Are Toe Shoes Good For Hiking?

Want to go hiking but don’t know whether toe shoes are good or not? Hiking is a great way to get some exercise but if you don’t have the right shoe, you could have sore feet or other issues with your toes.

Toe shoes can be fine for light hikes however, on longer hikes you definitely want proper hiking shoes.

In this article, I will go over the pros and cons of hiking with toe shoes and my recommendation on what to wear instead of toe shoes for longer hikes.

Pros of hiking with toe shoes

Below are some benefits of hiking with toe shoes:

Lightweight

A big or bulky shoe is the last thing you need when trekking. Such footwear might make you tired and slow you down. Even a simple trek might become a hassle after a while.

Toe shoes, on the other hand, are among the lightest available. It might seem like you’re wearing heavy socks when you put them on. As a result, you won’t have to put as much effort into walking. It’s ideal in case you want to go on a trek that’s a little simpler or comfier.

Great traction

Toe shoes are made of lightweight fabric and are designed to resemble the form and design of your foot. This implies that when you walk, the action of your foot seems more natural. Not to add, you’ll be able to curl your toes in a more flexible manner.

Toe shoes will provide you with a lot more grip as a result of this. This is especially true while traversing uneven terrain or descending a slope. With your feet, you can gain a much greater hold, lowering the chance of sliding and falling.

Good for warm weather

In the summer, the biggest issue with some of the best hiking shoes is that they cause excessive perspiration. This is due to the fact that these shoes are either waterproof or have seams that are sealed. As a result, they’re not extremely breathable.

However, this is not an issue with toe shoes. The continual flow of air is ensured by their low cut profile and overall thinness. As a result, your feet will not become as sweaty. It’s one of the reasons they’re one of my summertime favourites.

Cons of hiking with toe shoes

Below are some benefits of hiking with toe shoes:

They work best for forefoot strikers

Do you land on the balls of your feet or your heels when walking or running? If you have a tendency to land on your heels, toe shoes may not be the ideal option for you. This is due to the fact that the shoes push you to land on your forefoot.

If you’re used to landing on your heels, the toe footwear may take some time to adjust to. It can potentially raise your risk of damage in some circumstances. So, before you choose them as your hiking shoes, make sure they are a good fit for your walking style.

You will require some practice

Don’t think you’ll be able to just put these shoes on and go on a hike. It takes some time to become acclimated to this type of footwear, especially on long hikes. As a result, you should practise wearing the shoes before going on a full-fledged hike.

Suitable for short treks

Even if you become accustomed to the shoes, they are not always appropriate for extended hikes. They don’t have enough padding to keep your feet comfy for long periods of time. To minimise any pain, you should stick to shorter visits.

Not good for cold weather

If you’re going trekking in the rain or in chilly weather, you might want to skip the toe shoes. They don’t provide much coverage and aren’t properly insulated. As a result, you may notice that your feet begin to freeze early on. Not to mention the fact that they might be difficult to dry once wet.

If the temperature isn’t too chilly, toe socks should be worn below the toe shoes. Of course, you may need to order a size larger to ensure a suitable fit.

Conclusion – What I Recommend

You want to get proper hiking shoes since they can be worn casually throughout your day as well as when you go on hikes. I made a blog post you can check out on the best hiking shoes if you want to avoid sore feet.

Ryan Anderson

Hey, I am the founder of Outside Origin! I love hiking in my spare time and have gone to various different hikes. You can check out our about us section to learn more about what our team and I do over at Outside Origin.