I have a pair of good hiking boots but I'm having a problem with one toe. It seems that one toenail is quite a bit thicker then the others causing a pressure problem, especially on steep down hills. I was planning on cutting out part of the insole where that particular toe hits giving myself more room so that toe isn't hitting the top (not the end) of the shoe.
Is there anything else you would suggest that might be better?

I would take something like a brush handle and push on the spot where you need more room. You would be surprised what a little massaging can do to boots.
K

Thanks I will try that. Sounds better then trying to ruin a good pair of insoles right off the bat.

If you are experiencing toenail pain after hiking, the toe box doesn't fit properly. You might be able to gain room by stretching the leather, but don't expect a lot. May not work if the boot has a Gore-Tex liner.

I always trim my nails fairly short before I go on a long hike, perhaps that will also help.

I once bought a pair of Asolo TPS 535's, they felt great when I tried them on. But I had to return them after the first trip, the toe box was too narrow and it pinched my little toe. Lost the nail on both feet.

I had some hockey friends who went to a cobbler to have their new inline skates shaped to their feet. They'd tell him which parts of the skates felt uncomfortable, and he'd stretch out that part. The said it worked. It might be worth checking out.

If you really like the boots, you can always try cutting off the end of that pesky toe. Should solve the problem. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Ditto on what paddy says - your toe box does not fit. I've been through more pairs of boots than I can remember trying to get boots that fit me properly - For me it is always a challenge to get a toe box that
is wide enough for my duck feet, yet narrow enough in the heel that I don't slip around.

You may be able to stretch them, but it sounds like the problem is kinda severe. Just accept
the fact that they don't fit right, and try to find another pair that does.

Ditto on the toe box issue and may have to go up a size. I had the same problem until I bought some Keens. Lrge toe box and had to go from a 13 to a 14. They feel like I am wearing sandals.

Have you tried re-tying your bootlaces before a steep descent to hold your foot back further from the toe end? This has worked for me in the past. Cheap and easy to try, anyway.

If your issue is only with one toenail and the rest of the boot fits well, I would look to have it stretched. If the portion of the boot is leather, you should be able to stretch it without problem.

You may want to take it to an outfitter or cobbler and see if they can stretch it by softening the leather with either a chemical by Sellari's or with heat (like placing a boot in an oven bag then placing the wrapped toe box in hot water for 30-45 seconds) then stretch it on a boot hook.

Many people ask about stretching a whole boot which is pretty much un workable. But for a point on leather up to the size of a half dollar, stretching is an ideal solution. Give it a try.