As someone who runs every single day and tackles endurance events barefoot-style, blistering has always been one of my biggest adversaries. If you’re an endurance runner facing similar issues, or just looking to keep your feet in top shape for race day, you’ll want to hear about my journey testing new preventative gel sheets.
Why Blister Prevention Is Essential
Blisters aren’t just annoying—they can genuinely ruin a race or knock your training for months. I’ve spent years battling this issue and have tested all kinds of solutions: compeed plasters, bandages, thick insoles, and various silicone-based gel sheets. The right fix depends so much on your foot shape, running style, race conditions, and of course, your footwear and socks.
My Latest Test: Profoot Gel Sheets
This week, with the Edinburgh Marathon fast approaching, I put some new Profoot gel sheets to the test. These are silicone-based gel sheets designed to mimic the feel of skin while providing a nice, thick cushion between your foot and your shoe. What I love about them is their strong adhesion—something I’ve found lacking in many other brands I’ve tried. When you’re pounding the pavement mile after mile, that security makes all the difference.
I’m a barefoot-style runner, so my soles are tougher than the average, but that also means I get more wear and tear. The Profoot gel sheets held up well so far, not shifting with my socks or slipping out of place, which is a huge plus. It’s that kind of reliability that boosts my confidence going into a race.
Lessons Learnt from Painful Experiences
I made a cardinal mistake at the Manchester Marathon by trying a new gel sheet product for the very first time on race day—don’t do this! It ended with poor adhesion and some fairly significant blisters, which took ages to heal. The big takeaway: test all blister prevention products well before race day. Find what works for your feet, and use it in training so you know you can trust it when it counts.
My Top Blister Prevention Tips
Everyone’s feet are different—experiment until you find the solution that matches your needs.
Strong adhesion is critical for gel sheets; make sure they stay put through your longest runs.
Don’t leave your first real test for race day! Confidence in your kit gives you massive mental peace of mind.
Consulting a podiatrist every few months can help prevent long-term foot issues, especially if you’re clocking high mileage.
If you’ve got questions or want to know more about my journey, feel free to reach out—always happy to chat with fellow runners about their endurance challenges.
And finally, remember this vlog is part of my mission to save children’s lives with my epic run blogging challenge. The more people we reach, the more impact we make!
Stay positive, stay happy, and happy running. See you in the next post!