
Blisters, calluses, and hotspots on the feet are the product of friction, and moleskin for shoes acts as a buffer between your skin and your shoes. Hikers, athletes, those who wear high heels frequently, and walkers of all kinds rely on moleskin pads to help stay active and pain-free. Our picks for the best moleskin pads for shoes follow.
1. Moleskin Plus Padding Roll by Dr. Scholl’s
CLICK FOR BEST PRICE
CLICK TO READ REVIEWS
Cut moleskin to size and stick it right where you need it. This self-stick roll of moleskin is made of soft cotton flannel padding to cushion your every step. Moleskin peels easily off the roll and can be cut to whatever shape or size needed. Perfect for blisters, calluses and other trouble spots. This moleskin can be applied directly to the skin or inside the shoe.
- Thin fabric fits easily in shoes
- Conforms to skin comfortably
- Can be cut to size
- Large size pieces may not stick well
CLICK FOR BEST PRICE
CLICK TO READ REVIEWS
This latex-free moleskin for shoes comes in a small roll that’s easy to tuck inside a backpack or purse. Containing zinc oxide as a preventative for irritation and hotspots, this moleskin can be used on bare skin, inside bothersome shoes, or under casts during healing to prevent sore spots.
- Excellent adhesion
- Easy to cut to size
- Latex-free
- Fabric is thicker than other brands
3. Moleskin Bandage for Feet by VIVEsole
CLICK FOR BEST PRICE
CLICK TO READ REVIEWS
Ideal for blisters, corns, and calluses, this moleskin pads for shoes give comfortable relief from pressure and friction. The extra long roll has easy-peel backing so you can quickly find healing relief even when on-the-go. Each moleskin roll is hypoallergenic and latex-free. This set includes 8 wooden stencils as a guide to cut moleskin to size.
- Hypoallergenic and latex-free
- Templates included
- Sticks well
- Wider than other products
CLICK FOR BEST PRICE
CLICK TO READ REVIEWS
This multipurpose moleskin from First Choice holds well to skin, shoes, and around casts. The flesh-colored fabric of this moleskin for shoes makes this an ideal choice for those worried about discretion. This moleskin is strong, sticks even when wet, and is an excellent choice for hikers, runners, athletes, and anyone dealing with blisters, chaffing or calluses.
- Adheres well
- Flesh colored
- Latex-free
- Minimal amount of padding provided
5. Soft Strips Microfiber Moleskin by Step 1
CLICK FOR BEST PRICE
CLICK TO READ REVIEWS
If comfort is what you need in your moleskin pads for shoes, you’ve found it in STEP 1 SOFTSTRIPS. These velvety soft microfiber pads apply directly to shoes and provide relief from and protection against calluses, blisters, and friction sores. These pads are pre-cut but can still be trimmed to fit shoes, casts, and feet.
- Pre-cut and ready to use
- Can apply directly to shoes
- Inexpensive
6. Moleskin Plus Padding by Dr. Scholl’s
CLICK FOR BEST PRICE
CLICK TO READ REVIEWS
Moleskin padding for shoes should give you all-day relief from irritation caused by sores and ill-fitting shoes, and this product does just that. These large strips of cotton-flannel padding are backed by self-stick adhesive and can be cut to any size needed. The thin design of these pads if easy to slip in and out of shoes.
- Thin enough to comfortably fit any shoe
- Generously sized pads can be cut to size
- Works on any area of the foot
- May not have enough padding to cushion blisters
7. Pre-Cut Moleskin Blister Dressing by Adventure Medical Kits
CLICK FOR BEST PRICE
CLICK TO READ REVIEWS
Carrying scissors or a knife when running or hiking isn’t always ideal, and that’s the idea behind these pre-cut moleskin dressings. Inside this kit, you’ll find 28 die-cut moleskin pieces that have been shaped to fit common blister areas. This medical kit is perfect for hikers, runners, and those needing quick relief while in the outdoors.
- Pre-cut to treat blisters and other injuries
- Protects against abrasion
- Provides immediate relief to sore spots
- May peel off in moist conditions
8. Moleskin Roll by Jaybird & Mais
CLICK FOR BEST PRICE
CLICK TO READ REVIEWS
Brushed napped cotton sateen fabric is the magic behind this roll of moleskin. Latex-free zinc oxide adhesive coats this moleskin which grips to the skin but isn’t hard on already tender areas. This roll of moleskin is tough enough to be used as ankle stirrups, blister padding, and anywhere friction injuries are a concern.
- Super strong adhesive
- Multipurpose
- Good value for the money
- Not as soft as other brands
9. Moleskin by Rescue Essentials
CLICK FOR BEST PRICE
CLICK TO READ REVIEWS
These 2 x 3″ strips of moleskin pads for shoes by Rescue Essentials are easy to tuck in a backpack or pocket for fast application anywhere. Moleskin is made of cotton flannel and is soft against the skin but durable enough to stick to work boots, running shoes, high heels, and other footwear.
- Works well inside any style of shoe
- Can be applied to skin or shoes
- Excellent sticking power
- Material is thinner than other brands
10. Moleskin Non-Stretch Adhesive Felt by Cramer
CLICK FOR BEST PRICE
CLICK TO READ REVIEWS
This roll of non-stretch adhesive felt is the go-to product for athletes. It works just as well as an athletic tape as it does for blister prevention and relief. Moleskin comes in an easy-dispensing box which is perfect for pre-treatment when hiking, playing sports, or putting in your favorite pair of shoes before you leave the house.
- Offers excellent protection to skin
- Easy dispensing box
- Great as an athletic tape or friction prevention aid
- Pricier than other brands
11. Moleskin Padding by Moleskin
CLICK FOR BEST PRICE
CLICK TO READ REVIEWS
This moleskin for shoes works well on any part of the foot, guarding against and protecting blisters, calluses, corns, bunions and other tender areas of skin. There are 4 strips of moleskin in each plastic pack, and each sheet can be cut to size with scissors. This moleskin is made of soft cotton flannel and backed with self-stick adhesive.
- Soft material
- Affordable
- Adheres nicely to shoes or skin
12. 2nd Skin Squares by Spenco
CLICK FOR BEST PRICE
CLICK TO READ REVIEWS
This is a medical-grade gel adhesive is shaped into squares and offers a moleskin-like protection against injury. Each piece is hypoallergenic and non-medicated. These hydrogel squares can be stuck to scrapes, cuts, burns, bruises, calluses, blisters, and hotspots to protect the skin from further irritation. 2nd Skin is made mostly of water, so dressing is easy to apply and remove.
- Easy to put on and take off
- Can be cut to size if needed
- Great for shoes, hands and feet
- May need to be taped to areas that are moist
How to Apply Moleskin for Shoes
Whenever possible, moleskin should only be applied to clean, dry feet. If using a roll, cut fabric to the desired size, remove moleskin and apply to affected area. If using pre-cut fabric, apply directly to foot after taking off the backing. Never place moleskin pads for shoes directly on a blister. Instead, use on the skin surrounding open sores.
Avoid Blisters and Hotspots
When any part of your foot rubs against your shoe, it creates a sore spot, which eventually turns into a blister or callus. You can prevent friction injuries by following these techniques:
- Wear the right footwear for the occasion
- Wear shoes that fit properly
- Use protective equipment like heel pads if necessary
- Wear moisture absorbing socks
Use Assistive Devices While Healing
If you’re struggling with blisters, calluses, or healing from an injury, it’s helpful to use adaptive equipment. If needed, a cane or trekking pole can support you while you’re on the mend and take some of the weight off your injured foot.
Moleskin for Shoes Can Help You Power Through Pain
As any long distance hiker will tell you, blisters and hotspots are a fact of life. By using moleskin when irritation, swelling, and blisters appear, you can power through the pain and keep to your regular schedule.
SOURCES:
https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/questions/4346/how-to-apply-duct-tape-and-mole-skin-to-prevent-blisters
https://www.backpacker.com/gear/the-cure-beating-blisters
https://www.backpacker.com/gear/blister-prevention-hiker-heel-thyself
Leave a Reply