Blisters from hiking aren't very common for those that plan ahead.
Boots and/or shoes are very important.
Time should be taken choosing a pair at the store.
Style should be next to last when it comes to blister avoidance.
A snug fit is often a series of blisters waiting to be hatched.

Choose footwear that feels very comfortable and yet is rugged and matches the conditions.

Many hike with simple footwear risking stubbed toes because treads are good enough, comfort usually is very good and moving to special boots, while better in other ways, risks a lesser fit ("My other shoes are worn in").

Regularly hiking develops calluses and usually that extra strength of skin reduces blister forming and toughens up the rest of the foot's skin.

Keeping early season's hike to less than the all out high mileage hikes keeps propensity to blister to reasonable levels.
Hike for four hours first season outing in your uncle's 15 year closeted hiking boots and expected to not blister?

Think again.

Spend the money on the footwear so you don't have to give it to charity.
Take the time to test out the footwear at the store. Walk around the store a few times and only buy them if they really feel like you'll love them.
Build up to long hikes instead of going for records first time out.
Socks can make a difference too, buffering foot's skin from footwear inside.
Sock thickness need be matched to boot/shoe size, for socks too big for already snug shoes is blister a different way.

May blister free hiking be yours!

Learn more about this author, Gordon Murray.
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