A bad case of blisters can put a dent in your stride, and high heels aren't the only culprits. Flats and workout sneakers can easily rub you the wrong way, too, if they don't fit correctly. Follow these preventative measures to stay on your feet comfortably.
1. Find the right fit.
Friction created by wearing the wrong-size shoes—whether they're too small or too large—is one way blisters get started. Make sure that your shoes fit both feet, because one foot is often larger than the other. If you're still hanging onto an older pair of shoes that just aren't comfortable, it's time to give 'em up—trust us, they're not suddenly going to become comfortable one day. (Learn how to declutter your closet, and the rest of your home, with Peter Walsh's new book Cut The Clutter, Drop the Pounds.)
2. Wear the right socks.
Even with the right shoe size, sweaty feet and socks that shift around inside your shoes can add up to pain. Instead of cotton socks that hold sweat and often bunch up, you want socks made from synthetic blends that wick away moisture, such as CoolMax or Wonderspun. There are even socks with Teflon that are designed to prevent blisters.
MORE: 15 Clever Things You Can Do With Duct Tape
3. Grease up.
Apply a lubricant such as Bodyglide or BlisterShield powder to blister-prone areas before walking. Petroleum jelly is not a good choice because it tends to melt and thin out.
4. Trim 'em.
As if you needed an excuse to get a pedicure. Cut nails so that they don't rub against the tip of the shoe, or an adjacent toe. Or skip the salon and try this 7-minute DIY pedicure.
MORE: 6 Surprising Causes Of Inflammation—And What You Can Do About It
5. Act fast.
When you feel a "hot spot" on your foot, act immediately. Take off your shoe and apply moleskin or an adhesive bandage over the affected area.
If you have chronic blistering and none of these tips help, go to your local specialty running shop and have them evaluate your choice of shoes.
