Marathon running - Black Toe Nails

VanBosch · 06-10-2009 10:51AM #1

First off I want to thank everyone on this forum for all the advice they have given many first timers like myself.I have been training for the marathon for the last 4 months or so. In the last few weeks as I started to do the longer runs, 17,18,20 my feet have really taken it bad. There is no pain at all when i run so thats fine but the day after the odd toe nail is purple/black. its not too painful and it doesnt stop me going out running.I did a quick bit of research and it seems it is caused by the toes rubbing against the shoe, causing blisters under the nail. Conflicting reports suggest that this could be down to wearing too small a shoe, others say its normal and cant really be helped. I dont think the shoes are too small as there is enough room at the top of them.Have any of you guys got this problem, is it common? or is there anything else you can recommend?

Ol' Donie · 06-10-2009 11:11AM

I have 2 of em. In fact, the big toe nail on my left foot has fallen off twice over the past few years, and is black again.
I think its normal enough. Weird how it doesnt hurt at all (even when they fall off).
I also find that you get quite an amusing reaction if you draw your other half's attention to it. Especially if its hanging off!

scottreynolds · 06-10-2009 11:14AM

I got this. There's a thread onthe forum here but search is down so I can't find it 0-- had some pics as well.

I found that changing my shoes helped. I got different shoes with a bigger toe box and I also started wearing injiji toe socks.... these definately helped the blisters from my feet rubbing together as well.

dna_leri · 06-10-2009 12:41PM

Ol' Donie wrote: »

I have 2 of em. In fact, the big toe on my left foot has fallen off twice over the past few years, and is black again.
I think its normal enough. Weird how it doesnt hurt at all (even when they fall off).
I also find that you get quite an amusing reaction if you draw your other half's attention to it. Especially if its hanging off!

I'm glad I don't do marathons. Does the toe grow back? :P

Ol' Donie · 06-10-2009 01:14PM

dna_leri wrote: »

I'm glad I don't do marathons. Does the toe grow back? :P

Sadly, no, its a trip to a+e with a needle and thread every time!

Jenfer · 06-10-2009 05:59PM

hey there,
on my 3rd marathon training cycle and this has happened to me for the first time after my last 18miler, my toenail was sore that day but i iced my foot as it was gone a bit red around the nail. the nail has not fallen off but is quite black- looks very attractive!!
i also read it can be to do with running downhill as your feet push forward a bit more in the shoes- I wear brooks runners which are quite wide fitting so i dont think my runners r too tight.
Am hoping the nail wont fall off completely between now and the marathon- gross

Ruarl Runner · 06-10-2009 06:32PM

I had the same scenario after I finished my first marathon... I have changed two things (i) Changed my shoe size by a half and (ii) always ensure my nails are short... Have not lost a single one since:)!!!

sideswipe · 06-10-2009 07:03PM

First off I want to thank everyone on this forum for all the advice they have given many first timers like myself.I have been training for the marathon for the last 4 months or so. In the last few weeks as I started to do the longer runs, 17,18,20 my feet have really taken it bad. There is no pain at all when i run so thats fine but the day after the odd toe nail is purple/black. its not too painful and it doesnt stop me going out running.I did a quick bit of research and it seems it is caused by the toes rubbing against the shoe, causing blisters under the nail. Conflicting reports suggest that this could be down to wearing too small a shoe, others say its normal and cant really be helped. I dont think the shoes are too small as there is enough room at the top of them.Have any of you guys got this problem, is it common? or is there anything else you can recommend?

Phew.... glad it's 'normal', I've 2 black piggy nails.

ir666 · 06-10-2009 09:16PM

My solution was to get MUCH bigger runners.
I run with Euro 48 / UK 12 but my regular shoes are about size 11, maybe less.

My toes/nails still feel tender even with the big runners after long runs. No black or falling off nails though.

Also having different types of trainers to wear gives the feet a break and a rest. I guess it moves the pain around!

trotter_inc · 08-10-2009 11:37AM

Yup...same boat...one black toe nail on each foot. I have them on the 2 toes beside my big toes, I think it's coz they are slightly longer than my big toes. I tried on bigger size runners but they just didn't feel right. Can't say they are overly painful though, usually the nail falls off (or I pull it off), then they grow back, turn black the process begins again

Andrewf20 · 08-10-2009 09:15PM

I have a bit of this on my right big toe from wearing Brooks T6 runners which are known for a small toe box. Downhill running seems to add to the problem as my foot is driven forward upon landing.

clareman07 · 12-10-2009 06:13PM

hi just read your story and i suffered similar a few times
i too thought my runners were grand but on advice from a book on ultramarathon running i decided to up my size by a half and have not looked back yet
worked for me anyway and i just completed my 10th one since march this year 2 of which were ultras

xebec · 12-10-2009 09:13PM

Anyone with this problem might be interested in reading this post from a marathon doctor (Chairman of the board of International Marathon Medical Doctors) with some advice/info regarding black toenails. Usually some good stuff in the comments below too, although I haven't read them for this post...

Marathon running - Black Toe Nails

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