Get Back To Basics: Hiking In Toe Shoes

Are Toe Shoes Better Than Regular Shoes?

We all like the idea of getting closer to nature, and enjoying all of the health benefits that it brings. From better mental health, to the excitement of conquering somewhere new! Or perhaps the serenity of feeling like an ickle-wickle, teeny-weeny person in the vast outdoors. To be in awe of the magnitude of nature, the power of it, and the freedom that it makes us feel, right into our very core. Some of us may take this feeling of wanting to be free a step further, in the form of wanting to go full-on Tarzan, running around barefoot, in a loin cloth/a hemp sarong. Enter the toe shoes for hiking!

Whilst the idea of this may sound really great, the reality of corns and cut feet may feel less-than-appealing. This is where a wonderful little invention, with an equally wonderful, straight-to-business name comes in: Toe Shoes. So, what are toe shoes? No, they are not the latest things that weirdos on the internet want you to don and send photos of. They are instead something that is supposed to give you the feel of being Tarzan (or Jane) running through the forest, but with the protection of a shoe.

Toe shoes are great if you are looking to reduce stress injuries from your outdoor pursuits. Take, for instance, running: runners are typically concerned about heel strike, and the stress accumulation of this impact, which can lead to worn out joints and ligaments, causing injuries. But, with toes shoes, the reduced structure of the shoe gives the person wearing them, no choice but to strike the ground with the midfoot portion of your foot. 

A similar mechanism is at play when hiking with toe shoes. This is because the natural function of our feet’s movements is promoted! However, it should be noted that, this is highly dependent on the person. Many people are not used to these slight changes in the mechanics of how we walk and/or run. So, whilst it may be beneficial for some, it can also be detrimental to others.

Why Would You Wear Toe Shoes?

Toe shoes are considered useful because they mimic the structure of our feet when walking barefoot. Essentially, all this means is that the function of the arch and movement in stepping through the foot when walking or running would develop an increased muscle thickness in our feet. The argument behind this is that toe shoes are strength building because they can help stabilize the arches of our feet!

Check out this article on how to increase muscle thickness in your feet.

Toe shoes would be perfect for an experienced hiker, long-distanced walker, or runner! For instance, toe shoes would be a great option for someone looking to train their foot strength. It could also work for someone wanting to do cross-training variations to their usual exercising routines. Essentially, anyone who wants an extra challenge or who is looking to take their typical experience to a new level.

Toe shoes can be great options to add versatility to routine and flexibility to foot strength, or even if you’re just curious. It’s still important to not use them too frequently in one go because the shoes offer less support. But the simple solution to this is to wear toe shoes over short periods of time to give your feet time to adjust. 

Pros Of Wearing Toe Shoe While Hiking

Change of distribution in weight when walking 

Using toe shoes will change your gait as you walk. Which is brilliant for adjusting to a more centered distribution of weight when walking naturally. What this means is that, rather than pushing weight onto different parts of the foot that are compensated for with a supportive shoe, a toe shoe, on the other hand, will encourage shorter strides. These compact walking movements allow for the foot to make contact with the floor, at a position that is more beneath the torso. This vertical direction of weight distribution when moving, stabilizes the body’s centre of gravity, providing better alignment. So, if you are looking to preserve your hip, knee and ankle joints, using toe shoes in moderation can be a great option!

Can provide protection from plantar fasciitis/ heel pain

Supportive shoes are fantastic, but they can promote extra weight being placed on the heel when we walk. This is great so long as the shoe is strong and supports the ankle well. However, the demands of hiking—whilst a very rewarding pursuit—can also cause repetitive strain if done sole-ly in toe shoes, which could lead to injury. The key here, is that everyone is different, so for some, a toe shoe may help reduce the chances of plantar fasciitis occurring. Plantar fasciitis is a common—often painful—injury that happens from simply overuse of the joints. 

Compared to barefoot walking, toe shoes protect the feet

I know what you’re thinking, ‘who would hike barefooted?! Well, barefoot hiking aside, toe shoes can be a great option reserved for those who would like to experience the reported benefits of walking barefoot. Connecting to nature is different for everyone. With toe shoes, anyone can experience a different way of exploring the great outdoors, without the risk of exposing skin to rough surfaces.

Cons Of Taking A Hike Wearing Toe Shoes

As with any good glove for your foot, there are cons involved, too. The first being, the lack of support encourages the natural movement of the foot when walking. The con, being the lack of support, which would mean a potential increase in risk of stress fractures. For instance, a study was completed which involved monitoring runners who wore toe shoes for a duration of 10 weeks. Unfortunately, the results showed an increase in bone marrow edema, which is indicative of repetitive stress accumulating. Although performance benefits may exist, there is also a likelihood of injury due to the added stress of running. 

If toe shoes are used for an extended period of time, problems may arise. The flatness of toe shoes can result in accumulated stress that connects to the Achilles tendon. This could lead to Achilles tendonitis. In serious cases where left untreated, there is a chance of the built-up stress leading to an Achilles tendon rupture. But in most cases, the issue will resolve itself with a treatment that includes rest, supportive shoes, and physical therapy. Usually everything is fine because the Achilles tendon is the strongest and largest tendon in the body! Regardless, there will be people who match well to toe shoes, and others who require more support. It comes down to finding what works for you, and your body. 

Regardless, there will be people who match well to the minimalist mechanics that toe shoes have to offer, and for others, a shoe that offers more support would be required. It comes down to finding what works for you, and your body. 

What Are The Best Toe Shoes When On A Hike?

Some popular and well-tested toe shoes to consider taking on your first barefoot adventure, are the Vibram V-aqua water shoes! This particular pair of toe shoes are known for helping with dexterity. And are brilliant at grip ability because their versatility is built for the water too as well as walking. 

The result is a pair of toe shoes that are extremely versatile and reliable. Due to the enhanced outsole for river testing. Not only this, the outsoles of the Women’s Vibram V-aqua Water Shoe have reliable grip strength if you want to test them in the ocean on rocky, slippery surfaces. But it is worth noting, that multiple reports indicate how after extended use of this toe shoe, a smell can accumulate if not washed properly! So be sure to rinse them after each use if you don’t want to be the big cheese in your hiking group (and not in a good way). But overall, this toe shoe is a wonderful choice.

Another excellent choice of toe shoes to consider trying are the Be Lenka Barefoot toe shoes. These shoes are waterproof and made of leather which make them versatile for hiking different terrains. The inside is fleece-lined making them more durable and the sole is non-slip, to give you a good grip when walking. These toe shoes are also amazing choices for cold weather hiking because of their high-quality inside lining! However, it’s worth knowing that these toe shoes aren’t as practical for warmer weather as a result.

The Freet Barefoot toe shoes are a vegan option with the hallmark feature of not only being water resistant, but also very soft and light-weight, which means they don’t require as much break in time! The Freet Barefoot toe shoes also have a comfortable foot shape which gives spacious room for your toes! The soles are around 4mm thin and sustainable made to give you comfort and durability. However, the vegan waterproof material can get a little sweaty in warmer months as they don’t breathe as well as other choices. 

Should You Wear Socks With Toe Shoes? If Yes, What Kind?

Many may find they prefer to wear socks with toe shoes! Socks will help to protect your feet, as the soles of our feet have over 200,000 nerve endings. So any extra impact absorption is usually welcome. Not to mention socks will absorb sweat to avoid any unwanted scents accumulating. A great option of socks include are the Lolo Sport Socks because they have raised heel pads to protect your Achilles tendon, and vented knitting to speed up drying and cooling of the feet!