How you can deal with monofin blisters

[AniaR]

For years, I never ever ever got monofin blisters. No matter what I did, I just never got them! Then this summer I got sand right down inside my monofin pockets and I got blisters. Now that I've had blisters once... I CAN'T GET RID OF THEM. Everytime I've gone swimming even though the sand is all out, I kept getting them! I learned a few tricks for dealing with them that I'm going to share with you:


1) Hockey tape. We use it for everything in Canada. Haha. But in a pinch it's great to put OVER a bandaid or moleskin that is already covering blisters. Wrap it all around the affected area and be sure to flex and move your feet to make sure it's not on too tight. It'll keep the blisters from being irritated. You can also use it to prevent blisters. It's really sticky, but safer for skin use than other tapes. it will stay on in the water so long as you put it all around your foot, and thick enough.

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2) Thin regular socks. They can make a big difference, but I find it helps to buy ones that have grips already made into the sole of the sock. Otherwise you may find your feet too slippery, and popping out of the monofin.

3) Neoprene socks. They obviously keep blisters away but if your monofin is a PERFECT fit or a little on the tight side, you likely wont be able to cram neoprene socks in there. We use neoprene socks for Ama since the monofin is too big for her, and it takes her an extra long time to get her feet in. They come in different thickness.

http://img.domainmoe.com/medium/21/neoprene%20socks21.jpg

4) The solution I found that works 100% was suggested to me by mermaid Kariel. Monofin socks! Special half socks that only go over the toe area and are specially made to prevent blisters on your feet! We just bought some and we love them. I got them for all my mermaids really cheap online.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31oHguBA8oL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

[Phoenix Mermaid]

awh! i gotta try the half socks! I bought some neoprene socks and they work great for preventing blisters but makes it almost impossible for me to get my tail on though. The socks cause the foot pockets to roll under. Last time I went swimming the pockets were rolled under and my feet started hurting and going numb after only 10mins of swimming. I'm deff not doing that again, it hurt so bad by the time I was done swimming.
I'd also like to try the hockey tape, but I'm wondering if I use it and wrap my feet the way you did Raina if if would help prevent blisters on my toes? Because that's where I mostly get blisters. I tried wrapping my toes once but everything just rolled right off my toes into my foot pockets while I was swimming.

[Winged Mermaid]

I recommend neoprene socks as well. I have some that stop at the ankle (like no show socks do) and they're perfect. I've never gotten blisters in any tail while wearing them :) I got mine on clearance at Big 5, and another pair I got on Amazon for cheap. Right now I wear 2 2mm pairs at once since the competitor monofin's smallest size is too big for me.

Just be careful with sizing when you order! I usually wear a 6 1/2 but the sizes that fit were 4 on one brand and 5 in another. Also I've had neoprene socks and water shoes that were size 4 and still say too big. So just be aware, read reviews on the product to see if there are sizing issues, and/or make sure the place you're ordering from has a good return policy.

[Blondie]

Socks are amazing.

I use these cute little half socks with my heels even. They cover the tips of your toes and the back of your heel but you can't see them when you put on shoes. Such a lifesaver

[AniaR]

like I said, the tape will stay on your feet in water, and like I said, the socks might not work for you if the monofin fits or is too tight ;)

[MerAnthony]

I use spandex socks with my monofin an it is a major help. That could be a option as well to help stop blisters.

[MermaidBrandie]

where do you get the monofin half socks??

[AniaR]

EBay, amazon. Dive shops. Dive websites.

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[selkie13]

Do you think making your own socks from left over tail fabric will work?


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[selkie13]

Just to say that the socks I made worked! Kept falling off a bit at the start but once I figured out the problem everything went ok.

So you don't need to spend lots on socks just make your own!


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[PearlieMae]

I have to add, I've been using fuzzy microfiber socks with my Finis Rapid...I was getting ankle blisters and these add just enough padding and protection.

I buy 'em at the dollar store.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I've ordered these, as my MerFin gave me ankle blisters. It is a great fit but the straps have a little bump like an extra bit of rubber inside of it that rubbed a patch of skin off... And even though it is half a size smaller than what I usually wear in shoes, it felt sometimes like it was going to come off!
I'll tell yous how it goes once I've received and worn them in the pool.

http://www.bodyboardking.com/p/611417/stealth-fin-pads.html

[Mermaid Enora]

I bought socks that go inside fishing waders, but they were too fat on my feet to get into my monofin so I cut them off at the toes to make booties.

[AniaR]

I dont want to sound overly critical but Mimi just got a merfin and I tried it and hated it. I couldnt get past how awful it made my feet feel. I think I am spoiled with a competitor they tend to be roomie- but I have thin feet and I wasn't expecting the foot pockets to be so narrow. Mimi is going to try plain socks to see if they help because the other ones would be too thick. But wow. it wasn't even just the straps or anything I just found the whole thing mega uncomfortable lol. So kudos to anyone who wiggles their tootsies into those.

[MerEmma]

I dont want to sound overly critical but Mimi just got a merfin and I tried it and hated it. I couldnt get past how awful it made my feet feel. I think I am spoiled with a competitor they tend to be roomie- but I have thin feet and I wasn't expecting the foot pockets to be so narrow. Mimi is going to try plain socks to see if they help because the other ones would be too thick. But wow. it wasn't even just the straps or anything I just found the whole thing mega uncomfortable lol. So kudos to anyone who wiggles their tootsies into those.

Oh man, I know what you mean. I'm opposite in that I have short and wide feet--I LOVE the push and the flow of my MerFin SO much. But the footpockets are the actual worst I swear to god. They're so tight and boxy and square and the recycled rubber gives the worst blisters.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

The MerFin isn't for everybody I think. The foot pockets don't go very wide, even on the ones with bigger foot pockets. And yea, if you used some other type of monofin, its going to feel very strange and awkward using something else.

[Amphitrite]

Do you guys think regular socks that are soft with a... tight knit, I guess you would say would work? My monofin fits weird, but I'm wondering if I could start out with my nice comfy socks first? I'll be swimming in a chlorinated pool so don't know if that would change anything.

[PearlieMae]

I use nice comfy socks all the time! My faves are the dollar store super fluffy ones...nice and cushy! Chlorinated water shouldn't do anything. No more than washing socks in the washer with bleach!

[MerMaiden Lissa]

I've been using socks in my fins for years. I just found some thin socks that fit well, and I leave them in the bag with my snorkeling set. I probably need a new pair this year.

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[MermaidBrandie]

I tried wearing tight knitted socks and it hurt worse than not wearing anything.

I really like the smooth spandex socks. :)

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[Amphitrite]

For now, I'm using really lovely soft regular everday socks. They are holding up nicely and I can spare them. Since I have bad reactions to every adhesive I have tried they arebetter for me than tapes.

[lailalailad]

I have a finis Aquarius monofin and tonight was my 2nd night swimming in it and I got a blister on the side of my foot despite the fact I had socks on! This makes me want to consider getting a different monofin. I was wondering if that happens with all monofins or just certain ones?

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[Ransom]

I have a finis Aquarius monofin and tonight was my 2nd night swimming in it and I got a blister on the side of my foot despite the fact I had socks on! This makes me want to consider getting a different monofin. I was wondering if that happens with all monofins or just certain ones?

Sent from my [device_name] using MerNetwork mobile appWhat sort of socks do you use? I use the thick neoprene ones from Mares every time I wear fins, and they're essential for staying blister-free.

[lailalailad]

What sort of socks do you use? I use the thick neoprene ones from Mares every time I wear fins, and they're essential for staying blister-free.They're thin neoprene fabric socks from water gear. My mom recommended them because they are thin and my monofin is a "one size fits all" so on the loosest strap my feet are still cramped.

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[Ransom]

They're thin neoprene fabric socks from water gear. My mom recommended them because they are thin and my monofin is a "one size fits all" so on the loosest strap my feet are still cramped.

Sent from my [device_name] using MerNetwork mobile appHmm in your situation I'd look for those foot protection pads you can stick on the affected area before swimming -- you should be able to find them in a good pharmacy.

That's the least drastic option, short of replacing your monofin or getting thicker socks. My own are 3mm thick, if that helps.

All the best, Laguna! Blisters suck and hopefully you'll find something that works.

[lailalailad]

Hmm in your situation I'd look for those foot protection pads you can stick on the affected area before swimming -- you should be able to find them in a good pharmacy.

That's the least drastic option, short of replacing your monofin or getting thicker socks. My own are 3mm thick, if that helps.

All the best, Laguna! Blisters suck and hopefully you'll find something that works.Thank you for your advice! I don't want to buy a new monofin because I just got this one. I'll try your ideas and hopefully I'll have a more comfortable swim.

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[Ransom]

Thank you for your advice! I don't want to buy a new monofin because I just got this one. I'll try your ideas and hopefully I'll have a more comfortable swim.

Sent from my [device_name] using MerNetwork mobile appHow's it gone, Laguna? Hope it works!

[BlueCorvidae]

I accidentally left my neoprene socks in North Carolina last time I went up there and I miss them dearly. IDK how any of you guys manage without them. :(

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I accidentally left my neoprene socks in North Carolina last time I went up there and I miss them dearly. IDK how any of you guys manage without them. :(
When I was waiting for my neoprene socks to arrive, I used those super thick blister bandaids.