Runner Destroying Toenails

I was JUST telling my husband last night that since I have been running outside everyday, my toenails are getting strange and starting to fall off. THANK YOU for posting this, gross as is it to discuss.

My running shoes are always a full size bigger than I wear in regular shoes. Never had that problem.

I have been running for about a year now. I typically run between 10-15 miles per week. I've had constant issues with blackening toenails, lost toenails, gross looking toes, etc. I don't have any pain, but my toes sure are ugly now! Does anyone have any recommendations? I've changed shoes and socks several times and it doesn't seem to help.

Please do not buy shoes that are the wrong size.

You could have black toenails because your shoes are the wrong size or because of how you run.

First stop, for me, would be runnersworld.com and runningtimes.com — read those sites and learn something about what running shoes are all about.

This site might be helpful:

http://shoefitr.com/

and here's a good site to learn about the whole process:

http://www.runningwarehouse.com/

I would strongly advise that you go to a running store and have them measure your feet and video you while you run on a treadmill. Road Runner Sports has done a good job for me.

Like you, I've been running for about a year and I've gone from Nike Equalon's (when I was still heavy) to Newtons. In contrast, I tried some ASIC's Kayanos and one other ASIC's shoe but I felt like I was perched on top of a slab of rubber.

If you're going to spend time on running (it take a lot to "get good" at running), the time you spend learning about how to do it "right" will pay off. Learning about shoes it the first…step. ;-)

[edit]
Google is your friend - "why do my toenails turn black when I run"

I run about 15 miles a week, been running going on two years, no toenail problems. A little bit of callousing on my toes and feet, but my nails are fine. Currently painted hot pink.

Interesting topic, thanks!
I started running only this year. Have not lost any toe nails, yet. But Man I have had a few times where some turned a nasty black/blue.
I will investigate larger shoes.

I've run over 18,000 miles in the last 10+ years and I've lost exactly ZERO toenails.

My two tips are:

1) trim your toe nails
2) buy shoes that fit

+1

My mileage is no where near as high (I've only been running for about 5 yrs) but I've lost the same number of toenails........

Thanks SO much for posting this! My second toe on each foot is black! My shoes are 1/2 size too big, and I thought it was bc they were too big! Mine hurt, so I keep them short. Sometimes I put gauze in the toes of my shoes when they are hurting. That helps. I thought it was my shoes! I have Nike dual fusion - they were speedy, but they feel great on my flat feet and are recommended for flat feet.

Thanks for the info on toe caps! That's what I was trying to achieve with the gauze, but it gets wet and sweaty. Besides, it is a pain to change out and make feel right. Since my shoes are already a size bigger, and my feet slide to the end when I run, I think this will work.

My hubby pointed out to me that the reason only the second toenail is turning black is because that toe is longer than my big toe. I have pretty ugly feet.

A full size bigger would make me trip, and I do LOVE these Nikes. Thanks everyone!

Your shoes might not necessarily be too small, but the wrong shape. You need extra room in the toe box because your feet swell and your toes spread out when you run. Go get properly fitted.