How do you keep from losing your toe nails?

MelisRunning

On my left foot I have one toe nail that keeps coming loose. It strikes the bottom of my shoe as I run and comes loose that way. I do keep it cut short. I have lost it all the way once and now it is black. Do any of you have this issue and what do you do to resolve it?

Pebble321

New shoes have helped a bit - they are longer so my toes don't hit the front of the shoe as much.
Even with those I have one dodgy looking toe after my half marathon, I'm not sure if it is going to hang in there for much longer!

mortyfit

I've only ever had one turn black, but it never fell off, just faded away back to normal. Never lost any. Curious to know how that happens though.

novarunner29

What shoes are you running in? How close to the front of the shoe are your feet? How old are the shoes? Did you get properly fitted for them?

It sounds like you have something called black toe nails and that usually happens when the shoes are too short. Sometimes people buy shoes without realizing you are supposed to have at least a thumb nails length of space between the shoe and the toes. Generally you go up 1/2 a size up in running shoes from your regular shoes. The shoes shouldn't be too big either because that can also cause injuries. If you haven't been properly fitted for shoes then start there. Go to a running specialty shoe store and get fitted for a pair of shoes. Try on several pairs since each shoe fits differently. Something cushy might work. If you are a neutral runner Brooks Glycerine, Asics Nimbus, Mizuno's Nirvana are high cushioned shoes. If you pronate then Brooks Trance, Asics Kayano are high cushioned stability. But as I said you need to try the shoes on because that is the only way you know. Avoid places like Sports Authority because they are not a running store.

Also, what socks are you wearing? It sounds like you need something cushy. Features has a light cushy sock that isn't bad.

Hope this helps

MelisRunning

Thanks for the replies. I did get fitted for my Asics and I have plenty of toe room at the end. My toe in question curves down and is striking the bottom of the shoe, not the end of the shoe. Right now I am just sure to wear nail polish to hide the black of the nail. I try to keep the nail trimmed pretty short but that does not seem to help. Just thought I would throw this out and see what kind of suggestions ya'll might have. Thanks for your help!

PatsyFitzpatrick

Hi

I buy my running shoes a 1/2 size larger than my regular shoes. I keep my toenails trimmed short. My feet swell a bit and having my shoe 1/2 size larger has helped with blisters and toenails.

Enjoy your run.
patsy

CarsonRuns

So, the toe in question is kind of a hammer toe, where the toe curls downward? If that's the case, I would work on stretching the toe to try to eliminate some of the downward turn. Grab the toe and pull back on it, hold for a count of 60 and release. Also keep the muscles in the base of the foot limber (roll them on a lacrosse ball) and keep the calves well stretched.

Shooting in the dark here, but it's all I can come up with.

legallyblonde916

My running shoes are a full size larger than my shoe size. It's the only thing that prevents black toenails for me.

I don't really understand why your toenail hits the bottom of your shoe ONLY in running shoes, and not any other type of shoe.

MelisRunning

Called Road Runner Sports today. They had mailed me the wrong width shoe. Duh! That explains why my feet were pinched and hurt while I ran. I had never had this problem with my other Asics so was very puzzled. A new pair, in the wider width is on its way and should be here on Saturday (not in time for my race but, oh well...) My feet and that toe especially will be very happy!