Thread: Correctly fitting boots

I read a book on fixing your feet for trail running that talks about black toenails, and how prevention through nail maintenance is a major factor

For your toenails, try clipping them as short as possible, leaving the edges square (to prevent ingrown nails). Once you have clipped them, grab a file and smooth the nails so there are no jagged edges at all, run your side to side and from top to bottom and back up feeling for sharp edges.

Another option is to tape your toes using strapping tape (I use leukotape). From the Fixing your feet website on taping for blisters https://www.fixingyourfeet.com/taping-for-blisters/

The 1-inch Kinesio Tex tape is great for toes because it molds well and is stretchy. Micropore is also good for toes. Tape only the last two joints, avoiding the crease at the base of the toes. Roll the tape around the toe, overlapping over the toenails for a double-layer but keeping a single-layer on the sides of the toes. Fold the excess over at the tips of the toes, pinching the top and bottom together. Since both tapes are stretchy, the overlapping of the tape is not an issue here as it is with duct tape. Cut off any wrinkles or corners of the tape with sharp scissors, so it conforms to your toe perfectly.

On my last trail run using toe taping, I came away minus 1 nail and had one blister. I suspect these were caused by me meddling with the tape more than anything.
My previous run without tape, I lost 5 toe nails and few blisters.