joffre is a pretty rough trail with some boulder fields. wearing shoes is just asking for a sprained ankle.

I always get blisters in that same spot with new boots. I find taping them up, duct tape with mole skin underneath, has worked very well until the boots break in enough.

+1 for liner socks as well.

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To prevent blisters between the toes, try Injinji socks as liners.
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I've had good luck with that too, especially in dusty/sandy conditions where even gaiters won't help to keep it out. The Injinji's under the Drymax are the ultimate combination.

Give it a rest please Lynn, this trying to get my attention is childish. Why not use your duct tape to duct tape your fingers...

I used to use a liner sock and wool sock combo. Used to get large heel blisters too. The combination was too loose.
I then bought better quality wool socks, and ditched the liners. No more blisters on my heels.
I also learned where the worst rubbing occurs, and put on white waterproof tape (sold with first aid supplies everywhere; similar to listed here: http://bit.ly/aDxhFF) as a pre-emptive strike on the blisters. I also wrap some of my toes that get blisters with the waterproof tape. Voila! No more blisters.

Consider what you really want. There are arguments for sturdy, heavy-duty boots, but they just aren't for everyone. If you prefer your light outdoorsy shoes, then go with it. Find yourself a pair of light hikers that fit well, make your feel feel airy, and never cause you problems. You'll probably have to replace them more often, but it might be worth the cost to you.

I only use boots for scrambing. Otherwise, I moved to hiking shoes (shorties) three years ago and got rid of blisters. They won't last as long, but the comfort on the trail is worth it for me. Go for a low cut model.

With respect to Injini socks - I second that these are great for preventing blisters between the toes. But they will do nothing for blisters at the heal. They are coming out with a thicker merino wool version of that sock for 2011.

Thanks for your advice everyone. Definitely some interesting tidbits in this thread!

I've had the boots for 2 years now so I don't think returning them is an option now.

In terms of scrambling on boulder fields, I've done this up on the Lions, and down to Elsay Lake (a gruelling day trip) with outdoor shoes and haven't really ever had problems with blisters.

I think I'll try Joffre Lakes with the boots and with some recommendations from here (socks and bees wax), and see how it goes. Worst case, I spend an hour soaking my feet in the lake and buck it up for the trip down the next day.

Mole Skin!

I have recently added Mole skin to my first aid and use it every trip.. I put it around my toes and on my heels and on the bottom of my feet where ever I get any chafe and its good for about 4-6 hours till the sweat works them off.

I wont leave home without it.

Poly sporn all over your feat at night will help to.. Thats what I do and find things feel a little more healed in the morning.. I am sure there are mixed reviews on that one.

Hope that helps.

Good travels to you.


O yea one more thing.. I find wet feet sweaty feet are more pron to blistering up for some reason.

I think I might have made the opposite choice... shoes for scrambling where you need to be more nimble and have a stickier sole, and boots for everything else.

The boots are used more from a durability perspective against the dreaded scree.....

Yeah