Toes tingling in all 3 pairs of hiking boots

[MandoAnne]

My toes tingle after 3-4 miles of hiking in any boots (new or old). Not sure if my boots are too tight or too loose. They all (3 pairs) seem to fit properly, and I don't have any foot problems, maybe a bit of a high arch. I know that with ice skating, if your ANKLES hurt, you need to lace your skates tighter. Maybe I have bad circulation and there's some food(s) I need to avoid. I appreciate all input / advice. Thanks.

[CreekRunner]

I definitely know the feeling you are having. Normally, I would recommend changing shoes. Mine were too narrow, and after switching to a wider and more minimal pair, the problem ceased. However, with the frequency of the tingling, perhaps trying a new shoe is not the answer, but instead wearing what you know works. If you are just doing casual hiking, I would recommend switching out the boots for a pair of trainers, if you own one. If the problem continues, it is definitely time to consult with someone with more experience than simple empirical evidence.

[rpdawes]

I would advise you to see a podiatrist.

[Tejonmax]

I had the same problem for about 3 years with any shoes I wore. I went to a Chiropractor and in a couple of adjustments he fixed the problem. It was just my lower back was out of adjustment and pinching nerves going to my feet. A podiatrist is probably not going to give you any real relief.

[XrunclimbskiX]

How tight do you lace them? Might try wearing them more loosely as a first step. (Pun!)

[Sean Nunn]

This will sound weird but give it a try and see. Find the ridge of your navicular bone (on the top of your foot 2-3 inches in front of your tibia aka shinbone). Figure out which crossing of the laces would normally go over the top of that bone. Instead of crossing the laces, skip that part, just bring the laces straight down to the next set of eyelets. You may need to skip two sets. See if you get more blood flow to your feet. It works for running shoes; not sure about boots but it is worth 15 minutes of your time to find out.

[snowypeaks]

What brand of boots? Some are characteristically wide (German, American) and others narrow (French, Italian) for example. I tossed a brand new pair of Fabiano boots once that gave me the same problem. I have found over the years that Vasque and particularly Keen have very roomy toe-boxes that work well for me. And I have never used the top eyelets when lacing. It is amazing how boot problems can really make a great hike into an obnoxiously long day! Best wishes.

[bking14ers]

It's caused by lack of blood circulation to your toes at the ball of your foot. I have the same issue when I ride my bike and wear clip-less shoes. You may have to just stop and take the weight off your feet every once in a while. Different boots or sock thickness may also work too.

[wildlobo71]

Here's another solution... I have chronic tingling in my winter boots, and I've tried all kinds. What I found is a boot with good arch support sometimes lifts the top of the foot into the tongue and lace-bed of the boot, which we tighten down... this is where your blood vessels for the feet and toes are, and an over-tightened boot, or one that compresses the foot up into the tongue and lace-bed, can cause this pain. Try to loosen the boots a bit.