A Minor Setback

[emily_in_nc]

I got black toenail of my left big toe and partially of the right from a single run in too-short shoes two summers ago. Took nearly a year for the toenails to grow out completely and be normal again, though they never fell off completely. It was painful at first, then stopped being painful and just looked like hell. I now buy running/walking/hiking shoes 1/2 size larger than my "street" shoe size and have not had a recurrence.

Fortunately the second toe toenail will grow out a lot faster than the big toenail does! You just might need a half-size larger shoe, tho, V. None of your toes should touch in front when you are pointed downhill. Are your second toes longer than your big toe, by chance?

Emily

[tygab]

yeah, I had the toenail issue with my 2nd toes on each foot, when prepping for my half marathon. posted here, was told to get bigger shoes by the smart people here, so I did when I was at home in IL visiting my parents where I think the best *running* store I know of exists (they ship too). Got new shoes, put in my sole inserts and all my running pains are gone (well, minus the normal ones!!).

Sadly though my 2nd toenails are still nasty. This is currently obscured by electric blue polish.

[Bron]

I've heard of putting vaseline on your toes to stop chafing; has anyone actually tried this.

My toenails are also painted to cover the fact that they look so horrible (left foot red, right foot green) - the insole on my cross-country ski boot is to blame. I expect it to have grown out just in time to start the next race season and wreck the toenail again.

[HillSlugger]

My toenails are also painted to cover the fact that they look so horrible (left foot red, right foot green)

Is that so you can remember which is which?

[beccaB]

I lost a toenail when I was running. Just kept getting looser till there wasn't one. Didn't hurt either. Weird.