Ice Skating Blisters: How to Prevent and Treat Them
One of the best ways to prevent blisters while ice skating is to make sure the skates fit just right. Skates that are too loose or tight can cause unnecessary friction and pressure points, often leading to blisters.
Finding skates that fit well—and taking the time to break them in—can make all the difference.
How to Prevent Ice Skating Blisters
Catching a blister early is the best way to stop it in its tracks. At the first sign of irritation, it’s helpful to take a break, check the feet, and cover the affected area with protective padding, like a blister bandage or moleskin, to reduce friction and prevent the blister from getting worse.
Even the most well-prepared skaters can develop blisters. Knowing how they start, where they’re likely to form, and what to do before they become excessively uncomfortable can help reduce discomfort and keep you on the ice.
Choose the right ice skates
Choosing high-quality skates that fit snugly but aren’t too tight is important.
The toes should gently touch the front of the boot, and the heel should feel secure. If the skates are too loose, the foot will slide around, creating friction. If they’re too tight, they can cause painful pressure spots.
Expert Tip: Try them on with the socks worn while skating to get the best fit.
Also, make sure you get fitted for your new boots!
Break in new skates slowly
New skates can be a bit stiff at first, so breaking them in is crucial. Instead of jumping into a long skating session, wear them for shorter periods to give the material time to soften and mold to the shape of the foot. Adding a little extra protection, like gel pads or moleskin, can help cushion any trouble spots while the skates break in.
Keep your skates in good condition
Keeping skates in good shape also plays a part in comfort. Lacing them up evenly—not too loose or tight—helps spread pressure and keeps everything snug. Some skaters even add custom insoles or orthotics for extra support and to reduce the chance of friction.
By focusing on a good fit and breaking in new skates the right way, you can skate comfortably and avoid blisters altogether!
Why Do I Get Blisters When I Skate?
Even with skates that fit well and were broken in properly, blisters can still form, especially after long hours on the ice. The good news is that properly treating blisters can help speed up healing and get back to skating comfortably in no time.
How they start
Blisters usually start with a hot spot—an area of the foot that feels warm, irritated, or tender. This is a signal that there’s too much friction between the skin and the skate.
The common places to get blisters are:
- The heels
- Sides of the feet
- Toes
- Anywhere the skate might rub or put extra pressure
Treating Ice Skating Blisters
Even with skates that fit well and were broken in properly, blisters can still form, especially after long hours on the ice. The good news is that treating blisters properly can help speed up healing and get back to skating comfortably in no time.
Knowing how to care for a blister—whether it’s intact or has popped—makes a big difference in recovery.
Keep the area clean and covered
Sometimes blisters pop on their own, but it’s important not to pop them yourself because that can slow down the healing process and lead to infection.
For intact blisters, it’s important to keep the area clean and protected. Start by gently washing the blister with soap and water, then apply a protective bandage or blister pad. These pads create a cushion around the blister, reducing pressure and allowing the skin to heal.
Take extra care of popped blisters
Blisters that have already popped require extra care. First, clean the area with mild soap and water, and avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as they can slow down healing.
Once the area is clean, apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and cover it with a sterile bandage. Changing the bandage daily—or whenever it becomes wet or dirty—will keep the area clean and allow it to heal faster.
Once the area is clean, apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection, and cover it with a sterile bandage. Changing the bandage daily—or whenever it becomes wet or dirty—will keep the area clean and allow it to heal faster.
Use the right bandages and padding
It’s also helpful to avoid putting too much pressure on the affected area while the blister is healing. Try adding extra cushioning, like gel pads or thicker bandages, and wear moisture-wicking socks to prevent dampness, which can worsen friction and irritation.
Treating blisters properly helps prevent further irritation or infection, and with the right care, most blisters will heal within a week. Staying on top of blister treatment ensures a quicker return to the ice, pain-free!