One possibility:

Your limp won't help but also many of us have one foot very slightly larger than, or a very slightly different mirror-shape to, the other so it's possible that even the with best fitting shoes you can find one will not quite fit perfectly. That is not a medical problem, just a natural, slight unsymmetry but might be compounding the effect of your limp.

Our Mam had this non-symmetry to extent of finding buying shoes difficult.. While for me, having had both knees replaced also altered my gait to the extent of subconsciously making me descend stairs in an odd, wrong way; a habit I am trying to correct.)

Also, don't aim for four-mile walks straight off. Work up to it gradually.

Reagrding the therapy, I needed see a phsyiotherapist only about three or fours times after each operation. He gave me a set of printed exercises to perform, so really I was my own therapist with some guidance and monitoring. Would similar be possible for you, or are you offered only a full course of many appointments?

I have always had a problem with shoes, especially until shoes of different widths became more affordable.

I would suggest trying some inserts. I use heel inserts that cup my heels and prevent what my mom called “walking my shoes over.” After some wear, my shoes always broke down at the outside of the shoe.

Blisters usually indicate either that the skin is rubbing on something or sliding on something. If you haven’t yet, you can try using talcum powder, which might help with that.

But at your age, try inserts, but since you clearly are active, I’d recommend starting with a podiatrist, who should be able to pinpoint what isn’t working quite right and help you figure out how to fix it.

My partner went to the chiropodist suffering the same thing as you. He recommended Fitville shoes you order online. They were very reasonably priced and often have sales on and free delivery. They come in various widths too, if your feet are a bit wider. I paid about £25 for each pair I've had and wear them every day. I don't get any more blisters or corns on my little toes.

Blisters on the ball of the foot- assuming the shoes are a really good fit- should not be occurring. If your shoes fit well, I would first look at the socks you are wearing. Constant rubbing of loose socks can create many problems, blisters among them. My issue is that I get my lower Achilles Tendon area touched up by the backs of the shoes, and if the shoes are too cushy then they slide off of my foot. (I have a bunch of other foot issues- genetic- but that's beside the point. ). Hint- When you buy a new pair of shoes, bring a pair of the socks you will be wearing WITH those shoes to ensure a more accurate fit. Try them on in the morning and the evening as your foot size will change throughout the day.

You have tender feet as I do. Use to get blisters all the time but got Brook’s athletic shoes with high soles and no more blisters.

When I get blisters, it's usually with sandals in summer because tiny stones keep getting under my feet. Or in winter shoes when my sock rolls down. But it's always just when I start wearing them, for some reason, later it's not an issue even if I don't pay so much attention how I wear socks or how tight I tie the laces.

I think they should not give you blisters aftwr four miles and try other shoes.

It's hard to tell if this is normal. You should post pics of your bare soles so we can judge.