I learned this trick over 37 years ago when I checked in for my first day of practice at the West (by God) Virginia University football locker room. I was issued a brand new pair of Astro Turf shoes and a brand new pair of grass cleats. The equipment manager at the time had been there since before American Football had been invented and he said, “Son. I don’t want to see you in the training room with blisters. Take this jar of Vaseline and put it all over your socks before you work out in these shoes.”

I learned this anti blister trick 37 years ago and it has served me well.

I know the shoe manufacturers would say this is totally unnecessary, but it has been a ritual with me for a long time whenever I’m breaking in new shoes and I rarely ever get a blisters.

Here’s a couple tips:

1. You don’t have to slob Vaseline 2 inches thick. Just a light coating will do and remember your socks will absorb some of it so don’t scrimp either.

2. Wear your new shoes a little bit every day just walking around the house before you play a couple hours of tennis.

3. Use “Mole Skin” from the drugstore on any problem areas.