How should you bandage a blister?

“The most important aspect of treating a blister is to keep the area clean and protected from contaminants, and the best method for protection is to cover the blister with an adhesive bandage,” says Dr. Pamela Mehta, MD , a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and a medical advisor to The Good Feet Store. “It is best not to pick at or pop the blister, as this can lead to irritation and infection." To properly bandage a blister, cut a piece of moleskin padding into a doughnut shape with a hole in the middle and place it around the blister. Then keep it covered with an adhesive bandage until it fully heals.

Can you use liquid bandage on a blister?

“Using a liquid bandage on a blister can be beneficial if the liquid in the bandages is a petroleum jelly or hydrocolloid,” says Dr. Mehta. “Hydrocolloids contain particles that absorb the liquid in a wound and create a gel-like covering to keep the wound moist and protected, which is an optimum healing environment.”

Can you put a bandage on a burn blister?

If you have a blister from a burn, it’s important to not break it, since fluid-filled blisters protect against infection. You can reduce pain and protect the area by covering it with a sterile gauze bandage. Wrap it loosely to avoid putting pressure on the blister or burned skin.

The 10 Best Blister Bandages of 2023

A common and painful annoyance among runners, walkers, hikers, and other athletes, foot blisters are usually caused by too-tight shoes or wearing wet footwear. Blister bandages can be used to cover the fluid-filled sacs, reducing the pain so you can keep walking or running. They also serve as a protective barrier around the skin by sealing out water, dirt, and germs that can cause infection.

What type of blister bandage or patch you need depends on whether you're trying to prevent blisters from forming or already have blisters you're trying to protect and heal. Look for patches that are the appropriate size you need or can be cut to size, and are made of soft, cushioning material. We reviewed blister bandages for our list based on effectiveness, shape, material, water-resistance, durability, and cost.

Here are the best blister bandages on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Engo Blister Prevention Patches at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Dr. Scholl's Plus Padding Roll at Amazon

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Best for Running:

Compeed Bllister Care at Amazon

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Best Waterproof:

Dr. Frederick's Original Better Blister Bandages at Amazon

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Best for Heels:

Sawyer Products Adhesive Bandages at Amazon

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Best for Walking:

Dr. Scholl’s Blister Cushions at Amazon

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Best for Toes:

Band-Aid Hydro Seal Adhesive Bandages for Toe Blisters at Amazon

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Best Tape:

KT Tape Blister Prevention Tape at Amazon

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Best for Hiking:

All Health Extreme Hydrocolloid Blister Bandages at Amazon

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Best for Custom Size:

Spenco 2nd Skin Dressing Kit Bandages for Blister Protection at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.7

Amazon

Pros

Can be trimmed to fit
Don’t have to stick on feet
Ideal for runners and walkers

Cons

Expensive
Won’t work with some sandals

Our best overall pick, Engo Blister prevention patches stop blisters at the source by going inside your shoes rather than on your foot. Once you identify hotspots where you’ve been prone to blisters in the past, you can place an Engo pad inside your shoe. They can be trimmed to fit any shoe size and once in place, they stay put, even for extremely long races, such as a marathon. The pads are ultra-thin, so they won’t affect your shoe’s fit or comfort.

The pad’s slick surface reduces friction and allows your foot to slide down where it's supposed to go, rather than rubbing and getting caught in the edges or seams of your shoe. Runners swear by their effectiveness and some are able to use the same patch for hundreds of accumulated miles.

Price at time of publication: $16

Photo courtesy of PriceGrabber

Pros

Can be cut to size
Inexpensive
Water-resistant
Stays put

Cons

Some prefer thicker padding
Need scissors for application

Moleskin is a tried-and-true solution for blisters, and this Dr. Scholl’s product goes beyond the usual protection. In addition to the extra-soft cotton fabric, it also has foam padding to cushion and protect your blisters, providing all-day relief.

The adhesive backing sticks to the foot and the moleskin conforms to its shape, so you don’t have to worry about rough edges or bumps in the fabric. It’s also water-resistant, so you don’t need to change it constantly if your feet sweat a lot. Plus, the large size can cover big areas, such as the heel, and can also be cut to a specific shape. It also has a thin design that can easily fit in all types of shoes.

Price at time of publication: $8 for 1 count (pack of 1)

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Waterproof
Comfortable
Cushioned

Cons

Small number per package
May not work for toes

Runners are especially prone to foot blisters and need a dependable treatment solution so they don't get sidelined from a painful blister. These bandages from Compeed check all the boxes for what to look for in an effective blister treatment product. They're easy to apply, cushioned, and stay in place for several days, even holding up through showers and exercise. Plus, they're waterproof, so runners don't have to worry about sweat seeping into them.

The bandages also contain hydrocolloid gel, which helps to speed up the healing process. With tapered edges, they fit comfortably, like a second skin, making them a smart choice for runners or any active individual who doesn’t want blisters to take them off their game.

Price at time of publication: $20

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Waterproof
Padded
Preventative

Cons

Expensive
May not stay for multiple days

Dr. Frederick’s Original Better Blister Bandages are ideal for active people who don’t want blisters to slow them down. They’re fully waterproof and provide a tight seal over your blisters, protecting them from water, bacteria, sweat, and friction. By not allowing any moisture in, they also help promote recovery by allowing the blister to dry out. Additionally, the padding provides comfy relief, taking the sting out of blisters.

These flexible blister pads are extremely sticky, so they’ll stay in place no matter how much you’re moving. They also come in a variety of sizes and can be used on all parts of your feet. An added bonus is that you can also use them to prevent blisters in areas where you’ve been prone to them.

Price at time of publication: $14

Blist-o-Ban. Courtesy of Amazon.com

Pros

Good size for heels and ankles
Preventative
Easy to apply

Cons

Only one size
Small number in pack

Another option for preventing blisters before they develop, Blist-O-Ban Adhesive Bandages are ideal for placement on the blister-prone heel area. The thin but cushioned pad helps to protect your heels as well as the vulnerable part of your ankle that rubs against the top of the shoe. They’re especially helpful when you’re wearing a new pair of shoes and worried about blisters forming in the usual hotspots.

These pads can also be used to provide soothing relief and protection on a blister that’s already formed. Water-resistant and designed for multi-day wear, they’re a good option for runners, walkers, hikers, tourists, and anyone who’s on their feet for long periods of time.

Price at time of publication: $9

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Cushioned and comfortable
Easy to apply
Good for sandals or dress shoes
Preventative

Cons

Not great for humid conditions
Won’t work well for toes

Another outstanding product from Dr. Scholl’s, these blister cushions are thick, extremely comfortable, and ideal for fitness walkers or anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet. Designed to stay put all day, they protect blisters while reducing friction and shoe rubbing. Made from soft gel cushioning, they move and bend with your foot while providing soothing relief. They're also water-resistant, so they allow the blister to dry out and heal.

These pads are clear and nearly invisible, making them a great choice if you’re wearing sandals or dress shoes and want to discreetly treat your blister. They can even be placed on your hotspots to help with blister prevention.

Price at time of publication: $9

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Great for toe blisters
Waterproof
Stays on for long periods

Cons

Limited number in box
Won’t work on other foot areas

Some blister bandages are too big to cover up blisters on your toes, but these from Band-Aid are just the right size for that area. The waterproof bandages seal out water, dirt, and germs to allow your blister to heal naturally, while also providing cushioned comfort for the area.

Versatile and convenient, these bandages can be used for other types of wounds on the toes. They’re very easy to apply and stay on for up to seven days, even holding up through multiple showers. If you’re a runner, walker, hiker, or active person, these bandages are great to stash in your pocket or backpack for on-the-go blister emergencies.

Price at time of publication: $7 for 8 count

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Works for all size blisters
Durable
Preventative

Cons

Not waterproof
Not easy to remove with hair

Blister bandages that come in small, pre-cut shapes can be convenient until they just don’t work for the size or location of your blister. These pre-cut strips of KT Blister Prevention Tape can cover a larger area, so they allow blisters to heal, as well as help new ones from forming.

The tape conforms well to the shape of your foot and stays put, even if you’re walking, hiking, or running long mileage. Thin and smooth, it goes on easily and fits well underneath your socks and shoes. Additionally, the tape is not difficult to remove and doesn’t leave behind tape residue, which is often the case with first aid tape.

Price at time of publication: $10

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Stays in place
Good cushioning
Relieves pain
Ideal for heel or ball of foot

Cons

Not for toes or small areas
Difficult to remove

A long day of hiking can sometimes lead to painful blisters, but hikers can get relief with these bandages from All Health. The cushioned bandage flexes with your feet and helps reduce rubbing and friction as you’re moving. Designed to stay in place for multiple days, they’ll keep your blisters protected from dirt and bacteria.

The large size of these self-adhesive bandages makes them ideal for the heel area or the ball of the foot, which are common trouble spots for hikers. Although they’re very effective and comfortable, one small downside is that they’re so extremely adhesive that removing them may require some scrubbing in the shower.

Price at time of publication: $6

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Can be cut to fit
Stay in place
Comfortable
Very flexible

Cons

Not easy to use on the go
Not as convenient to apply

Blisters come in all shapes and sizes, so sometimes you need a product that allows for a custom fit. This kit from Spenco 2nd Skin comes with pads in several shapes and sizes that can be cut to fit, so you can trim them to the exact area you need to cover.

The 2nd Skin gel pad provides cooling and soothing relief to your blisters on contact while protecting the area from pressure and friction. With a super-strong, medical-grade adhesive, the knit strips keep the pads in place for long periods, so you don’t have to worry about changing bandages multiple times a day.

Price at time of publication: $15 for sports

Final Verdict

To stop blisters before they even start, Engo Blister Prevention Patches (view at Amazon) are a reliable solution for active people. They’re convenient, easy to use, and stay in your shoes for long periods of time—giving you a lot of bang for your buck.

For treatment of existing blisters, you can’t go wrong with Compeed Advanced Blister Care Bandages (view at Amazon). They’re easy to apply and extremely comfortable, yet still, provide excellent protection. They’re also waterproof and stay put for several days, so you can place one on your blister and forget about it while it heals.

What to Look for in a Blister Bandage

Purpose

Some blister bandages are designed to treat blisters, while others help to prevent those painful fluid-filled sacs from forming. In some cases, products excel at both prevention and treatment. Be sure to choose the right product for your needs.

Shape

Blister bandages come in a range of shapes and sizes, and you’ll want to pick one that works for you. “Look for a bandage that will fit nicely over the lesion with some room around the edges,” says Patricia M. O’Donnell, DPM, a podiatrist at Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group in Naperville, Ill.

Some pads are designed for larger areas such as the heel or ankle, while others are small and perfect for toe blisters. Others can be cut into custom shapes so you can get the exact shape and size you need—ideal for accommodating supportive inserts like insoles for flat feet.

Effectiveness

Look for products that are from trusted brands and provide more benefits than just a simple bandage. “Blister bandages should be cushioned and prevent further friction and rubbing,” says Dr. O’Donnell. “There are many new bandages available made with hydrocolloid gels that are able to help heal blisters while preventing further damage.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How should you bandage a blister?

“The most important aspect of treating a blister is to keep the area clean and protected from contaminants, and the best method for protection is to cover the blister with an adhesive bandage,” says Dr. Pamela Mehta, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and a medical advisor to The Good Feet Store. “It is best not to pick at or pop the blister, as this can lead to irritation and infection."
To properly bandage a blister, cut a piece of moleskin padding into a doughnut shape with a hole in the middle and place it around the blister. Then keep it covered with an adhesive bandage until it fully heals.
Can you use liquid bandage on a blister?

“Using a liquid bandage on a blister can be beneficial if the liquid in the bandages is a petroleum jelly or hydrocolloid,” says Dr. Mehta. “Hydrocolloids contain particles that absorb the liquid in a wound and create a gel-like covering to keep the wound moist and protected, which is an optimum healing environment.”
Can you put a bandage on a burn blister?

If you have a blister from a burn, it’s important to not break it, since fluid-filled blisters protect against infection. You can reduce pain and protect the area by covering it with a sterile gauze bandage. Wrap it loosely to avoid putting pressure on the blister or burned skin.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Certified running coach and fitness writer Christine Luff has spent years researching, testing, and recommending fitness and athletic products and knows that the right gear can tremendously improve performance and comfort.