I guess I've never had a problem with toe covers. It may have to do with the brand/style of shoe or toe cover. I have PIs that have a tiny bit of give to them. DH bought a different pair of PIs and can't stand them.

And I can't say that my knickers bother my knees either. I prefer the longer Shebeest knickers to the PIs that hit right below my knee. The latter bug the back of my knee a bit and aren't as comfy.