16 Apr 2010
Posted by Ashley Hicks 
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Do you guys remember the scene from Boomerang when Marcus is lying in bed with Lela Rochon’s character? If you recall, after they do the deed, he pulls the sheets back and is repulsed by her jacked up feet with hammertoes, corns and calluses. Well, that’s kind of how I feel about my feet right now. My feet aren’t quite as bad a Lela Rochon’s, but I’m way past due for a pedicure! As you can see from the pictures, I have a few blisters and really dry, cracked skin. Actually, you can’t see the dry, cracked skin because it’s on my heels and I thought I would spare you the horror spare myself the embarrassment and leave out those pictures. But, with summer on the horizon, and sandal season already in full swing, I realize that I need to address my foot problem ASAP!
Here is the funny part. I actually take precautions to avoid blisters and calluses. Expert runners recommend expensive running socks made with wicking fabric and proper fitting shoes. I have both of these. I also take it a step further and use a pumice stone and slather Vaseline on my feet nightly and sleep in socks. The only other thing I can think to do is put some baby powder on my feet before I run to absorb some of the moisture.
I haven’t started treating my blisters other than popping them since I honestly haven’t had time. Plus, I have a really high threshold for blister and callus pain that I developed after years of playing soccer. The only difference then was that I lost a couple of toenails. Here are a few blister and callus treatments that I have used in the past.
1. Hydrogen Peroxide – I liberally pour hydrogen peroxide over my calluses. I have absolutely no idea why this works, but it does, and it works best if you start applying it as soon as you start to feel the calluses coming. This is a home remedy that I got from my dad who has baby soft feet.
2. Moleskin – I like to wrap a toe that feels like it’s about to blister in moleskin or band aids. I also apply Neosporin to help with the healing process.
3. Lastly, I pop my blisters and leave the skin on. Usually the skin will come off a few days later on it own. I’ve found that when I leave the skin on, the blisters heal faster and don’t get infected.
So, I’m reaching out to you guys for advice and suggestions. How do you care for your feet? Like our hair, are runner’s feet something that you just deal with for the sake of your health? Do any of you distance runners have “perfect” feet?
P.S. Please don’t rag me about my chipped toe nail polish. I know I am committing a beauty crime, and I will be visiting the nail salon today ☺
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25 Comments
I absolutely remember the Boomerang scene. Dont worry, your feet are nothing like Marcus’ girlfriend, and I bet you could outrun her anyway… Funny, funny post!
By the way, the only thing I for my feet (being a guy and all) is I keep the toe nails short (for obvious and not so obvious reasons, and put a little lotion on them when I get out of the shower each morning. Dont want a brother to be walking around with ashy feet and all.
K
On The Dr. Oz show this week he discussed blisters and said it’s best to pop them immediately [unless it\'s a blood blister] and definitely leave the skin on, apply a healing ointment/serum (something like aloe vera) to it and cover w/ a band-aid.
Not being quite a runner, I have nothing, as far as runners feet advice goes but this makes me think. For years, I wouldn’t swim or participate in any activities that would cause me to “sweat my hair out” until I went natural. Now I have to decide if I want to be a runner bad enough that I’ll sacrifice my rather perfect feet?! I’ll definitely be looking out for advice on keeping the feet pretty as I grow into a runner.
I leave my feet “as is”… When I get a pedicure, I tell them not to remove the dead skin. After a few weird looks, they agree. One thing I -always- do, though, is after a run, I immediately take my shoes and socks off and put on a pair of open shoes (flip flops, slippers, etc). I want my feet to breathe!
Hi Whitney – Great advice! I also let my feet breathe immediately after a run. It’s something I’ve been doing since my soccer days. I do it for the comfort and to get me feet out of my sweaty, stinky socks.
Mmmh…I don’t have runners feet *knock on wood* but that may also be because I am not a distant runner (yet). The max I have run is 6.2 miles
And average about 3-4mi each time I run which is about 3x a week.
So I haven’t enter the blistering & chaffing stages of running that I hear other runners talk about….prayefully I will be able to avoid it.
BUT that does not exempt me from needing a good pedicure often LOL ;o)
Great finally meeting you IRL this AM during PRBC!
I don’t have runners feet……yet. My mom and grandfather are both old school so Vaseline and socks are my friend (even before the running days)!!!! I haven’t either thought about the baby powder, but I may need to try that….they sweat like something crazy. ok, TMI
Ooooh, girl – back away from that Vaseline! No petrochemicals!! Not good for ya. Shea butter, mango butter, olive oil…combo of the three. I’ll hook you up with a mixture if I can remember to bring to CPCC Skyline.
I just have ugly feet. They are square and flat. I try to keep the toes polished because otherwise they just look worse. I’ve broken both pinky toes…and my roller skates were too tight, causing calluses/corns on both pinky toes…thank goodness my boyfriend is not that picky! LOL!
I do have the wicking socks, and they definitely help. Before I got them, I was getting blisters regularly. Other than that, I’m no foot expert…so I don’t have any other advice.
Cassandra– Vaseline is a no, no….oh goodness!!! I will be at the 5k this weekend too with the PBRC (don’t get a chance to run much with the group on Sat mornings b/c of my work schedule). I will have to try that combo and see how it works for me.
I absolutely sympathize with you and the feet issue. And my toenail polish is having a rough time right now too – so yes, as summer approaches I’ll need to make a visit to the nail shop.
Anyway…last summer, my ex-boyfriend bought me a few wonderful gifts. One is this miracle cream by Soap & Glory called Heel Genius. Like the Vaseline, you put it on under socks at night but it does much better than vaseline (trust me, petroleum jelly used to be my favorite foot product before this). Also, he got me one of those foot baths. Not only are they great for that home pedicure, but put ice water in there and you have a relaxing treat for sore feet. And last but not least, bamboo socks! These were from adidas but they have helped more than the well cushioned thorlos.
I hope this helps! And your feet don’t look that bad at all – definitely seen worse.
I experienced runner’s feet a few summers ago. My regimen was loads of Vaseline and A&D ointment after soaking and scrubbing with a pumice stone. The most important step was definitely putting baby powder in my shoes before a run. The baby powder absorbed the moisture while running. Hope that helps!
Kevin – Thanks for the bringing the male perspective, I appreciate your feedback! I glad you are taking care of your feet too. I guess ashy feet aren’t attractive on women or men
Nikki Aimee – Thanks for the blister advice. I hope you decide to take the plunge and become a runner. Believe me, the dry feet are work the rewards.
Stacey – It was great meeting you too! I’m glad your feet aren’t as bad as mine. Hopefully with everyone’s advice they won’t be once you cross over into running longer distances.
Mavis and Cassandra – I had no idea Vaseline wasn’t good for us. It’s the one beauty product I can’t live without. Cassandra, thanks for the advice. I will have to try the combination. Btw, I think you are the only person I know who has broken both pinky toes. Sounds painful! I’ll see both of your guys this weekend.
Kim – Thanks! I’m headed to Target today to pick up the Heel Genius. I’ll also have to try the bamboo socks. I’ve never heard of them, but I’m willing to give them a try. Thanks again!
Andrea – Thanks for the advice! It seems like everyone swears by vaseline and baby powder. I’ll also have to try the A&D ointment, especially on the blisters.
bgr – I am a KLUTZ. Klutz. If it can be done, I will find a way. I broke the left one getting in the tub after running on the treadmill one morning. Wasn’t paying attention, was bringing my left foot in and WHAM! Whacked it on the edge of the tub. The right pinky toe involves alcohol…that’s all I’ll say about that. LOL
Mavis – yeah…I try to avoid petroleum/mineral oil/petrochemicals whenever I can. It’s a by-product of fuel consumption. Blech! Plus, it ultimately interferes with the body’s own ability to moisturize itself. It creates a barrier on your skin which can lock real moisture out. See you on Saturday!
Kim – I have a foot bath, I didn’t think about filling it with cold water for a sore foot soak. Thanks! I will definitely have to do that.
bgr: I still consider myself a new runne (about 2 yrs nowr. I have only done a 5K and a 10K. I was training for a half-marathon, but have been sidelined due to a calf injury
. Love the blog!! It is so encouraging to read about other bgr’s!!
Anywho, back to the question at hand, when I first started I was having a lot of problems with blisters. I use the good socks and vaseline. It was also recommended to me to try new skin or a liquid band-aid. U can find it at your local drugstore. I use it as a treatment for existing blisters but also as a preventive measure before running. It comes in a spray form and a brush on form. Haven’t had blisters since! Hope that helps.
JP – Thanks! I like the idea of a spray on liquid band aid. I’ve done the brush on and I didn’t like it that much. I have a fresh batch of blisters after today’s race, so I’ll have to try it out.
I use Bath & Body Works Heel of Approval and then apply shea butter. Neither of these is greasy and they work like a charm.
Thanks Doretha! This is the second time someone has recommended shea butter, so it must work. Thanks for the advice!
Cassandra – LMAO! It was great seeing you today, can’t wait for the next race!
You too! I hope that group photo we took ends up on the photographer’s website. And I now know 2 speed demons – you and Kristen! LOL
Heard about this blog through Hollaback Health! This post is especially dear to my heart since I just started running and got my first blister
(caused by running, I’ve had blisters before caused by hooker heels).
I wish I had some tips of my own, but I’m going to be stealing your tips for the next time I get a blister. Last time I peeled it and it hurt like hell. Also, my boyfriend has the most jacked up feet in the entire world, so I’m gonna get him on hydrogen peroxide deal. Thanks!
Hi Eunice – I really enjoyed Elisabeth’s post on Hollaback, and I’m really digging the blog. I’m happy she addressed the diversity issues in health blogging. Anyways, welcome to the running blister club. I hope some of my tips help
Honestly there is this stuff called bag balm… nice name..it comes in a green tin and at one time was used on cow udders (stay with me here) but it’s an almost mentholated balm/ salve that honestly cures dry/ cracked heels and callouses. I’ve been using it forever and it really works. Google it, you can buy it at CVS or most drugstores.
ooohh, One again,your articles is very good.thank you!very much.
Have you seen the Fixing Your Feet blog? It’s worth a read when something begins to go wrong and you’re looking to keep running with a toenail, blister, whatever. (Warning, lots of pics of nasty [IIRC all white] feet.)
Coconut oil!!!! Seriously, it’s the best stuff! I just got a 3.5 pound jar of it from vitacost.com and it is better than any lotion I have ever tried. I also use a foot file by Sally Hansen on my feet in the shower.
Your feet don’t look THAT bad! I’ve seen worse on non-runners
Thanks Doretha! This is the second time someone has recommended shea butter, so it must work. Thanks for the advice!