Friggin black toenails!

Ok, I am going to scream!  I started running last summer and didn't have good shoes.  I got 4 black toenails, two on each foot, different places.  Fine, I went and got fitted for running shoes.  I didnt have the problem again.  I got sidelined in October with a back injury and didnt run again until this January.  Look ma, no black toenails!  Well...... they're back!  WTF!?!

I will say that I started running more frequently and longer about 8 weeks ago.  I followed a 10k running program and finished it.  I am now in the middle of a 15k training program.  I run on a treadmill 80% of the time.  I have good shoes, two pairs, which I rotate.  My second toe is not longer than the big toe  LOL.  I just friggin peeled off the black toenail from the second toe on my right foot two days ago.  Yesterday I come back from the gym and without any warning or signs, I now have two black toenails on the other foot!!  The second to last one and the second toe on that foot. 

Thoughts?  Suggestions?  I am not a vain person but this is really irritating me! 

1. Buy running shoes 1/2 size larger than you usually wear.

2. Learn to love fire-engine red nail polish. Black, Deep Plum and other dark colors also work.

3. DON'T peel off black toenails. You put yourself at risk of an infection and sometimes they can heal themselves.

4. Get used to it. (sorry, but it's one of the downsides to running)

Here's a bunch of good suggestions:
http://beginners.runnersworld.com/2007/06/bla ck_toenailsh.html

Barefoot runner's do not have this problem ;)

LOL, girl, I am with you!  I've been a runner for years and still have this issue (yes, bmx419, I've heard about the barefoot runnign thing, but even if you choose to do it and do it right, you're only supposed to do 1 short run per week barefoot and SLOWLY build, so she'll still have the issue for awhile!).  I actually buy a whole size up on my runners (Nike is actually more than that for me--not sure what you buy, but they run a little smaller than average!), and sometimes buy a wide.  It's also important to get socks that aren't to constrictive.  It sucks, but honestly, the more you run, the more the toenail thing happens.  I guess I'm over it--happier skinny without toenails that fat with pretty toes.

I am not a runner, but since I have taken up walking regularly I have the problem with my toes rubbing. I do buy my shoes with at least a thumbs link at the end. and the new balance that I bought are a full size larger than my reg. closed in casual walking shoes. still sometimes the toes rub and sometimes I lose toenails. I think it is because of the nerve damage I have. it also seems to be worse if I do walk faster or try to jog a little. I have learned it is just something I am going to have to live with.( my problem may not be exactly the same as yours but is in the same vane. ) seeing all of your post let me know that I am not the only one this stupid thing happens to. I went through 3 pair of walking shoes before I realized that sometimes any of them will rub.... and they are not too short or too shallow( I have measured and looked... sometimes my toes just flail up or something causing them to rub.I seem to get a warning as  I keep my toenails cut real short, so my toes will get real sore, and I know it is happening and I will let up some for a few days. sometimes it helps.. sometimes not.

Not sure there is a rhyme or reason as to why some people get black toe nails and some don't.  I run a lot.  50+ miles per week.  I've never gotten black toe nails.

Runners like to buy running shoes that are 1/2 to 1 size larger than they normally wear because our toes do swell during long training runs or a marathon.

We also like to buy shoes with a larger toe box.  I have a wide foot  ...  so I make sure I don't get shoes with a narrow or even regular toe box.

The only other issue I can think of is nail length.  You really need to keep them short.  Having a nail that is just long enough to rub is so annoying on a long run.

Thanks for all your replies!  I do keep my nails short, I am properly fitted for shoes, I wonder about my socks  LOL... I have wicking socks but should they be thin or thicker?  I was lookin at my toes again...

The second toe .... it has a callous lookin thing across the top and on the outer side.  Hum.  I was also reading that some people "grip" with their toes when they run. So I started paying attention and I am thinking, I am gripper!!  On long runs (for me right now, thats over 5 miles), I feel my toes kinda curling or something inside the shoebox.  What the hell?  LOL.  I actually had to tell myself to stop it!  So, I think I am gripper. 

Anybody else do this or ever heard of it?

Oh by the way, I dont mess with my black toenails, I dont pick or "encourage" them to come off... I wait until they are so loose they wiggle or come about 1/2 way up and I finish them off.  :-)  the new nail was already there underneath. 

My shoes always get holes just above my big toe.  I guess I must lift my toes when I run.  Never had black toenails though, just pebbles in my shoes.

Original Post by jennifer58:

I was also reading that some people "grip" with their toes when they run. So I started paying attention and I am thinking, I am gripper!!  On long runs (for me right now, thats over 5 miles), I feel my toes kinda curling or something inside the shoebox.  What the hell?  LOL.  I actually had to tell myself to stop it!  So, I think I am gripper. 

 That's because your foot is trying to find and feel the ground. Shoes impede that ability.