The Best Moleskin for Blisters

Often caused by friction, blisters on the feet can be very painful. Moleskin for blisters is applied to the inside of the shoes to reduce friction and protect already-formed blisters from irritation. A huge improvement on traditional bandages, moleskin is usually thick enough to provide support and cushioning. Take a look at our guide to the best moleskin for blisters and get back on your feet.

How Do I Use Moleskin?

Whether you wish to protect an area of your foot from friction or an already-formed blister, applying moleskin need not be difficult. Here is a quick guide.

• Prepare the Area

  Be sure to always clean and dry the area where you wish to apply moleskin. If you already have a blister, make sure that you cut out an opening in the moleskin before applying it to the affected area. If the blister is large and painful, it may need to be drained.

• Shape the Moleskin

  Most moleskin for blisters is not pre-cut, some however come with stencils that can guide you during the cutting process. As a guide, cut off a piece of moleskin that is larger than the actual blister. Fold the piece of moleskin in half and cut out a half-circle. When unfolded, the dressing should be donut-shaped. It is better to cut the shape with rounded edges, as it decreases the chances of the dressing peeling off.

• Apply the Moleskin

  Peel off the adhesive backing and place the moleskin over the blister or the area you wish to protect from irritation. The blister should always be aligned with the hole. If the blister sticks out above the moleskin, it is a good idea to apply a second or even a third layer of moleskin.

How to Prevent Blisters

Besides investing in moleskin for blisters, there are a few simple foot care measures you can take to keep your feet healthy and blister-free.

• Select the Right Footwear

  Overly cramped shoes can cause blisters by rubbing against the sides of your feet or your toes. Footwear that is too large can cause blisters by not keeping your feet in place. As such, it is crucial that you select shoes that are comfortable and fit your foot size.

• Avoid Cotton Socks

  While cotton may be soft and comfortable, it is not an ideal material for dealing with friction and moisture. Instead, invest in nylon or wool blend socks. In addition, avoid socks with seams that rub against your skin. Some people opt for double-layer socks or even wearing 2 pairs of socks to reduce friction on their feet.

• Stay Clean

  There is nothing worse for your feet than socks that are dirty and grimy. Not  only is this unhygienic but can increase the friction between your skin and shoes. Be sure to wash your socks after each use. If you spend a lot of time on your feet, it may be a good idea to remove your shoes and socks once in a while to air out your feet.

• Use Skin-Care Products

  Applying a small amount of petroleum jelly to friction-prone areas on your feet can minimize the risk of blisters. It goes without saying that you should stop any activity immediately if you feel discomfort.

Weighing All the Factors

After testing the best moleskin for blisters on the market, we selected ViveSole’s moleskin for feet as our top pick. Made from latex-free material, it comes with an 8-piece stencil set to help you shape your blister pads. Our other top choices, Dr. Scholl’s moleskin plus padding roll and FirstChoice’s extra durable moleskin, come with their own set of noteworthy features.