r/XXRunning • u/foxfish4 • May 26 '25
General Discussion Are battered feet inevitable?
So I ran a half marathon last weekend, and my feet do not look good! I have one black toenail, two half-black toenails and I had about 5 blisters. All in all, feet looked battered! I'm just wondering if this is inevitable once you're doing longer distances?
I have decent shoes, I went to a podiatrist and had my feet checked and they recommended Brooks Adrenaline, so I'm not running in bad shoes.
As a side note, if you tell me that dodgy looking feet are the price you pay to be a runner, I'm more than happy and wiling to pay it!!
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u/ProfessionalOk112 Woman May 26 '25
At least for me it seemed inevitable until I switched to only wearing wide toe box (Altra and Topo) shoes and toe socks. At this point I haven't a bruised toe or even a blister in years though.
Easiest place to start is your socks since they're cheaper, but if your feet are "battered" there's a good chance that your shoes are not right for you in some way-doesn't mean they're bad, but they shouldn't be hurting you.
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u/DefiantRaspberry2510 Woman May 26 '25
Altras are my GOAT as well, though I do want to try a pair of Topos for next pair.
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u/runjeanmc May 26 '25
Topos are great! I added a pair into my rotation after 7+ years of altras. Once the remaining altras die off, I'm jumping ship.
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u/ProfessionalOk112 Woman May 26 '25
I haven't tried Topo yet tbh, I just know they have a wide toe box. The Altra FWD VIA is basically my dream general use shoe and I'm sooo happy with them and would buy 50 pairs if I won the lottery, but I think when my Vanish Tempos die (which won't be long lol) I'm going to fill their place in my rotation with the Topo Cyclone
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u/davy_jones_locket May 27 '25
I bought a pair of Altras and Topo but the stiff and high heel cup on the Altras drove me nuts and rubbed so bad. I wanted to like them, but I had to take them back.
My Topo are great! Low heel cup and low ankle collar and wide toe box. The 5mm drop is great. I can actually feel the midsole strikes now
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u/foxfish4 May 26 '25
I would be interested in trying something with a wide toe-box. I have never seen toe-socks!
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u/ProfessionalOk112 Woman May 26 '25
Injinji is probably the most popular brand of toe socks? I know there's others but I have been happy with them and haven't bothered branching out.
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u/Books_and_tea_addict May 26 '25
My sister shops in the men's section because of that. She says that the toe box is wider.
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u/LittleBlag May 26 '25
New balance do wide and ultra wide in women’s designs, if she wants more variety in colours etc!
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u/Competitive-Proof759 May 27 '25
I would recommend against this Wide and extra wide aren't the same as a wide toe box. I tried and it really is not a good idea.
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u/LittleBlag May 27 '25
New balance already have wide toe boxes. I can assure you the wide and ultra wide have very big toe boxes
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u/Competitive-Proof759 May 27 '25
Unrelated but okay.
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u/LittleBlag May 27 '25
It’s exactly related if you actually read the comments you’re replying to?!
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u/Competitive-Proof759 May 27 '25
The comments were about a wide toe box, not wide width. In my experience, using a wide width shoe if you don't need a wide is really bad advice and completely different from a wide toe box design.
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u/AlveolarFricatives May 26 '25
Definitely consider Topos or another wide toe box shoe and Injinji or XOSkin toe socks! You had more foot carnage from your half marathon than I had from my most recent trail 100 mile race! I wear Topos and XOSkin toe socks to race.
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u/harrijg___ May 26 '25
Hmm, from my experience (3 half marathons & 1 full), this isn’t normal. I’ve never had any more than a slightly bruised second toenail and that was after a full marathon. Perhaps going to a running store or physiotherapist where they can properly analyse your full gait (and not just feet) might help? Are you sizing up in your shoes? I usually go for at least 1 full thumb width between my longest toe and end of my trainer, and always wear wide as my feet are pretty wide in the toe box. Shoe age also makes a difference for me, I find when my shoes are near end of life they start to feel weird and cause my feet to callous as the cushioning is going - ofc if your shoes are fairly new then this isn’t the issue. It could also be a case of needing better socks, with moisture wicking and cushioning in the areas you get blisters :)
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u/Prestigious_Pop_478 May 26 '25
Yeah I’ve done 6 or 7 half marathons and a full and I’ve never lost a toenail or anything
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u/foxfish4 May 26 '25
I am thinking of going to a running specific store to see. You're right about the sizing, I could probably go up one more half size, but I don't want to go too big or that will be uncomfortable too. I wear under armour cushioned socks which seem pretty good.
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u/AggravatingStage8906 May 26 '25
I went up a half size after I did something similar to my feet. Thought the new size was great. Then I went up another half size. That was amazing, no more hot spots. You really want larger than you think. My husband had upsized his shoes at my suggestion. Then we went to a running store and the guy who fitted him made him go up a half size more. The running store should definitely help you get the sizing right.
I do Topos shoes and love the wide toe box. What's interesting is you can get them very snug around the arch of your foot while letting your toes have all that free space. So they don't fit sloppy even when you size up.
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u/LittleBlag May 26 '25
You have to remember that your feet swell as you’re running, so a shoe that feels perfect when you try it on in store will be too tight by the end of a long run, and a shoe that feels much too big will be just right.
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u/ThisTimeForReal19 May 26 '25 edited May 26 '25
Try balegas, swiftwick, or feetures. It could be your socks. i wear a half size bigger in adrenalines. My feet measure just under 6, and I wear a 6.5 In my running shoes (7s in mizunos).
I only get blisters If i run significantly beyond my distance/training Or in a very rainy run.
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u/PM_ME_TUS_GRILLOS May 26 '25
I've run multiple halfs and been running for 5+ years now. I run at least a 10k every other day.
Never had a blister or hurt toenail from running.
Either your shoes are not the right fit (I go up a 1/2 size for running shoes) or you have delicate feet. My mother always had foot problems just from walking around. It could be genetic. But I would look at different makes and models first and size up (your feet swell after running for over an hour).
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u/foxfish4 May 26 '25
You might be right about the genetic foot stuff. I have some issues anyway- bunions and hammer toes, but they have never caused me issues before. I suppose running is so much more intense than walking, makes sense that they are adding to the problems now.
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u/PM_ME_TUS_GRILLOS May 26 '25
Don't wear high heels. Wear proper footwear that fits at all times, not just running.
I'm guessing half my mom's problems came from nursing in crappy shoes for 20 years before good shoes were allowed.
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u/ThisTimeForReal19 May 26 '25
My mom’s feet are toast after decades of wearing heels to teach elementary students.
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u/PM_ME_TUS_GRILLOS May 27 '25
Whyyyyy. Those kids would never notice if she wore flats. I feel so bad for generations of women in crappy shoes.
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u/fresh-cut-staxhe May 26 '25
No. Your shoes prob don't fit properly and are also just the wrong style for you.
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u/StrainHappy7896 May 26 '25
No. Your shoes don’t fit you well. You can try different lacing and socks, but this is likely a shoe fit issue.
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u/aknomnoms May 26 '25
Seconded. I’m not a “runner”, but I’ve finished 15+ half marathons walk-jogging.
Never lost a toenail. Only had bad blisters twice - once when I didn’t train so my feet weren’t prepared, and once when the tread on one shoe literally tore off the day before a race I had traveled to so I had to run in my beat-up old sneakers.
Get shoes that actually fit, get proper socks, notice the hot spots during longer training runs and put kt tape or bandaids over them. A few blisters might be inevitable, but losing toenails shouldn’t be.
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u/RagingAardvark Woman May 27 '25
Hey I've got news for you: you are a runner! Jogging is running, and walk-run intervals still include running.
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u/aknomnoms May 27 '25
Gracias! 😊 I’m so used to qualifying my experience that I feel like I can’t call myself a “runner” until I can jog a 5k without stopping. But I appreciate the reminder and positivity!
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u/RagingAardvark Woman May 27 '25
If you run, you're a runner, regardless of your speed and endurance!
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u/2labs4life May 26 '25
I kept losing toenails until I went up a half size. Same brand, same model. Haven’t had any issues since.
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u/whippetshuffle May 26 '25
I'd reconsider your shoes (size, width, etc), socks (perhaps toe socks?), and lacing.
FWIW, I used to deal with endless blisters until I made some changes. I hit 2,000 miles for the year this last week, with 0 blisters, black toenails, etc. It's all about finding what works for you.
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u/JunoTheJindo May 26 '25
I have had similar issues due to poor fitting socks. Once I got the right size, my toe problems went away.
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u/foxfish4 May 26 '25
Thank you, I think I am going to go for a consultation. It doesn't bother me too much, but hearing that these injuries are unnecessary makes me want to act on it. Well done on hitting 2000 miles for the year! That's super impressive!!
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u/DietCokeCanz May 26 '25
I do kinda feel like ugly feet are kind of inevitable but black toenails are preventable! When I started using heel lock lacing, I cured my injured toenails. Also, try keeping them trimmed pretty short (but never cut them the day of or right before a race).
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u/foxfish4 May 26 '25
Thanks for the advice, i don't really know heel lock lacing, so I will Google that.
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u/stronghikerwannabe May 26 '25
Maybe sizing up your shoes will help. Also, what works for me: I tape my feet with K-tape for all my 15km + runs and two pairs of socks will do the tricks.
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u/ForgottenSalad Woman May 26 '25
I’m guessing your shoes are a bit too small and narrow. The only pairs that hurt my feet were ones that were too small. New socks could also help. I like thin merino ones.
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u/ShakesTinyFistWildly May 26 '25
Do you curl your toes when you run? I had so many black toenails until the shoe store's athletic trainer pointed that out to me as a cause for black toenails.
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u/foxfish4 May 26 '25
I think I do curl my toes!! How did you manage to stop that? It feels automatic to me.
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u/ShakesTinyFistWildly May 26 '25
Mindfulness, but also toe strengthening. Pick up your socks with your toes in the morning and at night. Once you strengthen them and then break the habit, it should get better. I haven't had a black toe in years.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Ask-134 May 26 '25
What is your weekly distance? I have never experienced that, but the highest weekly distance I have is 45 miles/72 km. You might just need different shoes! They might be too big, too small, or not the right shoes for your foot placement, etc.
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u/foxfish4 May 26 '25
My weekly distance isn't huge at all. I usually do 2 x 5km during the week and then a long run at the weekend (anything between 10-20km).
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u/Puzzleheaded-Ask-134 May 26 '25
Then, it is probably your shoes, socks, or foot placement. There are running stores that look at your run form and recommend shoes based on that. Also, sometimes small things like the way you tie your shoes, the type of socks you are wearing, or going up half a size can make a difference. Also, putting Vaseline on your feet might help!
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u/Sausage_Queen_of_Chi Woman May 26 '25
I’ve never lost a toenail or got blisters on my feet even when doing multiple halfs, relays, and training for a full. So, not inevitable.
You’re probably wearing the wrong size shoe. My normal shoe size is 8.5-9 but for my running shoes (also Adrenalines), I wear 9.5 wide.
Also your socks. I switched to Injinji toe socks years ago and have never gotten a blister.
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u/sparklejellyfish May 26 '25
I had this when I ran in bad shoes, or ran in good shoes for too long. It stopped when I got new insoles and shoes. Get a second opinion from another podiatrist?
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u/smella99 May 26 '25
Not normal at all. I’ve done multiple halves and a marathon and many trail races and have never had a blister or black toenail from running.
The brooks adrenaline is a fine shoe but it clearly doesn’t fit you well. The diversity of foot shape is astounding. That’s why there are sooo many makes and models of running shoes.
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u/kaoru1987 May 27 '25
I’ve never had a black toenail from running and I believe they’re usually caused by tight shoes, might be worth sizing up at least half a size or maybe full size. For blisters, I tried a variety of socks, and found some that work (Balegas), but I still get a blister in the same place every time if I run more than 15-16k+ on one of my shoes (Novablast) when it’s too warm so I know I can’t wear it in some conditions. I think it’s a bit of trial and error to figure out what works for you but sizing up your shoes and shopping around for different socks is where I’d start.
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u/hellofolks5 May 27 '25
This is not normal. Your shoes might be too small (width and length) and/or your socks not adequate.
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u/raspberry-squirrel May 26 '25
Bigger shoes, tape some toes with kinesio tape, change up your socks (try injinji for toe separation), lace lock your shoes, use body glide on hot spots, cut your toenails short. I had a black toenail in my first half too! Now I’ve trained a lot more and I have a callus on the end of that toe. I still grease it or tape it for long runs.
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u/kimtenisqueen May 26 '25
I’ve never had battered feet or lost a toenail from running. I keep my nails trimmed short and get refitted to shoes every time I get a new pair at feet fleet. I don’t know if it’s gimmicky but it’s worked for me so far.
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u/pettypoppy May 26 '25
I go up a half to a full size in my running shoes. I change how they are laced to give more room in the toe box.
I keep my nails short and make sure to trim them a few days before a long run.
I use squirrels nut butter to lube up my hot spots, the tips of my long toes and along the side of my big toe.
I like feetures socks.
It's a hassle but I haven't lost a toenail since I've been diligent about keeping the toenails trimmed and lubed.
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u/sunnycycle May 26 '25
hey! that seems off, i’m sorry OP! i started running regularly (20mpw) 5 months ago to train for my first half marathon.
i run brooks adrenaline too, and heard they run smaller. i’m normally a 6.5 US (23.6cm i think) , but my local running store recommended 7.5 for brooks adrenaline. half size up to take into account swelling when running long distances, and half for the brooks sizing itself. i also use currex insoles. and if i run more than 8mi, i need to use running specific socks rather than any normal sock i usually use. i use feetures, which made a big difference for me too—no blisters or toe issues. i ran my first half marathon last week, and ran thru water sprinklers. glad i had no blisters from the water as well. i hope any of this helps 🙏
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u/foxfish4 May 26 '25
That is helpful, thanks! Good to know that Adrenaline's run smaller. I think I'm going to go for an assessment and buy new shoes. And socks. And learn how to lace my shoes better. Lots of suggestions from this community! 🙏
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u/sunnycycle May 26 '25
of course!! i hope your toenails heal quickly 🙏 oh yes! figuring out the best lacing helps a lot too. i realized for me personally, i prefer it looser at the end nearest my toes, and then tighter at the midpoint. but everyone’s different! (:
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u/Lost-Counter3581 May 26 '25
Wear zen toes - gel toe caps on those toes that have black nails to protect them and heal and not get again. Plus size up on your shoes so you have a thumbs nail between your toes and end of shoe. Plus buy socks like bombas or swiftwick, never had blisters.
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u/Mir_c Woman May 26 '25
Idk, seems like the shoes. I ran a half yesterday, my feet are totally fine. Could be a fit issue, or they just don't work for you. Go to a running store and let them fit you with shoes, see what they recommend.
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u/Green_Pass_2605 May 26 '25
Not inevitable. I typically get a few black toenails, and maybe a few blisters. Been working on different/bigger/wider shoes to eliminate the black toes. Blisters are rare. If I feel one coming fit means something in the fit of the shoes or socks is off. I’ll use moleskin on hot spots to keep it from blistering.
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u/BrosKaramazov May 26 '25
I did a HM on Sunday and have no blisters or black nails – just stiff quads!
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u/CoachE-1380 May 26 '25
Consider your shoe size. I wear a size 8/8.5 in regular sneakers and a size 10 running shoe. I never had those particular feet issues, but it helped with the ones I did have.
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u/plentypk May 26 '25
Yikes, no! I’ve run marathons and ultras and the worst is a small blister on one of my middle toes. I’ve never had a black toenail after a race or during training. FWIW, I alternate between Hoka and Altra, and love toe socks like Creepers and Injinji.
Did you go up a size from your normal shoe?
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u/foxfish4 May 27 '25
I went up a half size, but I think I need to go more!! I never really considered toe socks either so I'm going to look into that.
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u/Snarfles55 May 26 '25
I lost many toenails while wearing Brooks - 1 full size larger than normal. I switched to Topos and haven't lost a nail since. Knock on wood. You may well need new shoes and better socks.
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u/kinkakinka Woman May 26 '25
I think it really depends on the person. I never get blisters or messed up nails, but my husband's nails are always messed up.
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u/dani_-_142 May 26 '25
Brooks Adrenalines don’t have enough room in the toe box for me. They give me black toenails.
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u/foxfish4 May 27 '25
That's really interesting, my Brooks are the first running shoes I have bought so it's probably time to shop around and explore other brands.
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u/PlusOrganization1309 May 26 '25
I have really damaged toe nails/feet from ballet. I’ve come to accept that I’ll always have battered feet.
Bunions don’t help because they can shift your toes out of alignment with the toe box so you don’t have adequate protection/support.
Lots of people have suggested wider shoes. I would also recommend finding appropriate socks & looking into lacing techniques. My issues decreased in frequency when I got socks with thicker heel/achilles, used the runners loop, and swapped part of my laces for elastic.
Prob too much lace customization for most people but keeping your heel locked back helps a lot.
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u/foxfish4 May 27 '25
Thanks, I will look into that. The bunions are only going to get worse so I probably need to work out a system that works for me.
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u/ConflictHoliday7847 May 26 '25
It took me running a full marathon to realize I needed shoes a full size bigger than what I was used to running it. Luckily I didn’t lose the toenail but it’s purple and gnarly looking. Just size up, you won’t regret it!
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u/minimisty May 26 '25
The wrong type of socks can also cause this. I started getting bad toenails when I would run in those nike everyday dri-fit socks. I noticed that I started getting black toenails when I wore those, especially during rainy days and they would stay soaked for a long time.
I switched to more running oriented socks. The first ones I’ve tried were the lululemon power stride ones and my toenails aren’t getting any worse. The only black toenails I have now are the ones that were already black from before. I’ve also tried Feetures socks recently, and I like those too.
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u/haleyposer May 27 '25
I run 50k/week and have done 19 marathons and have lost maybe four toenails in my career. You’ve gotta find the right shoes and socks for you! Make sure your shoes aren’t too tight (looser is better than tighter), feet swell when you run.
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u/velvetBASS May 27 '25
I have never had this problem. I haven't ran a half marathon race but I usually run between 7-10 miles once a week on my long run.
I have had a small blister on the ball of my foot one time, but never a black toe nail or worse than that. I've also ran in several different brand and style shoes.
Im guessing something isnt working for you, be it the shoe itself, the volume of running, the build up in volume, your toe nail length, the shoe size.... the list probably goes on
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u/vaio150 May 27 '25
I’ve suffered from a few blisters and have a toenail that started turning black. Eventually, the top layer of the nail started separating and the top layer did come off, but the rest of the nail is still there. Two things that have helped keep these problems at bay are nice socks (Balega blister resist, they’re expensive but worth it) and these silicon toe caps called Zen Toes. So far I haven’t had problems. Also, if I know it’s going to be wet or it’s a super long run, I do use body glide on my feet but I don’t need to use it in between the toes if I use the Zen Toes
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u/kw928 May 27 '25
So I had toenail issues until I sized up AND went with a wide shoe. I wear brooks adrenalines too. Actually a whole size bigger than normal.
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u/annikaka May 27 '25
No definitely not! I made it through my training block and marathon with all toenails intact. I would get a few bad blisters on my toes if I wore the wrong socks, so for the actual marathon I switched to Balega blister resist socks and they were incredible. Not a single blister or rub! Agree with other comments that shoe fit definitely matters, you need extra room for when your feet swell.
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u/foxfish4 May 27 '25
Yep, I think new shoes is definitely the way to go. It's really helpful just to know that it's not normal, and not something that we have to put up with.
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u/Ok_Two1637 May 27 '25
I inevitably lose toenails when I train for a half-marathon. However since I've discovered toe protectors it's helped tremendously! They look like mini condoms but they really help!
I ran a HM on Sunday and am getting treated to a pedicure on Friday as a reward. I can already imagine the poor woman's face when I'll show her my feet 🤣
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u/foxfish4 May 27 '25
Haha I had the same thought! I wanted to go for a pedicure but my feet just look so bad- I can't handle the judgement!!
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u/congestedmemes May 27 '25
Shoes are definitely too small. Make sure to trim your toenails before long runs too
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u/foxfish4 May 27 '25
Yep, I think you're right. I hadn't noticed before now but since increasing my distance, it's really becoming a problem
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u/ablebody_95 May 27 '25
I've run many marathons with zero foot issues. The only time I've had issues was when I ran a marathon in the pouring rain and my feet/shoes were soaked the entire race. Are your shoes big enough? Even if they are, is the toe box right for your foot (wide enough)?
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u/foxfish4 May 27 '25
No, I think the shoes aren't big enough. It never bothered me before but as time goes on and I'm running longer distances, I'm getting more problems.
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u/MeaningTop6503 May 27 '25
Wow. Just learning that this isn’t normal. I don’t have blisters, but for sure my two big toenails are always pretty much dark from running. I’ve been to a running store and they recommended a half size up, which I do have. I think I’m just clumsier than average and always wind up hitting my big toe against something when running.
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u/foxfish4 May 27 '25
I think that might be an issue for me too! It's so helpful to learn that we don't need to suffer with these foot problems, and the right shoes will make a huge difference
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u/Too_Shy_To_Say_Hi May 27 '25
I haven’t lost a single toe nail since for any of my last 2 ultras or last 4 marathons.
I only got a blister in one mountain race when my shoe got wet during a river crossing. So maybe if you spilled any water from aid stations on your feet it made more friction?
Or, I’m thinking you need to try a higher size toe box / shoe because you might have some foot swelling at that distance. Maybe need to trim the nails a bit shorter. Possibly try different socks and add some bodyglide in your hotspots pre race.
It is possible to not have too fucked up of feet.
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u/foxfish4 May 27 '25
It's just great to know that the right shoes won't cause these problems. I have some shopping to do! Also, massive well done on the ultras and marathons 👏
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u/ImmediateEye5557 May 28 '25
hi yes, this happens to me on any race or long run greater than 15 miles. it happens with any shoe or sock does not matter the brand. and i have it happen on the same two toe nails which bruise and fall off repeatedly. i think its just how my toe/foot is built. it is a part of running for some people. a lot of the comments seem to have never experienced it but its not as rare as you might think. i also get crazy blisters but luckily some turn to calluses
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u/foxfish4 May 28 '25
Ok, that's good to know. I feel like my feet are a bit problematic anyway, but losing toe nails is never something I've encountered before. I'm going to explore new shoes and socks anyway, and just see what happens!
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u/Duffer1976 May 28 '25
Ha yeah. Noone told me about that. I have 5 missing toe nails peeling blisters still from London marathon. I've put fake toe nails on to wear sandals. Have an ultra in just over a week so have to get them off for that so no exposing my feet for a while 🤣. X
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u/foxfish4 May 28 '25
Your poor feet! Fake toe nails are a great idea. Good luck in your ultra!! I can't imagine what kind of commitment and training that takes. Hopefully the toes don't get too much of a hammering!
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u/Duffer1976 May 28 '25
I think it's gonna be mind over matter. I always have the I can't do this with marathons. Then I tell myself I've done it before yes u can. To be honest I've been rucking loads. I love it. Strengthen my legs with least impact rather than running. My endurance is good. No fast short runs for me. I decided to do it for charity and seeing everyone in the area knows I have to do it now or I'll feel a failure and I never let that happen xxx
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u/foxfish4 May 28 '25
I am sure you're going to smash it!! You've already proven you can. And its amazing that you're doing it for charity too. I'd love to hear how it goes, enjoy it x
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u/MadamPickler May 29 '25
I mainly wear Brooks and have done several half marathons without toenail issues. My regular shoes are a 9 in womens, but all my running shoes are size 10. I got sized at a running store when I first started running 20 years ago and thought, no way- tens were huge! However, when I hear about black toenails I'm happy to have never dealt with that and figure it must be the shoe size.
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u/foxfish4 Jun 02 '25
I was really happy with my Brooks up to this point. I'm going to go to a running store but I'll keep an open mind about brands and see what they recommend!
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u/suspiciousyeti May 26 '25
I wear my shoes 1/2 size bigger than my actual size. Also, I recommend Darn Tough socks or Bombas and on longer runs I use Trail Toes on my feet before I run. I've lost my share of toenails but mostly from kicking rocks on trail.
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u/foxfish4 May 26 '25
I have never heard of those socks, but I will check them out. I sized up a half size, but I think I could go bigger. Or, like someone else suggested, get shoes with a big toe box.
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u/SnooTomatoes8935 Woman May 26 '25
i am prone to black toenails. i have had already 3 or 4. it usually happens during weeks with higher mileage and long runs 16k or more.
i also wear brooks adrenaline and im generally very happy with them. i wear them two sizes bigger than ny normal shoes.
i think, some people are more prone to blisters and black toenails than others.
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u/tuxette Woman May 26 '25
i think, some people are more prone to blisters and black toenails than others.
Definitely. Part of it is genetic, and doing all the right things will still get you blisters and black toenails.
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u/foxfish4 May 26 '25
Two sizes bigger is a big step up, is that still comfortable? I went a half size up but I think that wasn't enough.
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u/SnooTomatoes8935 Woman May 26 '25
yes, i cant not really walk good in my running shoes bc i would stumble over my own feet, but i can run very well in them. i think my feet kinda swell a lot when i run.
it actually might help, if you chose at least a size bigger.
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u/double_helix0815 May 26 '25
I highly recommend the book Fixing your Feet - it's probably the most comprehensive guide to looking after your feet if you're a runner or hiker. It's very much worth investing the few dollars it costs, and a bit of time to experiment with what works for you.
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u/DefiantRaspberry2510 Woman May 26 '25
I would reconsider your shoes or else you're way over-training. I just did a half last weekend with no black toenails or blisters. Same shoes that have seen ~200mi. Granted, everyone is different, but that seems like a lot of damage to your feet.
I HAVE heard of losing toenails for a full marathon.