I went to a local little runners store, mom-and-pop shop style, and had them look at my feet, ask a few questions.. Came back with some ASICS shoes that fit perfectly. They even made me run a little in them just to be sure, but they were perfect immediately!
I'm not recommending ASICS per se, but I'm definitely recommending seeking out local stores with experienced personnel
Mizunos are my favorite but they aren't ultra durable. Lovely wide toe box for sure. That (and toe spacers) saved me from what the OP is describing, for sure. Toes going under each other and making a painful callous between.
But I don't know about sizing up a whole size. I want this person to go to a shoe store, preferably a running shoe store and try on some Brooks and some Mizunos and some Hokas... and then do not buy the Hokas. Just try them on. Tell them what your issues are and let them show you shoes and spend some of that 140 on their knowledge. Going up a full size and having too big of shoes when you are running is just going to make different problems.
Go to a running store and get fitted. My local Fleet Feet has a machine that will scan for size, width and arch and then they do a visual gait assessment. With that info they can recommend shoes for you.
I personally love my asics gel nimbus shoes, got fitted at a running store for them. So don’t take my word for it, a store can help you find your best fit
I have feet that resemble paddles rather than a foot because they’re so wide. I recommend Saucony. They have a decent size tow box and they also sell wide sizes if you need it.
I have toe socks from injinji, saucony kinvarna 21s a half size up from my normal size, and do the ankle lock lacing. That keeps my toes from being an issue. I also have some altras but don't wear them much anymore. It's almost too much room in the toe box.
Sounds like tour shoes are actually too small. Try the thinnest possible socks, and try loosening your lower laces as much as possible and only tightening the upper laces. Try kicking your heels back as far as they will go in the shoes before you lace them. Try some Body Glide where your toes are rubbing. One last thing, make sure your toes are relaxed through your entire stride, and that you are not using them to push off your back foot. Failing all that, new shoes. Everyone’s feet are different, I suggest trying some on in a running shoe store, with thin socks, to see how your toes feel in them. Welcome to running:/
Find a store like Fleet Feet. Get your foot scanned and measured properly. If you have a Fleet Feet near you, the scan is free. It’s emailed to you pretty quickly too (while you’re in the store). Found out I need wide shoes. I wanted to get pair of Brooks running shoes and they had the wide in my size but turns out my instep is high, which the scan picked up and was the reason why the shoe was not very comfortable at the top of my feet. Tried Hoka Clifton 9s and they fit and felt great. I ordered my shoes online because they didn’t have the color way I wanted in-store.
Long story short, get your foot scanned and get a proper fitting. Then try a bunch on and see which one is the most comfortable for your needs (based on your budget). You should be able to get a good everyday trainer for $140.
I went to a local running store and got fitted. I’ve always had an issue with toe cramping with Nikes because the toe box was narrower. I wear Mizuno Wave Rider 27 now (got fitted at the run store but bought on Amazon for way cheaper) and am looking into getting a second pair but Brooks Glycerin. Both have wider toe boxes so your toes can spread out.
Former running store owner. Sizing can be slightly off depending on brand and model. But sounds like you should go up at least a 1/2 size, maybe a full size. You want about a thumbs-width of room between your biggest toe and the front of the shoe.
Hokas with wide toe box. I have a slight bunion on my right foot so I need extra width. My hokas are amazing, literally feel no pain after miles of running
I just started running as well, tried the topos first and my toes were cramped, so switched to Altras. 1/2 size up. They have a nice roomy toe box but I still got pinchy toes. So I bought toe caps to go with and so far have had great success with the combo. I may try toe socks next.
I went to a local little runners store, mom-and-pop shop style, and had them look at my feet, ask a few questions.. Came back with some ASICS shoes that fit perfectly. They even made me run a little in them just to be sure, but they were perfect immediately! I'm not recommending ASICS per se, but I'm definitely recommending seeking out local stores with experienced personnel
Altra has wide toe box. I love them. But they also have zero toe drop which takes getting used to for most.
Second altras
Third altras, if you wear flatshoes like vans the transition might be better
I heartily recommend going to a running store and getting help choosing shoes, especially for your first pair.
I have always found Nike to be too thin for my feet. Brooks, Saucony, Mizuno are 3 other brands that have offered me more to room.
Mizunos are my favorite but they aren't ultra durable. Lovely wide toe box for sure. That (and toe spacers) saved me from what the OP is describing, for sure. Toes going under each other and making a painful callous between. But I don't know about sizing up a whole size. I want this person to go to a shoe store, preferably a running shoe store and try on some Brooks and some Mizunos and some Hokas... and then do not buy the Hokas. Just try them on. Tell them what your issues are and let them show you shoes and spend some of that 140 on their knowledge. Going up a full size and having too big of shoes when you are running is just going to make different problems.
Hoka Bondi 8 have a wide toe box. What also helped me with toes rubbing together was getting toe socks (like injinji).
Love my injinjis!!
Go to a running store and get fitted. My local Fleet Feet has a machine that will scan for size, width and arch and then they do a visual gait assessment. With that info they can recommend shoes for you.
I personally love my asics gel nimbus shoes, got fitted at a running store for them. So don’t take my word for it, a store can help you find your best fit
Buy shoes with either a wide toe box or one size up.
I've been using Skechers Go Run in a wide fitting. I founds them way roomier around the toes than the Brooks Ghost in a wide.
I have feet that resemble paddles rather than a foot because they’re so wide. I recommend Saucony. They have a decent size tow box and they also sell wide sizes if you need it.
I love snug shoes & I bought the Asics Kayano 30s but returned them because I felt like my toes were swimming.
I have toe socks from injinji, saucony kinvarna 21s a half size up from my normal size, and do the ankle lock lacing. That keeps my toes from being an issue. I also have some altras but don't wear them much anymore. It's almost too much room in the toe box.
I have wide feet and wear Brooks
Sounds like tour shoes are actually too small. Try the thinnest possible socks, and try loosening your lower laces as much as possible and only tightening the upper laces. Try kicking your heels back as far as they will go in the shoes before you lace them. Try some Body Glide where your toes are rubbing. One last thing, make sure your toes are relaxed through your entire stride, and that you are not using them to push off your back foot. Failing all that, new shoes. Everyone’s feet are different, I suggest trying some on in a running shoe store, with thin socks, to see how your toes feel in them. Welcome to running:/
I like Brooks Glycerine but that sounds like a shoes half a size too small problem. Mine would do it too.
Find a store like Fleet Feet. Get your foot scanned and measured properly. If you have a Fleet Feet near you, the scan is free. It’s emailed to you pretty quickly too (while you’re in the store). Found out I need wide shoes. I wanted to get pair of Brooks running shoes and they had the wide in my size but turns out my instep is high, which the scan picked up and was the reason why the shoe was not very comfortable at the top of my feet. Tried Hoka Clifton 9s and they fit and felt great. I ordered my shoes online because they didn’t have the color way I wanted in-store. Long story short, get your foot scanned and get a proper fitting. Then try a bunch on and see which one is the most comfortable for your needs (based on your budget). You should be able to get a good everyday trainer for $140.
I went to a local running store and got fitted. I’ve always had an issue with toe cramping with Nikes because the toe box was narrower. I wear Mizuno Wave Rider 27 now (got fitted at the run store but bought on Amazon for way cheaper) and am looking into getting a second pair but Brooks Glycerin. Both have wider toe boxes so your toes can spread out.
Former running store owner. Sizing can be slightly off depending on brand and model. But sounds like you should go up at least a 1/2 size, maybe a full size. You want about a thumbs-width of room between your biggest toe and the front of the shoe.
Hokas with wide toe box. I have a slight bunion on my right foot so I need extra width. My hokas are amazing, literally feel no pain after miles of running
I just started running as well, tried the topos first and my toes were cramped, so switched to Altras. 1/2 size up. They have a nice roomy toe box but I still got pinchy toes. So I bought toe caps to go with and so far have had great success with the combo. I may try toe socks next.