My toes need help!

[loraleek]

On a recent practice trip I found that downhills were mashing my toes and I ended up with some bruises. Before I invest in inserts or orthotics, does anyone have some advice? Other than the sliding the boots seemed to work out well.
Thanks in advance for you help. And best wishes on your hikes.

[Karl Meltzer]

All you need is more room in the toe box. Get a pair of shoes a half size bigger, that should help a ton.
On a recent practice trip I found that downhills were mashing my toes and I ended up with some bruises. Before I invest in inserts or orthotics, does anyone have some advice? Other than the sliding the boots seemed to work out well.
Thanks in advance for you help. And best wishes on your hikes.

[skinewmexico]

Like Karl said, it sounds like the boots don't fit. You might try some alternative lacings to keep your foot from sliding forward, or at least tighten the laces before a downhill.

[jacquelineanngrant]

If your feet are sliding inside your boots then they are too big. You can try tightening the laces or adding an extra pair of socks. You do need to be able to wiggle your toes but sliding is bad. Best of luck to you as well!

[Tinker]

I can only speak personally about what you would need to do if you have low volume, flat feet like I have. Use inserts (orthotic or otherwise) to take up the extra space. Eastern Mountain Sports has high density thin blanks which can be trimmed to fit under your orthotics, liners, whatever you call them. Don't get special OTC orthotics if you don't have some type of foot pain - I believe that supporting an arch that doesn't need it makes the ligaments in the feet weak. Chronic plantar facia pain, as I have, should be addressed by a professional, imo.

[Creek Dancer]

Another thing that would help is pay attention to how you walk downhill. Try "sitting" back into the heels of your feet more to take the pressure off the toes. Loosening your compression straps (the ones at the top by your neck) will allow your pack to pull backwards slightly and will help you maintain your balance. Works for me.

[bigcranky]

For long downhill sections I tighten the laces on my shoes, then loosen them a little on the uphills.

[Freedom Walker]

In addition to the other advice, be sure to trim your toenails before the hike.

[EJC]

I agree with karl, I went through 4 pairs of shoes that were too small. My shoe person told me your toes can touch the shoe when going downhill, but shouldn't mash. Also, don't forget your feet swell while hiking, which was a major problem for me. I needed a full size bigger than my normal shoes to be comfortable while hiking.

[lemon b]

For me it is all about the boots and socks. If i were to wear sneakers or anything but an ankle high boot I have the same problem. Another point is how long has it been since you've done big downhills. I took a couple years off once and on return the feet just got chewed up. I suppose from the skin just being out of shape.

[Senor Jalapeno]

It may be annoying, but putting your feet in your shoes and then specifically tightening the laces nearest the toe box usually does the trick.

[msupple]

This may be a stupid question but does anyone ever use two seperate laces on each shoe so that you could tighten/loosen the top/bottom as you wish? And yes....I have heard that the only stupid question is the one you don't ask. :)