These Heel Protectors Will Put an End to Blisters From Boots for Good

She quickly opened her Amazon app and showed me the heel protectors that keep her feet cushioned and comfortable, even when wearing boots known for being tough to break in. She affectionately called them “foot condoms” and explained that they were silicone micro-socks she wears daily. She had discovered them after reading a Twitter thread on the struggles of breaking in Dr. Martens (although they’re great for any tough boot).

These silicone heel cups

are stretchy and easy to slide into shoes, designed to be worn directly on your foot, under your socks, to protect and cushion your heel from the rigid back of stubborn shoes. They're reusable, washable, and fit a variety of shoe types, including boots, sneakers, loafers, and clogs—anything that feels like it’s battling your heel with hard, unforgiving construction.

According to reviewers, these not only stop new blisters from forming, but also soothe existing or popped blisters, and can even provide relief for heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis. They help maintain soft heels, preventing cracked skin and callouses.

As the weather turns and you break out the boots and leather shoes, grab a set of heel cups to keep blister-free and pain-free. They come in pairs (one tan and one clear) and a single elastic size that fits most feet. They’re soft, reusable, and washable by hand.

“I'm in college and do a lot of walking, which has resulted in some of the worst blisters I’ve ever had—bigger than quarters. I decided to try these and they worked wonders. So soft and flexible! They’re perfect under uncomfortable sandals or inside rain boots. Socks fit right over them. Highly recommend.” —Olivia

“These are amazing. I ordered them while breaking in new paddock boots. They’ve been a lifesaver. My boots were torture devices, forcing me to take longer breaks because the blisters were so bad. These prevented new blisters and protected the old ones. I once tried riding without them and got a massive blister, but the next ride I wore them and didn’t even realize my bandage had come off, yet the heel protectors still protected my blister. I wear them on every ride now. They’re squishy, add extra cushion, and have held up even in the South Carolina heat. I’m still on my first pair, but I love having a backup. Highly recommend!” —Jenny

“These saved me after two years of struggling to break in my Chanel loafers. No more blisters. After just a week of wearing them, the back of the loafers softened up. I’ll be buying another set for my little sister.” —ACA

“I have bone spurs, plantar fasciitis, and I’m incredibly prone to blisters. Every pair of closed-toe shoes I wear gives me blisters. I also ride horses and wear boots often. Before these arrived, I wore a new pair of boots for 30 minutes and ended up with an open wound on my heel. As luck would have it, these showed up right before a training session. I slipped them on over my already popped blister and went about my day—gave a lesson, rode a horse, and spent 2 hours walking around Costco!!!!” —Amanda

“I bought these to heal some really bad, open blisters on my heel. I put them on under my socks and slept in them. I was amazed by how well they worked overnight. And to my surprise, all the cracks on the bottom of my heel were gone by the morning.” —Shawnee Grant