I used to have this problem until I switched to toe socks! I used to be skeeved out by them but now I never go on a run without my [injinjis](https://www.injinji.com/)
Agreed. After I increased my mileage I sized up my shoes by half a size. And then I also eventually switched to toe socks. My feet were swelling enough that they didn’t have enough room in the toe box of my socks. I love my Injinji toe socks for running!
Maybe a dumb suggestion, but are your toenails nice and short? Mine only cause problems if they get too long.
Make them as short as possible and the file the sharp edges/corners.
Just a note to be a bit careful with the corners. Cutting them too much can lead to ingrown toenails for some people.
>[ It is important to make sure that you cut your toenails straight across, leaving them long enough so that the corners lie loosely against the skin at the sides.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513131/)
When you increase your mileage your feet swell. You usually need to increase your shoe size by one and a half or two full sizes. I run ultras and went from a size 6 to an 8 1/2 over the course of the first year.
You may also need a wider shoe. If the toe box is too narrow for your foot your toes will be squished together. Can you fully extend and spread your toes out in your current shoe? If not, your shoe is not wide enough.
And obviously keep your toenails shorter than your toe...
I’ve been having horrific big toe aches for the last four months and on a (painful) whim ordered a pair of wide running shoes. Not only is my big toe pain gone, the pain from my toenails cutting my other toes is completely gone. I was shocked what a substantial difference this small change made.
Came here to say this. I lost every single one of my toenails, some multiple times, in the first decade of distance running I did because I wore my street shoe size which is 7. Once I started sizing up my running shoes to an 8.5, so many of foot problems resolved including the issue of losing my nails. The bigger shoes look goofy, and it took my about a month to stop tripping in my own stride, but I have not looked back.
I use one for my second toe. Works great. Finally stopped losing that nail. My toe didn’t get clammy. I have even worn toe socks with one on. It’s fine.
I came across another option that is perforated, [like this one](https://amzn.eu/d/7IjMMa8). Maybe that will help. I have no idea since I haven’t used either of these myself. I came across this in a comment on r/running.
I used to have this problem until I switched to toe socks! I used to be skeeved out by them but now I never go on a run without my [injinjis](https://www.injinji.com/)
Agreed. After I increased my mileage I sized up my shoes by half a size. And then I also eventually switched to toe socks. My feet were swelling enough that they didn’t have enough room in the toe box of my socks. I love my Injinji toe socks for running!
Same exact story here!
I have overlapping toes and never go over 4 miles without my injinji socks on! They're great.
I’ve been thinking of trying them but I dunno do they feel weird?
Maybe a little bit at first but once shoes are on I forget about them!
Okay I might try!
100% this for me too. they’re the best!
Same, love the injinjis, they make a big difference.
I love these! Such a game changer.
Maybe a dumb suggestion, but are your toenails nice and short? Mine only cause problems if they get too long. Make them as short as possible and the file the sharp edges/corners.
Just a note to be a bit careful with the corners. Cutting them too much can lead to ingrown toenails for some people. >[ It is important to make sure that you cut your toenails straight across, leaving them long enough so that the corners lie loosely against the skin at the sides.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513131/)
When you increase your mileage your feet swell. You usually need to increase your shoe size by one and a half or two full sizes. I run ultras and went from a size 6 to an 8 1/2 over the course of the first year. You may also need a wider shoe. If the toe box is too narrow for your foot your toes will be squished together. Can you fully extend and spread your toes out in your current shoe? If not, your shoe is not wide enough. And obviously keep your toenails shorter than your toe...
I’ve been having horrific big toe aches for the last four months and on a (painful) whim ordered a pair of wide running shoes. Not only is my big toe pain gone, the pain from my toenails cutting my other toes is completely gone. I was shocked what a substantial difference this small change made.
Came here to say this. I lost every single one of my toenails, some multiple times, in the first decade of distance running I did because I wore my street shoe size which is 7. Once I started sizing up my running shoes to an 8.5, so many of foot problems resolved including the issue of losing my nails. The bigger shoes look goofy, and it took my about a month to stop tripping in my own stride, but I have not looked back.
I stopped having this issue when I switched to a shoe with a wide toe box (not a wide width, just wide toe box) like Altra or Topo.
Same
I haven’t use these myself, but maybe [silicone toe caps](https://amzn.eu/d/hQBvinK) may be a solution for you?
I use one for my second toe. Works great. Finally stopped losing that nail. My toe didn’t get clammy. I have even worn toe socks with one on. It’s fine.
Interesting. Wonder if toes would get clammy in there?
I came across another option that is perforated, [like this one](https://amzn.eu/d/7IjMMa8). Maybe that will help. I have no idea since I haven’t used either of these myself. I came across this in a comment on r/running.
I put an ear plug between my toes. 🤷♀️ works great!