Blister Prevention - a shoelace tying method which can help

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In September 2015 I had the privilege of helping my friend David from the Society of Pilgrim Friars carry out first aid for pilgrims on the Camino Francés.

David is a veteran first-aider who has given first aid, pastoral care and support to pilgrims on the Camino for the past nine years - all on a voluntary basis.

Over the years David has treated many hundreds of pilgrims with blistered feet. A significant number of the pilgrims had badly-fitting boots and shoes - boots and shoes that were too small, too short or too narrow for their feet. Problems were also caused by tying shoelaces too tightly.
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For many years, David has successfully used the following method of shoelace tying: 
  1. Loosen the laces of the boot or shoe.
  2. Ball one's fist into the toe box of the boot or shoe (the balled fist acts as a foot). Loosen the laces even more if necessary.
  3. Keeping the laces loose, lace the boot or shoe to the mid-point between the roots of the toes and the front of the ankle and tie a half knot at that mid-point. The intention is to leave the whole toe box loose and to tighten the laces from the mid-point to the ankle.
  4. Complete lacing of the boot or shoe as is normally done (see photo).
  5. Once the boot or shoe is placed on the foot, kick the heel into the heel end of the boot, tie up firmly so that the rear of the boot is held securely around the foot. With the half knots at the mid eyelets, the front of the boot never tightens up but stays loose thus allowing the toes to move freely.
One's feet will remain firm in the boot or shoe. The extra room in the toe box will reduce the chance of blisters on the toes from boots or shoes that have been too tightly laced.

Note:  Feet enlarge during the day so it is essential that boots or shoes and socks are removed regularly to allow feet to air. Boots or shoes are then retied to ensure feet are comfortable but secure.

Jenny