What is the cause of black and blue toe nails on the big toes? Do I need a larger hiking boot or something else? As soon as I started on Springer I noticed it hurting and by Hightower Gap it was black and blue. The toe seemed like it was hitting the bront of the boot with every downhill step. Larger shoes different kind, I have a wide foot 2 EE. Any suggestions will help as I do plan on going back soon.
Jersey Jane
I have the same issue, and my Ri second toe was one of the reasons I abandoned my thru-hike in 2011. It had devolved from black, to the skin breaking down and the end of my toe looking like raw meat (which it was…)
Before starting again this year, I went to a podiatrist. He said he thought it was dyshidrotic eczema. But he referred me to a dermatologist, who thought it was an auto-immune disease and took a tissue sample for biopsy. Today I am seeing a vascular surgeon. I still have no idea what causes it (correct length shoe, and 4E width - bunions) but it does resemble a blister (tho not from friction as you would see on the heel or top of the toes).
I suggest you try a gel cot (sort of a sleeve that slips over your toe) to see if that helps any; and be sure that even going downhill, your toes do not contact the front of the shoe.
TicTac
Lots of hikers get these some folks all of their toes get black and blue. Eventually the toe nail will fall off and be replaced with a new one. The fun is that moment when the nail is just ready to come off and seems to catch on everything. I found that my boots were not long enough and switched to trail runners in a size that was 1 and 1/2 larger then I usually buy. That seemed to take care of it. If you do lose a nail or two make sure you keep the toe as clean and dry as possible under the circumstances and watch for infection.
Big B
It could be your shoes are too small, rubbing in front. Or on the downhills your toes hit the front of the shoe. One possible solution for the second problem is to get an insert like the Super Feet, these keep your feet in place, less sliding.
Brian
Another solution might be to use tongue pads along with a different lacing technique to hold your foot back in the boot. This will make a big difference especially going downhill. You can find tutorials on lacing techniques. The tongue pad may also prevent heel blisters for those with low volume feet. Good luck…:oh
Lady Di
You might remember that in addition to your feet getting larger during a hike, it’s very important to have adequate space in the toe box as well as the length. :tongue
Lady Di
I always lose a toe nail or two after a major hike. It doesn’t hurt and doesn’t effect the hike. So I don’t worry about it. Keep hiking and having fun.
Sundance /Lone Wolf 55
In all my years of hiking I am lucky not to suffer from this affliction. I have also always worn sneakers a full size and a half larger than my normal shoe size. From my observations heavy tight boots (could be when wet they shrink a little) sold by hungry merchants are the cause of your ailment. Not to digress to much, but if merchants only sold what you actually needed for having fun without consequences on the trail they would have a hard time with the local bankers in town. Such is life. :cheers
stealthblew
In addition to getting larger size shoes (I’m going to go 2 sizes larger the next shoes I buy) the trouble might be with your socks and/or shoe inserts. I started wearing thinner socks and got rid of the superfeet liners I always used in the past. Things have been better since. There are some who swear by thin men’s dress socks. Do some experimenting–you’ll arrive at what works, hopefully before losing too many toe nails to the dreaded “hikers toe syndrome.”
Still Lookin’
Thank you to everyone who gave their 2 cents worth of info. It all seems to me that I need a size and maybe 1/'1 large boot. Or that plus superfeet even.
Thanks—it look like the outfitters will make a few more dollars off of me yet. Thank you to all who helped me out on this and mamy other issues.
Jersey Jane