Thinner insoles, or insoles with the front part trimmed off, to give your toes more vertical space? If your boots are leather, maybe you could get the toe box stretched out some, vertically?

Jeff

toe diet?

yes, you are right - i was thinking nov but typed dec.

Clearwater, I think you're saying that keeping your wool socks from getting chewed up by rubbing against the boot is the primary reason for the thin, synthetic, outer layer, right? When I was younger and played a lot of soccer, I always wore synthetic socks. Not very comfortable, but I never managed to rub a hole through them, so I agree that synthetics can take a lot of abuse.

And the clamminess and odor issues would be the main reasons against wearing synthetic as the inner layer for you.

Yeah, that might work. I'm not really sure what's going on. I've got Lowas, which are really good boots. They've got a pretty good toe box, but my "index" toenails (i.e. next to the big toe) keep taking a beating. I'm not sure if I'm rubbing on the toe box or if because I wear my boots laced so tightly that the socks are pulled tightly onto the toes on downhills. I wish I could be really certain what the exact mechanics are that are causing the problem. I don't feel anything while out hiking, but when I get home my two index toenails are all bruised. Color me clueless.

lol. I've told them stictly, "no more toe cheese for you!"

At work I've worn knee-high TED hoses under my cotton socks and they feel wonderful. I've worn them hiking as well and they work beautifully as well.

I agree, 2 socks works the best-

For Hikin_Jim, I had the same problem, and the REI guy told me I had a high instep, which pulled on my boots shape and caused the top of the toe rub. I dunno, I bought a wider pair that solved it, but a different brand so not very scientific........

I've had the problem with a couple of different pairs of boots, but maybe a differetn pair is worth trying, particularly if I can get some good advice. Some of the guys at REI are really good and know their stuff. Maybe I'll head down and talk to them. Thanks for the idea.

Here's an interesting article from the podiatrists...

http://www.aapsm.org/socknov97.html

Synthetics seemed to outperform wools. I am starting to lean towards wool as a soft shell and maybe even as underwear - doesn't stink, warm when wet... sounds good, if just a bit expensive.

Eric

I think the term "soft shell" refers more to degree of water proofness vs. breathability. For example, a really water proof (OK, resistant, GoreTex is never fully water proof) GoreTex jacket is referred to as a "hard shell." Something like wind bloc fleece is far more breathable but far less water resistant and is referred to as a "soft shell." A lot of mountaineer and climber types like the "soft shells" for winter travel. They don't get sweated out like a hard shell but offer some moisture protection from snow and the like. That's my understanding.

The mentions subungal hematoma, which I believe means bruises under the toenails, but doesn't say much about what to do about it.