We’ve all been there. You slip on a new pair of shoes—or dig out a well-worn favorite from the back of your closet—and head out for the day. But a few hours later, something feels…off. There’s that familiar tenderness on your heel, along the side of your foot, or wedged right in between your toes. And sure enough, when you finally get a chance to investigate, there it is—a blister.
No one likes a blister. They’re unpleasant to look at, slow to heal, and have a knack for turning even a short stroll into an uncomfortable ordeal. But, luckily, they’re also preventable. We put together our top tips on how to avoid blisters from shoes to help you move comfortably, wherever your day takes you.
Find the right fit
Blisters on your feet are often caused by a combination of moisture, heat, and friction from repeated contact between your skin and your shoes. And nothing sets the stage for that kind of irritation quite like ill-fitting shoes.
If you’re wondering how to avoid blisters from shoes, here’s our top tip: always choose shoes that fit properly.
If your shoes are too small, they can squeeze your feet and create pressure points and hot spots—areas where your skin is constantly rubbing against the inside of your shoe. Over time, that friction builds up and can cause blisters to form. On the flip side, shoes that are too large leave too much room for your feet to slide around with every step, causing that same kind of repeated rubbing that irritates your skin and causes blisters.
To ensure your new shoes fit properly, consider shopping in person. Stop by your local Schuler Shoes to have your feet measured by one of our friendly fit experts and receive custom recommendations based on your lifestyle and unique foot features.
Wear activity-appropriate footwear
You wouldn’t wear flip flops to run a marathon, or winter boots to the beach. Choosing footwear that fits a given activity and environment may feel like common sense, but it’s also a key tactic for avoiding blisters.
Since blisters are caused by a combination of friction, moisture, and heat, it’s important to choose shoes that won’t increase the presence of these factors.
Let’s use hiking as an example. Hiking boots are built for long distances, uneven terrain, and extended wear. They offer ankle support, durable soles, and moisture-wicking linings that help reduce friction, stabilize your stride, and keep your feet dry.
Swap them out for a pair of canvas sneakers on a rugged trail, and you'll likely feel the consequences: inadequate support, more foot movement, and increased friction. Over time, this can lead to rubbing, irritation—and eventually, blisters.
Wearing activity-appropriate footwear will help you stay comfortable, supported, and blister-free.
Wear high-quality socks
Wearing a high-quality pair of socks is one of the easiest ways to prevent blisters from forming. Well-designed socks made from breathable materials act as a protective barrier between your shoes and skin—helping to minimize friction, moisture, and heat.
Heading out on a run, walk, hike, or gym excursion in the near future? Here’s a bonus tip on how to avoid blisters from shoes during strenuous activities: opt for a pair of moisture-wicking socks. These socks are specifically designed to pull sweat away from your skin, reducing moisture and lowering your risk of developing blisters.
Break in your new shoes
New shoes are a common culprit when it comes to blisters, especially pairs made from stiff materials like leather or suede. Here’s how to avoid blisters from shoes made of these materials:
Instead of diving into a full day on your feet, start by wearing your new shoes around the house for short periods. Over the course of a couple weeks, gradually increase wear time as your shoes become softer and more comfortable. This is known as a break-in period, and it’s even recommended by some brands (like Birkenstock).
The same rule applies to new running, walking, or hiking shoes. Ease into your new pair by wearing them on shorter outings first. Not only will this give you a chance to adjust to your new shoes—it’ll also help you spot any pressure points before they become a problem.
Rotate your shoes
Wearing the same pair of shoes every day—especially under the stress of long-distance walking or hiking—can put your feet at risk for blisters. Each shoe fits your foot slightly differently and applies pressure to specific areas. When those pressure points are repeated daily without rotating your shoes, skin irritation can build up and lead to painful blisters.
Choose quality shoes
Finally, choosing well-made shoes crafted from quality materials can go a long way in preventing blisters. Well-constructed shoes often feature smoother interior finishes and better ventilation than their cheaply made counterparts, which can help reduce the chances of your feet encountering excessive friction and moisture.Breathable materials, like leather, suede, and natural fibers, help keep your feet cool and dry, while seamless construction minimizes rubbing and hot spots.
Investing in well-made shoes isn’t just about style—it’s a smart way to protect your feet from the type of irritation that leads to blisters.
Wondering how to avoid blisters from shoes without sacrificing style?
Stop by your local Schuler store or browse our online store to discover a carefully curated selection of high-quality, fashion-forward brands and styles that prioritize comfort.