Practical
How to Prevent Blisters on the Camino (Real Tips from the Trail)
Blisters end more Caminos than weather, illness, or homesickness combined. Here's how to keep your feet on the trail.
February 15, 2026 · 9 min read
Blisters are the number one reason pilgrims quit. They are also almost entirely preventable.
Prevention rule one: well-fitted shoes, broken in over at least 50 km before your trip. Half a size larger than normal.
Prevention rule two: merino wool socks. They wick moisture and don't bunch. Change them at lunch.
Prevention rule three: stop and fix the small things immediately. A hotspot at km 8 becomes a blister at km 15. Stop, take off your shoe, apply Compeed or paper tape, and continue.
Foot care morning routine: dry feet, talc or anti-chafe balm between toes, fresh socks.
Foot care evening routine: shoes off the moment you arrive. Wash feet. Air them. Inspect for hotspots.
If you do get a blister: the Spanish trail wisdom is to thread a sterilised needle with cotton, pass it through the blister, leave the thread in, and let it drain. Don't cut the skin off. Cover with Compeed.
When to stop walking: if a blister is infected (red, hot, painful beyond the blister itself), see a pharmacy. Spanish farmacias on the Camino are excellent and used to pilgrim feet.
If you're seriously injured, take a rest day. Or two. The Camino isn't going anywhere.
Keep exploring
Next stops & related posts
Towns, stages, and stories connected to this article — your jumping-off points to plan the next stretch of the Camino.
Pilgrim guides
Suggested stages
Camino Francés · Stage 1
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port → Roncesvalles
25 km · 1390 m · Challenging
Camino Francés · Stage 2
Roncesvalles → Zubiri
22 km · 220 m · Moderate
Camino Francés · Stage 3
Zubiri → Pamplona
21 km · 80 m · Easy
Camino Portugués · Stage 1
Porto → Vilarinho
27 km · 320 m · Moderate
Camino Portugués · Stage 2
Vilarinho → Barcelos
30 km · 250 m · Moderate
Camino Portugués · Stage 3
Barcelos → Ponte de Lima
33 km · 300 m · Challenging
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