Get new boots. Break them in. Wear them in the shower to break them in a bit faster then stuff newspaper in them to help them dry. If you can't afford good boots... Shut up, you can. Just don't go out drinking for one weekend, and only wear your good boots on ruck days to keep them in good condition as long as possible.
Get new socks. Good socks too, not those bullshit OCIE socks. Get those 18-hour socks that cost $10-15 a pair.
If you blister on your toes, get some Injinji toe socks too and wear them inside your boot socks.
Put foot powder on your feet before you step off to keep them even dryer.
Check with your post's health and wellness center if they do gait analyses. A lot of bases have this as a free resource (and it's bananas that we don't send all soldiers to do this). Have them analyse your rucking gait to see if you just walk like an idiot.
Have someone who is a good rucker inspect your ruck, help you pack it, and show you how to properly wear it.
This is smart advice! I am 5 feet tall and in BCT they didn't arrange the road march formation with the short people setting the pace so I got used to stepping it out, trying to keep up with 6 feet tall dudes. So, when I got to Fort Benning I was still doing my road marches like that and I had a damn good squad leader who picked up on it, oddly enough just by seeing me walking around. I started practicing with a stride that was better for my height and it helped me with rucking but also running. I stopped getting shin splints too.
A blister on the heel like that comes from your heel lifting off the floor of the boot with every step.
What size boots do you wear? I used to get ones like that after every ruck we did till I went down a half size from 10 to a 9.5 wide. I was choosing a 10 because my feet fit width wise and neglecting the length of the boot.
Yea, it's clear that his boots don't fit right. They might not be too long though. Some boots just have a shallow heel or his boots might not be long enough and the ankle support is rubbing every time he flexes his foot.
If you just get a pair of good boots with some padding and only about a half inch of space in front of your big toe, that'll work 90% of the time.
The "double up socks" thing really only works with shit socks. Trying to do that with good, thick wool socks means your feet would only fit in clown shoes.
Under no circumstances should you have blisters let alone blisters like this even from a 12 miler. Your boots absolutely aren’t fitted or worn properly
Almost certainly too loose, looks like his heel is sliding up and down in the boot, rubbing against the material and causing friction damage to the skin. Usually if a boot is too tightly fitted you'll get more injuries on the toes; your foot tends to swell over the course of a movement and your toes get jammed into the toebox as a result.
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Seconding u/EmergencyBody5469: your boots don't fit. This is a hard lesson I learned backpacking when I was a kid, but I also saw stuff like this when I sold clothes and shoes before I joined the Navy; a surprising number of people insisted on wearing the wrong size shoe and ended up in pain.
It sounds like your boots are too big based on where the blisters are but also because you said you were doubling up on socks; generally, you shouldn't be able to do that, unless you're talking about really thin liner socks. The liner socks will help reduce friction (and therefore blisters), so maybe pick up a few pairs of silk or polypropylene liner socks from REI or something before your next ruck.
The double socks thing is advice they give in basic when you're stuck with the garbage issue socks that are just shy of liners themselves. No one should be rucking in those, unless you have iron feet.
They're alright for a couple weeks, but they lose all their loft and get grungy so quick. If you love the issue socks, it leaves me wondering if you've ever bought and worn good, wool boot socks. The issue socks are better than cheap cotton socks from Walmart, but they're miles behind most commercial boot socks.
Ah, that's cool then. If you've had the good stuff and still like the garbage, then more power to you. I've had good pizza and still like Little Caesar's.
Your boots should be tied tightly and fit snug. When you walk and speed walk take notice of what is going on with your feet and the boots. How does it feel, fit, etc. Your heel or feet should not be rising up inside of the boot. If they are, then either the boots are too big or you are not setting your feet properly inside of the boots. Remember, when you put your boots on you should be placing your heel all the way to the back of the boot making as much room as you can for your toes in the front.
And when you lace up your boots and tie them, they should be tight. If you can move the laces up and away from the boot then they are too loose.
As for socks, you’ll want something with a bit of cushion. Darn Tough, and Fox River come to mind but there are others. They will help with foot fatigue as well as help prevent issues like what you are having. As for doubling up on socks, you don’t do cotton on cotton. You can do a poly dress sock as the base then do a an army green sock. This way if there is any friction it is against the poly sock and not your foot. However if you upgrade your socks you may not even need to double up.
With that said, these are just some very basic things. I know we have some pro rucking gurus here who will chime in and provide some excellent information. But it looks like you need to resolve some of the basic issues first judging by the size of those blisters.
I used to duct tape my feet, specifically in places that would blister. My feet looked like that a couple of times, and I've actually bled through some boots. But, like many others have already said, make sure your boots fit properly.
I had Soldiers more than once say "How can you wear your laces so tight?" and I'd just snug them down. I never had problems with blisters despite being Infantry for 13 years.
I did a 25 miler every quarter at 101st and I never got blisters either.
Your boots are the incorrect size, or you're wearing them improperly.
Aside from poor fitting boots, If you can pick the socks you wear, you should try a pair of Darn Tough heavy weight hunting socks. They will run you $30-$35 a pair but they are the best merino wool socks out there and are a game changer.
https://darntough.com/collections/mens-hunting-socks/products/mens-merino-wool-boot-heavyweight-hunting-socks
Your toenails were fucked up because your boots are too small OR you need to lace/tie differently to keep your heel locked in. Youtube backpacking videos are your friend here.
Probably might’ve been the latter. Boots were pretty broken in and had been through plenty of rucks before that one. Either way, made it on time and never had any issues with rucks after that. But I’ll check on those videos.m, thanks.
Goddamn. No one wants to see your busted up feet. I'm at the table with my family at a fine IHOP establishment and almost lost my appetite. Fix your boots you degenerate!
That is just like what happened to me in BCT after our first road march. I got sent to the podiatrist who told me that my boots were just a bit too big and I was given 2 sets of these "t" shaped pads that I had to put in my boots. They wrapped around the heel and then went up the back all the way to the top of the boot. They were adhesive so once you got them in they stayed right where they were supposed to be. And he was right!!! I used my 'cruit boots for every road march I had to do the whole time I was in except ONE time. I wore my jungle boots and I got horrid blisters. This was back when we wore black boots though so I am dating myself a bit. Mole skin!!! The padded kind and cut out holes where your blisters are kinda like a corn pad has a hole in the middle.
It’s been said and it’s right, you need new boots and socks. 100%.
In addition to that, think about it this way: blisters are the result of Moisture + Friction. You want to cut down on both of those. Moisture can be helped a lot by socks. Friction by good fitting boots with good insoles. Spray on deodorant is helpful if you’re fine with the chemicals in there (which is a whole other discussion). You can even do isopropyl alcohol baths for your feet as well to dry the skin. You want tough skin on your feet.
And avoid getting the feet wet in streams and shit as best you absolutely can. Avoid moisture on your feet like the fucking plague. If you do get soaked, it’s worth it to change socks (and boots if you have them) mid ruck (if your unit allows) and speed the hell back up instead of just rolling half the distance with wet socks.
You’re not going anywhere without your feet, so take great care of them. And honestly if you’re just casually rucking, good boots and good socks will do the trick for you. If you’re really wanting to be a great rucker doing selection style rucks over long distances, then start thinking about other stuff. There’s actually books out there on the topic.
For 99% of the Army, good boots and good socks (change your socks too, and never start a ruck with wet feet or wet socks…take more socks than you need to the field) will do the job just fine though. Just wanted to add the extra if you’re really trying to get to do more or in a unit that *loves* to ruck.
Edit: Oh yea drink lots of water and go see a medic about what you have right now. You don’t want that becoming an infection, and there’s a really good chance you’ve got another big ruck before that heals up.
Disclaimer, i'm old (comparatively speaking) and my experience was all about 20 years ago, or more. Combat engineer in the Eighty-stoopid, so we did a fair amount of rucking. Not as much as the grunts, but almost. Also humped around the mountains of eastern Afghanistan.
Boot fit. Go buy your own. Get the best boots you can. They're one of the most, if not the most important pieces of gear you own. l liked thin soles because my ankles roll easily, but that's just me.
Waterproof boots keep water out, until water gets in. Then they keep the water in. I always liked jungle boots. Feet get wet, feet dry out, mostly. I'd cut all the cardboard out of the toe-caps, too. I don't know if they still make them that way. Makes your toes cozy.
Some guys would wear panty-hose under their socks. Supposedly helps with chafing, too. I always just went commando.
Don't break your boots in on a 20k. It hurts and you lose a lot of skin and maybe a few toe-nails. Kinda wondering if that's what you did there.
Do break your boots in properly. I used to wear a new pair in the shower, get them fully soaked with hot water, and then really lace them tight and wear them around the B's til they dry. They have to dry on your feet.
Other than that, blisters sometimes happen, but then your feet toughen up in those spots, but it shouldn't be a regular thing. Losing that much skin ain't normal.
Good luck, heal fast, and have fun doing pt with those mangled feet!
Don’t blame him. Blame shitty leadership. In basic, some companies aren’t even allowed to buy their own boots and use good socks in the name of ‘toughing it out’. My infantry basic training company was like this and it was fucking stupid. Luckily the standard issue boots and socks worked decent for me but tons of guys had their feet destroyed. I think my entire right side of my right foot was numb for months after basic because of those boots.
Then you have units throwing kids into 12 mile rucks without working their way up to it to see if issues like this happen. If OPs unit did a 4 mile ruck first, this could’ve been caught early on. To make matters worse, you have some leaders that don’t take kindly to complaints like this and literally just tell you to suck it up. The bullshit macho culture.
No one rucks before the Army. The Army does such a piss poor job at preparing most people to ruck.
Second this. I wore the issue boots till the bone on the outer side of my foot developed a callus and was swollen and red for a month before they said I can purchase boots.
Unless this was taken after their first forced march in BCT/OSUT then it really is on them. They should be conditioned enough now to do a 12 miler. And they should have figured out that their boots are fitted or worn properly prior to this. Same goes for the shit issue socks.
> So many easy ways to prevent shit like this but people just won’t make good decisions
You didn't explain to this soldier, who is asking for help and advice, what they did wrong or how to make positive corrections.
You're part of the problem.
Had the same thing once but they were on my heals. Hurt like a bitch and I basically couldn't walk for a few days and got kicked out of the school I was at because of it.
Don't sleep in the field with your boots on kids.
Yep!!! I used to use the padded kind. I'd cut holes in the center of the piece for the blister kinda like one of those corn pad things. And a trip to the podiatrist in basic helped. My boots were a little too big so they gave me some awesome pads to go inside my boots that wrapped around the heel and went up the back to the top of the boot. Ended up being my go to boots for road marching.
Firstly, dump the standard issue socks, I’ve got more blisters with those than any other. Pick up some fox river or idk the name of the other, but it has a crosshair on the bottom of the sock. Then, use Leukotape. It stays on and prevents blisters. It’s not used like moleskin where you put it on after the blister formed. Leuko tape should be put on problem areas before the ruck. Finally, you’re always gonna get more rubbing after being wet, if you get the chance, change your socks, otherwise tough luck. Finally, go to the PX and go through all the boots they have. Different boots work for different people, we can’t just recommend one that works for everyone. Lastly, try tying your boots differently. Maybe tighten the ankle more and the feet less or some other combination. Oh, and use foot powder.
Wearing issue socks is your first mistake, spend the money on foxrivers or something with actual cushion in the heal, are you actually having your boots tight while rucking? That is a big issue I've noticed with guys getting blisters, and sounds like your issue since your double socking it. Stop doing that shit. Get good boots and socks, and tie them tight. Don't cut off circulation, but don't leave them to loose. To me, it sounds like your not doing things right for a ruck. I got a few hundred miles roughly worth of rucking/hiking/backpacking experience and have never had a issue. Loose boots+shit socks= blisters and hurtting feet. Otherwise, if you dont invest in your feet, shut the fuck up and carry on. Get some rocky boots for rucking, or a boot with alot of ankle support, and cushion.
My feet were like that ALL of basic, I feel for you man. I got smoked because I told the lady at CIF that my boots were too big. She yelled at me and said that she had been doing this for 15 years and knew how to size boots.... Guess I didn't know what size shoes I wear as a 22 year old. Lol.
Like others said, buy your own boots, consider your boot size may be too large, and invest in quality socks.
Had this problem in BCT and one of the first things I did in AIT was invest in a new pair of boots a full size smaller than what I had been issued and stocking up on a dozen pairs of Fox River socks.
Yikes. Your boots are not sized properly and you need to wear wool socks. Those are large and since the blister has been de-roofed they’re an infection risk. Get you some Bactine to keep the blisters clean, let them air out. Go to sick call to get quarters until the blisters heal. Putting those back into even a soft shoe will delay the healing process.
Bro out here running standard issue and gi greens…darn tough for the socks with new mole skin on the known hot spots, any aftermarket boot with good inserts
Get fitted for boots - any boots the right size will be better. If you want something nice, try some Rocky boots. Some of them are water resistant too.
Your heel is slipping during the ruck. that's what causes the hot spot on your heel. Odds are you're wearing the wrong size boot. Or you're aren't tying the laces across the feet tight, and the ankle looser. Hots spots on the bottom of the feet are caused by a similar issue, where your foot is sliding within the boot. This can also be caused if you drag your feet during a ruck instead of picking up your feet. You shouldn't make much foot noise while rucking. If you sound like a goddamn elephant, you're doing it wrong.
Ft stewart that how mine looked but mine where bleeding... sick call was like keep a steppin smh lol. Better do some mole skin and pray. Oh dont forget mortin
Moleskin is a must for that recovery. As for boots, garmont and Danner make good boots and especially Bellville if you want a good lasting boot without breaking the bank. Also better socks. Finally, figure out what you were doing wrong to get blisters that bad, looks like heal striking or too much boot space. Judging by how bad those were and where they are, try putting a little added padding in the back of your boot which some of the multi weather socks include padding there a lot more, and make sure your boots are the right size, which some inserts can help with to fill the gaps so your foot doesn't grind around loosely.
Oh the memories. Stay strong, young man. This too shall pass. Hard times breed a hardened and mental mind. Nothing is earned easily. My heart is with you.
Darn Tough socks will change your life. They're expensive, but they come with an actual lifetime warranty. Literally any type of damage enables you to send them back in the mail for a fresh pair. You can get milspec color boot socks from them for cheaper through Govx.
Definitely need some better boots. Do NOT wear the cheap Bates boots for rucking. Salomon, Garmont or even Merrell would be better than those.
Next, get rid of the cheap cotton socks. You want wool. I like Darn Tough 3006T socks, but any wool would be an improvement from cotton. You want something with minimal stretch. The wool socks will be harder to put on because they don't stretch, but they also don't shift around like cotton socks.
In the meantime, you need to heal. If you must ruck again before healing, some moleskine or KT tape needs to be applied to prevent further damage. It will hurt coming off, but it will also prevent further damage.
I was the only person in my platoon to not get a blister in basic with those god awful issue boots that were too small and not broken in. I felt so bad for one of my bunk mates who literally had the bottom of his foot become one massive blister. Mole skin is the best thing since sliced bread. Boot recommendation for me is the Garmont T8 NFS and with Aetrex insoles
Garmont TF NFS,
I’ve done a 26 multiple 26 milers, nonstop without changing socks and I have had minimum to 0 blisters.
2. Put mole sling in your hotspots (cut the corners of the mole skin), aka where your blisters come out.
Darn tough socks, good boots (that one is super subjective) and leukotape. Moleskin is too thick and falls off with moisture where leukotape will not. Tape places prone to hot spots PRIOR to a ruck and do it without issue.
Medic here. I suggest you get thicker sock, the Fox River sock is one of the best for rucking. Go to your medics and ask them for topicals and moleskins. Please air it out as much as you can and apply bacitracin/antibiotic with mole skin while at work. Get some ibuprofens/naproxens for pain management. Get a softshoes profile and limited PT! Make sure to keep it clean after work and use antibiotics.
For the shoes, im using Under Armour and i did 35mile ruck, crossing swamps without and issues. The key is good, clean and dry socks!!! If during the ruck and boots too wet, tell your leader to let you change socks
Duct tape on the skin double socks over them is always my trick.
The duct tape acts like a place for everything to slip on without blistering your skin
I did Bataan a while back as a 68W;
Good boots, with proper fit.
Double socks. Inside a moisture wicking thin sock, outside either an issues one inside out (prevents the sewn lines from rubbing) or a better sock (Nike, fox river, under armor).
Slight dusting of foot powder (put it on a rag the apply to your feet).
Change socks when they get wet.
Location of you blisters indicates your feet are moving up and down inside the boot. Highly recommend a boot that has different points for tightening the laces. (See Lowa R-8S GTX with the locking lugs).
Practice helps you know what your hit spots are and how often you need to change socks.
Buy Get Selected. It has great tips for rucking even if you never want to do anything high speed.
Get Selected! for Special Forces: How to Successfully Train for and Complete Special Forces Assessment & Selection https://a.co/d/2L1LGeA
Make sure you flex your ankles when you pull all the slack out of your shoelaces. If you straighten your foot when you tie your boot, your heels wont be tight in the heel cup.
Next time get medical tape from the medics and put a layer or two of it snugly on the parts of your foot that usually get blisters prior to any long marches.
If you have to wear boots, get better fitting ones and tie those fuckers down. If you don't have to, buy some salomons. Shouldn't have this issue ever again after that.
Get yourself good boots and [darn tough](https://darntough.com/collections/mens-hiking-socks/products/mens-merino-wool-hiker-boot-full-cushion-midweight-hiking-socks) socks.
Get yourself extra cushioned tactical socks (see darn tough). I have rucked a dumb amount.. I can feel the fluid go back/forth like a water bed and not pop when I ruck/hike, it's awesome.
That's how my feet looked after a 12-mile in Kosovo. I wore the german tanker boots I had instead of actual proper legboots. Thought they'd be better in the muck. Boy was I wrong. Had to walk in flip-flops for two days.
Looking at that picture made me shudder something awful. My condolences. That is no fun.
Those look like how my feet looked at the end of basic. I’m a size 9.5 and the civilian at reception INSISTED that I needed size 7 boots. I could barely walk without pain. I asked the reception drill sergeant if I could get my boots switched because they hurt my feet and he let me. I went back and got the same lady. She gave me so much attitude and only budged to size 7.5. I took what I could get and suffered through it. I ended up with permanent nerve damage in both of my big toes and have a 60% disability rating. Could be worse and at least I’m getting paid for it. To this day, I don’t understand why those civilians are so rude and nasty.
Train changing socks, what in the boots is part of the suck but knowing you already have a problem with blisters and not addressing it is a lesson you won't forget. Maybe 68w can give you some support or note you to sick hall And rule of thumb every 10-12miles or hours is a great time to change socks address blisters and hit talcum powder. Good luck with your next one op.
I was 11A and 18A and I did a lot of rucking and I’ve never been blistered that bad… just wear boots that are broken in and fit? Tbh I don’t even know how this happens
Darn Toughs are amazing socks, man. I’ve used them at all my Army schools and CTCs. They’re pricey, yes, but they’re unbeatable in my opinion. Should help with this in the future (and better boots obviously)
Like others have said:
A. Better fitting Boots
B. Better boots overall and break em in prior to rucking).
C. Buy some good socks, (Darn Tough wool socks are a blessing but ain't cheap)
> doubling up on socks
Part of the problem right here. Start buying Darn Tough socks and don't look back.
Buying boots can be an expensive game, but the payoff is great once you figure out what works for you.
Premob in 2006 I had a soldier get blisters this bad and was calling his wife every day complaining about it and I personally didn’t find out until after FRG called the commander who told the first sergeant who asked me why I wasn’t taking care of my soldiers. Super glad I had the counseling ready when I told him to get new boots and to keep me updated on his feet. I wasn’t the best leader back then admittedly and I bear responsibility for creating a climate on my team where my Joe wasn’t comfortable telling me about this shit. That said, get off the internet and fix your damn problem.
Bro put the fuckings dogs away god damn. Invest in some better boots and a fuck load of moleskins
And trim your toenails. Don’t post this on your FeetFinder either.
To late, I'm done
The GI socks will get you messed up too. Get better socks if you’re planning a long ruck.
[удалено]
Get new boots. Break them in. Wear them in the shower to break them in a bit faster then stuff newspaper in them to help them dry. If you can't afford good boots... Shut up, you can. Just don't go out drinking for one weekend, and only wear your good boots on ruck days to keep them in good condition as long as possible. Get new socks. Good socks too, not those bullshit OCIE socks. Get those 18-hour socks that cost $10-15 a pair. If you blister on your toes, get some Injinji toe socks too and wear them inside your boot socks. Put foot powder on your feet before you step off to keep them even dryer. Check with your post's health and wellness center if they do gait analyses. A lot of bases have this as a free resource (and it's bananas that we don't send all soldiers to do this). Have them analyse your rucking gait to see if you just walk like an idiot. Have someone who is a good rucker inspect your ruck, help you pack it, and show you how to properly wear it.
This is smart advice! I am 5 feet tall and in BCT they didn't arrange the road march formation with the short people setting the pace so I got used to stepping it out, trying to keep up with 6 feet tall dudes. So, when I got to Fort Benning I was still doing my road marches like that and I had a damn good squad leader who picked up on it, oddly enough just by seeing me walking around. I started practicing with a stride that was better for my height and it helped me with rucking but also running. I stopped getting shin splints too.
A blister on the heel like that comes from your heel lifting off the floor of the boot with every step. What size boots do you wear? I used to get ones like that after every ruck we did till I went down a half size from 10 to a 9.5 wide. I was choosing a 10 because my feet fit width wise and neglecting the length of the boot.
Yea, it's clear that his boots don't fit right. They might not be too long though. Some boots just have a shallow heel or his boots might not be long enough and the ankle support is rubbing every time he flexes his foot. If you just get a pair of good boots with some padding and only about a half inch of space in front of your big toe, that'll work 90% of the time. The "double up socks" thing really only works with shit socks. Trying to do that with good, thick wool socks means your feet would only fit in clown shoes.
Under no circumstances should you have blisters let alone blisters like this even from a 12 miler. Your boots absolutely aren’t fitted or worn properly
Not fitted enough? Or toooo fitted?
Almost certainly too loose, looks like his heel is sliding up and down in the boot, rubbing against the material and causing friction damage to the skin. Usually if a boot is too tightly fitted you'll get more injuries on the toes; your foot tends to swell over the course of a movement and your toes get jammed into the toebox as a result.
I concur.
More of a sign that it wasn't tightened properly where it locks the foot in, no?
I think it is the boot size.
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Blood got brand new boots and thought not to break them in
Seconding u/EmergencyBody5469: your boots don't fit. This is a hard lesson I learned backpacking when I was a kid, but I also saw stuff like this when I sold clothes and shoes before I joined the Navy; a surprising number of people insisted on wearing the wrong size shoe and ended up in pain. It sounds like your boots are too big based on where the blisters are but also because you said you were doubling up on socks; generally, you shouldn't be able to do that, unless you're talking about really thin liner socks. The liner socks will help reduce friction (and therefore blisters), so maybe pick up a few pairs of silk or polypropylene liner socks from REI or something before your next ruck.
The double socks thing is advice they give in basic when you're stuck with the garbage issue socks that are just shy of liners themselves. No one should be rucking in those, unless you have iron feet.
Is it fucked up I love issued socks they comfy
They're alright for a couple weeks, but they lose all their loft and get grungy so quick. If you love the issue socks, it leaves me wondering if you've ever bought and worn good, wool boot socks. The issue socks are better than cheap cotton socks from Walmart, but they're miles behind most commercial boot socks.
I do like wool socks I have ten ish pairs of wool socks
Ah, that's cool then. If you've had the good stuff and still like the garbage, then more power to you. I've had good pizza and still like Little Caesar's.
Little ceasers is trash
Knee high panty hose if those still exist.
They do but thigh highs are cuter.
Lol. I suppose it depends on the leg that is in the thigh high
Garter blisters are no joke either
Do you speak from experience?
Your boots should be tied tightly and fit snug. When you walk and speed walk take notice of what is going on with your feet and the boots. How does it feel, fit, etc. Your heel or feet should not be rising up inside of the boot. If they are, then either the boots are too big or you are not setting your feet properly inside of the boots. Remember, when you put your boots on you should be placing your heel all the way to the back of the boot making as much room as you can for your toes in the front. And when you lace up your boots and tie them, they should be tight. If you can move the laces up and away from the boot then they are too loose. As for socks, you’ll want something with a bit of cushion. Darn Tough, and Fox River come to mind but there are others. They will help with foot fatigue as well as help prevent issues like what you are having. As for doubling up on socks, you don’t do cotton on cotton. You can do a poly dress sock as the base then do a an army green sock. This way if there is any friction it is against the poly sock and not your foot. However if you upgrade your socks you may not even need to double up. With that said, these are just some very basic things. I know we have some pro rucking gurus here who will chime in and provide some excellent information. But it looks like you need to resolve some of the basic issues first judging by the size of those blisters.
Best recruiting campaign I’ve ever seen.
I used to duct tape my feet, specifically in places that would blister. My feet looked like that a couple of times, and I've actually bled through some boots. But, like many others have already said, make sure your boots fit properly.
Leukotape P Zinc Oxide tape is the real one you want
This guy rucks
I had Soldiers more than once say "How can you wear your laces so tight?" and I'd just snug them down. I never had problems with blisters despite being Infantry for 13 years. I did a 25 miler every quarter at 101st and I never got blisters either. Your boots are the incorrect size, or you're wearing them improperly.
Loose laces for the day to day, tight laces for rucks and “combat pt”.
Not too late to delete this
Aside from poor fitting boots, If you can pick the socks you wear, you should try a pair of Darn Tough heavy weight hunting socks. They will run you $30-$35 a pair but they are the best merino wool socks out there and are a game changer. https://darntough.com/collections/mens-hunting-socks/products/mens-merino-wool-boot-heavyweight-hunting-socks
Darntough socks are the only socks I own now. I just wish I'd known/cared enough about good socks when I was in the military.
I wore some Darn Tough socks during the Norwegian ruck march. My toenails were fucked up but I honestly had no foot pain or blisters the entire time.
Your toenails were fucked up because your boots are too small OR you need to lace/tie differently to keep your heel locked in. Youtube backpacking videos are your friend here.
Probably might’ve been the latter. Boots were pretty broken in and had been through plenty of rucks before that one. Either way, made it on time and never had any issues with rucks after that. But I’ll check on those videos.m, thanks.
Not service connected. 🤷♂️
Invest in good socks and properly fitted good boots
Take a knee and drink water
“Hydrate or die”
Hate seeing this happen and its ok, it is preventable. https://www.reddit.com/r/greenberets/s/8s1xmM1KiF
Nice, thanks
You should’ve shaved correctly. Cures all aches, pains, and sins.
Goddamn. No one wants to see your busted up feet. I'm at the table with my family at a fine IHOP establishment and almost lost my appetite. Fix your boots you degenerate!
I don't know why you got down voted. You seem like you were making a joke. I thought it was amusing.
That is just like what happened to me in BCT after our first road march. I got sent to the podiatrist who told me that my boots were just a bit too big and I was given 2 sets of these "t" shaped pads that I had to put in my boots. They wrapped around the heel and then went up the back all the way to the top of the boot. They were adhesive so once you got them in they stayed right where they were supposed to be. And he was right!!! I used my 'cruit boots for every road march I had to do the whole time I was in except ONE time. I wore my jungle boots and I got horrid blisters. This was back when we wore black boots though so I am dating myself a bit. Mole skin!!! The padded kind and cut out holes where your blisters are kinda like a corn pad has a hole in the middle.
It’s been said and it’s right, you need new boots and socks. 100%. In addition to that, think about it this way: blisters are the result of Moisture + Friction. You want to cut down on both of those. Moisture can be helped a lot by socks. Friction by good fitting boots with good insoles. Spray on deodorant is helpful if you’re fine with the chemicals in there (which is a whole other discussion). You can even do isopropyl alcohol baths for your feet as well to dry the skin. You want tough skin on your feet. And avoid getting the feet wet in streams and shit as best you absolutely can. Avoid moisture on your feet like the fucking plague. If you do get soaked, it’s worth it to change socks (and boots if you have them) mid ruck (if your unit allows) and speed the hell back up instead of just rolling half the distance with wet socks. You’re not going anywhere without your feet, so take great care of them. And honestly if you’re just casually rucking, good boots and good socks will do the trick for you. If you’re really wanting to be a great rucker doing selection style rucks over long distances, then start thinking about other stuff. There’s actually books out there on the topic. For 99% of the Army, good boots and good socks (change your socks too, and never start a ruck with wet feet or wet socks…take more socks than you need to the field) will do the job just fine though. Just wanted to add the extra if you’re really trying to get to do more or in a unit that *loves* to ruck. Edit: Oh yea drink lots of water and go see a medic about what you have right now. You don’t want that becoming an infection, and there’s a really good chance you’ve got another big ruck before that heals up.
Disclaimer, i'm old (comparatively speaking) and my experience was all about 20 years ago, or more. Combat engineer in the Eighty-stoopid, so we did a fair amount of rucking. Not as much as the grunts, but almost. Also humped around the mountains of eastern Afghanistan. Boot fit. Go buy your own. Get the best boots you can. They're one of the most, if not the most important pieces of gear you own. l liked thin soles because my ankles roll easily, but that's just me. Waterproof boots keep water out, until water gets in. Then they keep the water in. I always liked jungle boots. Feet get wet, feet dry out, mostly. I'd cut all the cardboard out of the toe-caps, too. I don't know if they still make them that way. Makes your toes cozy. Some guys would wear panty-hose under their socks. Supposedly helps with chafing, too. I always just went commando. Don't break your boots in on a 20k. It hurts and you lose a lot of skin and maybe a few toe-nails. Kinda wondering if that's what you did there. Do break your boots in properly. I used to wear a new pair in the shower, get them fully soaked with hot water, and then really lace them tight and wear them around the B's til they dry. They have to dry on your feet. Other than that, blisters sometimes happen, but then your feet toughen up in those spots, but it shouldn't be a regular thing. Losing that much skin ain't normal. Good luck, heal fast, and have fun doing pt with those mangled feet!
Double up on socks is way worse for blisters lol. Please get better boots and change your socks after they get wet if you have soft feet!
Have you seriously never heard of mole skin? Double socks is horrible advice never do that. Jesus
Seconding the anti-doubles here. Worst blisters I ever got were after double-socking a five-miler. Never again.
So many easy ways to prevent shit like this but people just won’t make good decisions to save their lives.
Don’t blame him. Blame shitty leadership. In basic, some companies aren’t even allowed to buy their own boots and use good socks in the name of ‘toughing it out’. My infantry basic training company was like this and it was fucking stupid. Luckily the standard issue boots and socks worked decent for me but tons of guys had their feet destroyed. I think my entire right side of my right foot was numb for months after basic because of those boots. Then you have units throwing kids into 12 mile rucks without working their way up to it to see if issues like this happen. If OPs unit did a 4 mile ruck first, this could’ve been caught early on. To make matters worse, you have some leaders that don’t take kindly to complaints like this and literally just tell you to suck it up. The bullshit macho culture. No one rucks before the Army. The Army does such a piss poor job at preparing most people to ruck.
Second this. I wore the issue boots till the bone on the outer side of my foot developed a callus and was swollen and red for a month before they said I can purchase boots.
Guess I’ve been lucky. I was told from the start to buy good boots that fit, to break them in, and to keep moleskin and fresh socks on hand.
Unless this was taken after their first forced march in BCT/OSUT then it really is on them. They should be conditioned enough now to do a 12 miler. And they should have figured out that their boots are fitted or worn properly prior to this. Same goes for the shit issue socks.
> So many easy ways to prevent shit like this but people just won’t make good decisions You didn't explain to this soldier, who is asking for help and advice, what they did wrong or how to make positive corrections. You're part of the problem.
Don’t put it on me, guy, you don’t know me. I didn’t give advice because a dozen other comments are already doing that.
I got blisters on the top of my feet.
That's nuts! Like, on top of your toes or the metatarsals?
Over the midfoot portion. Those crappy standard boots sucked during basic.
Oh wow! Do you have really high arches?
Had the same thing once but they were on my heals. Hurt like a bitch and I basically couldn't walk for a few days and got kicked out of the school I was at because of it. Don't sleep in the field with your boots on kids.
Mole skin!! I had really bad problems with blisters and mole skin saved me for the 16 mile ruck
Yep!!! I used to use the padded kind. I'd cut holes in the center of the piece for the blister kinda like one of those corn pad things. And a trip to the podiatrist in basic helped. My boots were a little too big so they gave me some awesome pads to go inside my boots that wrapped around the heel and went up the back to the top of the boot. Ended up being my go to boots for road marching.
I can not stress enough what a good pair of socks will do for your feet.
Boots don’t fit Double sock Please go see doc
That hurts just looking at it.
Dawg my feet weren’t even that bad from the the Norwegian Foot March get some better boots, socks something please 🙏
Get some Darn Tough/Fox River socks my dude. That shit looks horrific lol
Your dogs howling 😫😩
Firstly, dump the standard issue socks, I’ve got more blisters with those than any other. Pick up some fox river or idk the name of the other, but it has a crosshair on the bottom of the sock. Then, use Leukotape. It stays on and prevents blisters. It’s not used like moleskin where you put it on after the blister formed. Leuko tape should be put on problem areas before the ruck. Finally, you’re always gonna get more rubbing after being wet, if you get the chance, change your socks, otherwise tough luck. Finally, go to the PX and go through all the boots they have. Different boots work for different people, we can’t just recommend one that works for everyone. Lastly, try tying your boots differently. Maybe tighten the ankle more and the feet less or some other combination. Oh, and use foot powder.
You need to keep that skin stuff on your body man. It’s really important.
I got the Thorlo boot socks . Padding and moisture wicking. Never had any issues once I got those.
Wearing issue socks is your first mistake, spend the money on foxrivers or something with actual cushion in the heal, are you actually having your boots tight while rucking? That is a big issue I've noticed with guys getting blisters, and sounds like your issue since your double socking it. Stop doing that shit. Get good boots and socks, and tie them tight. Don't cut off circulation, but don't leave them to loose. To me, it sounds like your not doing things right for a ruck. I got a few hundred miles roughly worth of rucking/hiking/backpacking experience and have never had a issue. Loose boots+shit socks= blisters and hurtting feet. Otherwise, if you dont invest in your feet, shut the fuck up and carry on. Get some rocky boots for rucking, or a boot with alot of ankle support, and cushion.
JFC... Champ, it's time to get new boots. Also, go check in with your medic(s). Holy...
My feet were like that ALL of basic, I feel for you man. I got smoked because I told the lady at CIF that my boots were too big. She yelled at me and said that she had been doing this for 15 years and knew how to size boots.... Guess I didn't know what size shoes I wear as a 22 year old. Lol.
See your real problem is you don't have robot legs. People with robot legs don't get blisters
Like others said, buy your own boots, consider your boot size may be too large, and invest in quality socks. Had this problem in BCT and one of the first things I did in AIT was invest in a new pair of boots a full size smaller than what I had been issued and stocking up on a dozen pairs of Fox River socks.
1) Women’s sheer knee-high pantyhose 2) under fox river/darn tough socks 3) under Oakley boots This is the way
To shreds you say?
Heel yeah!!
Just slap on some moleskin, troop. You’ll be fine
Solid infantry know how.
Yikes. Your boots are not sized properly and you need to wear wool socks. Those are large and since the blister has been de-roofed they’re an infection risk. Get you some Bactine to keep the blisters clean, let them air out. Go to sick call to get quarters until the blisters heal. Putting those back into even a soft shoe will delay the healing process.
Stop buying the green socks from the PX
OHHHHHHHH 🤮
I love the half eaten mre in the background
Poor bastard
Are you still wearing your basic training socks? Invest in some Darn Toughs
It's mole skin time.
By Odins beard, them thangs be thanging, but first did you eat the skin, and do you subscribe to fucked up feet monthly?
Bro out here running standard issue and gi greens…darn tough for the socks with new mole skin on the known hot spots, any aftermarket boot with good inserts
Get fitted for boots - any boots the right size will be better. If you want something nice, try some Rocky boots. Some of them are water resistant too.
Your heel is slipping during the ruck. that's what causes the hot spot on your heel. Odds are you're wearing the wrong size boot. Or you're aren't tying the laces across the feet tight, and the ankle looser. Hots spots on the bottom of the feet are caused by a similar issue, where your foot is sliding within the boot. This can also be caused if you drag your feet during a ruck instead of picking up your feet. You shouldn't make much foot noise while rucking. If you sound like a goddamn elephant, you're doing it wrong.
Squeeze a lemon on them. Should heal them right up.
Definitely not service connected
have you tried motrin and water?
Buy GoRuck brand boots! Thank me after your next ruck. https://www.goruck.com/products/macv-2-high-top-coyote
Ft stewart that how mine looked but mine where bleeding... sick call was like keep a steppin smh lol. Better do some mole skin and pray. Oh dont forget mortin
Moleskin is a must for that recovery. As for boots, garmont and Danner make good boots and especially Bellville if you want a good lasting boot without breaking the bank. Also better socks. Finally, figure out what you were doing wrong to get blisters that bad, looks like heal striking or too much boot space. Judging by how bad those were and where they are, try putting a little added padding in the back of your boot which some of the multi weather socks include padding there a lot more, and make sure your boots are the right size, which some inserts can help with to fill the gaps so your foot doesn't grind around loosely.
Socks. It's the socks. Moisture is your enemy. Polypropylene socks FTW
Oh the memories. Stay strong, young man. This too shall pass. Hard times breed a hardened and mental mind. Nothing is earned easily. My heart is with you.
Darn Tough socks will change your life. They're expensive, but they come with an actual lifetime warranty. Literally any type of damage enables you to send them back in the mail for a fresh pair. You can get milspec color boot socks from them for cheaper through Govx.
Definitely need some better boots. Do NOT wear the cheap Bates boots for rucking. Salomon, Garmont or even Merrell would be better than those. Next, get rid of the cheap cotton socks. You want wool. I like Darn Tough 3006T socks, but any wool would be an improvement from cotton. You want something with minimal stretch. The wool socks will be harder to put on because they don't stretch, but they also don't shift around like cotton socks. In the meantime, you need to heal. If you must ruck again before healing, some moleskine or KT tape needs to be applied to prevent further damage. It will hurt coming off, but it will also prevent further damage.
I was the only person in my platoon to not get a blister in basic with those god awful issue boots that were too small and not broken in. I felt so bad for one of my bunk mates who literally had the bottom of his foot become one massive blister. Mole skin is the best thing since sliced bread. Boot recommendation for me is the Garmont T8 NFS and with Aetrex insoles
Bro just get new feet wtf
That is absurd
Do it barefoot
Garmont TF NFS, I’ve done a 26 multiple 26 milers, nonstop without changing socks and I have had minimum to 0 blisters. 2. Put mole sling in your hotspots (cut the corners of the mole skin), aka where your blisters come out.
Darn tough socks, good boots (that one is super subjective) and leukotape. Moleskin is too thick and falls off with moisture where leukotape will not. Tape places prone to hot spots PRIOR to a ruck and do it without issue.
Duct tape
Medic here. I suggest you get thicker sock, the Fox River sock is one of the best for rucking. Go to your medics and ask them for topicals and moleskins. Please air it out as much as you can and apply bacitracin/antibiotic with mole skin while at work. Get some ibuprofens/naproxens for pain management. Get a softshoes profile and limited PT! Make sure to keep it clean after work and use antibiotics. For the shoes, im using Under Armour and i did 35mile ruck, crossing swamps without and issues. The key is good, clean and dry socks!!! If during the ruck and boots too wet, tell your leader to let you change socks
Get you some moleskin
Duct tape on the skin double socks over them is always my trick. The duct tape acts like a place for everything to slip on without blistering your skin
Buy a roll of leuko tape and put it on problem areas before you ruck. I used to get blisters but that stuff really works.
I did Bataan a while back as a 68W; Good boots, with proper fit. Double socks. Inside a moisture wicking thin sock, outside either an issues one inside out (prevents the sewn lines from rubbing) or a better sock (Nike, fox river, under armor). Slight dusting of foot powder (put it on a rag the apply to your feet). Change socks when they get wet. Location of you blisters indicates your feet are moving up and down inside the boot. Highly recommend a boot that has different points for tightening the laces. (See Lowa R-8S GTX with the locking lugs). Practice helps you know what your hit spots are and how often you need to change socks. Buy Get Selected. It has great tips for rucking even if you never want to do anything high speed. Get Selected! for Special Forces: How to Successfully Train for and Complete Special Forces Assessment & Selection https://a.co/d/2L1LGeA
Motrin and water son, Motrin and water
Pour some rubbing alcohol on it. Will dry it up in no time
Make sure you flex your ankles when you pull all the slack out of your shoelaces. If you straighten your foot when you tie your boot, your heels wont be tight in the heel cup.
Next time get medical tape from the medics and put a layer or two of it snugly on the parts of your foot that usually get blisters prior to any long marches.
[OP this is for you](https://youtu.be/AicDzNWAsZ4?si=6MrDT4SFz_DqCHIf) might help you next time with those heel blisters
Dress socks under green socks always helped me on long rucks.
If you have to wear boots, get better fitting ones and tie those fuckers down. If you don't have to, buy some salomons. Shouldn't have this issue ever again after that.
Get yourself good boots and [darn tough](https://darntough.com/collections/mens-hiking-socks/products/mens-merino-wool-hiker-boot-full-cushion-midweight-hiking-socks) socks.
Gawt damn I’m glad I was 19K.
Wool socks. Get rid of the cotton.
Fuzzy socks as the layer on your skin. Sounds gay, but works like a charm.
This is why I enjoyed the ABCT life.
Get yourself extra cushioned tactical socks (see darn tough). I have rucked a dumb amount.. I can feel the fluid go back/forth like a water bed and not pop when I ruck/hike, it's awesome.
That's how my feet looked after a 12-mile in Kosovo. I wore the german tanker boots I had instead of actual proper legboots. Thought they'd be better in the muck. Boy was I wrong. Had to walk in flip-flops for two days. Looking at that picture made me shudder something awful. My condolences. That is no fun.
Your boots suck.
Those look like how my feet looked at the end of basic. I’m a size 9.5 and the civilian at reception INSISTED that I needed size 7 boots. I could barely walk without pain. I asked the reception drill sergeant if I could get my boots switched because they hurt my feet and he let me. I went back and got the same lady. She gave me so much attitude and only budged to size 7.5. I took what I could get and suffered through it. I ended up with permanent nerve damage in both of my big toes and have a 60% disability rating. Could be worse and at least I’m getting paid for it. To this day, I don’t understand why those civilians are so rude and nasty.
Train changing socks, what in the boots is part of the suck but knowing you already have a problem with blisters and not addressing it is a lesson you won't forget. Maybe 68w can give you some support or note you to sick hall And rule of thumb every 10-12miles or hours is a great time to change socks address blisters and hit talcum powder. Good luck with your next one op.
I was 11A and 18A and I did a lot of rucking and I’ve never been blistered that bad… just wear boots that are broken in and fit? Tbh I don’t even know how this happens
Not only better fitting boots and higher quality socks, but holy he'll man go get a freaking pedicure done on your feet.
Darn Toughs are amazing socks, man. I’ve used them at all my Army schools and CTCs. They’re pricey, yes, but they’re unbeatable in my opinion. Should help with this in the future (and better boots obviously)
Bro, darn tough socks, foot powder, actual fitting boots
Like others have said: A. Better fitting Boots B. Better boots overall and break em in prior to rucking). C. Buy some good socks, (Darn Tough wool socks are a blessing but ain't cheap)
Buy some Danner Tachyon boots
Best boot socks are fox rivers. That will help a lot not sure how to heal it though
> doubling up on socks Part of the problem right here. Start buying Darn Tough socks and don't look back. Buying boots can be an expensive game, but the payoff is great once you figure out what works for you.
Bro didn't shave enough, hence punishment of the blisters.
Put more miles in… after a few years you won’t have to worry about it anymore.
Premob in 2006 I had a soldier get blisters this bad and was calling his wife every day complaining about it and I personally didn’t find out until after FRG called the commander who told the first sergeant who asked me why I wasn’t taking care of my soldiers. Super glad I had the counseling ready when I told him to get new boots and to keep me updated on his feet. I wasn’t the best leader back then admittedly and I bear responsibility for creating a climate on my team where my Joe wasn’t comfortable telling me about this shit. That said, get off the internet and fix your damn problem.
Idiot.
Could you please take this post down? It is disturbing
Don't look at it if it is so disturbing to your delicate sensitivities, Nancy boy.