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Discussion: Sore Toes



Something I have been noticing more in the last few years is I have been getting sore toes during a game. It seems that my toes ram into the inside front of the shoe making them sore in the last few innings of the game. I feel the toe soreness on both feet. I wear different brands of shoes Boombah, Mizuno and even Reebok running shoes. It doesn't seem to make any difference. My foot size is 10.5 and the shoes are 11's. Should I go to 11.5's? Wear two pairs of sox?

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated, especially from my sore toes!





Replace the insoles.My guess is they are flat as pancakes when they should have an ortho shape curve to them .Tear out the old and replace. I suggest Shock Doctor brand.In fact I replace the insoles even on a brand new pair of shoes.

Thanks for the info.

I forgot to mention that it seems that the middle 3 toes on each foot seem to hurt more than the big or little toes. Also I forgot to mention I play outfield and run bases for other guys 2 to 4 times a game.

Any distance runners out there?






Does Turf type shoes have more or less traction than rubber cleated softball shoes?
I wear Boombah turf shoes and have had the same problem. I use a Dr Scholl's lightweight insert (very thin foam pad). I cut the insert 3/4-1" short so that my toes are not pressed upwards against the inside top of the toe box.
This has made a huge difference for me.
BW
IMO Boombah is the worst in design, quality and customer service. 3n2's cost more but they fit a seniors foot better, they last longer and are superior in support and comfort.
Elite turfs are light and comfy & have great traction.
i also tie my shoes with my heel as far back as possible(and as tight as i can take) to prevent sliding back and forth in the shoe.....doesn't take much for the toes to hurt and this seems to help some....haven't found a shoe yet that will prevent this tho for me......
I like Lite Tanels.Get them about a half size larger than your regular shoe size. Get a good pair of inserts, and you should be good to go. I bought mine at Reno last year. If you are going to that tournament, stop by their display and try some on.
As I was running around today I noticed that wearing socks that are made of a smooth or silk like material causes my foot to slide inside the shoe more than when wearing regular athletic socks.
Had both toe and heel soreness with cleated shoes. Went to the Tanel turf and put in x-tra heel cushions. As mentioned above got 1/2 size bigger. No problems since. Traction has been no problem even on wet outfield grass.
I have the same issues which I believe has a lot to do with how much your feet sweat and really doesn't have anything to do with the shoe itself. I have found that socks play a big role with that. I have tried all types of "moisture wicking" socks including expensive basketball socks but my feet still slide within the shoe. Ultimately I found some very thick cotton socks that seem to be able to absorb the moisture and I have not have had issues with my toes. I am an outfielder and pinch run a lot so I literally feel your pain. I wish I could tell you what type/brand they are but I don't know. I would look for very thick, all-cotton socks and try that. Hopefully you can find something that helps. I know how much you suffer when your feet hurt and you have to play. Good luck.
I have used many cleated and non cleated shoes playing outfield and shortstop with similar discomfort. In my case, the shoes were too small or too big and I was wearing the wrong socks. I went to a breathable/Coolplus micro-mesh, padded sock, with superior padding support to the heels, toes, and the ball of your feet (supporting the plantar arches of your feet). I also switch to a trail shoe. Listen to me first before forming an opinion. I went with the New Balance Minimus Zero Trail V2 shoe with toe protect. This shoe handles well on grass, dirt, and turf and does well on wet surfaces. Light weight shoe with no discomfort.
I have also worn trail shoes for several years after experiencing foot and achilles problems. Most recently, I have been wearing New Balance 876's, although I don't believe they are available any longer. I play outfield and have not experienced any traction problems, even on wet fields. Trail shoes will typically have more cushioning than standard cleats or turf shoes, but they have a more aggressive tread and more sideways stability than pure running shoes, particularly if you go to some of the higher end models.

I have noticed on the softballfans.com website that even some of the younger guys are starting to move to trail shoes. The New Balance Minimus Zero Trail V@ mentioned above gets very good revues from them, as does the Solomon Speedcross.
It's not your socks, nor more than likely your shoes. It's wear and tear from all the years.

I don't wear the white cotton socks, but I buy the black athletic socks (adidas) as they are more comfortable over the long day. If you want a good pair of athletic socks, buy the Under Armour baseball socks. Push 'em down, or wear 'em up.

New Balance now has a turf shoe which runs about $90.00 a pair, but they are easy on the feet.

Best to consult a podiatrist if you're having constant trouble.
Guys and Gals playing softball in shoes that are not really softball type shoes seems to be the new trend. Lots of players are wearing running shoes for softball. The advantages of running shoes is that they are generally lighter in weight, more comfortable to wear and can be used for more than one sport.
? - just saw a video on you tube that may help with the sore toes.
Check out illumiseen lace lock on you tube
Video shows how to cinch laces using the 2 highest holes ( that many people choose not to use)
Just went to my shoes and sure enough I don't use them either.
Hope that helps-
ps- i suffered the black toenails for years in my marathon running days so I feel you pain.
good luck
I have had that problem for a few years. Mine is caused by neuropathy in my feet and legs. I have found that Vicks VaporRub does a pretty good job on them.
k man

I JUST LEARNED SOMETHING ABOUT TIEING SHOE LACES!

I alway wondered what those second holes were for.
Thank you, thank you for the info.
I will tie my shoes like that when I play ball tomorrow and I hope it solves my sore toes problem.




I agree! Awesome advise.
Viewed video on laces. Learned something new and have been trying to play ball for some sixty years. THANKS!!!
If anyone else is looking for the video, here it is. Looks to be helpful.

http://youtu.be/IijQyX_YCKA

Tony Baltazar
So Cal 55's - Major
Today I played ball with my shoes laced as seen in the video. They were my Reebok running shoes. I can report that my toes did not get sore.

On Thursday I will try wearing my Boombah shoes laced as in the video and see what happens to my toes.

I've laced my shoes in that manner on occasions for years. It's not really anything new.
Of course it's nothing new.
Those extra holes have been in shoes for years.
So why didn't you mention it earlier when help was being asked for?
Dear Shut Up & Pitch,

Not all shoes have the "extra" hole. You can loop them without it.

Everybody's foot is most likely different, as are shoes. I've never looped with the "extra" hole. I've done things different depending on shoe lace length, and the shoes I was wearing at the time.

If lacing the shoes that way stops the toes from hurting, go for it. If it doesn't, see a doctor if pain is persistent.

Your mileage may vary,

Wayne 37
I can now report that I HAVE NOT experienced any sore toes lately.
So it seems that tieing my shoe laces as shown in the video has solved my problem. Or at least relieved the problem a great deal.

k man
Thank you for your information and help.


PS
My toes also want to thank you!



?
glad to be of assistance! :)
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