Hanwags and issues with my toes

[NorCal_AR]

So I've been hiking around in a pair of Hanwag Dakotas last season and this year for a few weighted hikes and have found my toes feel like they are going to explode while on steady descents while carrying a modest load of 25-30lbs. When it first occurred I blamed it on the 75lb load I was hauling in a down poor of rain with meat and camp on my back. Besides the hot toes I get while descending they feel great, I don't feel my toes are cramped in the toe box. What may be causing this, the toe box, my toes/circulation? Any help or thoughts would be great!

 

[Darren Best]

Your feet are sliding forward in the boot on descents.

 

[NorCal_AR]

Anything I can do to help, I hear many comment on their knees giving troubles while on descents wasn't able to find much on exploding toes. Maybe my toe box is to roomy for my toes?

 

[wapitibob]

The forfoot part of the boot isn't holding the foot snug and it slides forward. Nothing should move in a boot except wiggling your toes. I like to compare the fit to a ski boot. Boots probably too big or not tight enough. If the foot can slide forward on decent you'll probably get a little heel lift on steep uphill too. I would use a liner sock and a light to mid weight regular sock and tighten the beejeezus out of them.

 

[bmart2622]

You can try using a lace lock when you lace your boots, I find it really helps to keep boots tight and prevent sliding. I think if you go to Lathrop and Sons they have an example there.

 

[NorCal_AR]

Thanks for the tips I'll be sure to look into the lace lock and the other useful tips.

 

[fillthefreezer]

yep really lock that heel in to keep from sliding forward inside the boot. lots of lacing method vids on youtube. my feet ride up in my boots when on long heavy descents and i tape them before i start, otherwise i usually regret it part way down.