Preventing blisters at the Four Days Marches
Few things spoil a walk as quickly as blisters. With good preparation and a tuft of anti-pressure wool, you will get through the Nijmegen Four Days Marches, a children’s walking event or a long training walk far more comfortably.
How does anti-pressure wool work?
Blisters are caused by friction and pressure on a spot that becomes damp and warm. Alpaca anti-pressure wool adds a soft layer between your skin and your sock, which reduces that friction. The wool is naturally lightweight, water-repellent and lanolin-free (without wool grease), which also makes it pleasant for people who cannot tolerate wool grease.
You mainly use the wool preventively: on the spots that often trouble you on long walks, such as between the toes, on the heels or under the foot. Apply it before the pain starts. The wool is meant for spots that rub and for blisters that have not yet opened.
Apply it in 3 steps
Pluck a small tuft of alpaca wool and put it directly on the spot that rubs or presses.
Simply pull your sock over it. There is nothing to stick or wash; you use the wool dry.
The alpaca wool clings to your sock and does not shift. This relieves the pressure and keeps the discomfort away.
How much wool do you need?
- 10 grams of alpaca wool (€10.99): for a few spots between the toes.
- 20 grams of alpaca wool (€18.50): for heels, big toes and pressure points.
- 40 grams of alpaca wool (€29.99): a supply for several days, ideal for the Four Days Marches.
Preparing for a long walk
Anti-pressure wool helps, but good preparation remains the basis. These tips help you towards a blister-free walk:
- Train in good time and build up. Get your feet used to the distance gradually, so they are not surprised on the big day.
- Break in your shoes. Never wear new walking shoes for the first time during the walk itself.
- Choose good socks. Seamless walking socks that wick away moisture reduce friction; take a spare pair so you can put on dry socks.
- Keep your feet dry. Damp skin is more prone to blisters. Change into dry socks in good time along the way.
- Trim your toenails short and straight, so they do not press against your shoe or neighbouring toes.
- Apply anti-pressure wool preventively on your known weak spots, before you set off.
- Listen to your feet. If you feel a warm or chafing spot, stop for a moment and apply wool before a blister forms.
Try it out during training
Want to be sure the wool works for you? Order it well in advance and test it during your training walks, so you know exactly how much you need and where. You will find more on the alpaca wool against blisters page.
We ship the wool with PostNL within the Netherlands (€4.95, usually within 1 to 3 working days), or you can collect it in Malden by appointment. During the Nijmegen Four Days Marches we have a stand along the route; all the details are on the alpaca wool page.
Ready for a blister-free walk?
Choose a bag of 10, 20 or 40 grams in the alpaca wool shop. Pay online straight away with iDEAL, Wero, Google Pay or Apple Pay.