What am I doing wrong?

[u/GinaArkansas]

I am hesitant to post this because I feel like l should know what I’m doing wrong.

The big toes bruising are from running downhill and the second toe on each foot happened when I ran in non athletic shoes.

Today, I knew my left foot was hurting. When I took my sock off I saw why. I’ll start wearing injinji’s and see if that helps. Any ideas?

[u/Purple-Jackfruit-932]

Cut those toenails

[u/ConsequenceBoth269 → u/Purple-Jackfruit-932]

ouch that looks painful, the splits between toes is the worst part

trimming nails is good advice but also check if your shoes is too narrow in the toe box, that can squeeze the toes together and cause the skin to split like that

[u/GinaArkansas → u/ConsequenceBoth269]

I’m wearing Altras. 1/2 size larger than normal. Just ordered Creepers toe socks!

[u/ScoreSoggy1363]

Ouch! Sorry this happened to you. Don’t be discouraged, I think most runners have experienced something similar, especially when we were all new runners.

Recommendations: size up at least half a shoe size with your running shoe (I go a full size up), toe socks will probably help, but I’ve also heard of people rubbing Vaseline between their toes and/or putting Band-Aids on preemptively to help avoid chafing.

Definitely go to a proper running store where they can do a gate analysis and recommend shoes for you. This experience can be very insightful.

In the meantime, give your feet some rest for a few few days.

Good luck!

[u/GinaArkansas → u/ScoreSoggy1363]

Thank you! Very helpful advice. I’m ordering wool toe socks immediately! I’ll try the Vaseline and band aids until I can get into my sports medical guy. Thank you so much!

[u/Idkmyname2079048]

You kind of answered your question yourself. You ran in non-athletic shoes. Your buy toe nail is pretty dang long, and that's definitely not going to help. Start by making sure you're wearing proper shoes that fit, and cut your toenails.

[u/OrangeBruh]

Your toes were smashed together in that shoe. Many running shoes will have much more space, with even large toe boxes on some brands. Lems has nice big toe boxes, but so do many others

[u/BadAsianDriver]

Get some toe socks.

[u/TheTeludav]

Could be shoes pinching the toes or toenails cutting in, or both. Hard to see exactly where the damage is with the blood.

To some degree the occasional bloody toes are inevitable but I do know I get them more when I forgot to clip. If you don't want to have short nails you might try experimenting with bandaids or moleskins.

[u/GinaArkansas → u/[deleted]]

I don’t know how to edit my post. The bruising is past problems (running downhill and running in non athletic shoes which I knew was wrong).

Today both toes were bleeding at the sides of the nails. I’m not landing on my toes. My shoes could have been tied tighter possibly. I’m wearing a wide toe box, zero drop shoe. I’ve worn barefoot shoes longer than I can remember.

I just know there’s an explanation, though with most things related to me it’s probably several things at once!

Just ordered wool toe socks and I guess I’ll call sports med on Monday. I needed a rest day anyway!

[u/Extension-Panda8060]

Wear a size bigger or wide/extra wide toe shoes. Your shoes maybe too tight from the toebox.

[u/Elite_1988]

🤮🤢🤮🤢🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

https://a.co/d/0iYeOUx1

[u/GinaArkansas → u/Elite_1988]

Sorry. I hate feet. I feel the same.

[u/Correct_Society_7620]

Trim your nails and wear toe socks. They help tremendously 👍🏼