I also had the same problem, especially on downhill hikes. Backpacker magazine had a short article a few years ago on some lacing methods for specific situations. I don't think you can access the entire article but here's one part.

http://www.backpacker.com/april_2003_gear_boot_lacing_tips/gear/5245

This is one of the techniques that I've tried and it really helps a lot for downhill hiking.

http://www.hitthetrail.com/boot_lacing.php

This allows you to independently adjust the tension on different parts of the shoe, so you don't have to have it too loose or too tight. On downhill hikes, you can lace the foot area tighter to prevent my feet from sliding forward, but leave the ankle part looser to prevent cutting off circulation at the ankle. Or you could modify that technique and move the knot, if you like to have more wiggle room at your toes, but tighter around the arch, and loose around the ankle. Even the direction the laces go through the eyelets (bottom up, or top down) makes a difference.

I tend to have a lot of issues with boot fitting becaues my feet are really wide and flat. Fitting boots is an entire system, socks and boots are just one part of the equation. With the right lacing technique, good socks, and also good insoles, a lot of problems can be fixed. Also, do you use hiking poles? I think trekking poles have had the most significant impact in my hiking, more than everything else combined.




I'm definitely not in shape to do the C2C just yet, I'm thinking maybe next year. There's only a narrow window of time when the weather is agreeable, it's usually either 100 degrees at the base of the trail, or snowed out on the top of the peak.