OUCH! Help, What Did I do Wrong with the Footrest?

Jack S. · Post by **Jack S.** » March 27th, 2007, 7:08 am

Yesterday started my 4th week of erging. I rowed intervals for a total of 27 minutes. This morning I couldn't row because I have a giant blister on each heel from the heel cups on each footrest.

On my earlier rows my right heel has gotten a little irritated but hasn't blistered despite doing longer rows both in terms of time and distance. I have had no problems with my left heel. For every row, I have rowed in socks without shoes. The flexfoot was in the same setting as with all other rows. The only difference was that I got up early to row, all other rows have been after work.

Any ideas why I developed blisters now? What do I do to prevent recurrence? What do I do so I don't miss another day? All advic eis appreciated.

PaulS · Post by **PaulS** » March 27th, 2007, 9:09 am

You were likely on the edge of getting a blister and it finally manifested either with using thinner socks or more aggressive rowing. You can see my site below and look at the "Swing Slings" if you want to remain in socks, or get thicker socks or light trainers. The plasitc on the flex foot is harder than our skin so somethings gotta give.

MomofJBN · Post by **MomofJBN** » March 27th, 2007, 1:36 pm

I have a couple of pieces of foam and bubble wrap (the thin kind) that I stick between my heel and the hard plastic. Takes away the pressure points. Not necessarily an elegant solution, but quick and cheap.

johnlvs2run · Post by **johnlvs2run** » March 27th, 2007, 5:53 pm

Get rid of the socks and row barefoot.

Jack S. · Post by **Jack S.** » March 27th, 2007, 7:08 pm

Thanks for the replies so far.

John Rupp wrote:Get rid of the socks and row barefoot.

Is this safer, blister wise? Or are shoes safer?

I like the idea of sox or barefoot better, but want the less potentially damaging option.

johnlvs2run · Post by **johnlvs2run** » March 27th, 2007, 9:31 pm

Jack S. wrote:Is this safer, blister wise? Or are shoes safer?

I like the idea of sox or barefoot better, but want the less potentially damaging option.

I've rowed the last 35 million or so meters barefoot, with all being well and no blisters.

The only thing I do sometimes is, if the straps rub anywhere on the tops of my feet then I wrap a little duct tape around twice in that one place on the straps but that's all. There is never any problem with my heels. On the model C I filed the sharp edges of the heel straps with emery paper, but the model D straps are already rounded so I've done nothing to them.

The problem with socks is they hold moisture and material between the straps and your heels, and these things result in the blisters. Cotton is especially bad to cause blisters. If you're going to wear socks then use thin nylon ones and always avoid cotton. The same goes for any kind of a wrap on the handle.

However, best and easiest is to let your heels "heal" and then row barefoot from then on.

Jack S. · Post by **Jack S.** » March 27th, 2007, 10:18 pm

Thanks again John. You were right of course, I was wearing cotton socks.

loki · Post by **loki** » March 28th, 2007, 9:54 am

I got heel blisters shortly after I starting rowing. Looking for a solution, I noticed that the "inserts" on the C2 Foam seat pad were about heel sized, so I tried them out. So far, they've stayed stuck on the heel straps and I've had no blisters for about 250K meters.

PaulS · Post by **PaulS** » March 28th, 2007, 12:15 pm

loki wrote:I got heel blisters shortly after I starting rowing. Looking for a solution, I noticed that the "inserts" on the C2 Foam seat pad were about heel sized, so I tried them out. So far, they've stayed stuck on the heel straps and I've had no blisters for about 250K meters.

Now that is exactly the sort of resourceful thinking that needs to be rewarded.

Well done!

Stonewaly · Post by **Stonewaly** » March 28th, 2007, 4:18 pm

After experiencing some initial problems with heel blisters, applying Moleskin (CVS has a generic brand of the same stuff) over the rubbing part of the heel has been a lifesaver. It's a bit annoying to cut and put on / take off after every row, but I don't mind and since I prefer to row in shoes it's worked out nicely. One package sells for about $2.50, and the three larger pads included will last for 22-25 rows if you cut them into chunks about 3/4 - 1" square. Well worth if for the added comfort IMHO.

Jack S. · Post by **Jack S.** » April 12th, 2007, 6:40 pm

Update........... Received som Swing Slings from PaulS yesterday. This mornings row went without incident and was pain free. Thanks Paul!

tinnes · Post by **tinnes** » April 12th, 2007, 7:37 pm

I didn't know people were crazy enough to erg barefoot or with just socks on all the time.

I row with running shoes on. I think 1 or 2 times I forgot my shoes when I got to the gym and rowed with socks on and I had blisters on both feet for a week.

johnlvs2run · Post by **johnlvs2run** » April 12th, 2007, 10:14 pm

Running shoes are not good for rowing, due to the heel lifts and soft soles.

Thin shoes with flat firm soles would be better.

I always row barefoot, and never get any blisters.

Bob S. · Post by **Bob S.** » April 13th, 2007, 12:50 am

tinnes wrote:I didn't know people were crazy enough to erg barefoot or with just socks on all the time. ;) I row with running shoes on. I think 1 or 2 times I forgot my shoes when I got to the gym and rowed with socks on and I had blisters on both feet for a week.

One doesn't have to be crazy, just resistant to blistering. I have never had a foot blister problem on ergs, even though I have often rowed with just socks and sometimes with bare feet. I had a problem only one time, when I did a long row (an hour?) barefoot on my old model B. I was still using the straps in those days and the strap or buckle cut the top of one foot. I don't like the back strap on the D, so I often use shoes on that — at least for long pieces.

When I first rowed in rolling seat boats (in the 1940s), the stretchers had brass heel plates and leather side pieces that laced together. It was standard practice to wear socks, so-called crew socks. Fifty years later, when I encountered ergs, I resumed the same practice and wore socks which worked out with no problems at all.

Bob S.

ancho · Post by **ancho** » April 13th, 2007, 8:42 am

Bob S. wrote:...
When I first rowed in rolling seat boats (in the 1940s), the stretchers had brass heel plates and leather side pieces that laced together. It was standard practice to wear socks, so-called crew socks. Fifty years later, when I encountered ergs, I resumed the same practice and wore socks which worked out with no problems at all.

Bob S.

Hi, I'm slightly younger than you, but still remember these. Probably the boats were from the 40's

As I was a kid, I used to row with shoes.

Now, I like rowing barefoot eberything up to 1 hour.
What disturbs me is when the heel gets sweaty and slips on the heel cup.