More runners are undone on race day by their feet than by their fitness. A hot spot at 10 km becomes a blister at 20 km becomes a limp to the finish. Almost all of it is preventable with a little foot prep. Here's the checklist.

48 hours before

  • Don't debut anything new. Race in socks and shoes you've already run long in. Nothing new on race day — especially not socks.
  • Trim toenails straight across. Long nails are the fastest route to a black toenail over 42 km.
  • Lay out your kit the night before, including the exact pair of socks you'll wear.

The sock choice

Your socks are the layer between skin and shoe — they decide friction, moisture and slip:

  • Fast-drying, not cotton. Wet cotton is a blister factory in Singapore's humidity. (Cotton vs synthetic →)
  • Grip sole so the foot doesn't slide inside the shoe as it swells late in the race.
  • Snug compression to hold everything in place and support the arch. (Best race-day socks →)

Race morning

  • Put socks on clean, dry feet. Add anti-chafe balm to any known hot spots.
  • Check for wrinkles — smooth the sock over the toes and heel. A single fold causes a blister.
  • Lace to lock the heel so the foot doesn't slide forward on the downslopes.

During the race

  • If a hot spot starts early, deal with it at the next aid station — don't run 15 km hoping it fades.
  • Expect feet to swell; that's normal, and why a slightly grippy, supportive sock matters late in the race.

Prepping a friend for their first marathon? A fresh pair of race-day socks makes a genuinely useful, thoughtful gift — the kind that shows up at their start line.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop blisters during a marathon?

Wear fast-drying (non-cotton) socks you've already trained in, keep the sock wrinkle-free, use anti-chafe on known hot spots, and address any hot spot early rather than pushing through it.

Should I wear new socks for a marathon?

No. Never wear new socks or shoes on race day. Race in a pair you've already done a long run in so you know they don't rub, slip or bunch.

Do compression socks help on race day?

They help hold the sock in place, support the arch and ankle, and many runners like the snug feel over long distances. Paired with a grip sole, they reduce slip as the foot swells late in a race.

How should I prep my feet before a marathon?

Trim toenails, avoid anything new, lay out proven socks and shoes, and on race morning start with clean dry feet, anti-chafe on hot spots, and a wrinkle-free sock.

Race in socks that hold up. Shop VANTAGE socks → — grip, compression and fast-drying fabric, made in Korea, free delivery in Singapore.