Long Distance Walkers Association members review ENGO Blister Prevention Patches

Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA) members share their feedback on ENGO Blister Prevention Patches

If anyone understands the frustrations and pain of blisters forming, it’s the members of the Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA).

Since its formation in 1972, the association has grown to nearly 10,000 members. Its members range from casual to competitive long-distance walkers up and down the country, with a mixture of local and national-based groups. Last summer, we sent out a few samples of our ENGO Blister Prevention Patches to those members who wanted to give them a go. We were pleased to get some very positive unsolicited feedback. Here’s what they had to say.

“I am now in a position to offer you feedback on the Sample pack that you kindly sent to me. I completed the Bullock Smithy Hike on Saturday/Sunday this weekend, this is a gruelling 56-mile hike over the beautiful Peak District.

I went on your website prior to Inserting the patches in my trainers so I could understand how they work and how best to position them. My weak spot on my feet is my small toe on my right foot and my 2 big toenails (although I lost both of these during this year’s Annual 100 Mile walk)!! The weather as you will be aware was extremely hot which is ideal for my Blisters...

I have to report to you that after this event I don't have any blisters which is amazing! I did have hot spots on my feet but I only used the 2 Patches. The next step for me will be to purchase a pack so I can try these on other parts of my feet. So Thank you from a Sceptical person (as I have tried other products, creams and powders and patches in the past) to someone that could walk normal this morning to work.”

Christine, LDWA

“I have lumps of tough skin on the back of my heels (particularly the left one) which always wear through my socks and even the lining on the inside of my walking trainers. Very occasionally, the lumps get sore through rubbing. I applied one of the patches to the inside of my left trainer as instructed. I was initially sceptical as the lining is padded and therefore moves; I did wonder if the patch would stick for very long on the movable padding.

I have now done a couple of hundred miles and some of that on very wet and rough ground. I’m impressed. Although one end of the patch has come loose with careful insertion and removal of my foot the patch remains in place. My trainers are reaching the end of their useful life so I will be using the other patch on the new trainers. Thanks again!”

Andrew, LDWA

“I last developed blisters over May Bank Holiday during the Long Distance Walkers Association 100 miles in 48 hours event. It was very warm and dry and particularly hard underfoot and despite changing my socks three times, I had very hot and damp feet. Wet feet are definitely a contributing factor for developing blisters.

Since then, and since trying ENGO Blister Prevention Patches, I have now completed three long distance walks, two 30km walks and a 50km walk using the blister prevention patches in my new walking shoes and no blisters. I completed the 30 mile walk with soaking wet shoes and socks after finding a swollen stream within the first mile. So far so good!”

Geoff, LDWA

“So far, I'm very pleased with the ENGO blister patches. I fitted them inside my usual walking shoes, where my outer heel corner sits. So far I've completed a 15.5 mile walk (dry with level ground) and a 19.5 mile walk (very wet with uneven ground) and have had no blistering. I used no other foot protection and I would certainly have expected a problem on the latter walk. The patches also seem to be very firmly attached and haven't come loose despite being thoroughly soaked. I'm sure other walkers in the LDWA have done considerably more mileage than me with them, but based on my experience, they certainly seem to be living up to their claims.”

Heather, LDWA

“I gave ENGO Blister Prevention Patches a try out on an ultra this weekend which was mainly trails in the woods. I also got wet feet during the last mile or so. Good news is – no blisters or rubs anywhere.”

Andrew, LDWA

“I have a recurring blister on the bottom of one of my smaller toes and therefore I inserted the patch to specifically protect that area. I placed the patch on the top of the inner insole of one of my shoes and ran with it for 10 miles.

Fitting the patch was straightforward; it only took a few minutes. The patch was comfortable and I hardly felt it was there. There was no rubbing or chaffing around the area of the blister and it felt quite protected. I would definitely recommend the patches for what I needed them for.”

Linda, LDWA

“We used ENGO Blister Prevention Patches on the LDWA Dorset Doddle, which involves 32 miles and a 6,000ft ascent from Weymouth to Swanage on the South West Coast Path. No blisters formed, plus the plasters remained smoothly attached to the inside heel and side of shoe. Absolutely no rucking or peeling off.”

Anonymous, LDWA

“Thanks for sending samples through recently - a great product - Easy to apply, stays put,and reduces friction around the heel. Outcome - I will be purchasing as a stock item in my footcare kit!”

Caroline, LDWA

One of the members, Steve, saved his ENGO Blister Prevention Patches to try out in the LDWA annual 100-mile challenge walk.

“I wore AltBurg leather boots throughout, changing my socks on four occasions, all socks were ‘Darn Tough’. I also Vaselined my feet twice.

I first felt a 'hot spot' on the ball of my foot at around 10 miles and placed a Compeed plaster on it. Within another 10 miles, I placed a second Compeed plaster over it. Still feeling the onset of the blister, I removed the inner sole and placed an ENGO Blister Prevention Patch onto the boot in the affected area. I didn't feel the blister again.

The second ENGO Patch I used again on my left foot on the outside of the foot just behind the little toe, where I have a small hard lump like a bunion. Applying it inside the boot proved difficult so I applied it directly to the sock. This was after about 60 miles. I had no discomfort in that area again. I completed the 100 miles in just under 32 hours.”

Steve Diamond, LDWA member

Don't let blisters slow you down or keep you from doing the things you love. Get yourself some ENGO Blister Prevention Patches today.