shoe sizing (Read 540 times)

Since I started running "seriously" I have been using the same shoe. I was living in Boulder, CO, at the time, so I went to a local running store where they did the whole video thing and prescribed me a pair of Brooks Adrenalines. Since then I have just bought that same shoe at various places when I'd find a deal locally or online. Also, I'm back in LA now, and there is a shortage of real running stores. I want to try a different shoe this time, so I'll probably wind up going to Academy and rolling the dice on what feels good. Anyway, my question is this - the guy who set me up with the Brooks told me that you should always go a half size SMALLER than your normal everyday shoe, to prevent slipping, etc. That made sense so I went with that, and it has worked out pretty well. Recently I started doing some 10+ mile runs and some 30-40 mile weeks, which is high for me. I had my big toenail start turning black, which was kinda cool but I didn't figure that would happen until way higher mileage. I'm just wondering if the half size small thing was incorrect. I have seen other posts where people recommend going 1/2 size larger than you normally would. What do you guys think?

I tend to go a half size bigger because of swelling. Really though, different shoes have different sizes so try them out and see what you like. The black toe could either be from too much room (your foot slides inside the shoe) or too little room.

I used to work at a running specialty store and we always sized a little big for the reasons havanarnr stated. I always fit people so they had a good thumb's width between the end of their big toe and the front of the shoe. IMHO if your toenail is turning black it's likely because your shoes are too small.