Crocs are famous for being made of a rubbery, soft material that is very comfortable. It’s not made of a hard surface like leather shoes. You might think this means that there won’t be much friction. But can Crocs cause blisters?
The answer is possibly yes, but there are ways to prevent them or get rid of them. Blisters are quite annoying. Typically, they’re caused by friction between the shoes and your feet. They can be prevented by everyday household items that are inexpensive and available over the counter at most stores.
So don’t be too concerned. Everyone loves their Crocs and you will too.
What is a Blister?
Pretty much everyone has had a blister in their lives. Athletes are particularly familiar. It’s a pocket of fluid that looks like a sac. They can vary in size. They can be filled with pus, blood or the clear part of the blood which is known as serum. Usually they’re shaped like circles. Sometimes they itch or hurt.
While one on your foot can be caused by your shoes, it’s possible that it was caused by something else. You can use the process of elimination to find out the cause. Gradually starting using preventative measures.
Friction
The most frequent cause is simply friction. When you use your shoes, you’re typically walking, running or standing on them for at least several hours. This puts pressure on the toes, soles and heels. As you move, friction will be generated between your shoes and your feet. Depending on the angle and at what strength, this can cause blisters.
More time means more pressure. So the longer you’re on your feet, the increased likelihood you’ll end up with blisters. If you’re at the beach for a couple hours, you probably you won’t get blisters. But if you’re in for a long trek in the woods, you could be at risk.
One of the most important things is to purchase shoes that fit. Poorly-fitted shoes (those that are too loose or too tight) will move against the skin more.
Moisture
Moisture can also cause blisters. In the summer, this is a particular issue. Some people sweat more than others.
Wear Thick Socks
You can get around the moisture issue by wearing thick socks. This will remove the moisture from your sweating. By keeping your feet dry, moisture will be lessened. This small preventative measure will work wonders for many people.
If you don’t have any thick socks, wear multiple pairs. While this might be tricky to put on initially, two pairs will do just fine.
Foot powder
If your feet are particularly sweaty, try using foot powder. Just dab some on your feet before you put on your shoes. It takes less than a minute and is quite effective. Foot powder is very effective against moisture from sweat. A little goes a long way.
Buy Proper Fitting Shoes
This is probably the most important factor. Ill-fitting shoes are far more likely to cause blisters.
When your Crocs arrive in the mail from your online retailer and they don’t fit well, it might be tempting to just keep them. Don’t. Remember, Crocs can last five or more years. A little bit of effort and waiting will go a long way for foot health.
Additionally, it might be helpful to size your feet properly. Measure your feet with a ruler and compare it to a shoe sizing table. Many people go for years not knowing they are wearing the wrong size of shoe.
And don’t forget that if your Crocs get worn out you should replace them.
Insoles for Crocs
Buying insoles for Crocs is an extra expense so some people might balk. But they can help a lot with the fitting of the shoe. Some shoes are loose and will make the feet rub against an area of the shoe. An insole will prevent this.
Vaseline
While this isn’t a very common household item anymore, it’s available at most drug and grocery stores.
Just buy a small bottle. You can rub it on an area of your foot where you don’t want blisters. It’ll reduce the friction generated on it when you walk.
What Can You Do About Blisters?
Blisters typically aren’t a big deal. They’re usually just a minor nuisance and usually heal within a few days. If yours gets worst (particularly if it gets infected), talk to a doctor.
Most advice recommends against popping a blister because it could get infected. However, if you must, you can use this do-it-yourself method. This might require some items from the pharmacy. There is some daily upkeep involved as well.
- Wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap for at least 30 seconds.
- Using a cotton wool, disinfect a needle by rubbing alcohol on it.
- Clean the surface of the skin of the blister with antiseptic
- Do this step with great care. Puncture the blister with the needle gently.
- Use either an antibacterial ointment or cream and apply it to the punctured blister
- Cover with a bandage or gauze. If you skip this step, your blister will be vulnerable to infections
- This method requires daily upkeep. Clean and reapply the antibacterial ointment daily. Use new bandages everyday too
There are alternative treatments available too. Aloe Vera Gel and Petroleum Jelly have anti-inflammatory uses. While it might be tempting to pop your blister, these might be better options as the risk of infection is less.
Should you pop it?
Once again, most people shouldn’t pop it. Ideally, do nothing and just wait for at most two weeks and your body will heal itself. But sometimes this isn’t the case. This is a personal decision. Popping to drain it is some work and there is some additional expense. The daily maintenance is important to prevent infections but is going to be a pain to do.
Blisters are a nuisance. They’re typically not a serious issue, although if they get worse or don’t heal in a few days you should consider contacting a doctor.
Crocs can cause them. But by following certain methods, you can minimize the chance of getting them.
