The dark days give athletes more time to take care of frequently neglected topics, such as foot care. Here are the best tips.

Nothing is more annoying than doing your usual running training in pain due to an ingrown or too long toenail and having to take a break for a longer period of time. But what should be kept in mind when cutting your toenails?

Soften the nails

To make cutting your nails easier, you should soak them in a warm bath beforehand. Not for too long, however, otherwise the skin will become too soft and thus increase the risk of injury.

Nail scissors and nail clippers

Thinner toenails are best cut with nail scissors. Nail clippers are recommended for thicker toenails.

Don’t cut them too short

Toenails should not be cut too short, otherwise they will grow into the flesh at the side. If the nail edge is too short, it can result in cornification and inflammation in the tips of the toes. The length of the toenails is correct if they do not hit your running shoes.

Pay heed to the optimal shape

The ideal toenail shape is a concave (curved) shape with slightly rounded corners. The shape of the tip of the toes indicates the shape of the nail edge. Above all, do not cut the toenails too much at the corners and cut them as straight as possible, so that the corners do not grow into the skin. The smaller the cutting paths selected, the less cutting force is required and the straighter the cutting line.

Smooth edges with file

After cutting the nail, the cut edges should be smoothed and straightened with a file. Proper nail filing also prevents the nail tips from injuring the adjacent toes. Those who regularly shorten their toenails with a file can set the scissors completely aside.

Apply cream

After cutting your toenails, we recommended rubbing a slightly greasy cream into your feet to nourish the skin and help prevent cornification.

Cut your nails before a rest day

Runners should ideally cut their toenails before a rest day. Immediately after you cut your nails, the nail bed is exposed and can easily become red and inflamed when running.

Never take part in a competition immediately after cutting your nails

Never compete with freshly cut nails, otherwise blisters and injuries can easily form on the still sharp nail edges.

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