Black toes from cycling??

[Raindrop]

I've lost my big toe toenails more than once and one of the things you mentioned stuck out. You've been wearing the same shoes for several years. Unfortunatley our feet do tend to get larger as we age; not necessarily longer, but a little wider which means needing more space in the shoe for those times we have swelling.

So, next time you buy new bike shoes, try several pair on and go with comfort versus the size you've always worn in the past and, keep those toenails clipped.

[Blueberry]

Hmmm....toenails are usually short (and were for this ride). I put those shoes back on and went for a short ride, and I seem to be lifting my toes when I pedal. Not sure when that started, but I think it's what's causing the problem. I don't think a longer/wider shoe would fit it, though. It may be related to raising the saddle - I'm going to put it back (though I did feel like I had extra power). I did feel all around the fit, and they don't seem too big or too small. Side to side, they're snug, but not uncomfortably so. Lengthwise, they're good.

I think it's time to break my normal ban on nail polish. Especially since I want to actually wear the cute chacos I just bought on sale

Thanks for the comments and suggestions!!

CA

[Skierchickie]

Maybe move the saddle 1/2 way back to where it was? How much did you change it? The toe lifting does seem like it could be related o the height. Any other issues related to saddle height? It seems like if the saddle were too high, you'd have other issues over 77 miles.

My DH always has black nails from running - especially after trail runs with big downhills where his feet get shoved forward. I used to get them sometimes from ski boots, back when I used to stride.

Good luck. Fortunately, black toenails aren't a huge deal. Black TOES on the other hand, would be scary!