Another second-skin variation (similar to DETCORD's technique)
 

If I have been caught short in the preparation department or in a pinch I have lathered feet with tincture of benzoine and then pulled on nylon stockings (yes...pretty little knee-highs...what?) let feet air out and dry completely. Then I've used regular foot powder as if on bare feet and pulled on a pair of regular moisture wicking hiking/combat socks. Gone on 30 milers with little prep and few hotspots. I have never heard any feedback from anyone else as to whether the technique has worked for them or what the downside may be, if any. Obviously, it's not something you have time to constantly maintain in a tactical environment. Rather it is a technique for a garrison type hey-you-it's-time-to-recertify-ruck-march. I wouldn't recommend that the first time you try this it be a do-or-die situation though. Might not be for everyone.

x

I suppose that getting new moleskin with 'fresher' adhesive from the medic/aid station (as opposed to that 'free' roll you got that's 15 years old and been in the back of an FLA in Georgia all that time) is out of the question, huh?

The beautiful thing here is if you are not lazy and prepare your feet with thick callouses, none of this is even important. You can pay your dues before you report for training, or you can do "whatever" and hope that will work. I can tell you right now, "whatever" doesn't work.

Cleaning blisters is extremely painful, and that's putting it mildly. Failure to pay your dues before training will result in "paying the price" on sick call.

Training is hard enough without any foot problems, let alone with them. Prepare properly, it will be one less thing you have to worry about.

I guess it's ok to carry moleskin for the "other" guys, but it's nice to know you won't be needing it. :D

Hydropel
 

Since discovering this product (Hydropel) I have never used moleskin again. You can find it online and I highly recommend it. I used it in the Eco Challenge in Borneo and never got a blister - even when I had serious trench foot. It is great under the pits, in-between the cheeks (to prevent baboon ass) and on the feet. Any long distance humping done with the team - well, they were all sold.

I tried Compeed, moleskin, athletic tape, etc. All of it rolled up on me and made the situation worse. The only thing I've ever used that seems to help me is using good socks (my favorites are In-genius, but I like my Fox-Rivers as well). Both are available at the PX for about $10/pr, but IMHO it is a worthwhile investment. They'll last a long time, and in my case they made a big difference in my feet. FWIW.

Have you tried duct tape?

The other and probably best solution is a good boot fitter. Movement is the a big reason for blisters and callouses. Movement in the boots causes friction which result in callouses and blisters. Stabilizing the foot and with proper fitting boots those problems will end. Most people tend to buy boots that are too big. They try to fit the compressed/weighted foot sized (foot's longest lenght), not the unweighted neutral postion (foot's shortest length). The different in size varies for each person from a little (1/4 of a size) to over 2 1/2 sizes (rare occasions). Example; My feet pronate 1 1/2 sizes. Meaning my 8 1/2 foot needs a size 10 boot to cover the movement of the foot. By stabilizing the foot, allowing room for the foot bed, a 9 works with no ill effects.

Generally, boot fitters can be found at really good alpine ski shops or high performance atheletic shops. If a shop does not have the Branock device (for measuring length and width of the foot), it is a good sign to leave the place.

The foot bed program that worked for me, was superfeet. They hold up a long time.

HOLLis, we've been down that path in this thread...check page 1...it does not come highly recommended... :rolleyes:

lksteve, thanks.

IMHO, correct fitting boots, is the answer to blisters.

So what did you do during SFAS when your not allowed to use the fox-river socks..

seems you would want to train with the exact equipment you with have to go though SFAS with

I wore the socks I brought with me, and I moved out with a purpose.