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Most Common Foot Problems Related to Hiking Boots

Hikers will see a lot of problems along the paths they go through. And may of them are right on their feet even with the most comfortable hiking boots.

☞☞☞ See Also: Best Rated Hiking Boots - Best Backpacking Boots 

Luckily, you can learn about the most typical troubles and how to deal with them to make sure they don't ruin your hiking experience.

Numbness

Cause

Many pairs of hiking boots fit your feet's overall length pretty well, but sometimes they have a lot of interior volume due to your narrow feet. Most hikers will compensate this by cinching the laces as tight as possible. As a result, this painful pressure will cause numbness on your instep.

Remedy

You should buy adhesive felt pads and insert them inside your boot tongue. This can relieve a lot of pressure by positioning your foot into a more comfortable place and cushioning the instep. You can find them in most shoe stores.

If it doesn't work, you may need to see a podiatrist to relieve the swelling and pain.

Toe chop

Cause

The all-leather, heavy-duty hiking boots require long break-in time. At the end of this period, when you can flex the sole, the stiff uppers will start creasing, causing a lot of pain on your toes.

Remedy

The best method to avoid top chope is wearing the boots as many times as possible before you go to the really big trip. No matter where is this, short hikers, around your neighborhood, as long as you provide a break-in time before testing them on rough terrain, you can reduce the stiffness.

If it doesn't work, find a cobbler to flex your shoes into a more foot-friendly, supple shape.

Tender soles

Cause

If you walk on extended trips with a heavy backpack, you may feel squashed and sore around your feet's balls. The reason behind this is when stepping on rough surfaces thousands of times a day without appropriate insole padding, the soles can become tender, pushing a lot of pressure into your feet.

It may be worse if the nerve running up the sole enlarges, causing a burning or tingling sensation in your toes.

Remedy

Out of the box, most hiking boots do not have sufficient sole padding. But there is an easy word around for this.

You can find replacement insoles, which are sold widely in shoe stores to help with this problem. They come with different materials and thicknesses.

Try to have your insoles beside you when trying a new pair of  Best Rated Hiking Boots. This can ensure you feel there's enough space inside them for your toes. If you have trouble pinching the toes, find a boot fitter and ask him to thin the insoles, usually with a belt sander.

At the same time, you can try to trim them with scissors until you think the boots have the right fit.

Toenail issues

Cause

After a long-distance hike, your toenails may become cloudy blue and black due to the stress and pounding on the long trek. It can cause your feet to elongate and swell, making your toes ram into the boots.

You may make this situation worse with too long toenails or unfit heel cups. When going downhill for a long time, your feet will slide toward naturally and cause more pain.

Remedy

There are many solutions to this problem, but the simplest is, well, cutting your toenails.

To make room for your toes, try stringing the eyelets loosely then pull the laces tight. You should also try inserting a tongue pad in a roomy heel cup.

Conclusion

There are many other troubles you may encounter on your hikes where rougher, longer paths lead to more serious issues for your feet. There is no better way to deal with this than learning their causes and the solutions in each case, usually with Best Hiking Boots 

Source: https://useum.org/artist/jefffredman

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