SkiingInABlueDream
Active member
For whatever reason(s), toe jamming when stepping on steeply declined surfaces has become an issue for me in recent years' hikes. I'm shopping for new hiking shoes now (for day hiking not extended backpacking) and wondering what're people's opinions on a few questions:
Does a well-fitted hiking shoe/boot imply absolutely zero jamming of toes into the toe of the shoe, or just minimal jamming (where "minimal" means you don't exceed your pain tolerance or lose toenails)?
What aspect of hiking boot/shoe fitment actually prevents toe jamming? Here's what I've been told sofar:
a) The shoe wrapping around your instep. The instep is like a wedge, so if the shoe wraps snugly around the instep, then the wedge (foot) can't slide forward.
b) Arch support of the insole. The insole's arch becomes a bump that the heel doesn't slide over easily, which holds the foot back.
If a & b are true, either separately or collectively, then I may be hosed. My feet are basically pancakes.
c) The upper part of a mid- or full- height boot holds your ankle & lower calf back, preventing your foot from sliding forward.
This seems plausible to me but I've only ever hiked in low cut shoes. (I prefer full ankle movement and I've never rolled an ankle.)
Thoughts?
Does a well-fitted hiking shoe/boot imply absolutely zero jamming of toes into the toe of the shoe, or just minimal jamming (where "minimal" means you don't exceed your pain tolerance or lose toenails)?
What aspect of hiking boot/shoe fitment actually prevents toe jamming? Here's what I've been told sofar:
a) The shoe wrapping around your instep. The instep is like a wedge, so if the shoe wraps snugly around the instep, then the wedge (foot) can't slide forward.
b) Arch support of the insole. The insole's arch becomes a bump that the heel doesn't slide over easily, which holds the foot back.
If a & b are true, either separately or collectively, then I may be hosed. My feet are basically pancakes.
c) The upper part of a mid- or full- height boot holds your ankle & lower calf back, preventing your foot from sliding forward.
This seems plausible to me but I've only ever hiked in low cut shoes. (I prefer full ankle movement and I've never rolled an ankle.)
Thoughts?