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u/Aggravating_Bee308

Image 1 — Black toenails & maceration on middle toes despite sizing up (Asics GT-2000). 24.4cm foot in EU 40. Need advice!
Image 2 — Black toenails & maceration on middle toes despite sizing up (Asics GT-2000). 24.4cm foot in EU 40. Need advice!
Image 3 — Black toenails & maceration on middle toes despite sizing up (Asics GT-2000). 24.4cm foot in EU 40. Need advice!
Image 4 — Black toenails & maceration on middle toes despite sizing up (Asics GT-2000). 24.4cm foot in EU 40. Need advice!
Image 5 — Black toenails & maceration on middle toes despite sizing up (Asics GT-2000). 24.4cm foot in EU 40. Need advice!
Image 6 — Black toenails & maceration on middle toes despite sizing up (Asics GT-2000). 24.4cm foot in EU 40. Need advice!
▲ 1 r/runningshoes+2 crossposts

Black toenails & maceration on middle toes despite sizing up (Asics GT-2000). 24.4cm foot in EU 40. Need advice!

NSFW/Graphic warning

Hi everyone,

I’m struggling with a persistent toe issue and I’m desperate for some advice. I’ve recently started running more seriously, but my middle three toes are getting absolutely crushed. I’m already getting black toenails and painful white maceration/blisters on the tips.

My Stats & Gear:

• Actual foot length: 24.4 cm (approx. 9.6 inches).

• Shoes: Asics GT-2000, Size EU 40 (25.5 cm insole). This gives me about 1.1–1.2 cm of space in front of my big toe.

• Anatomy: I have significant overpronation (feet collapsing inward) and an accessory navicular bone (extra bone on the inner side of the foot), which is why I chose stability shoes.

• Socks: Professional compression socks (CEP, Size III, Mid-cut).

• Lacing: I use the "Heel Lock" (runner’s loop) to prevent my heel from slipping.

The Problem:

Even though my big toe has plenty of room, my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th toes are suffering. It seems like the tapered toe box of the Asics is squishing them, or my foot is still sliding forward despite the heel lock. After every run, my middle toes are white/macerated and the nails are turning black. My big toe, however, is perfectly fine.

I’m attaching photos of my feet and toes immediately after a run (NSFW/Graphic warning: black nails and skin maceration). I have also included photos of my foot standing directly on the shoe's insole to show the size comparison and exactly where my toes sit relative to the front and sides of the shoe.

My questions for you:

  1. Looking at my foot on the insole, does the size EU 40 (25.5 cm) still look too small or too narrow for a 24.4 cm foot?

  2. Could the accessory navicular bone be forcing my foot into a weird position that causes the middle toes to strike the front of the shoe?

  3. Should I look for shoes with a wider/square toe box (like Altra or Topo), or is there a specific lacing technique for middle-toe pressure?

  4. Could the "Heel Lock" be too tight, or is it possible my feet are swelling more than average?

I appreciate any insights! I really want to keep running, but my toes can’t take it anymore.

u/Aggravating_Bee308 — 4 days ago