Runners feet 😳

[JeanGenie23]

How do you car for yours?

I'm training for a half marathon and have been for some time but in the last 2-3 weeks my feet really ache afterwards. Marathon is in 4 weeks so I don't want to do any damage now.
I kitted myself out with good shoes and socks from the sweatshop so I believe I have done all I can on that front?
Any advice welcome

[devilinmyshoes]

Where and when do they ache? Is it plantar fasciitis - worse first thing in the morning, soles of your feet - or your toe joints or what?

[JeanGenie23]

It's my toes that ache, no sign of blisters or any lumps/bumps, they just get hot as soon as I stop running and feel achy until the following day.

[devilinmyshoes]

Could be worth checking out with a physio or it might just be part of the whole running thing? I run on my toes so my toe joints, particularly big toes, can ache sometimes. I guess there's a fine line sometimes between getting used to various things hurting while your body adapts to new distances and ignoring warnings of an impending injury. Sorry not to be more helpful!

[OTheHugeManatee]

I had this after HM long runs. It could just be muscle ache. Try rolling the soles of your feet on a tennis ball or other small rubber ball, like a mini foam roller regime, as part of your cool-down to break up the lactic acid.

[Jamiesmuddyknees]

I'm running a half marathon in four weeks too. Where is it that hurts? I've had to go up a size in trainers as my toes were getting sore from my old pair. It's something to do with the repeated touching of the trainer onto your toes, hence why people's toenails lift and get bruised.

[JeanGenie23]

No thank you for replying.

Do you ever soak your feet after a run? I have never moisturised my feet and I definitely think it's time to start. I also read a blog that suggested going for a pedicure prior to a big run, not for the nail varnish but so you can get your feet treated...but I wasn't sure if that was just nonsense

[JeanGenie23]

It is at the top my nail that is sore. Wouldn't say it's a pain as such but it aches, today I would love to wear slippers to work!

[JeanGenie23]

Perhaps it's worth getting a half size up in my shoe...

[PitchFork]

sounds like your shoes are too small.
and yes to pedicure every now and then.

[CMOTDibbler]

If your nails hurt, your shoes are too small or the toe box isn't high enough.

[devilinmyshoes]

Sweatshop will exchange your shoes for free if you bought them within the past 30 days, doesn't matter if you've been running through swamps or what condition they are in. It's not until you've put a few miles on them that you can tell if they really suit you.

I'm 4.5-5 normal shoes and a 6-6.5 in running shoes, I need room for those toes to really spread out!

[devilinmyshoes]

In terms of care I cut my toenails and that's it!

[JeanGenie23]

I've had these running shoes for nearly a year now, I have double checked and I usually take a 7 and the shoes are an 8. I will go to sweatshop this weekend and see what they say.
Thank you all

[Jamiesmuddyknees]

I think a lot also depends on room in the toe box, different brands vary. I.changed shoes as it's only since clocking up miles in these shoes did they start to hurt. X

[Jamiesmuddyknees]

Excuse random x

[BikeRunSki]

Sounds like your shoes are a bit small, or too narrow across the toes. Your toes should not touch any part of the shoe other than the sole, even you wiggle them.

[JeanGenie23]

Bikerunski in that case shoes are definitely too narrow my toes touch the sides easily. My OH has always said I wear my shoes too tight and too small though because all my trainers end up with holes in them by my big toe I followed the advice from sales assistant in the shop but perhaps I need a size 8.5...

james they are mizuma, I like them because they were bouncy as I ran, will go back to the shop this weekend and try sort it. If I have to get new shoes I want to give myself as long as possible to wear them in before great north run

[AnnettePrice]

OP,
Maybe you need to stay the same size as the length might be right, but change the make/style for trainers that have a wide toe box. You can also get trainers that are wider than usual.
www.runandbecome.com/running-product-reviews/shoes/best-wide-fitting-running-shoes

Good luck finding the right pair for you,
And good luck for your marathon