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Footcare for Runners & Giveaway

With many fall races on the horizon, there’s a whole lotta tired, beat up feet out there. I swear all I can think about post-run some days (besides food) is a good foot rub….sadly nobody around here ever volunteers…what’s up with that? Oh well there are other things to keep tired runner’s feet happy:

Footcare for Runners

Socks: There are a variety of good options out there. The main thing to look for is synthetic vs. cotton. Synthetic fibers will wick sweat away to help prevent blisters. I’m a Balega girl myself, but, like I said, lots of great brands to pick from.

Shoes: If you’re just starting out, you MUST head to a running store to be fitted for a proper pair of running shoes. Get fitted later in the day when your feet are swollen for the best fit and be sure to wear the socks and any insoles you plan to run in. Also know that running shoes wear out before they look like they’re worn out so keep track of the mileage you’re putting on them (running and otherwise) and be sure to switch them out to avoid injury.

Insoles: A good pair of insoles can ease the discomfort of pressure spots on the bottom of your feet as well as bone spurs, bunions, plantar fasciitis and callouses. Many running shoes already come with a good set of insoles but you may want to add your own. My Mizunos come with OrthoLite Insoles already inside. How lucky am I? More on insoles and a chance to win some in a second.

Blister Prevention: Personally I’m a fan of BodyGlide on my feet to keep hot spots away. But there are a variety of other lubricants, powders and tapes out there to try.

Toenail Care: Toenails should be kept trimmed straight across. If in doubt, err on the longer side to avoid the nail becoming ingrown.

Callous Care: Callouses are your feet’s way of toughening up to handle the miles you’re putting on them. Sexy as they may be, you may want to keep them in check with a pumice stone or emery board after your shower. I like to finish off a pumice session with some cooling foot gel. See a doc if you develop very large callouses.

Athlete’s Foot Avoidance: The dark, sweaty confines of a running shoe is a prime breeding ground for foot fungus. Avoid contracting it in the first place by wearing flip flops in locker rooms and showers and wearing socks when you go through airport security. Letting your shoes air out completely between runs is also helpful. Rotating between a couple of pairs is a good idea.

Now back to the insoles: Recently I had the opportunity to test out a pair of OrthoLite insoles like the ones shown above. Turns out they’re already in my Mizunos so they’ve been keeping my feet happy and painfree for years. Their patented anti-microbial, open-cell foam construction has a high level of breathability and wicks sweat away to resist fungus, odor and bacteria. They fit all athletic and outdoor shoes and boots. If your shoes don’t already have OrthoLite Insoles and you’d like to try them, they’re $19.99 on the OrthoLite website. Or you can win some here:

WIN IT! Three lucky readers will win a pair of OrthoLite Insoles.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comments

  1. I’m training for a holiday series of 3 5Ks to get me active this fall and winter. Trying to get back training hard after the lull of “too tires to train” after my son was born. I would love some good I soles to help my feet that take a pounding as I’m a bigger guy.

  3. Training for my first 50k Oct. 11. Have lots of blister issues I’d love to prevent! Thanks for the post today!! 🙂

  5. training for an overnight relay and two halfs (oct and nov). Would like to try these.. have foot issues and would like to run pain free.

  7. I’m curious about these insoles. After bagging my custom orthotics last spring, my foot issues have seemingly resolved (except for the toe).

  9. Definitely good tips here, and foot health is very important. i once ended up with a stress reaction because of blisters making me run on the outside of my foot. Not fun, and definitely not worth it! I find vaseline works just as well as the other glide products, so that can be a way to cut costs!

  11. I have a full schedule ahead. My first marathon on Sunday and then 5 half marathons plus some 10ks, 5ks and 4ks 🙂

  12. I am working on running a 5k without stopping. There have been a few hiccups along the way, but I keep trying.

  14. I have a couple of half marathons on tap, and I’ve been curious about trying ortholite

  16. I’d love to try the insoles. My current ones squeak so loud people can hear me coming down the block.

  19. As usual, living far, I don’t enter the giveaway. Interesting post.
    The feet cure is very important for the runners. I remember again the annoying blisters.

  21. I’m just starting my weight loss program and walking daily on the beach and I need good fitting walking/running shoes, as I hope to get moving

  25. I had my first ever pedicure the other day and freaked out internally when I saw the girl come at me with a razor blade. I was sure my foot was going to hurt the next time I ran if she was cutting away my flesh. But it seems that I didn’t need that dead tough flesh after all and my feet felt really good so I can definitely vouch for the benefits of callus removal.

  27. I’ve ran 5 half marathons this year and have 3 more scheduled for 2014. I’m starting to think my feet could use a little extra love.

  28. I registered today for the LA Marathon. Let the training begin! I will be on my feet a lot (obviously) and worry about PF coming back. That’s why I’d love to try these insoles.

  30. I’d like to win because I have foot problems and my Doctor recommended a good insole
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

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