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Robin’s Verdict
When it comes to looking for chafing and balm related products and generally looking after my feet, I’ve always been lazy. I’ve always hoped for the best, tried to cut corners or on the better days, left it till last minute. Some days I’d pay the price for it and others….actually no, I’d always pay the price for it. Horrible chafing rashes, especially inner thighs, all around my running vest, shoulders, especially on sweaty hot days or rainy cold ones. TrailSkin has saved me. I’ve finally got into the routine of using it and it’s finally helped me put the issue to bed.
Why Trailskin?
There are a multitude of products out there, I’ve used other running anti-chafe products before and when stretched I’ve just found some Vaseline in my wife’s top drawer. TrailSkin outperforms them and there are two main reasons why:
- the long-lasting effect
- the comfort of the product
I got the pleasure to use these three products.
Reviving Foot Balm
This is something my feet have needed for a long time. As a very neglectful male, who has always avoided skin care, especially for my poor hardworking running feet, this has really helped tackle the condition of my feet. Great to put all around my toes, on my heels and it smells great, perfect to apply after a long run. It’s not sticky, it isn’t too creamy, the consistency is just right. (Only issue is applying it when you have young children trying to drag you around the house as soon as you’re home from your run hahaha). The tin itself makes it very easy to get every last bit out, so you’re not stuck trying to squeeze it like ketchup. (I don’t even like ketchup, how has that made it in here??) ANYWAY. It’s wonderful. My feet are very thankful!
Anti-Chafe Salve
The game changer. I’d challenge anyone to use this and then go back to using anything else. Yes, there are many other things that will “do the trick” BUT, will they do it for as long or as effectively as this? No. I really don’t think so. On so many long runs I’ve applied it everywhere I’ve had chafing issues in the past, no chafing issues since. I think most notably in the past, if I’ve used something else and been out on a cold wet long run, towards the end I’ll start to chafe. TrailSkin’s salve just doesn’t fade and don’t worry it’s easily washed off in the shower. In the shower is honestly where I notice it’s still there, it’s always a surprise, very impressive longevity! Not only does it last a long time, but it’s also very comfy to put on, I don’t know how else to put it haha, it’s a real joy to use. I suppose from a male standpoint, I don’t put many creams/salves on, so it’s given me a fresh perspective for sure.
It comes in various different containers, my favourite for quick application is the roll-on race tube version, but if you’re looking at applying before a long race as opposed to long run, I’d say the bigger tin is better for getting more out. Both are great and easy to use. My one note would be don’t let the tin get too cold wherever you store it, as it’s difficult to apply when it’s colder – my fault that one!
Trench Foot Cream
I’ve applied this before a couple of very long wet runs and I’ve had no issues with my feet afterwards. Truthfully, I’d want to really test this on a 40-50+ mile race to really fully test the product so I’ll leave this one there, but given the quality of the other products, I’d say you’re in safe hands. I believe Kate used it on Tour De Helvellyn, so have a look at her thoughts!
Kate’s Verdict
I was first introduced to the range when Dave Johnson, the owner and founder, sent through the Ultra Bundle for me to write a review on alongside Robin’s review. Recently, when I met Dave at The Running Show, he kindly pressed a tin of their brand new foot scrub into my hands. Talking to Dave has really impressed on me his depth of knowledge and genuine passion for natural ingredients and practical foot care.
The Products
The Ultra Bundle covers the essentials for spending long days on your feet and includes a tin of their Anti-Chafe Salve, a tin of Revival Foot Balm, a tube of Trench Foot cream, a race tube of Anti-Chafe Salve and a mini race tin of Anti-Chafe Salve designed to be carried in a race vest.
Trench Foot Cream
This was the product I tried for Tour de Helvellyn, fully expecting to run on wet feet all day. It delivered exactly what you want in those conditions, protection without softening the skin too much. It works by creating a waterproof barrier for your feet and reduces the onset of foot maceration and blisters. If you’ve ever seen those awful photos of feet from the Spine, you’ll know they haven’t used TrailSkin. It worked brilliantly for me – my feet were barely even wrinkled after 10 hours on my feet, running, walking and hopping through water courses.
Anti-Chafe Salve
This is not just about feet. I have used it in so many places where rubbing becomes an issue; for us women in particular, bra straps are a constant problem, both under our boobs and over the shoulders. In summer the issue becomes skin on skin; I really suffer with chub rub on my upper thighs; in winter the issue is kit and layers rubbing as they get wet and gritty. The salve works across all of that without feeling greasy or clogging pores. I love the mini race tin, which slips neatly into one of the gel pockets on a running vest; probably not intended but I also used it as lip balm!
Foot Scrub
This is a great addition to the range. It fits perfectly with a preventative approach, helping manage rough skin before it becomes a problem. Used regularly, it supports healthy, resilient feet rather than reacting to damage after the fact. I have used it in a hot bath, then rubbed Foot Balm on afterwards.
Foot Balm
This feels like spa-like self-indulgence and it is certainly not a chore applying this (especially if you can get your partner to rub it on for you).
For me, the Scrub and Balm together represent advance foot care done properly; helping keep skin soft, supple, and resilient without over-doing it. Used little and often, it supports healthy skin that can tolerate long hours, repeated impact, and tough conditions. It fits perfectly with a preventative approach to foot care, maintaining good skin quality week in, week out, rather than trying to repair problems once they have already appeared.
Natural Ingredients
Dave is rightly proud of the ingredient choices, and he should be. TrailSkin products include naturally derived components such as shea butter, cocoa butter, beeswax, and carefully selected essential oils. These are not there for fragrance alone, they each have a functional role in protecting, nourishing, or conditioning the skin.
Dave also does an excellent job in his blogs explaining why ingredients behave the way they do, for example the differences between:
- Humectants, which draw moisture into the skin
- Emollients, which soften and smooth the skin
- Occlusives, which create a barrier to reduce moisture loss
Understanding this matters for runners. Slapping something on the morning of a race and hoping for the best is rarely the answer.
My Personal Foot Care Regime
Good foot care is ongoing, not reactive. My own routine is simple and consistent:
- Keep feet in good condition all year, not just before races
- File away rough skin regularly so it never builds up
- Keep toe nails short and neat, no talons
- Use a good moisturiser routinely
My feet are a part of my body I am proud of; I have always looked after them, because all my life I have either crammed them into stilettos, sandals or relied on them to transport me across the country. Women are perhaps more conditioned to looking after their feet, (Robin’s comments underline this!) especially if we want them to look decent in summer, and I highly recommend to all that starting this habit will stand you in good stead for running (and if you want to wear high heeled sandals!).
Learning from the best: Tonya Olson
Recently Dave released his latest blog post on Trench Foot. Much of the TrailSkin philosophy echoes the work of Tonya Olson, who consistently emphasises that good foot care is one of the best ways to prevent injuries. She offers a range of workshops on foot care and basic taping techniques (the latter being free), which are well worth your time.
The key takeaway from Tonya’s work is this: keeping feet soft, supple, and healthy before a race is far more important than applying an anti-chafe product on race morning and crossing your fingers. However, that’s not to say TrailSkin won’t save your bacon (or soles) if you haven’t prepared!
Post 10 hours on wet feet. They might not be attractive, but they’re in great shape.
Conclusion
TrailSkin is not about quick fixes. It is about understanding skin, respecting the demands of running, and taking responsibility for foot health as part of training. The products work because the thinking behind them is sound, and because Dave genuinely cares about his products and understands runners.
If you run long, run often, or run in tough conditions, TrailSkin definitely earns its place in your kit bag.
Dave’s Trench Foot blog
RunUltra Spotify Podcast episode with Tonya Olsen
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About the authors:
Robin: I’ve been running for about 7 years, I love all types of running road, trail and fell, 5K, marathon and ultra distances. I have a wife and two kids and my own accounting practice which often take a backseat to running. I’ve also founded a local running group, High Peak Runners, hoping to bridge the gap from Couch to 5K to running consistently and most importantly, enjoying it! Follow Robin here.
Kate Allen is the owner and Editor of RunUltra and a Mountain Leader. In her spare time she can be found running or leading hikes with her dog Mac around the hills of Cumbria and Yorkshire.
