How long should you break in sneakers before going running?

And on a similar note, I know of a bunch of people who have lost toenails from running. How do I prevent this from happening to me?

Re: How long should you break in sneakers before going running?

I'm one of those people - well I'm about to lose a toenail - I just hope the podiatrist can help it and that it will grow back! As for runner's toe...it's when you start doing a lot of miles, your shoes are too small (buy 1/2 bigger), your nails aren't completely trimmed or you run a lot of downhill.


as for breaking them in...I usually start breaking my shoes in on my lwo mile days...and work up to the whole week. There are other people who have two sets of running shoes and alternate their pairs each run.

Re: How long should you break in sneakers before going running?

So normally I am a 7.5 in sneakers. Should I buy an 8 then? Or just try on the 7.5 and make sure I have enough room?

Re: How long should you break in sneakers before going running?

I would say buy the 8. Aside from wearing socks which take up room, you also have to remember that the stopping motion will make your foot slide slighty and you want to give it that room. But go to a REAL running store (not d!cks or sports authority) and ask them. They will probably have you run around in them and see how each size feels.

Message edited 7/23/2009 8:00:12 AM.

Re: How long should you break in sneakers before going running?

up until pregnancy I was an 8/8.5 and always bought 8s in running shoes...thinking I had enough room. not sure if that was the problem...since the nail problem started in HS (but I also ran without socks in HS - gross I know...but they didn't have great little socks back then and cross-country started in AUgust...blech)


after my pregnancies, my foot grew to 8.5/9 I'm trying a 9 now in running shoes and it feels big...but I'm hoping that it will help save my toe.

Re: How long should you break in sneakers before going running?

Shoe size - I go up a 1/2 a size to a full size from my regular dress shoe size. I wear a 8.5 shoe so my sneakers are a 9 or 9.5. Asics I was a 9 ...now in Mizuno I wear a 9.5. You should have a fingers width of room between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe.

Breaking In - I don't usually do this much because I wear the same sneakers for a few years...meaning the same make and model so I will do at least one or two 6 milers and then go out for a long run in them.

Toe Nails - I have lost my fair share. I really don't think you can prevent them except to make sure your sneakers fit right. For me, I have lost them while training when I do a lot of speed and hill work....otherwise I can usually avoid them. As for blisters and calluses...I live with these!

Re: How long should you break in sneakers before going running?

Re: How long should you break in sneakers before going running?

I'm only on week 5 of couch to 5k, lol! So I don't have any long runs yet But I will definitely get a 1/2 size up. I don't want any toe problems.