Making Your Feet Tougher for Running
Whether you're a seasoned runner or you're just getting started, there's a strong chance that you dread blisters. Rather than succumb to them, you can try ways to make your feet tougher. From banishing shoes while indoors to avoiding pedicures, a few lifestyle changes go a long way.
Spend some time going barefoot
When your feet spend too much time inside shoes or slippers, the moisture they encounter makes them soft. If you want to give yours a chance to build up some tough skin, going barefoot is the best way forward. Start by ditching your shoes while you're at home, then move onto walking barefoot in some outdoor spaces. Always remain safe while doing so, as you don't want to leave your feet out of action by accidentally treading on sharp objects.
Use medical alcohol on vulnerable areas
Although you don't want to dry out the skin on your feet entirely, you do need to avoid letting them become too soft. Unfortunately, this means abandoning most types of moisturiser. Instead, use some medical alcohol on vulnerable areas to make them a little dryer. If you feel uncertain about this approach or if you're worried about breaking your skin's protective barrier, seek advice from a sports podiatrist before proceeding.
Avoid pedicures
When you spend time lovingly building up some calluses around your feet, undergoing a luxury pedicure will take you back to the beginning. Pedicures that involve foot soaks, long periods of moisturising and skin filing make your skin soft. As a result, when your running shoes rub against them, you're more likely to experience a blister. You don't need to avoid pedicures altogether, though. Instead, make sure the nail technician performing yours knows to leave the skin on your feet alone.
Find supportive shoes
Although you're trying to toughen your feet up, failing to find supportive shoes is counterintuitive. Shoes that leave too much space will result in friction blisters, while those that are too tight may cause pressure blisters. If you're unsure as to how appropriate your shoes are, consider asking your sports podiatrist or use a professional fitting service. In many cases, new running shoes will cause mild blisters until your feet acclimate. When this happens, use blister-specific plasters that act as a second skin and give your feet a chance to heal.
Over time, small changes to the way you treat your feet yield excellent results. If you encounter any blisters until they do toughen up, use appropriate dressing techniques until they heal.