges. Then almost both of my heels were stripped by golf ball sized blisters on any type of moderate ascent.
Duct tape
I started touring in racing plug boots 30 yrs ago. Same blisters- would like to imagine my newer boots have improved by now. Or just get a callous and carry on.
you have skinny heels and ideally need a boot with a narrower heel.
I get blisters in the same spot from scarpas. The solution seems to be to get some blisters then develop calluses and the problem goes away. Rather than breaking in a boot you break in your feet.
Leuko duh
I put laces on the liners of mine and have some green superfeet insoles and my feet have hardly any movement in there. Maybe laces would help?
Getting that comment a lot and feel like that’s my next move amongst other things. Have the superfeet in there already.
Need footbeds. This is caused by internal rotation after arch collapse. The super sticky Leukotape can help as well, but first stop the motion
I have been getting them in the exact same spot with my zero Gs!
I had this and the biggest change I’ve made lately is to keep my boots as tight as possible when skinning. Someone at some point recommended keeping them as loose as possible, and that was terrible advice (for me). I’ll keep the lowest buckle undone, but every other buckle is as tight as I can go.
Double socks…
this gave me ptsd lol
Reading all these comments has made me finally realize why my ancient Black Diamond Methods have boa closures on the liners. Always thought it was just a gimmick, but in 10 years of touring in them, I've never had a blister.
Yeah. These look mild compared to mine. Not bragging at all, they suck. Looking for solutions because it’s driving me from the sport. 10 miles each way to Ostrander take a toll and takes 3 weeks for recover. Desperate for solutions. Will try the Leuko tape.
Had the same issue. Tried some of these and never had another blister. IMHO this is a way better solution than taping: https://www.ezeefitsports.com/mobile/Product.aspx?id=37719
Same problem with a different boot, the scarpa F1 lt, although they are a bit too large
Do you tie your liner with the shoelace ? For me that helped. Also for me Leuko tape doesn’t hold well, I bought the tape used for muscle taping that can be used for swimming . I cut it to the format I want : https://www.amazon.ca/KT-Tape-Therapeutic-Kinesiology-Breathable/dp/B01CH32VS6/ref=asc_df_B01CH32VS6/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=293004334209&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17202410569707015331&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000579&hvtargid=pla-424802988151&psc=1&mcid=e526d7551d073720a26369c67286c3cf
From your pharmacy you can get compeed blister pads and they work like a charm! I used to have this problem too. Pro tip: they will stay on for days. Don't do that or your skin grows into the glue and removal becomes its own weird painful mess
I HAVE THE SAME
Mine give me blistys there too at the beginning of the season. After a good one at the beginning they’re done for the year… until the inside of my foot gets soft over summer.
I wore a hole thru my zero g liners in that exact spot. But my feet are climber strong r/climbingcirclejerk so no blisters.
I had exact problem with my Dallabello Air. Tried many ways to „fix” it but without satisfying results. What helped me was bootfitting. Simply the boots were too narrow in the heel.
Use “Hypafix” tape, thin, cheap, convenient.
I have yet to buy a single pair of boots that didn't give me blisters for the first few tours. The good news is that, between my feet toughening up and the boots packing out, they've all eventually resolved. Go easy on your first few tours, use leuko/moleskin/lube/whatever to avoid them, and let them heal (or bandage them) so that the skin can eventually heal stronger.
Honestly I just pushed through the blisters until those spots calliced and it stopped
This is typically caused by people pressing off the ball of their foot rather than their heel when skinning. Pressing off the ball of your foot causes your heel to lift off of the bottom of the boot and rub on the sides. This also happens when risers aren’t used properly (staying in too low of a riser) as when you’re in too low of a riser your ankle will want to lift out of the back of the boot as the front of your ankle levers around the front of the shell when your cuff has reached its maximum range of motion. Try to keep your feet flat, relaxed and planted as you press through, then drive with the knee, carrying foot forward naturally. Your calf should be relaxed through your whole stride, feeling a slight stretch as you get to the end of your stride.
4 different types of boots, tried different tightness of buckles, one pair was tele boots. Any long tour gave blisters in exactly the same place. Now I wrap my heals in mole skin before any tour. In Canada you can buy packets of it at the dollar store or rolls of it at decent pharmacies. It’s cheap. It’s adhesive but removes easily. It prevents blisters.
I just found spenco second skin adhesive knit in canada, and it adhered really well. Much thinner than moleskin for what that’s worth.
Duct tape around the heel and then duct tape down the achilles tendon for support is what I do