Yes...I have spoken to the podiatrist as well as some runners and nail technicians. They have all said that repeated injury (or pressure) on the toes can leave them open to infection. I have some serious runner friends who have this problem...their big toes end up infected because of all the miles they do in their sweaty shoes. But I did not think the cycling had anything to do with the first infection I got. I had injured my big toe doing something else entirely, and it eventually got infected. Now I am wondering if the cycling is contributing to it.

I should have replaced the shoes after last summer...but I was cheap and did not want to spend $200+ on another pair of Sidi's. I will definitely be looking for new shoes now. I really love my Sidi shoes...they are so comfortable. I went to the Sidi website, and they carry a certain style of shoe that comes in half sizes and has more mesh for breathability. I might try a half size bigger shoe for a little more toe room...unless I get other suggestions.

I am so frustrated...my two big toes look so ugly (and one of them hurts) and I feel like I can't wear open-toed shoes without disgusting people out. I live in Texas...so I wear open-toed shoes most of the year.