RT Journal Article
T1 The influence of sock composition on the appearance of foot blisters in hikers.
A1 Esther, Chicharro-Luna
A1 Gabriel, Gijon-Nogueron
A1 Raquel, Sanchez-Rodriguez
A1 Alfonso, Martínez-Nova
K1 Blisters
K1 Fibres
K1 Foot
K1 Socks
K1 Sweat
K1 Thermoregulation
AB Socks are of fundamental importance in reducing friction and in controlling the temperature and humidity of the foot, thus preventing the appearance of blisters. However, the influence of sock fibres (synthetic vs. natural) on blistering during long-distance hiking has received little research attention. This study evaluates the influence of sock fibres on the appearance of foot blisters in hikers. The sample consisted of 203 male and female hikers, mean age 35.8 ± 14.5 years, from 22 countries. All were interviewed and assessed at shelters on the French route of the Camino de Santiago (Spain). Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained for each hiker; other study data included the number of blisters on the foot, whether the socks were wet at the end of the day, the model of sock used and the nature of its constituent fibres. Among the hikers interviewed, 68.5% presented foot blisters. 74.2% used socks with predominantly synthetic fibres, compared to 25.9% whose socks were mainly composed of natural fibres. On average, they had walked 253.7 km. Hiking in wet socks was associated with a 1.94 times greater risk of experiencing foot blisters (95% CI 1.04-3.61) (p = 0.035). Multivariate analysis showed that the proportion of natural/synthetic fibres in the composition of the sock was not related to the presence of blisters. The use of wet socks heightens the risk of foot blisters in hikers, but the composition of the sock is not associated with blistering. We recommend hikers change their socks in long stages to maintain feet dry and so avoiding the appereance of blisters.
SN 0965-206X
YR 2022
FD 2022-02-04
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10668/22345
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10668/22345
LA en
DS RISalud
RD Apr 12, 2025