A second toe and my boots.

Diomedes Industries

Diomedes Industries

Joined
Mar 19, 2007
Messages
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I, like some of the population of this world, have a slightly longer second toe than my big toe. Because of this when I hike long distances I tend to loose the nail on my second toe. If I put on 10 miles in a day or more - in a week or so, both nails turn black and come off.

Does anyone else have this problem - and if so - what can be done about it?

My boots fit comfortably and I wear a 'silk' undersock under a smart wool style sock.

Any advice?

TF
 
I'm no expert, but I think your only solution is larger boots. :( My second toe is only slightly longer and I don't have the same problem with my nails turning black and falling off. I can only imagine that you need to give Mr. piggy #2 more room at the expense of your other piggies comfort. Maybe talk to a podiatrist. I'm curios to see what others have to say.
 
Yup - got it. Medically called "Mortons Toe". I manage mine by making sure i'm wearing "good" fitting boots/shoes. Do a seach on Mortons Toe and often a good insole can arrest the problem.

Otherwise, there are always inventive ways to test your chopper!
 
Sorry buddy mine are pretty normal so I can't help ya !

toes.png

By pitdog2010 at 2010-12-05
 
my sister had the same problem with her ballet point shoes. they told her she would never be able to dance point. she got like a half size or a size bigger and and got a insert made that went in the toe and had a hallow out so the shoe fits evenly. i dont know how much that helps but thats my only knowledge on the topic. my neighbor down the street is a pediatrist. if i bump into him any time soon i will see what he says
 
maybe cut your toenails a little shorter, IDK don't suffer from the same problem.
 
i feel your pain...ive had both my 2nd toe nails come off 3 times and my big toes twice. i lost my big toenails from just wearing running shoes (and i wasnt running). i remember it hurting so bad i was limping. ive since found shoes that wont do that to me (garmonts)

i just figured i had weak toenails and never really thought much of it
 
got to love you guys --best laugh today.if you can spare the money visit a podisitrist or custom boot maker. hell if i walk 10 miles these days, i believe my fingernails would fall off.
dennis
 
Read about one ultra marathoner who had all toe nails surgically removed. Perhaps an option to consider? :confused::D
 
Buy 1/2 to 1 full size larger boots than you would normally use and make sure they lace all the way down to the toes, like a lot of the Danner military and heavy duty hiking boots have. The lacing all of the way down to the toes should keep your longer toes from hitting the front of the boots, especially when hiking downhill.

Been there done that with the "blue toes" but never again after getting the Danners.
 
I know for fitting hiking boots the recommendation is to lace up normally and walk down an incline (slope/ramp) to see if your toes contact the front of the toe box...if they do, you need a larger size. This is to prevent "blacknail" and loss of the nail.
 
Larger boots.
ultra marathoners get shoes 1 size larger or so.
I get mine at least a thumb width between the tip
of my toes and the tip of the shoe
Your feet swell after a long time on your feet.'
Please keep in mind your hydration/electrolyte
intake as well. Electrolyte imbalance can cause feet
to swell more than normal

"Buffer/Electrolyte Caps provide electrolytes that are commonly found in blood plasma, in the proper proportions for hours of exercise. When taken with sufficient water, they help the body maintain a good hydration status, which allows performance at a high level. They also contain a chemical buffering system that neutralizes the acids formed during heavy exercise. Neutralization of excess acid will help performance and reduce the nausea associated with exercise in the heat. Maintenance of proper electrolyte levels will reduce swelling of hands and feet after many hours of exercise, and that will reduce "hot spots" and blisters on the feet"
(http://www.ultrunr.com/!caps.html)
(http://www.succeedscaps.com/)

NFI and all that.

I just lost both big toe nails after completing
my first 100 mile race in October.
Both nails are black but they havent fallen off yet.
(hope your not reading this at supper time :) )
 
The last time I did a fifteen mile hike in one day I lost four toenails. The one and two on each foot. Poor fitting boots. A little too small. Couldn't wear my flip flops for about three months without socks on :grumpy: . My advice would be to seek the advice of a competent hiking boot professional or even a podiatrist. I don't have Morton's Toe but I do have a condition in my left foot called Morton's Neuroma, a painful condition affecting a digital nerve in the foot. My condition has all but disappeared with properly fitted footwear and the use of good insoles. ( Not sure who this Morton fellow is but he must have had a foot fetish :D ) . I believe a properly fitted boot should be fairly tight around your ankle/lower shin and the top of your foot while allowing you a good amount of wiggle room for your toes. It will feel weird at first but you'll get used to it. I am no expert, though. Some over the counter orthotic insoles, like Superfeet for example may help. But again, check with a podiatrist or a knowledgeable footwear person who specializes in hiking boots. Good luck.
 
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Yup, I second the advice to go to a good doctor. Then chase down some great boots. My regular MD says hard stiff soles are better for your feet. But everyone is different so ask your MD.
 
Google 'downhill boot lacing' or maybe 'Grand Canyon boot lacing'

There's a special way to lace your boots that will prevent that. It is highly favored by hikers gong down into the Grand Canyon for the same reason you mentioned. Imagine what a 5000 ft steady descent would do to your toenail!
 
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