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.

How did you rehab them?
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?
Years of backpacking, trail crews, and running.

How did you rehab them?
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?
Lots of long runs.

How did you rehab them?
I didn't.

How did they get that way?
Amateur foot surgery following Thames Path 100 mile race.

How did you rehab them?
I didn't. Toenails don't have any practical use do they?

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

How did you rehab them?
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!

How did you rehab them?
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!!

Want to keep this from happening to you? Visit our 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!).

How did you rehab them?
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?
Training for the 30K Around The Bay and various trail runs

How did you rehab them?
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.

How did you rehab them?
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!

How did you rehab them?
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.

How did you rehab them?
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?
My feet got that way strictly from running!

How did you rehab them?
I did absolutely nothing to rehab them except for continuing to run.

How did they get that way?
Running.

How did you rehab them?
Massage.

How did they get that way?
Running a marathon.

How did you rehab them?
I took a week off, popped and drained the blister, and eventually removed the toenail.

Want to keep your feet from ending up on this list? Visit our blisters resource page.

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

How did you rehab them?
Bandages and cushy socks.

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

How did you rehab them?
The occasional pedicure and foot rubs from people who can stand to touch them.

How did they get that way?
I always get black toenails!

How did you rehab them?
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.

How did you rehab them?
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.

How did you rehab them?
Recumbent elliptical so I could put my surgical foot up and still get a cardio workout in.

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

How did you rehab them?
No rehab. It's an ongoing issue. Hasn't stopped me yet.