Two black toenails after a race in Kinvaras (Read 1677 times)

I have been running and racing for a couple years now without ever having a black toenail.  Two weeks ago I bought a pair of Kinvaras, I got an 11.5 despite the fact that I wear an 11 in all other shoes simply because the store was out of 11s.  I ran a 6 mile easy run in them with no issues.  A couple days later did a 12 mile MP run in them, afterward I notice my second toe on one foot was a bit sore at the nail, but never thought anything of it.  This past weekend I ran a 10 mile race in them.  I never noticed anything during or after the race, but later that night both of my second toe nails were black (very) and very sore, especially with any pressure on them.  (My second toes are longer than big toe).  The shoes felt like they were laced pretty normal (not too loose) ,and I have what seems to be plenty of room in them.  They still hurt today (Wednesday) but are getting better.

So now that you know too much about my gross feet, the point of my post:  Black toenails from bigger shoes?.....from the type of shoe (Kinvara or more natural style)?.....only a faster paces?  The real question: my longest run in them is 12 miles, and I was planning on them for Philly marathon in 12 days, should I be worried?

Thanks very much.

Same thing happened to me. Both of my big toenails turned black after I bought new shoes. i decided that the leather seam running across the top of the shoes were rubbing against my big toes. I lost the nails about halfway down. The nails grew back, but I never again wore those shoes. After I bought a different pair, I haven't had any more trouble.

Sounds like they don't quite fit right.  If I were you I don't think I'd wear them in your marathon in 12 days.

Perhaps, but often the biggest value of a marathon is as a character builder. I think the marathon may be even more of a character builder if DgRosen wears those shoes.

Toenails are added weight. If you lose them, the .001 ounce reduction in weight is worth 3 seconds over the course of a marathon. I think you know what must be done.

Actually, my concern is the problems they would cause rattling around in my socks if they fall off mid race, I'm hoping they fall off before race day.

I would always get black toenails on my second toes after long runs and especially marathons. Now, unfortunately, they've both become infected, I presume from repeated trauma. Doesn't hurt, but looks really bad. I gotta start cutting out the end of my shoes...

Drain through the nail and wrap. Keep it drained and it will be more mechanically stable. Try to keep it clean, covered, maybe bathe it in an H2O2 solution. A little topical antibiotic in addition won't hurt either.

Video please.

Pictures please.

Ew.  No thanks.  My own feet are nasty enough, and I don't have any black toenails.

I have been running and racing for a couple years now without ever having a black toenail.  Two weeks ago I bought a pair of Kinvaras, I got an 11.5 despite the fact that I wear an 11 in all other shoes simply because the store was out of 11s.  I ran a 6 mile easy run in them with no issues.  A couple days later did a 12 mile MP run in them, afterward I notice my second toe on one foot was a bit sore at the nail, but never thought anything of it.  This past weekend I ran a 10 mile race in them.  I never noticed anything during or after the race, but later that night both of my second toe nails were black (very) and very sore, especially with any pressure on them.  (My second toes are longer than big toe).  The shoes felt like they were laced pretty normal (not too loose) ,and I have what seems to be plenty of room in them.  They still hurt today (Wednesday) but are getting better.

 

So now that you know too much about my gross feet, the point of my post:  Black toenails from bigger shoes?.....from the type of shoe (Kinvara or more natural style)?.....only a faster paces?  The real question: my longest run in them is 12 miles, and I was planning on them for Philly marathon in 12 days, should I be worried?

 

Thanks very much.

First of all, it is absolutely rediculous to buy shoes based on the model rather than the fit.  You bought 11.5 because they didn't have 11.0?  For a runner, shoes are supposed to be the most important equipment; yet, it is amazing how many people don't pay attention to them...

Any ill-fitted shoes would cause problems one way or another.  Chances are; because the shoes are too big, your feet are moving around in the shoes.

Hope people choose the shoes by the right fit; not the color, model, brand, or whatever is available.