The Grossest Runners’ Feet You’ve Ever Seen

How did they get that way?
I got this lovely blister after running my first half marathon this February! I have always been blister prone, but this one was the worst I've had.

All About 75 Hard?
After limping through the airport and around my college campus the next day, I used a sterilized needle to drain it, which was difficult because the blister formed under a callus, then kept it clean and bandaged and took it easy for a week. I went back to running the next week, but it took about three weeks to completely heal.

How did they get that way?
Best Running Shoes 2025.

All About 75 Hard?
My feet got that way strictly from running.

How did they get that way?
I didnt. Toenails dont have any practical use do they.

All About 75 Hard?
I didn't.

How did they get that way?
How to Treat Shin Splints.

All About 75 Hard?
I didn't. Toenails don't have any practical use do they?

How did they get that way?
Running the Air Force Marathon.

All About 75 Hard?
Lots of tender walking. Band-Aid Advanced Healing Blister bandages helped big time here. After this race, I switched to minimalist shoes and haven't had blisters like that since.

[112 Miles, 3 River Crossings, 0 Foot Problems: Here’s What I Wore]

How did they get that way?
The toenail started off turning black, and I assumed it would fall off. That toenail kept hanging on for dear life and instead of falling off a hematoma grew underneath the nail and kept getting bigger and bigger. Then the ugly thing in the picture formed! Meanwhile, the same thing was starting with my second toe on the other foot!

All About 75 Hard?
I went to a podiatrist and he debrided both second toenails saying they SHOULD grow back normal. He was wrong. Both second toes still have dried up hematomas underneath them and one of them turned black again after my race last weekend!!

Bandages and cushy socks black toenails resource page.

How did they get that way?
I ran (and completed) the Keys100 on May 16 and 17 (32 1/2 hours) without stopping to change my shoes or socks (a bad idea, in retrospect!).

All About 75 Hard?
Four of the toenails were so badly damaged from the salty bath in my socks that they had partially separated. I kept the toes dry (except for showering) for four days and at that point I was able to peel the nails back toward the tip of each toe. I then used scissors to trim the dried nail and skin away. Three days later I got a manicure and everything was good to go!

How did they get that way?
Study Says VO2 Max Better Health Marker Than BMI

All About 75 Hard?
Just let the toenail fall off! Who needs them anyway?? No pedicure for me this year, I may scare the esthetician away!

How did they get that way?
Training for the Miami Half Marathon in Chicago...during winter...with lots of snow...and slush...and -30 degree windchill. I had frostbite on all 10 toes, and lost four toenails.

All About 75 Hard?
I saw a really great podiatrist who removed the dead toenails, and shaved off the frostbite.

How did they get that way?
These feet have run over 1,000 miles for several years, including seven marathons, and one foot has also gone through bunion surgery. Bruised and missing toenails, calluses, and scars...proud of these nasty feet!

All About 75 Hard?
I am extra careful, so I don't stub the fresh blisters. I "trim down" calluses but I really don't do much. My boyfriend even refuses to touch my feet in fear he will lose a toenail!

How did they get that way?
About 45 miles per week on roads and trails…And gravity.

All About 75 Hard?
I pulled two nails off when they were ready, drained the blood from a big toe on accident when I squeezed it too hard, a few Epsom salt soaks. But most importantly, I keep pounding the pavement!

How did they get that way?
How Run/Walk Intervals Can Improve Back Pain!

All About 75 Hard?
My feet get regular Epsom salt baths, and I wear sandals as much as possible to keep them dry.

How did they get that way?
Running.

All About 75 Hard?
Massage.

How did they get that way?
Running a marathon.

All About 75 Hard?
I took a week off, popped and drained the blister, and eventually removed the toenail.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below blisters resource page.

How did they get that way?
After my first trail race. You don't feel it until it's over!

All About 75 Hard?
How did you rehab them.

How did they get that way?
80 mile weeks chasing a sub-3 hour Chicago Marathon!

All About 75 Hard?
The Benefits of Running 10 Minutes a Day.

How did they get that way?
It was disgusting!

All About 75 Hard?
No rehab…they just eventually fall off!

How did they get that way?
Hood to Coast 2014. Too many miles in too short of time with my poor toes squished into the way too narrow top of my shoes.

All About 75 Hard?
I had to drain three blood blisters from under my toenails. And I had to remove two nails completely. Band-Aids helped too.

How did they get that way?
Started running in 2005...next thing I know I needed surgery to cut and lengthen tendons and repinning of dislocated toes.

All About 75 Hard?
All About 75 Hard.

How did they get that way?
One to two big trail runs a week.

All About 75 Hard?
No rehab. It's an ongoing issue. Hasn't stopped me yet.