Break in Boots
How many of you are going to Encampment this year?
How many of you think you’ll come away from Encampment with blisters on your feet?
Encampment is a very rigorous and challenging activity. You will get up at “O-dark thirty” every morning and go to bed at 22:00 hrs every night. You will be on your feet most of that time.
You march to PT. You march to Classes. You march EVERYWHERE, and all that time you’ll be wearing your boots.
New boots improperly “broken in” are the main cause of...
... the dreaded BLISTER !
What causes blisters ? Friction (boot rubbing on the foot) Sweaty, damp, dirty socks Improperly fitted boots
STAGES OF BLISTERS
The Hot Spot
The Blister
A blister that has broken open
Broken blisters get infected and cadets may not be able to complete encampment. Cadets MUST complete 80% of encampment training to graduate
Contributing Factors Improper Foot Hygiene Not changing to clean socks (Change daily preferably twice daily!) Not taking enough socks to camp Boots not properly broken in Improper fit of boots
SOME PREVENTIVE MEASURES Commanders screen cadets for physical maturity to participate in this type of activity Ensure proper fit of boots Break-in boots early (Now is a good time to start) Wear TWO pair of socks (Polypropylene sock liners are available at sporting good stores) Use Mole skin to keep down friction Use foot powder WASH AND DRY YOUR FEET
Properly Fitted Boots
Moleskin Soft felt on one side Sticky on the other
Self Explanatory
Polypropylene Sock Liners Available at sporting goods stores near you
REMEMBER A cadet without blisters Is a happy cadet
GOOD LUCK HAVE FUN AND I’LL SEE YA THERE