Toe Covers and Insoles

[lynnejohn]

On previous caminos, I've been vexed with small blisters on the ends of a couple of toes - not serious, and they usually disappear after the first week using compeed and tape. (And my boots are big enough). Now that I'm preparing to walk the VDLP again, I would like to eliminate this problem if I can. I've seen various types of "toe protectors" that look as if they might help. Does anyone use these? What do you think? Have they caused additional problems?

Also I'd appreciate hearing about any favorite brand / type of insole, if you use them.

Thanks!

lynne

 

[jeff001]

If your boots are big enough and laced properly it's hard to understand why you would get blisters on the ends of your toes. If the boots are laced too loosely at the toe they might be allowing your feet to move forward too far.

http://www.hitthetrail.com/boot_lacing.php

 

[lynnejohn]

I know - it does seem impossible - part of it is that my toes curl under to grip the boot in a kind of prehensile manner when I walk - and I know this is even more odd. So it's not so much my toes hit the end of my boot as they''re constantly gripping the sole of the boot...thought those little toe covers would cushion all that extra action.. :roll:

(Thanks for the link - it's a useful article.)

lynne

 

[Kitsambler]

There is such a thing as a 5-toed sock (sometimes called a footglove), that is mentioned in footcare books for runners. That might be helpful.

I use the Superfeet insoles (bright pink variety), after I had 200 miles on the manufacturer's insoles. They made a huge difference!

 

[Sheesh]

quote="Kitsambler"]There is such a thing as a 5-toed sock (sometimes called a footglove), that is mentioned in footcare books for runners. That might be helpful.[/quote]

I've yet to try the 5-toed socks, but they do seem to get very good reviews, at least from MEC users.

Lynne, since you are in Canada, you might want to check out the Injinji Tetratsok Mini Crew Socks from Mountain Equipment Co-op (aka "MEC").

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_deta ... 4302888391

 

[Anniesantiago]

I used little gel tubes to cover one of my toes that is a bit of a "hammer toe" and kept wanting to blister. It worked great! You buy the tubing, then cut it off as you need it. I washed and rewore mine and one tube lasted the entire Camino. You can see a photo of them here:

http://www.amazon.com/Therasteps-Gel-To ... 949&sr=8-6

 

[revrenjen]

I won't be walking my first El Camino until next year, but I do have a toe question. I hike in the Rockies each summer, and have had some problems with losing toenails because of a too-small toe box. I broke in a new pair of boots (with I thought was an ample toe box) this year in anticipation of El Camino next year. Nary a problem with blisters and no problem with toenails until this week, 2 months after my Rockies hiking, I suddenly lost a nail off my big toe. I assume it's related to my earlier hiking.

I did note with interest the link about lacing your boots differently. Any other wisdom? The problem in the Rockies, of course, is steep down-grades. I'm not sure how much an issue that is on El Camino once you are over the Pyrenees.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

this long after your hike you have toenail issues? It´s probably some other shoe you are wearing. Been dancing in those Manolo Blahniks, maybe? Bought a new pair of shoes for tennis or racquetball, or new skates for hockey or ice dancing? If you damage your toes or nails, you usually have a good idea right away that something is up.

from Rebekah, whose toes have filed multiple complaints to international authorities...

 

[revrenjen]

Well, I do have a weakness for cute (read impractical) shoes. I

 

[lynnejohn]

Well, the story is (not that I'm a procrastinator at all) I have had these same little tiny blisters on both second toes on all my caminos since 2005.....as I pointed out, I've just expected them and after treating with compeed, etc for the first week, and then everything is fine. I think it was you, Annie, who earlier wrote about the gel caps and that's what got me thinking..."Hmmmm, I wonder if I could prevent instead of treat?" What a concept!

Wouldn't I just love if the problem was from my Manolos...

Sorry for the boring topic, but really do want to get the best "toe protection" as well as the best insole. Oh, and the biggest toe box I've found is Keen Targhees mid boot. I think Annie also recommends a NB shoe for that factor as well.

We should have a photo contest for The Ugliest Camino Feet. I would win hands ...er- feet down.

Thanks for your responses... I hope my toes don't hear about the complaints process, Reb!

lynne

 

[jeff001]

I got blisters, especially going downhill, on the insides of my big and second toes that were caused by the 2 rubbing together. This was solved when I started using gel "toe separators" They are inexpensive and come in various sizes and shapes. No problems at all since I started using them.

 

[CaroleH]

Lynne, I have similar toe blister problems, not from lack of space in front toe box, maybe from too much space, but definitely more from rubbing against each other or maybe, against the top of boot.. These toe blisters were a real problem first camino, but since then I've used the gel tubing mentioned by Annie and foam caps (available in Australia) on 1 or 2 toes . . . as preventatives, with good success. Will use again on Vdlp next year, tho am hoping for great things with my new Keen Targhee 11s.

More than 1 or 2 toe caps might be too bulky, depending on space in boot, so I also need to check that too with the new boots. Have also thought of trying the socks with toes, but I wonder about the bulk of those also. :?

Lynne let me know if you have problems obtaining the tubes or caps. Cheers Carole

 

[lynnejohn]

Going to try these gel tubes in my training and see how they work. Ordering from amazon.com

Thanks all!

lynne