[SultanHiker]

I just climbed Glacier Peak this last weekend. One of the harder excursions I've done for sure. But I'm not a novice. So I was surprised at something that has happened and is still lingering 2 days later. On the 3rd day (exiting), I was decending the switchbacks down to the North Fork Sauk valley floor, and I thought I was getting a blister under at least one big toe. I stopped when I got down to the river and took a look and was relieved to see no blisters. But the rest of the way out (5.5 easy miles), the big toes both felt funny. It was like when your leg falls asleep, but is halfway back to normal. No tingling really, and not entirely numb. Just halfway numb. I just figured I abused my feet for 3 days and they would be fine by the next day. But 2 full days later, there's only minor improvement. Any ideas of what's going on? Especially interested in similar experiences...(and outcomes)

[fourteen410]

I've had this happen when I tie my upper boot laces too tight. I've also had this happen as a result of a couple herniated lumbar discs. Maybe your pack was too much of a load for your spine. If it's not better in a few weeks, go see the doc.

[Sky Hiker]

I think you summed it up when you said one of the harder excursions. I believe it was a buildup and this took it over the edge. I had similar issues in both feet packing out a heavy load for consecutive days. It took a while for the tingling to go away

[Michael Lewis]

Walking all day on a full shank over ground seems to be the culprit and if it's not in snow it can place undue stress on the joints in your feet. This is one of many reasons I and many friends use trail runners for approaches on harder stuff. I used to get numb toes, bad blisters etc. Heck, Beckey hiked in tennis shoes and I think there's merit to it. I made the switch 6 years ago and haven't looked back.

[Sky Hiker]

What if you have weak ankles? trail hikers to climb GP?

[Jake Robinson]

Is your footwear too small? In the summer of 2017 I did a few big trips in mountaineering boots that were too small. I felt what you described for at least a month after summer ended, but it eventually went away. Nowadays I do as much as I can in roomy trail runners or approach shoes, and I make sure my boots have plenty of space for my toes. Haven't had any issues since.

[Bosterson]

I once got numb toes (at the tips of the big toe) after a really really long day hike with lots of EG loss at the end. I think the cause was poorly fitting or otherwise undersupportive shoes where the endless pounding on the ball of your foot irritates nerves running to the toes. It went away by itself after about a week.

[SultanHiker]

I think it's partially that I'm 20-30 lbs heavier than usual right now (Covid weight). I've used these boots to do countless hikes and climbs, including, PCT J section, 4 peaks in the Gunn-Merchant range, Persis-Index traverse, etc. This is the first problem I've had. I also might have had them too tight at the ankle as one person commented. I like trail runners in theory. But I have terrible ankles (soccer). And then I don't want to carry the boots in for the snow like GP. Especially if it's raining and I can't fit them inside my pack... I did wear them once for a 2 night climb, and had a terrible ankle sprain a quarter mile from the truck on the way out. At least it happened at the end (which is where it seems to happen for me. tired both mentally and physically.) Now I just wish i didn't play 2 hours of barefoot soccer with a bunch of 6-16 year olds on Tuesday. That was a mistake...

[Hiker Mama]

If this continues, or if it keeps happening to you, you may have a Morton's neuroma. I had one, it got worse over the years. Started out just some pain in between my toes and numbness. Over time it got super painful, and my toes would stay numb and sore for much longer. I eventually had surgery because I was having my ankle repaired at the same time. It was a difficult recovery, and I am not happy with the scar tissue, so I hope you don't have that problem. Definitely rest your feet for awhile to help those nerves calm down.

[moonspots]

[Washakie]

Blood clot. Call Donald Trump. Seriously, it could be. Better have it checked out. If the clot breaks away it could travel to somewhere you really don't want it to go. You bill is in the mail...and you will thank me.

[Malachai Constant]

May just be me but playing barefoot soccer sounds a lot like javelin catching unless you are Bruce Lee.

[SultanHiker]

I used to be a soccer star in the early 90s when nobody cared. It still haunts me to this day. Story of my life

[Navy salad]

One other possible explanation is if your waist belt is too tight and potentially impinging on the nerves that travel down your legs. I have a pack that tends to slide down my hips, and rather than constantly hoisting it back up, I used to cinch up the waist belt really tight--until one trip where I had numbness in parts of my legs afterwards that lingered for over a week after my trip.