Runners: losing toenails?

[Naz]

I have been walking for the last year, and have moved into running the last several months (basically run until I can't, then walk until I can run again).

I am wearing the exact same shoes as last year. A couple of months ago, I had the same brand of shoe, but 1/2 size smaller (on clearance). Wearing the smaller shoes caused me to have my smaller toenails bruise under the nail, so I switched back to my other shoes. I still lost toenails! I have lost 6 of my 10 toenails.

What is causing this? I have heard that marathon runners sometimes lose toenails. Do I need better shoes? Better socks?

I am running about 85-100 miles per month. Advice?

[westside]

You may need to move to a shoe with a larger toe box. This is something that you may want to bring up with the staff at a specialty running store. They can look at your current shoe, your feet and likely make a suggestion.

The cause can vary but one common cause may be that you're still a size, even a half size too short.

[Naz]

Geez, whatever it takes. It's yucky! There is a super thin layer of nail that I can paint to disguise them, but hey, I'd like to wear sandals this summer! Thanks!

[westside]

It's not as bad as you think. You can always make your own toenail necklace and that will take peoples attention away from your toes.

Make Your Own Toenail Necklace | Table Of Malcontents

[Mandy]

OMG that necklace is disgusting. LOL!

I can't imagine losing toenails unless there is a fungus involved.

[CurvyAFGirl]

For running, you usually need a shoe that's a 1/2 size larger than your normal size. I reccomend going to a specialty shoe store for running and get fitted. (not a typical mall shoe store, but a runners shoe store) The cost is no more expensive, and they will professionally 'fit' a pair for shoes for your foot size and activity.

[maria40nc]

Ok... I wasn't going to look at the toenail necklace link until the next poster said it was disgusting, and that of course peeked my curiosity and I had to look. She was right. It IS disgusting. Why did I look?

I agree with the possibility of fungus. I lost a toenail because of that years ago. It is easily treatable by a doctor. They will prescribe lamisil or something like that and your toenails will clear right up and look healthy again (if this is your issue). Not sure if over-the-counter drugs will work.

My only other thought is toenails are too long. I ran with a girl once who's toenails were bleeding after a run. She had let them get too long and they were cramped and rubbing inside her shoes.

But I think you should check into the possibility of toenail fungus. That definitely makes toenails fall off.

[ab1ht]

Originally Posted by ChubbyAFGirl

For running, you usually need a shoe that's a 1/2 size larger than your normal size. I reccomend going to a specialty shoe store for running and get fitted. (not a typical mall shoe store, but a runners shoe store) The cost is no more expensive, and they will professionally 'fit' a pair for shoes for your foot size and activity.

^^^ This.

The most important thing to do as a runner is get fit for the right shoe by people who know what they're doing.

Toenails turning black and/or falling off is a classic sign that your shoes are too small for running.

[Naz]

Yup, my toenails were bruising. I just bought a pair of Mizuno's, which have a bigger toe box than my old Nike Structured Triax's. I liked the Nike's very well, but not at the expense of my toes. The good thing about these shoes is that I can try them out for 2 weeks outside and still bring them back if I don't like them. The runner's store is the way to go.

[ab1ht]

Glad you got this worked out

[CurvyAFGirl]

Originally Posted by Naz

Yup, my toenails were bruising. I just bought a pair of Mizuno's, which have a bigger toe box than my old Nike Structured Triax's. I liked the Nike's very well, but not at the expense of my toes. The good thing about these shoes is that I can try them out for 2 weeks outside and still bring them back if I don't like them. The runner's store is the way to go.

Happy Running!

[Dystany1]

I have the same issue. I ran my first half marathon in April of this year. I had fitted running shoes I got from a running store. I have lost two toe nails both on the toe next to my big toe. My shoes fit grwat and I have extra room in the front. What's the deal with this?

[RN29412]

You are probably having toenail probs just from running the 26.2 miles. Even with the best shoes that many miles can cause probs. Are you using body glide?

[Siggie]

You can lose toe nails without it being a fungus. It can becaused by either your shoes having too much room and your toes sliding into the front of the shoe or by your shoes being to snug and you toes hitting the front of the shoe. This causes bruising under the toenail which will cause the toe nail to eventually fall off. Unfortunately it will take sevarl months for your toenail to right again.

[Dystany1]

Thank you for the information! I have never heard of body glide. I will have to check it out. Happy running trails all!