TwoToms BlisterShield & SportShield Review
After receiving quite a few unwanted blisters on my feet from running my first half marathon, I decided to find something that would help prevent myself from ever getting them again. I was sent the BlisterShield and SportShield from TwoToms to test and review. Each product is unique but both claim to prevent pain and eliminate friction that causes blisters and chafing during daily activities. TwoToms actually promises that these products will increase comfort while enhancing performance and endurance. That’s quite a bold statement and I wanted to put it to the test. But first, here is some additional information about the BlisterShield and Sportshield:
Two-Toms BlisterShield Powder
This powder is a blister prevention product that effectively controls blisters, excess heat and pressure irritation. It is designed to use primarily on the feet.
BlisterShield creates an almost frictionless surface, reducing heat build-up, hotspots and blister formation. The powder does not absorb moisture, but rather repels it, keeping the skin relatively dry. It is similar to the way tech-tees work by wicking sweat away rather than absorbing like cotton.
TwoToms SportShield Roll-On
A silicone-based roll-on liquid designed to prevent chafing that occurs anywhere on the body. It is odor free, non-greasy, non-toxic, non-staining and lasts all day under extreme conditions.
SportShield applies a smooth, thin invisible coating to the skin, which will eliminate and greatly minimize the friction that causes blisters, chafing and irritation.
It works on any part of the body, and most effective when used in places where skin is subjected to rubbing and at pressure points created by clothing and equipment, including:
- Between the arms and sides of the body
- Between upper thighs
- Groin
- Over nipples
- Around back of heels
- Tops of toes
- Heart rate monitor straps
- Bra straps
It performs with you under the most grueling conditions, even under wetsuits. It will not rub off, but is easily removed with soap and water.
My Thoughts & Review
The only time I was getting blisters on my feet were during races (at least 10K-half marathon). But I think the only reason why I wasn’t getting them on training runs is because I wasn’t running long enough distances. Now that I am training for a marathon, it will become more than necessary to use. I tried both the BlisterShield and SportShield on my feet. The SportShield looks more or less like one of those roll-on deodorants so it was very easy to apply on my feet (and would for anywhere else on your body that chafes). It also comes in a single-use packet (very much like a moist towlette). It dries almost instantly, so I didn’t have to wait a long time for it to start working. The BlisterShield is a little messier because it’s in powder form. However, after using both products in races varying in distance and terrain, I am happy to say that I have been blister-free since! I never notice any issues with my feet during races (other than how tired they are from running). I have never had any issues with chaffing (yet), so I can’t say how well it works at preventing that. But once I start running marathons and eventually get to ultras and triathlons, then at least I know what I will be using before each of those events.
There seems to be a lot of products on the market that are designed to prevent blisters and chaffing including the well-known, BodyGlide. Although I have not tried all of those products, I have to say that I am satisfied with TwoToms’ BlisterShield and SportShield and will continue to use it until the day I get a blister..
I’ll finish off the review with a couple of notes. Some runners have complained that the BlisterShield will leave a powder residue when walking around in just socks. All you have to do is not walk around in your socks, it’s not that hard. When I get ready for a race, I’ll put the BlisterShield in my socks and then into my shoes right after. One nice thing about the BlisterShield is that the powder never gets clumpy from moisture, rain or water. I’m sure it would be very annoying trying to run with little clumps in your shoes. And the last thing, for some reason or another, my high school cross country coach would wear dress socks during his runs. It may have been a tradition/ritual that he had or some superstition where he felt he ran faster in them. I have actually tried wearing dress socks on a few runs and although I never got any blisters from them, my feet would slip around too much in the shoes probably because the socks were so smooth, but maybe other runners have had better luck with it.
