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What's the consensus on duct tape for blister prevention? I've successfully used to to prevent blisters while breaking in climbing boots, doc martins, army boots, old school snowboarding boots (sorrells w/ duct tape in the mid 1980's). I'm sold on the product. It's also mentioned in a good book called Fixing your Feet . FYF has tons of info for the ultramarathon, serious hiker, foot soldier.

But I've also heard folks warn about using duct tape. Does anyone know what their reasoning is? Is is because of the adhesive? I've heard that bonafide 100 mph tape has some form of nasty epoxy that isn't good for the skin. Good for shot up planes and helos, bad for your feet. Or, is this just an urban legend?

Or, is it because some people wrap their entire foot in the stuff?

I use Duct tape this way: I know where my usual hot spots are and place one piece just large enough to cover the are plus a bit of overhang. Usually, this means on my heels and, sometimes, on the balls of my feet. I'm usually good to go after this.

When I do get blisters, I go back to the drain, moleskin donut over the blister. I then put a small bit of medical tape over the center of the moleskin donut to protect the wound from the one piece of duct tape I put over that for protection.

I find that Duct tape stays on longer than anything else (haven't used Benzoin) and the smooth side helps reduce friction (cause of heat).

FWIW

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