I’ve been using the same boots for years, and they were great for short hikes. But now that I’m pushing myself with longer trails, I’ve noticed my big toenails are taking a beating. I even lost both of them on my last hike. Ouch… Anyone have tips for avoiding this, or should I be looking for a new pair of boots?
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My old boots were fine for 5-6 miles, but once I started going beyond that, my toenails started getting crushed. I switched to a pair with a wider toe box, and it’s been a game changer. Also, make sure your nails are trimmed and consider using toe caps or tape for extra protection.
Yeah, toenail issues can be brutal. Sizing up a half size can help a lot. More room for your toes means less pressure on the nails. You might also want to check the lacing technique—sometimes loosening the laces at the toes can help reduce the strain.
I had the same issue and tried everything—different socks, taping my toes, even thicker insoles. But honestly, what finally worked was getting custom-fitted boots. It’s a bit of an investment, but totally worth it if you’re serious about hiking.
Toenails falling off? Man, been there, done that. I switched to these Hoka Speedgoat 6 trail runners for most hikes, and it’s been a night and day difference. They’re more forgiving, especially on longer treks.
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I lost both my big toenails through the same problem last year and it was painful. I switched to boots with a more generous toe box and using a lacing technique called “heel lock” really helped. Also, consider wearing thinner socks, so your feet don’t swell too much during the hike.
One word: Injinji socks. They’re toe socks, and they’ve saved my toenails on so many hikes. They reduce friction between your toes and prevent that horrible black toenail thing from happening. Pair them with a good pair of boots, and you should be golden.
Boots that are a half-size bigger or have a wider toe box could make a huge difference. And don’t forget about toe protectors.