6 Best Types of Moleskin for Blisters

Looking for an effective and inexpensive way to soothe and protect feet? Using moleskin for blisters, corns, calluses, and other foot problems is an inexpensive yet highly effective way to alleviate foot discomfort and prevent further damage to the skin. These bandages allow you to engage in everyday tasks without worrying about foot pain. Below are the best options for moleskin for blisters, along with tips for looking after your feet.

Cramer’s non-stretch moleskin bandages for blisters are specially designed for athletes, although anyone can benefit from their protective properties. This 25-yard roll comes in an easy-dispensing box. At three-inches wide, these strips can be quickly cut to prevent blisters on any part of the body. Plus, you can also use the adhesive felt for taping joints.

Dr. Scholl’s bestselling moleskin for feet conforms to the shape of the foot and fits into all shoes. The adhesive bandages can be cut to any size and provide relief from the pain of blisters, corns, calluses, bunions, and chafing.

Protecting against blisters, corns, and calluses, Vive’s moleskin for heels and feet reduces friction and pressure caused by tight shoes or activity. In addition to using this moleskin with shoes, you can use it to line your cast, where it wicks moisture and prevents itching and chafing. Each five-yard roll measures two millimeters in thickness and is hypoallergenic and latex-free. The pack also includes eight wooden stencils to help you perfectly measure moleskin pads for corns and calluses, and to fit the metatarsal, shoe tongue, or heel.

The FirstChoice extra-durable moleskin for bunions, calluses, and chafing is peach-toned, soft, and moisture-wicking for superior comfort. Highly durable, it's built to stand up to day-long stresses, no matter what they may be. Made in the USA, this product is latex-free.

This peach-toned, two-inch-thick moleskin is made of soft cotton to gently cushion the skin and prevent chafing, blistering, corns, and calluses. This bandage uses zinc-oxide adhesive for a strong hold that won’t irritate the skin. This moleskin is free of natural rubber latex, ideal for those with allergies.

The Jaybird and Mais moleskin is made of soft yet strong cotton coated with a zinc-oxide adhesive. It protects sensitive skin from friction and can help blisters heal more quickly. The moleskin boasts a high-tensile strength, so you can also use it as an ankle stirrup—perfect for those who need to elevate their foot following injury.

Benefits of Moleskin for Blisters

Moleskin is a type of bandage that sticks firmly to prevent friction between the skin and the shoe. It protects against blisters, corns, and calluses and can alleviate the pain associated with existing foot wounds and bunions. Made of soft, plush material, moleskin is comfortable enough to wear all day.

While anyone can use moleskin bandages, they are especially beneficial for:

• Those with blisters, bunions, corns, and calluses
• Those prone to foot wounds like heel spurs
• Athletes who experience friction from clothing or equipment
• People who wear stiff or tight shoes for long periods of time, including hikers
• People who are breaking in new shoes

Other Tips for Preventing Blisters 

Friction causes blisters. Therefore, reducing friction against the skin is key to stopping blister formation. In addition to using moleskin bandages proactively, blisters can be prevented by:

• Wearing Well-Fitting Shoes

Shoes that rub around the toes, heels, or ankles are likely to cause blisters. Always wear shoes that fit properly—with adequate room around the toes and not too much room for slippage around the heel and ankle. Look for shoes with adjustable straps or laces so the shoe can be loosened or tightened based on your activity. Have your foot professionally measured, if necessary.

For a bit of extra padding, try gel inserts for shoes on your next walk!

• Choosing Good-Quality Socks

If your socks are too tight or are made from poor-quality fabrics, they may encourage sweating or chafing, both of which lead to blisters. Moisture-wicking socks and double-layered socks reduce friction and wick moisture away from the skin. Try socks made of wicking, quick-drying fabrics such as wool, and experiment to find the best socks for you.

• Using Powder or Lubricant

Foot powders or regular talcum powders decrease moisture and reduce friction. You can also try applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly over your feet and between your toes before putting on your socks and shoes.

Lube up your sore feet while also relieving arthritis pain with the right arthritis cream!

• Listening to your Skin

If your skin turns red or starts to burn, it may be time to change your shoes, let your feet breathe, or quit your workout.

It’s also important to realize that calluses are a protective mechanism to prevent blisters. Calluses on your feet or other body parts indicate constant friction. Do not remove the calluses without implementing another protective measure in its place, or you will soon start to experience painful blisters!

• Investing in Inserts

Padded insoles or other orthotics may minimize slippage and decrease friction. The type of orthotic you choose will depend on the area of your foot most affected by blisters. For example, gel heel cups may stop your feet slipping out of your shoes, while gel metatarsal pads can stop blisters forming at the top section of the foot.

Get Back on Your Feet with Moleskin for Blisters

If you suffer from blisters on your feet or other body parts, moleskin may be the answer to your problems. Inexpensive, effective, and easy to use, moleskin is also suitable for preventing or alleviating the symptoms of corns, calluses, and chafing. Enjoy better skin health with moleskin for blisters.