View Full Version : Losing toenails
Anyone lose their toenails after hiking? Takes about 6 months for the big one to grow back.
rockerZ71
03-24-2012, 20:12
I've lost the big one too. Actually I ended up pulling it out with a leatherman. I can post pics...
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mateozzz
03-24-2012, 20:18
I lost the 2nd toenail on my first section hike, victim of hammer toe and old boots. It think I would loose the smallest toenail if I hiked for 3 or 4 weeks because they also look beat up after a hike. I also lost my big toenail last summer when I slipped in the kitchen and stubbed my toe into the stove, still only 3/4 of the way back.
I lost at least seven toenails on my AT thru-hike and I lost seven toenails twice on the PCT. One of the reasons for that is that I buy my shoes bigger than normal which lessens blisters for me but it allows the front of my feet to slam into the inside of the shoe (which on downhills causes my toenails to get crushed). It's just a trade-off for me -- whether I want to have blisters galore or whether I want to save my toenails. I haven't yet found a combination that allows me to avoid blisters and keep my toenails at the same time. When it's raining I get blisters regardless so of course it was dry as a bone on the AT so I didn't have a single blister there.
Datto
PS: Riiiiight. What's a blister?
I just lost the nail on the little toe of my left foot. I had been walking for the last month, but I'm not sure why I lost that nail.
Yes, always lose the second toenail on right foot. Once lost it twice in same year. Thinking of getting it removed permanently.
Do most thru hikers carry a small nail clipper with them? I would imagine that keeping them trim could help prevent this. I plan on carrying a clipper with me 'cuz the thought of using someone elses kinda creeps me out but i always wondered what the majority does about this.
I haven't seen a small toe nail clipper that works well.
I'd like to see what others think about that. None of my toe nails hurt or appeared to be bruised. I have nail fungus under the nails of my large toes, but none of the rest. My nails could have used trimming, but they didn't seem to be bothering me, although that was probably because I mostly walked up when I wasn't road walking...and I mostly road walked for that month.
Old Boots
03-25-2012, 08:45
Trimming helps, but over the years I have lost many nails. I consider it a small sacrifice to th hiking Gods.
I have repeatedly lost my second toenail on both feet, even after a 3 or 4 day hike with nails trimmed really short. I got the book Fixing your Feet and filed my nails like he described--downward over the end of the toe, so you cant even feel the nail when you rub over the end of your toe. I hiked a month long section of the AT last summer and didn't have ANY nail damage!! It was amazing...apparently alot of the damage comes from your nail snagging on your socks!
Wise Old Owl
03-25-2012, 21:41
I don't think its advisable to post pics..... of tootsies.
Odd Man Out
03-25-2012, 22:53
Do most thru hikers carry a small nail clipper with them? I would imagine that keeping them trim could help prevent this. I plan on carrying a clipper with me 'cuz the thought of using someone elses kinda creeps me out but i always wondered what the majority does about this.
I always have to keep toenails well clipped. NOt to save the nail, but to prevent infection along side the nail. I am very prone to that.
Hikerhead
03-25-2012, 23:16
I've lost my fair share, mostly when I first starting hiking. The main cause is boots that are too small. When buying boots make sure you have enough room in them by sliding a finger between your heel and the boot. If you can't they're too small, go up a 1/2 size. Also I try not to tie the boot strings too tight close to the toes, leave them a little loose to allow your toes room to move a little. Your feet will expand a little after walking for a few hours and the extra room will help keep your toes from yamming in the toebox on the downhills. And keep those toenails clipped.
One thing that really isn't talked about is the number of hikers every year that lose toes and in some cases their whole foot altogether. Sometimes its just the price you pay for doing a trip of several hundred miles.
rocketsocks
03-26-2012, 05:09
One thing that really isn't talked about is the number of hikers every year that lose toes and in some cases their whole foot altogether. Sometimes its just the price you pay for doing a trip of several hundred miles.I heard that in most cases doctors are able to save half the foot,and only cutting up to the first metatarsal and leaving the heel bone intact.
Oh ya twice, and it's been the footwear.
rocketsocks
03-26-2012, 08:09
I always have to keep toenails well clipped. NOt to save the nail, but to prevent infection along side the nail. I am very prone to that.I got a whole jar of falled off toenails,they make a good fire starter,the fun-key-er the better.Stink real bad though,hard to keep friends....wife,kids....the DOG!
The Solemates
03-26-2012, 09:51
pictures please! :)
rockerZ71
03-26-2012, 10:12
pictures please! :)
here you go. you're welcome.
poured hydrogen peroxide on it after trimming all i could of the nail.
http://www.lukealbers.com/images/toenail/IMG00322-20100727-1939 (Medium).jpg
http://www.lukealbers.com/images/toenail/IMG00325-20100727-1941 (Medium).jpg
http://www.lukealbers.com/images/toenail/IMG00326-20100727-1942 (Medium).jpg
http://www.lukealbers.com/images/toenail/IMG00327-20100727-1943 (Medium).jpg
result:
http://www.lukealbers.com/images/toenail/IMG00328-20100727-1947 (Medium).jpg
http://www.lukealbers.com/images/toenail/IMG00330-20100727-1948 (Medium).jpg
Not sure about the extra weight of the leatherman.
Sounds like you need to retie your boots for the down hill trips, there are many books and articles written on how to lace and tie your boots to prevent such things.
rockerZ71
03-28-2012, 10:07
what did it for me was just having too long of a big toenail
CrumbSnatcher
03-28-2012, 10:14
lost both pinky toe nails wearing boots, never really did grow back the way they were before hiking :-(
switched to sandels never happened again, including blisters :-)
pics = barf!!!!!!!!!!!! I asked a question before that didn't really get answered. Are thru-hikers carrying nail clippers with them on there trips, do you bounce them? Or do you find communal pairs (once again barf!) at hostels/trail angels houses/borrowed from smarter hikers? Good luck borrowing my nail clippers! seams like a good way to contract foot fungus and get infected toenails. just wondering what the majority of people who have thru'ed have done on their trip.
lost both pinky toe nails wearing boots, never really did grow back the way they were before hiking :-(
That's too bad.
House of Payne
03-28-2012, 16:20
I have had nails go black underneath and eventually the nail will fall off after the new nail and skin underneath grows out. The ubuse comes on the downs in most cases, the larger toe box I need is the culprit.
rocketsocks
03-28-2012, 17:30
Loosen your laces on the ups,tighten em on the downs.Keeps that heel towards the back of the shoe/boot.
Derek81pci
03-28-2012, 17:53
You should have alcohol for your nightly foot rub as is... if you don't bounce a pair and have to borrow another hikers clippers... just put some alcohol on them maybe? But no, when I go on hikes (never been on one longer than 2 weeks) I do not carry them, and I've never lost a toenail.
Great pics. Toes look to be in good shape. Hope it all heals well.
Take care of those feet. They do get old eventually.
Visionmonger
03-28-2012, 21:20
Glad I'm not alone on this one, If I am gone for three days or more, I am almost guaranteed to lose the nails on the middle toe. BTW the Pix are really not necessary. ;)
pics = barf!!!!!!!!!!!! I asked a question before that didn't really get answered. Are thru-hikers carrying nail clippers with them on there trips, do you bounce them? Or do you find communal pairs (once again barf!) at hostels/trail angels houses/borrowed from smarter hikers
I'll answer your question.
I carried a pair of finger nail clippers and used them on both finger and toe nails. I didn't bounce them, I didn't use a bounce box at all.
I didn't notice communal clippers at hostels or anywhere else I stayed.
I would not lend my clippers or borrow someone else's for obvious reasons.
If you start using any kind of joint supplement you will notice your hair, and nails growing faster.
rockerZ71
03-29-2012, 07:48
BTW the Pix are really not necessary. ;)
haha someone asked for them, wouldn't want to disappoint
Capt Nat
03-30-2012, 09:19
I would like to see more foot porn on here...lol
theflash1327
03-30-2012, 15:10
I lose my pinky toenails all the time running cross country. Never lost them hiking, but I plan on losing a few on my thru. Good way to save weight. ;)
rocketsocks
03-30-2012, 15:44
I would like to see more foot porn on here...lolYeah and some sexy sandals too.
2015 Lady Thru-Hiker
08-14-2014, 00:20
Okay, didn't see this one asked. i bruised under both of my big toe nails pretty good on my recent shake-down that included doing the Mau Har here in VA. Is there anything I can do to keep from actually losing them that anyone knows of. I've tried relieving the pressure under the nails by draining the fluid out from underneath but it has of course built back up. Trying to keep them elevated while I am just sitting. Have been taking arnica regularly. Probably should have tried icing them down some. Don't know if it is too late to try that as well. I thought maybe they would go down more by now but no such luck. Any suggestions?
JumpMaster Blaster
08-14-2014, 02:25
I lost at least seven toenails on my AT thru-hike and I lost seven toenails twice on the PCT. One of the reasons for that is that I buy my shoes bigger than normal which lessens blisters for me but it allows the front of my feet to slam into the inside of the shoe (which on downhills causes my toenails to get crushed). It's just a trade-off for me -- whether I want to have blisters galore or whether I want to save my toenails. I haven't yet found a combination that allows me to avoid blisters and keep my toenails at the same time. When it's raining I get blisters regardless so of course it was dry as a bone on the AT so I didn't have a single blister there.
Datto
PS: Riiiiight. What's a blister?
Both of my "stay at home piggies" toenails (2nd toes) have turned black just from hiking this year.
saltysack
08-14-2014, 07:50
After ditching boots going to trail runners that are 1 size larger than normal= 0 problems
saltysack
08-14-2014, 07:51
I use my leatherman micro scissors if need to trim but never been out extended time...
2015 Lady Thru-Hiker
08-14-2014, 08:12
After ditching boots going to trail runners that are 1 size larger than normal= 0 problems
I should probably add, I wear mesh trail runners with plenty of room in the toe box, used sock liners this go round because I kept developing hot stops on the ball of my feet, despite switching to merino wool socks - they helped but did not completely fix the problem. (A BIG thank you to whoever recommended using thin dress shoes. They worked great and didn't cost me anything to see if liners would help the problem. They did - Yay!). I think what caused the problem was having my merino wool socks pulled on too tight and they caused too much pressure on the toe nails on the Mau Har descents. I pulled the toe of the socks loose before putting on my shoes the next morning and that seemed to help relieve the pressure on the descents on the way out.
Drained fluid from under the nails again last night, which relieved some pressure and made them feel a little better, and will keep popping arnica. I've lost multiple toe nails in the past after doing a couple of half-marathons - that when I discovered the importance of wearing size larger shoes and putting your heal to the back of the shoe when lacing - but there was no expectation for me to go out and do it again the very next day like there will be on the trail. I guess that is the concern - how do I address this in a way that allows me to get up and hike 12-20 miles the next day and so on?
I stubbed my toe a few months ago
2015 Lady Thru-Hiker
08-14-2014, 16:09
I stubbed my toe a few months ago
That is a whole lot more than just stubbing your toe. I take it you have seen a doctor and have healed since?
BuckeyeBill
08-14-2014, 16:11
Knock on wood, only showed bruising on right big toe a few times but never lost any yet. I do keep them trimmed using a large pair of clippers. I use the small clippers for my finger nails. I had a foot doc once tell me I do a better job than he does. I learned in scouting how to take care of my feet and never forgot it.
More than a stub I joke. Calcaneous fracture, cuboid f., talus f., 3 4 metatarsal f., lisfranc f. I've hiked over 2800 miles since 2010, I sure hope I can get back at some point.
Sarcasm the elf
08-14-2014, 20:24
I stubbed my toe a few months ago
Walk it off!:D:eek:
If you don't mind me asking, how did those fractures occur? I'm guessing from the photos that you had surgery?
Fella in a truck didn't see me he said, I was on my motorcycle. Foot was crushed between. I have 4 large screws in my mid foot now.
rocketsocks
08-14-2014, 21:13
I stubbed my toe a few months agoThat is thee worst stubbed toes I've ever seen in my life, I hope you got a lolly pop with that.
rocketsocks
08-14-2014, 21:14
Fella in a truck didn't see me he said, I was on my motorcycle. Foot was crushed between. I have 4 large screws in my mid foot now.
oooh, dat ain't good.
2015 Lady Thru-Hiker
08-15-2014, 09:50
Fella in a truck didn't see me he said, I was on my motorcycle. Foot was crushed between. I have 4 large screws in my mid foot now.
Wow Booshay. To say that sucks is an understatement. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be for you. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Thanks, I may give kayaking a try, lol
I cannot believe anyone would think losing a toenail doesn't mean bad fitting boots or shoes.
I only got the 2 feet, no spares. Mean to take care of them.
the nice thing about toenails is they grow back. I lost one after the foothills trail. It grew back. Sort of my fault for not trimming it before hiking. Ive never lost a toenail after hiking before, and I normally keep my nails trimmed to where there's no "white" shooing at the tip.
I've lost the one on my big toe twice. Once when I used to jog on a treadmill, but that was a long time ago. Last year I lost one hiking down a steep trail with shoes that were too small. New hiking shoes, I bought at REI. The clerk told me, "TRY EM OUT BEFORE YOU GO HIKING IN EM"...Did I listen....NOPE! I was coming down from 2500 feet, and seemed like with just about every other step, my right toe was slamming into the front of the shoe causing a lot of pain. When we finally got down, my hikin buddy told me she didn't think I was going to make it down.
I think my problem is commonplace -- one foot larger than the other. Ideally, I'd be wearing an 11 on my left foot and 11 1/2 on the right. On that hike, I had 11s, but now I have 11 1/2s. I bet there'd be a market for somebody selling hiking shoes where the left and right were different by 1/2 size....
kidchill
08-22-2014, 21:22
Just some thoughts on some of these posts. If you're planning on doing long term hiking, yes, you should bring clippers and keep your nails trimmed! I brought a small pair of clippers with me for my thru-hike and they served me well. At most they weigh 2ozs. You can gram weenie all day long, but I think 2oz to help keep feet your healthy is a no-brainer! I never lost any toenails while I thru-hiked; however, I did smash the hell outta my big toes by stubbing them. One time I broke about half the nail off, the other time I smashed the outer quarter off. And, of course it was the same damn toe, the quarter coming off right after the half had just healed back up. In terms of shoe sizing, I would be careful going up a size. If your shoes are too long, I would think that extra motion in the shoe would cause trauma as your foot slides forward, especially on the downhill. One poster recommended really sinking your heel back when you lace up, this seems like a smart thing to do. Also, you may wanna try and just find a shoe that fits properly, but has a larger toe box. I'm not sure of the exact physiology of losing your nail, but I would imagine it's repeated trauma, and possibly poor perfusion due to restricted flow from your shoes. I can't comment on the toe boxes of different shoes, but Salomon's seem (IMO) to have a relatively small toe box. Generally speaking they are more of a low-volume shoe, which is why I wear them. If you're looking for a quick read regarding foot care, I'd recommend "Fixing Your Feet" by John Vonhof. It's on Amazon and available on Kindle. http://www.amazon.com/Fixing-Your-Feet-Prevention-Treatments-ebook/dp/B004K6MDZU/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408755931&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=fixing+you+rfeet
birdy524
08-22-2014, 22:36
I've never lost a toe nail....because my footwear always fits properly. I've been in the outdoor footwear industry for 12 yeas now. Some things to keep in mind when shopping for boots/trail shoes
1) There is no standard for US sizing...pays to learn your EU size but never assume that a size 9 in one brand is a size 9 in another or even model to model within a brand unless the models are built on the same last.
2)Your foot never actually stops growing...its just slows down so get measured on occasion. A good salesman will take 4 measurements (A)with (B)heal to toe sitting (C)heal to toe standing (D) heal to ball ... doing both B and C will tell them how "stable" your foot is D is important because shoes are design to bend in a certain spot if you have short toes sometimes it helps to go up a .5 size so that your foot bend matches the "break point" on the boot.
3)Long hikes/hikes with a backpack/long trips the foot muscles will fatigue and your foot will lengthen(muscles in the arch don't pull the foot back to its normal shape) in addition to swelling so size up accordingly
4)Consider some sort of arch support like Superfeet (no I don't work for superfeet) the support your arch and reduce foot fatigue
2015 Lady Thru-Hiker
08-22-2014, 23:46
I cannot believe anyone would think losing a toenail doesn't mean bad fitting boots or shoes.
I only got the 2 feet, no spares. Mean to take care of them.
As a former ICU and OR nurse who has spent many a 16-20 hour working on her feet I value comfortable, well-fitted shoes above brand name any day of the week and have always been amazed by nurses who would tolerate ill-fitting shoes because of price. I felt that being able to still walk at the end of a double shift was worth $80-$100 or more.
The trail runner's I'm currently trialling were professionally fitted. I made certain my toenails were trimmed before heading out and was trialling using a liner sock to help avoid the hot-spots I had been plagued by. I suffered no ill-effects the 1st 2 days of hiking, both of which I wore the same pair of darn tough socks - trying to get use to the trail way of life :) it wasn't until the 3rd day I had the issue with the toes arise. I had switched to a different style of darn tough's and to be honest I even recall thinking they felt tight on my toes before I slipped my shoes on and even tighter afterward. I thought about pulling my shoes off and adjusting them but then figured that they would loosen up as I walked. They did not. Mea cuppa. I made certain they were loose the next day on the hike out and that seemed to help but the damage was already done. I could be wrong thinking the problem is the socks and intend to test the theory out the next time I go out. Will let you know if it is a proven or disproved.
2015 Lady Thru-Hiker
08-22-2014, 23:53
I cannot believe anyone would think losing a toenail doesn't mean bad fitting boots or shoes.
I only got the 2 feet, no spares. Mean to take care of them.
As a former ICU and OR nurse who has spent many a 16-20 hour working on her feet I value comfortable, well-fitted shoes above brand name any day of the week and have always been amazed by nurses who would tolerate ill-fitting shoes because of price. I felt that being able to still walk at the end of a double shift was worth $80-$100 or more.
The trail runner's I'm currently trialling were professionally fitted. I made certain my toenails were trimmed before heading out and was trialling using a liner sock to help avoid the hot-spots I had been plagued by. I suffered no ill-effects the 1st 2 days of hiking, both of which I wore the same pair of darn tough socks - trying to get use to the trail way of life :) it wasn't until the 3rd day I had the issue with the toes arise. I had switched to a different style of darn tough's and to be honest I even recall thinking they felt tight on my toes before I slipped my shoes on and even tighter afterward. I thought about pulling my shoes off and adjusting them but then figured that they would loosen up as I walked. They did not. Mea cuppa. I made certain they were loose the next day on the hike out and that seemed to help but the damage was already done. I could be wrong thinking the problem is the socks and intend to test the theory out the next time I go out. Will let you know if it is a proven or disproved.
birdy524
08-23-2014, 03:03
to be honest I even recall thinking they felt tight on my toes before I slipped my shoes on and even tighter afterward. I thought about pulling my shoes off and adjusting them but then figured that they would loosen up as I walked. They did not. Mea cuppa. I made certain they were loose the next day on the hike out and that seemed to help but the damage was already done. I could be wrong thinking the problem is the socks and intend to test the theory out the next time I go out. Will let you know if it is a proven or disproved.
The problem was that after 2 days of hiking with a backpack your foot expanded. You should size up. Socks do take up some volume but I promise that your foot on that 3rd day would have measured at least a half size larger than the day you bought your shoes
2015 Lady Thru-Hiker
08-23-2014, 06:58
The problem was that after 2 days of hiking with a backpack your foot expanded. You should size up. Socks do take up some volume but I promise that your foot on that 3rd day would have measured at least a half size larger than the day you bought your shoes
Thank for laying out like that birdy. Didn't think about it like that. When I go shoe shopping for shoes that I know will be on my feet for long periods of time, I wait and go in the evening after I have been on my feet all day because I know they will expandse during the day. But then I am not walking around with an extra 30 pounds on my back either. Will definitely go back to where I got my shoes and have them size me up a additional 1/2 size as we had already sized me up a full size to begin with. Any larger and I will have to worry about heel slippage.
My hiking shoes are 1.5 size bigger than my running shoes, which are also a little loose. My feet swell up something terrible when I hike. OTOH, when I go downhill, my foot slides forward in my shoe and "catches" the seam on the front of the shoes, which lift the nail and causes it to die. It hurts something awful when it happens, which has been three times over the last few years. I could prevent it by tightening up the laces a little, but I'm too lazy to stop unless its a really big downhill :)
I just lost another big toenail, but it was from an injury 6 months ago. If you don't mess with the nail and it stays partially attached, the new one grows underneath. My new one looks rough and its half the length of a normal nail.
I've lost the one on my big toe twice. Once when I used to jog on a treadmill, but that was a long time ago. Last year I lost one hiking down a steep trail with shoes that were too small. New hiking shoes, I bought at REI. The clerk told me, "TRY EM OUT BEFORE YOU GO HIKING IN EM"...Did I listen....NOPE! I was coming down from 2500 feet, and seemed like with just about every other step, my right toe was slamming into the front of the shoe causing a lot of pain. When we finally got down, my hikin buddy told me she didn't think I was going to make it down.
I think my problem is commonplace -- one foot larger than the other. Ideally, I'd be wearing an 11 on my left foot and 11 1/2 on the right. On that hike, I had 11s, but now I have 11 1/2s. I bet there'd be a market for somebody selling hiking shoes where the left and right were different by 1/2 size....
There is. Peter Limmer Custom Boots in New Hampshire.
Wayne
There is. Peter Limmer Custom Boots in New Hampshire.
Wayne
ROFLMAO
yeah, if you want to spend $400 to strap 4 lbs of leather to your feet. That should help the blisters (note sarcasm).
WILLIAM HAYES
08-24-2014, 21:17
yep have lost one or two by the way you can get rid of your toe nail fungus by taking an oral medication any primary care physician can prescribe it for you i have forgotten the name but you will need to take it for approx 6mths for toenail fungus topicals dont work so dont waste you money you will also need a liver function test a few times while you are on the medication but it works after that keep your nails trimmed
12trysomething
08-24-2014, 22:00
I have lost them...and had them grow back. Talked to a pediatrist, wider shoes is what he said. Went wider now, hiking in comfort with 3EEE shoes. Don't hike in narrow shoes, more than once.
swjohnsey
08-25-2014, 00:10
Don't hike in short shoes 'specially down hill.
illabelle
08-25-2014, 09:23
yep have lost one or two by the way you can get rid of your toe nail fungus by taking an oral medication any primary care physician can prescribe it for you i have forgotten the name but you will need to take it for approx 6mths for toenail fungus topicals dont work so dont waste you money you will also need a liver function test a few times while you are on the medication but it works after that keep your nails trimmed
If I remember right, I was told that the oral medication can damage the liver, isn't covered by insurance (considered a cosmetic issue), is expensive, and not real effective. I have no medical training, but that's what I understood.
I've seen success with a twice-daily application of Mentholatum. Definitely cheaper, and no side effects.
jimmyjam
08-25-2014, 12:37
Yep, vicks vapor rub on your toenail 2x daily and a 20 minute soak in white vinegar/water will kill the fungus. It takes a couple of months.
2015 Lady Thru-Hiker
08-25-2014, 13:45
Yep, vicks vapor rub on your toenail 2x daily and a 20 minute soak in white vinegar/water will kill the fungus. It takes a couple of months.
I've heard of the Vicks vapor rub treatment as well. Didn't know about using a vinegar soak though. Thanks for adding something else to my natural remedies arsenal jj. Do you know the proportions to use? 50/50?
illabelle
08-25-2014, 14:36
I've heard of the Vicks vapor rub treatment as well. Didn't know about using a vinegar soak though. Thanks for adding something else to my natural remedies arsenal jj. Do you know the proportions to use? 50/50?
I ran across the vinegar thing as well. As I recall, the recommendation was for a 50/50 mix of vinegar and Listerine. While I'm sure a soak would be good, what I read suggested simply applying with a Q-tip, a little less cumbersome for frequent/daily use.
JJ may have other/better info.
WILLIAM HAYES
08-25-2014, 22:01
true oral meds are expensive my insurance covered them they are effective long term use can cause some liver issues thats why liver function tests are required periodically; topicals dont work if the fungus is down in the nail bed I worked in healthcare for 30 years and this is what my buddies in dermatology recommended for me.If the fungus is not embedded in the nail there may be some topicals out there that may work but in any event check with your PCP or your dermatologist
Wise Old Owl
08-25-2014, 22:55
I should probably add, I wear mesh trail runners with plenty of room in the toe box, used sock liners this go round because I kept developing hot stops on the ball of my feet, despite switching to merino wool socks - they helped but did not completely fix the problem. (A BIG thank you to whoever recommended using thin dress shoes. They worked great and didn't cost me anything to see if liners would help the problem. They did - Yay!). I think what caused the problem was having my merino wool socks pulled on too tight and they caused too much pressure on the toe nails on the Mau Har descents. I pulled the toe of the socks loose before putting on my shoes the next morning and that seemed to help relieve the pressure on the descents on the way out.
Drained fluid from under the nails again last night, which relieved some pressure and made them feel a little better, and will keep popping arnica. I've lost multiple toe nails in the past after doing a couple of half-marathons - that when I discovered the importance of wearing size larger shoes and putting your heal to the back of the shoe when lacing - but there was no expectation for me to go out and do it again the very next day like there will be on the trail. I guess that is the concern - how do I address this in a way that allows me to get up and hike 12-20 miles the next day and so on?
Without any doubt - re read this post - one of the best foot care posts -----wait for it.... EVER!
Wise Old Owl
08-25-2014, 23:02
ROFLMAO
yeah, if you want to spend $400 to strap 4 lbs of leather to your feet. That should help the blisters (note sarcasm).
Before you dismiss this understand there are folk who really do have 6 toes and odd sizes - that wide foot thing is a tad BS when a size is 1/8 bigger for each size. If you dip into the wide size you are going to crunch your toes inside the toe box - a trained professional and shoe fitter (almost exstint) will point this out on the Brannock
Wise Old Owl
08-25-2014, 23:05
Yep, vicks vapor rub on your toenail 2x daily and a 20 minute soak in white vinegar/water will kill the fungus. It takes a couple of months.
Why not use a lot of Iodine? kills fungus immediately. Yea period.
I tried every nostrum that I encountered. Nada. Finally went the Podiatrist/Liver test method. Cured it maybe 80%. Here the secret to getting insurance coverage - let your nails grow at least 6 weeks before you go to the MD. (Full disclosure - one made a total mess of my left big toe. Said I had an in-grown nail BS I had to find another and insist that I had the fungus and wanted it fixed.) I need to go back for a second go round with the meds.
Bear Cables
09-08-2014, 22:01
I lose the toenail on right second toe once a year. Might lose it before I get on the trail in October. due to a direct hit by a 4 inch high heel from the top shelf of my shoe shelf.
Is anyone willing to identify the boots they were wearing, While it seems the small toe box , different size feet and socks are a common cause. i am looking for a boot that won't have this problem. I read one review regarding AKU Utah boots having a large toe box. Does anyone know of other boots with large toe boxes.
Traveler
09-15-2014, 14:42
Is anyone willing to identify the boots they were wearing, While it seems the small toe box , different size feet and socks are a common cause. i am looking for a boot that won't have this problem. I read one review regarding AKU Utah boots having a large toe box. Does anyone know of other boots with large toe boxes.
It depends what kind of boot or shoe you are looking at. I saw a Keen hiking shoe recently that had a really big toe box that wasn't tapered (for those whos second and third toes are impact zones in standard tapered toes), Asolo boots have a pretty good sized toe box for a boot. This may be one of those things you have to poke around in stores to see whos building the larger toe boxes. It seems every year these makers change their designs in minor and significant ways so whats made this year may not be next and vice versa.