The Best Socks to Prevent Blisters Running Ultras and Backyard Ultras
Why Blisters Can Ruin Your Ultra or Backyard Ultra
Blisters running ultras or Backyard Ultras are the silent killers of a good race.
Imagine this: you’re 300 km into a Backyard Ultra, battling sleep deprivation and aching legs, when a searing pain erupts on your heel. A blister the size of a golf ball has formed, and just like that, your race is over.
I’ve seen it happen as a physio supporting the New Zealand Backyard Ultra team at the satellite World Champs. Blisters don’t care how tough you are; they’ll force a DNF faster than you can say “one more loop.” But here’s the good news: with the right gear, you can prevent, or at least reduce, blisters and keep running those gruelling distances.
Let’s dive into how Merino toe socks can save your feet in ultras and Backyard Ultras.
The Painful Truth About Blisters in Ultra Running
Blisters form when friction, moisture, and pressure team up to wreak havoc on your feet.
In an Ultra or Backyard Ultra, where you’re running a 6.706 km loop every hour for days on end, the risk is amplified.
Sweat-soaked socks, skin-on-skin rubbing, and compressed toes create the perfect storm for blisters. I’ve seen runners with feet so torn up they could barely walk after 200 km. Fair enough too, right?
But it doesn’t have to be that way. The right socks can make all the difference, and that’s where Merino toe socks come in.
How Merino Toe Socks Prevent Blisters Running Ultras
At Creepers Socks, we’ve engineered our socks to tackle the root causes of blisters head-on. Here’s how they work:
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Low Friction Fabric: Our Merino wool blend is naturally low friction, reducing the rubbing that causes blisters. Unlike traditional socks that let your skin grind against itself, Creepers Socks create a smooth barrier that keeps friction at bay.
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Moisture Reduction and Fast Drying: Wet feet are a blister’s best friend. Our socks wick moisture away from your skin and dry fast, keeping your feet dry even after 400 km of sweat-soaked loops. Merino wool’s breathability ensures your feet stay comfortable, no matter how long you’re out there.
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Separate Toe Sleeves: The magic of Creepers Socks lies in their individual toe compartments. By separating each toe, we eliminate skin-on-skin contact, a major culprit behind blisters. This also allows your toes to splay naturally, reducing pressure and improving foot mechanics.
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Seamless Design: No seams, no problem. Our seamless construction means there’s nothing to rub against your skin, even after days of running.
These features aren’t just theory; they’re proven in the toughest races on earth. Let’s talk about the runners who’ve put Creepers Socks to the test.
Elite Runners Who’ve Gone the Distance Blister-Free
Our socks have been battle-tested by some of the best ultra-runners in the world:
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Phil Gore: In 2023, Phil set a Backyard Ultra world record, running 684 km over 102 loops at Dead Cow Gully. Not a single blister, thanks to Creepers Socks.
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Sam Harvey: Sam ran 610 km at the Backyard Ultra World Champs and 462 km at Dead Cow Gully, all blister-free. He’s been wearing Creepers since 2022, and his feet have thanked him ever since.
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Aaron Crook: Aaron won the "toughest race in the world", the Arctic 6633: A 620km race across the Arctic Circle. He may have had frostbite in other places, but his feet were fine thanks to the doubling up of Merino toe socks.
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Kat Edwards: Kat was third place in the brutal Moab 240 mile race in 2024. Heat, sand and exhaustion were rife, but thanks to the right gear, prep and team, she nailed it.
These runners aren’t just surviving; they’re thriving, thanks to socks designed for the miles.
Tips to Prevent Blisters Running Ultras and Backyard Ultras
Beyond wearing the best socks, here are a few extra tips to keep blisters at bay:
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Keep your shoes dry and swap socks if they get soaked. Creepers Socks dry fast, but a fresh pair can feel like a reset.
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Use a lubricant like petroleum jelly on high-friction areas as an extra layer of protection.
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Make sure your shoes fit well. Too tight, and you’ll get pressure points; too loose, and your feet will slide.
Run Further, Blister-Free, with Creepers Socks
Blisters running ultras don’t have to be your story. With Creepers Socks, you’re equipped to tackle any ultra or Backyard Ultra without the pain of hotspots or raw skin holding you back.
Our socks are made for the miles, trusted by the best, and ready to help you push your limits.
Grab a pair today and see how far your feet can take you.
