Yes, toe shoes can be good for hiking. The overall design of the shoe can help to make your hike a lot more comfortable and provide good traction. However, there are some points to keep in mind before investing in a pair.
Their design can ensure that your trek is a more satisfying experience. However, they aren’t always the best option for every trip.
As a semi-professional trail runner, I have had plenty of incentive to find a great pair of hiking shoes. Due to this, I have spent a lot of time researching various shoes and putting them through their paces.
This is how I found that toe shoes have their place on hikes. Still, they aren’t always my top choice. So, in the article below I will cover:
- The advantages of toe shoes on hikes
- The best toe shoes for hikes
- What you should know about wearing toe shoes on hikes
Now, without further ado, let’s dive in.
The Advantages of Toe Shoes for Hikes
Here are some reasons why toe shoes can be great for hikes:
Lightweight
When hiking, the last thing you need is a heavy or bulky shoe. Such footwear can slow you down and tire you out. Even a shorter hike can begin to feel like a chore.
Toe shoes, though, are some of the lightest around. Slipping them on can often feel like you’re wearing bulky socks. As such, you won’t have to expend as much energy walking. It’s great when you want to experience an easier or more comfortable hike.
Great Traction
Made from lightweight fabric, toe shoes mimic the shape and design of your foot. This means that the movement of your foot while you are walking feels a lot more natural. Not to mention, you can curl your feet in a more flexible manner as well.
Due to this, I have found that I get a lot more traction with toe shoes. This is especially true with uneven terrain or when going down a hill. I can get a much better grip with my feet, reducing the risk of slipping and falling.
Good for Warm Weather
My issue with some of the best hiking shoes is that they lead to sweating in the summertime. This is because these shoes are either waterproof or have sealed seams. They aren’t very breathable as a result.
This is not a problem with toe shoes, though. Their low cut profile and general thinness means that there is a constant flow of air. Thus, you won’t find that your feet get as sweaty. It is one of the reasons why they are my go-to options in the summer.
The Best Toe Shoes for Hikes
So, which toe shoes are the best for hiking?
I would suggest the Vibram Trek Ascent design for such excursions. I do like that they are more rugged and durable than other options. As such, they won’t fall apart after only a few trips. At the same time, the sole has been specially designed for outdoor surfaces and terrain. They offer up the perfect amount of traction. Last, but not least, they are also water-resistant, which is a bonus.
What You Should Know About Wearing Toe Shoes on Hikes
As mentioned, I don’t always use my toe shoes for hikes. While they do have their uses, there are several limitations to wearing them as well. On that note, let’s take a look at everything you should know before choosing them for a trek:
They Work Best for Forefoot Strikers
When walking or running, do you land on the balls of your feet or your heels? If you land on the heels of your feet, then toe shoes may not be the best choice for you. This is because the shoes encourage landing your forefoot.
If you are someone who tends to land on your heels, then the toe footwear can take some getting used to. In certain situations, it can even increase your risk of injury. So, before you select these as your hiking shoes, make sure that they match your gait.
You Will Require Practice
Don’t assume that you can just slip these shoes on and head out on a hike. This kind of footwear takes some getting used to, especially on treks. Due to this, you should train with the shoes on before you go on a full-blown hike.
Suitable for Short Treks
Even when you get used to the shoes, they are not always suitable for long treks. They lack the necessary cushioning to keep your feet comfortable for extended periods. Therefore, you should stick to shorter trips to avoid any discomfort.
Not Good for Cold or Wet Weather
If you are going to be hiking in cold weather or rain, you may want to give the toe shoes a miss. They don’t have much coverage and lack insulation as well. As such, you may find that your feet freeze rather early on. Not to mention, once they get wet, they can be difficult to dry off.
In case the weather isn’t that cold, you should consider wearing toe socks under the toe shoes. Of course, you may have to go up a shoe size to ensure that you get a proper fit.
Toe Shoes Don’t Offer Much Protection For Hoking
Finally, toe shoes don’t offer much protection. So, if you are hiking on rough terrain where you are likely to stub your toes, then these are not the best option. You need something that is made up of thicker fabric or several layers.
As you can see, there is a time and place to wear toe shoes for hiking. While they can be lightweight, comfortable, and offer great traction, I don’t always use them on my treks.
However, if you follow the guidelines given here, you will have no problem at all wearing them on hikes. If you do want to try out these shoes for yourself, make sure to choose the Vibram Trek Ascent for an optimal experience.
- High-tenacity nylon water resistant fabric treatment
- Vibram ICETREK sole for grip on outdoor surface
- 360 wool lining
- Machine Wash Cold / Air Dry
- Water resistant
This page was last updated on 2022-08-29. Affiliate links and Product Images are from Amazon PAAPI
