Soccer Cleats 101 Soccer Cleats News and Reviews
With so many players returning to soccer action right now, there is one problem popping up more than ever before; blisters! After several months without scheduled soccer practices and games, our feet are more susceptible than ever to irritation. I’ve experienced it myself over the past few weeks, with new boots that I’m reviewing really testing out the conditions of my feet.
And this is even more problematic for players who are now wearing new boots, switching from something that was previously reliable to a new pair. Your feet have become a little softer and are not prepared for continuous movements in an unfamiliar boot.
First and foremost, make sure your boots fit correctly and that you are not wearing a pair that will cause discomfort from being too big or too small. Be smart about your choice of footwear, and always try to have a back-up pair available in case you start to feel any blisters starting. Being able to switch out before problems start can make a huge difference performance wise. But, it isn’t always possible.
With all that in mind, I wanted to share some tips and ideas that might help you when it comes to blister healing and recover, or ways to continue playing with less pain/discomfort.
Before You Get Blisters…..
KT Blister Prevention Tape
Price: $9.99
This is a product that is specifically designed to prevent blisters – it is its exact role! Blister Prevention Tape leverages KT TAPE advanced adhesive technology, thin conformable material, and a rounded edged design to stay on skin for up to two days. They are also hypoallergenic, latex-free and natural rubber-free! This means that our products have been designed and developed to contain fewer potential substances that can trigger allergic reactions
Positives: Sticks in place and is the safest product for preventing blisters!
Negatives: You need to use it before getting blisters for it to be effective.
When You Have Blisters……
Spenco 2nd Skin Squares
Price: $24.99
These little squares are perfect for protect against blisters. Made mostly from water, they help cool and soothe the blister area on contact, and the dressings won’t stick to the skin. You really have to lock them down to get best results. So, place the squares on your wound, then cover with a sticky band-aid, and finally wrap tightly with some pre-wrap.
Positives: Provides a protective cushion between your foot and the problematic boot surface.
Negatives: There is a chance it come off during play.
ViveSole Moleskin Roll
Price: $14.99
This one is extremely useful as it comes in a large role with templates that allow you to cut the sizes and shapes that you need to cover any potential blisters. This gives you a little more flexibility on the exact area you want to protect. Provides relief from friction and pressure
Positives: Really useful if you have a very specific area of you foot you want to protect.
Negatives: Takes time to cut and shape using the template, you need to make sure you have scissors handy!
All Health Extreme Hydrocolloid Gel Blister Cushion
Price: $9.99
Perfect for those that need a little extra cushion to really protect their blister, these help reduce rubbing and friction. They flex and bend, making them ideal for your heel, while providing a little extra cushion. I’d recommend these as a top option when you have a blister coming on, but it isn’t causing too much discomfort. For example, if you catch a blister and are able to switch into your back-up pair of boots, these are ideal.
Positives: Provides a more cushioned feel than traditional band-aids.
Negatives: You still need to use a pre-wrap to keep them locked in place.
Cut The Heels Out!
Price: Free!
This one might seem pretty extreme, but it can be a very useful strategy for players who continually suffer from heel blisters or discomfort. A lot of pro players have taken to this strategy, cutting through the heel of the boot, leaving a large hole where there is no pressure or material that causes friction along the heel bone.
Positives: It doesn’t cost any money and can produce immediate release.
Negatives: Reduces boot durability.
How To Recover From Blisters……
KT Blister Treatment Patch
Price: $8.99
This advanced ultra-durable hydrocolloid gel patch covers painful blisters with a 100% waterproof seal. They have been proven to help heal blisters and minor wounds up to 2X faster than traditional dry bandages and stays in place for up to 7 days! That is, of course, as long as you have 7 days in between games. These are perfect for recovery period, where you can rest and allow blisters to recover over time.
Positives: Excellent for helping with blister recovery, quick and easy to use.
Negatives: Not ideal if you have back to back games.
New-Skin Liquid Bandage
Price: $5.99
This is not one for players who are squeamish or can’t handle a lot of pain! But, if you have a high pain tolerance, paint on the liquid new skin and it acts as an all-in-one antiseptic treatment & waterproof bandage. It burn a lot, so be brave. I recommend as an option when you don’t have a game to provide some pain relief while wearing your normal daily footwear.
Positives: Helps kill bacteria while providing immediate relief.
Negatives: It burns a whole lot when you put it on.
Great info! To prevent blisters, I use an roll-on deodorant/antiperspirant, like Arm & Hammer's Ultra Max. It works extremely well for those spots that are most vulnerable.