Second toe(nail) pain with new shoes.
suncluster
Posts: 539 Member
About a month ago I got my feet professionally fitted. They filmed me run and everything. And I went home with a shiny new pair of Asics Gel-Kayano 20's. I wanted to feel like I was running on little clouds and these shoes felt like they fit the bill. I have eased into these shoes while I retired my Asics Nimbus' which were incredibly worn down and stretched out.
Since I have had these shoes I have made significant increases in my pace. Now, my second toe - a cm taller than the first big toe - on my right foot has become increasingly more painful.
It seems like the pain stems from the tip of the toe not the toenail itself. It never hurts while I am running but when I take off my sock the color is becoming noticably darker. Today, it is purple...is black next? It only hurts afterward.
I have never dealt with "runner's toe" before.
What is my problem? Was I fitted incorrectly? Could this be a form issue?
I appreciate all your help.
Since I have had these shoes I have made significant increases in my pace. Now, my second toe - a cm taller than the first big toe - on my right foot has become increasingly more painful.
It seems like the pain stems from the tip of the toe not the toenail itself. It never hurts while I am running but when I take off my sock the color is becoming noticably darker. Today, it is purple...is black next? It only hurts afterward.
I have never dealt with "runner's toe" before.
What is my problem? Was I fitted incorrectly? Could this be a form issue?
I appreciate all your help.
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Replies
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Maybe I should be proud of my ugly toenails as badge of my increasing fitness and endurance :laugh:0
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bump..:)0
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I used to lose toe nails All. The. Time. I thought it was totally normal, until someone fitted me for shoes and suggested I size up by 1/2 a size.
I'm guessing your shoes might be a bit shorter or smaller in the toe box and there's some chafing going on there. I'd see if I could bring them back for a 1/2 size bigger. Also, how are your socks? Maybe they're contributing.
And yes, your nail will probably turn black and fall off. One runner who was having this happen chronically had his toe nails surgically removed and said it increased his time. (Not that I'm suggesting you take this extreme measure, mind you, I just thought it was funny the things runners do for the sake of running.)0 -
Your shoes are more than likely too small.
I had a professional fitting and came home with shoes that were too small, but i didn't realize it for two months because i was fitted over winter, but swollen feet are more of a problem in the warmer months. So once spring appeared, I was getting black toenails.
It helps to run to the store for your fitting. If your feet are already swollen from running when you get there, they can get a better idea of size.0 -
About a month ago I got my feet professionally fitted. They filmed me run and everything.
What is my problem? Was I fitted incorrectly?
Heck yes, you were fitted incorrectly! "Professional Fitting" is a bunch of BS. There's only one person that can fit you for shoes, and that is YOU. Trust yourself next time. The nerves in your feet talk to your brain, not to the brain of the "professional".
These shoes are probably just a half size too small.
Alternatively..... this is a chronic problem for those of us with a Morton's foot (which is when your second toe is longer than your first).
Try some alternative lacing strategies:
http://www.wefitshoes.com/lacing-guide-s/66.htm
My favorite method of lacing to preserve my toenails? I skip the bottom three eyelets. Then I tie a knot around the arch of the shoe, and cinch the heck out of my arch. That prevents my toes from bumping into the toebox. Although.... that said.... I've only got seven toenails right now.0 -
I usually wear a size 8.5 and they fitted me with a 9 so I don't think it is the size.
The socks? That is an interesting idea. I hadn't thought about that.
I have been meaning to get some new socks and this is a great reason. I will do that.
Thanks for the lacing techniques. Good idea!0 -
I would see a podiatrist. I had a issue with second toe (of both feet) turning darker. Saw a podiatrist and it turned out to be fungus which she said was very common with long distance runners. Got treated and the symptoms are gone.
Jus' see a foot doctor and you should be good.0 -
I would see a podiatrist. I had a issue with second toe (of both feet) turning darker. Saw a podiatrist and it turned out to be fungus which she said was very common with long distance runners. Got treated and the symptoms are gone.
Jus' see a foot doctor and you should be good.
Just wanted to say....113 pounds. Great job!!!0 -
Casual shoes = starting size
Running shoes = 1/2 size up
Increased run volume in 2014 = an entire size up
Furthermore you'd be surprised to see how little actual length is the difference between sizes. I got a very painful blood blister that formed under my big toe nail and eventually forced off my toenail before realizing that it was the swelling from my long runs and overall increased volume that was causing the shoes to be "too small". This was after running in the same model shoe exclusively (Nike Free) for several pair. Now I am a full size up and loving life again!
Whatever your issue turns out to be, good luck in solving it sooner than later. PS. My blood blister started as a slightly bruised looking nail from the outside.0 -
Casual shoes = starting size
Running shoes = 1/2 size up
Increased run volume in 2014 = an entire size up
Furthermore you'd be surprised to see how little actual length is the difference between sizes. I got a very painful blood blister that formed under my big toe nail and eventually forced off my toenail before realizing that it was the swelling from my long runs and overall increased volume that was causing the shoes to be "too small". This was after running in the same model shoe exclusively (Nike Free) for several pair. Now I am a full size up and loving life again!
Whatever your issue turns out to be, good luck in solving it sooner than later. PS. My blood blister started as a slightly bruised looking nail from the outside.
^This. Generally a full size larger for distance. Just because they fit in the store doesn't mean they will fit when your feet swell after a 20 mile run.0 -
Yesterday I tried 3 different things: new socks (pumas at costco), new lacing, and consciously trying to relax my toes as i plant my foot.
I think my tense toes were a major contributor to my toe pain. I think I was driving down my foot leading with my toes.
I hardly had any toe pain with a mid foot plant and loose toes.
THANKS for all the help!!!0 -
Yesterday I tried 3 different things: new socks (pumas at costco), new lacing, and consciously trying to relax my toes as i plant my foot.
I think my tense toes were a major contributor to my toe pain. I think I was driving down my foot leading with my toes.
I hardly had any toe pain with a mid foot plant and loose toes.
THANKS for all the help!!!
You obviously know how you're feeling better than anyone else, but I would STRONGLY encourage you to reevaluate the fit. Good luck "consciously trying to relax" for 20 miles when everything in your body and mind just want to quit running. "Hardly any pain" won't feel so insignificant at that point. Not trying to be pushy, just want to make sure you're not struggling through something that would be an easy fix...0 -
My regular shoes are 8 or 8.5. My first running shoes were 9.5 and my toe went purple/black (I do have Morton's toe). My second are 10.5 and while my nails haven't gone purple lately, I do maintain a callus on the end of both second toes.I usually wear a size 8.5 and they fitted me with a 9 so I don't think it is the size.
The socks? That is an interesting idea. I hadn't thought about that.
I have been meaning to get some new socks and this is a great reason. I will do that.
Thanks for the lacing techniques. Good idea!
Your shoes could be too small.0
