30 years since I last had a blister…
In an effort to make the Jim Green Razor backs super comfortable I brought a pair of Silicon padded (Heel and Ball) insoles - cut to size and fitted in my boots - felt squidgy and comfortable - and then departed for the Kgalagadi and onto the Kruger. 2 weeks later to start the hike.
Boots polished and special leather treatment applied they were put away safe from Kgalagadi dust sand smoke damage etc.
Started the Trail and after a few KM could feel something was wrong - must be laces -re adjusted several times at 10km a lunch break
I changed back to the original insoles and saw the white formation deep under my skin (Im pissed off and happy that I packed the original insoles as well)
I should point out that were were starting each morning with 5litres of water and the temperatures on day 1 and 2 were low- mid 30s.
With over 90km to go this was beginning to really irritate me - Yes I know dont change something not broken, dont try a new product on a big hike etc etc. But 30 years Ive never had a blister (on my feet caused by shoes)
Day 3 (I think), I succumbed to Merthiolate - Whatever sadist invented this stuff deserves a rogering with a pineapple - I hadn’t expected that exact sensation I knew it was sore but…it brought a flood of scorpion sting memories back.
So the remainder of the next morning was with the Merthiolate leaking into the blister below the blister each step searching for a way to wriggle or place your foot for least pain and trying to land on ridges of hummocks with my arch. destroyed my focus a touch. Blister plaster and tape to spread the contact area and reduce the tearing for the remainder of the hike, (Im still 2 weeks later trying to toughen the new skin having lost the flap.
No its not even close to as bad as the shark attack victims I saw in the Fish river canyon, just an absolute beat your forehead frustration that these insoles are allowed to be sold.
So my conclusion - do not buy the “Comfort insoles” especially those with silicon in them.
If you feel tempted to - grab needle and syringe fill it with Merthiolate and stab your foot, or ask a Hyena to chew it off
Learn from my mistake.