Big toe bashing up against front of shoe

Jbo

Rookie
Hi guys, I'm in the market for some shoes and wanted some tips on what would help prevent my big toe bashing up against the front of the shoe (causing bruising underneath the nailbed).

Would a bit more space at the front of the shoe help with this, or should i get a pair of shoes with a very snug fit to prevent the movement/stubbing?

Cheers
 
Hi guys, I'm in the market for some shoes and wanted some tips on what would help prevent my big toe bashing up against the front of the shoe (causing bruising underneath the nailbed).

Would a bit more space at the front of the shoe help with this, or should i get a pair of shoes with a very snug fit to prevent the movement/stubbing?

Cheers

It's called 'toe jamming'. The Adidas Barricades were notorious at that. It's not just a case of getting a longer shoe or 0.5 size up. Some shoes just toe jam. Watch the TW review of the shoe you're thinking about buying. They're normally pretty good at pointing out shoes that toe jam and those that don't.
 

WarrenMP

Professional
Asics GR6. That is your solution. I had that problem with every tennis shoe but the GR6. The only issue with the GR6 is that if fits tight, but that just my foot type.
 

Jbo

Rookie
Cheers guys! Will research a little more into toe jamming.

Just in terms of the consideration set so far, I've only tried on Yonex Pro Cushions and Lunar Ballistecs. I'll also look to try some GR6s, but they're harder to find in Australia. Both shoes that I have tried on so far were very cushiony and supportive, I just wasn't sure if it would address the toe bashing. It's only my right big toe that suffers by the way, can't figure out why... but I do know that my right foot is slightly bigger than my left (not quite half a size up, but close to that).
 
I have had that problem in the past too. I second the Asics recommendation. Also KSwiss have been good to me. If you have that second eyelet at the top of the shoe, consider a lacing pattern called the heal lock. Look it up as it may help.
 

bigserving

Hall of Fame
I have the same issue as you. Mush of mine comes from serving and volleying. Here are a couple of things to try. Try using your laces. After putting your foot in your shoe, put your heel as far back as you can. Then, lace the laces closest to your toe quite tightly going all the way back, one lace at a time. The top of your foot, at some point should naturally be getting higher. Tightening all of the laces at the front of your shoes will help keep your feet from sliding forward.

If that does not work, try inserting a piece of foam, maybe an eighth to a quarter of an inch thick underneath the tongue or between the tongue and the laces. This will create more friction and more downforce on from the top of your foot. That also will help your foot from sliding forward. It has helped me.

Hope that was somewhat clear, good luck.
 

Rjtennis

Hall of Fame
I have a toe jamming problem with most shoes. Loosing toe nails in no fun!! I just bought a pair of the GR6's so hopefully they will be the ticket.
 

mikeler

Moderator
Wearing a pair of thick socks like Thorlo really keep your foot from moving around inside the shoe and help with the toe jam issue.
 

Jbo

Rookie
Thanks for all the tips on preventing toe jamming guys!!

Finally pulled the trigger on some shoes from the factory outlets today :)

First stop was Asics, tried on a Red/Black pair of the GR6s and they felt really great in the front section - snug fit up front as suggested by previous replies, but it felt very cushiony and supportive, like my whole front foot was wrapped up in pillows. Usually an RRP of $200 from what I've researched, but they were being offered at $140 so I was quite set on getting them. Asked the assistant to put em on hold while I went to the Nike outlet.

Secons stop, Nike...turns out they were having a fire sale! Asked the assistants if they had any tennis shoes and was disappointed to hear that they didn't. Had a gander at the clearance section and lo and behold..... Nike Vapor Tour 9.5s in my size!!!!!!! The Vapors felt roomier than the Asics, but still super comfortable and supportive as well. Only had the Grey/Blue colourway but at the price ($72 aud after all discounts), and I just had to snap up a pair! Tbh it took a lot of restraint to not buy two pairs, but I figured that I'd get a pair of both Nikes and Asics to compare as these are my first ever tennis shoe purchases... still wondering if I made the right choice as the Vapors were such great value. If they had another colour scheme... I'd most likely have left the shopping centre with 3 different pairs of tennis shoes ;)

Interestingly enough, when I went back to Asics for a final try of the GR6s, the ankle / heel support did not feel as locked in as the Vapors. I'll have to see how both play out on the court before I can compare properly. Both shoes were size 10.5 US.

SO EXCITED, CANT WAIT TO TRY!! :D
 
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Jbo

Rookie
Wearing a pair of thick socks like Thorlo really keep your foot from moving around inside the shoe and help with the toe jam issue.
I usually save my Nike dri fits for tennis days, but agree that they're not super plush. I also have a few pairs of underarmour socks that are more pillowy, but I've always preferred my Nike socks... the ventilation/breathability is always top notch. Never heard of Thorlo, are they American?
 
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