The surest way to prevent blisters from football boots is a boot that fits properly. Friction comes from a heel that slips, a forefoot that pinches or a seam that presses on one spot. Breaking boots in gradually, wearing the right socks and acting early on a red patch all help as well.
This guide explains where blisters come from and what you can do about them. It is fit advice, not medical advice.
What causes blisters from football boots?
Blisters are caused by repeated friction and pressure on the same spot. In football boots that mostly happens in three places: the heel and Achilles in a boot that slips, the side of the little toe and forefoot in a boot that is too narrow, and the toes in a boot that is too small.
New boots cause more trouble, especially leather ones that have yet to take shape. The first sign is a red patch. Do not ignore it, because playing on only makes it worse.
How do you prevent blisters from new football boots?
- Choose a boot that fits. Check the length, width and heel; see how football boots should fit.
- Break leather boots in gradually, around the house first and then in a light training session. See breaking in football boots.
- Wear the socks you play in, without a thick extra layer that squeezes the forefoot.
- Keep your socks and feet dry.
- Stop as soon as you notice a red patch and let it settle before you play again.
How do you prevent blisters on your heel?
Heel blisters usually come from a boot that slips. A heel lock lacing knot holds your heel in place; see heel slipping out of football boots. Grip socks can help in a boot that is slightly roomy, up to about half a size. If the boot is far too big, take it back and swap it.
How do you prevent blisters from boots that are too narrow?
Blisters on the side of the foot or the little toe point to a wide forefoot squeezed into a boot that is too narrow. The real fix is a wider boot: football boots for narrow feet covers the opposite problem, and our brand pages cover wide feet. With wide feet, thick socks can make the squeeze even worse, so go thinner.
Do blister plasters, tape or Vaseline help?
Some players put a blister plaster or tape over a known pressure point, or rub Vaseline on it. That can cut down friction for a while, but it does not solve the underlying problem of a boot that does not fit. Try it in training first, so nothing starts slipping halfway through a match.
We have found no strong source backing any one of these products. Treat them as a short-term help, not a fix.
Which socks help prevent blisters?
Thicker is not always better. In a boot that already fits snugly, go for a thin sock. In a boot with a little room to spare, a medium or thick grip sock makes sense. A sock that is too thick squeezes the forefoot once your feet swell in the second half. With wide feet, go thinner.
How do you treat blisters from football boots?
The general advice for a blister is to stop whatever caused it, or to cover it with a plaster. Rest the area and do not keep playing in the same boot if it hurts. Work out where the boot is rubbing and adjust the lacing or the socks. A boot that gives you a blister in the same spot time after time does not fit. If you are thinking about a boot with a sock collar, read up on football boots with a sock for wide feet first.
If a blister becomes infected, will not heal or new ones keep appearing, see your GP or a podiatrist. Do not keep playing through the pain. To see which models do well on comfort, look at our overview of comfortable football boots.
When are blisters a sign that the boot does not fit?
When they keep coming back in the same spot, do not improve after several sessions or also turn up in other boots. At that point it is no longer about breaking the boot in. Find where the pressure is and choose a different last; see tight football boots and what to do.
If your feet have been sore for more than a few weeks or the blisters keep coming, get your feet checked by a podiatrist or your GP. For a recommendation tailored to your feet, try the football boot adviser.