Blistered feet

I would suggest that the first thing you do is to consult a good podiatrist. Something sounds definitely wrong. I had foot problems for years, (blistering, peeling etc) tried all sorts of over the counter stuff with little success, finally broke down and went to a proper foot doctor, found out what the problem was, and altho it took some very expensive meds to cure it, haven't been bothered in more than ten years.

Maybe you should post this on the Health branch or on the World of Sport branch of the Thorn Tree.
I am well aware that hiking is not the same thing at all, but, for what it is worth, I used to do a lot of road-running and participate in many full marathons and ultra-marathons. In my experience one gets blisters from:
a) shoes that rub against a part of the foot;
b) a piece of grit that gets into one's shoe - and often works its way under the sole of one's foot or between the heel of the shoe and one's foot;
c) an ill-fitting sock, or a sock that has a seam around the toe area.

Once blisters started (and I seldom got blisters) I used to prick them and cover them with vaseline (petroleum jelly). I found that plasters just added to the discomfort.

The piece of grit is easy to remedy - remove it as soon as you feel it.

Make sure you buy seemless socks (or proper hiking socks/stockings) at any sports store or outdoor store. Don't buy them from a department store where the assistants are unlikely to give you specialist advice. Don't walk or hike without socks/stockings as that would be more abrasive on the feet.

The same applies to hiking boots or shoes. I always bought my running shoes from a specialist store where the salespersons watched the customer walk and jog on the sidewalk while wearing the shoes in which they were interested. That was to judge the movement of the ankle as well as the fit and feel of the shoe. Buy the proper shoe or boot for the job. I see you mention sandals - in my ignorance I cannot imagine them being suitable for hiking or trails. Neither would a pair of tennis shoes or "sneakers". Don't try to save on the cost of the shoes or boots - it never pays. In fact, it can cause a lot of pain. On the few occasions that I have done easy trails - not hikes - I have always worn the trainers that I used for running.
I also agree with Canayjun - go and see a podiatrist.

Edited by: RudiK

Sounds like pussyfoot syndrome to me. You've got an abnormal condition
with your feet, but you can stop yourself from pussyfooting around about
seeking professional help with it.

Don't know if its an old wives tail but try pickle brine. I have heard of baseball pitchers who had problems with the fingers on their pitching hand developing blisters throwing pitches and using pickle brine to toughen the skin can't see why it would not work on your feet.

Sounds like a chronic fungal infection to me that is exacerbated by the sweating / rubbing of walking a lot. For heaven's sake get yourself to a podiatrist. Suffering is usually optional for those of us fortunate enough to live in 1st world countries.

living is right on.... that was what my problem was, and it cannot be treated with external remedies. You probably need a 'systemic' medication... which means a pill of some sort. I suffered for years, and even my regular doctor didnt spot it. Considering all the money wasted because of a cancelled trip, bite the bullet and seek out proper professional help.

For what it's worth I have a friend who has the same problem - no matter what shoes, what the weather he cannot walk far. He finally discovered a cream with Tea Tree - and bingo it worked for him. When I go hiking I always carry blister packs (which I bought at Boots in the UK). You put them on a blister as soon as it starts and are able to carry on hiking.

Thanks everyone, to be honest I'd always considered podiatrists to be a bunch of quacks (no reason for this) but maybe I need to reconsider.

You probably thought that they only dealt with corns and callouses and old people (HAH) feet, and diabetics... which they do. But in here in Canada, in any case, they are qualified medically trained professionals, who are licenced to prescribe medications.... and they don't allow 'quacks' to do that, unless they have considerable medical training. I must admit I was reluctant to go at first as well.... but when my own GP couldn't help me with my problem (she kept prescribing topical products that didn't work!), I found the answer with a foot specialist.