Ok, I'm 61 years old and have been running and walking for a long time now. :) This has only become an issue over the past 10 years or so and it's definitely the shoe's fault and it may even be "planned obsolescence". IMHO over the past 10 years or so manufactures have just started using cheaper and lighter weight/less durable material in that part of the shoe especially running shoes and or gym shoes. Also it doesn't seem to be just one or two brands it's across the board which is why people are making videos about it. I never had this problem years ago when I was in the Army and did a lot of running. It's definitely the cheep flimsy light weight material they're using. So yes, we need to put something in our shoes to prevent this because clearly the manufactures don't care and don't want your shoes to last more than a few months as opposed to several years like they used to.
Very interesting Dave, thanks for sharing this information. What are your thoughts on the runners who wear these cheap material shoes and never get holes? If I were to guess, it would be a combination of someone’s movement pattern+cheap material? Thoughts?
@@RunSmarterwithBrodieSharpe Salute After twisting my ankle , digiging holes begins to appear in my shoes : that injury causes my poor dorsoflexion , so combinatiom of strechening with shoes shild is a must. Thanks for video bro, helps a lot ! Ps : if runer has great dorsoflexion cheap shoes will be fine. It is not shoe's fallt.
I totally agree. It would take very little effort for the manufacturer to cover the big toe area. I’m sitting here right now looking at an expensive pair of running shoes that have barely been used, but have a hole that makes them look like crap.
This is the same for me. Any shoes I wear that have mesh over the toe where a hole but it’s primarily on my right foot the right foot would develop a whole big enough to near stick the end of my toe through before the left toe starts to have a visible hole.
I've been getting theese holes in all my running shoes, it's very annoying to throw away shoes that are perfectly fine aside for having hole on the big toe. Some models survive longer than the others, for instance once I bought Saucony shoes which last just about a month! I've ran only about 120km with them. Very frustrating. I will definetely try the exercises!
Shoe manufacturers know this is a common problem and they bank on that fact.. it would only require tiny extra material in that area to completely solve, but they choose the cheap option. I would pay more for a shoe that simply has that area reinforced
When I first got into running my parents bought me ASICS. I loved them but within 3 months there was a hole in the toe area in the right shoe only. Bought another pair of ASICS and again a hole appeared in the same right side toe area. I switched to Brooks and never had this problem again. Since then I’ve tried Brooks, Saucony, New Balance, and Hoka all with no problems. If this happens to you, try a different brand.
2 Saucony’s I have (Guide 15 and Kinvara 13) both had this problem despite barely wearing them (around 35 miles each); on the contrary, my ASICS Trabuco 11 which I have ran over 200 miles is still intact. I am extremely disappointed with Saucony, which has chosen lately to became a fashion brand opposed to a serious running shoes brand, using very cheap material to their shoes.
@healthyhappyhero SAME! It has only been with Asics, which I actually LOVE. I never had this happen with Adidas or New Balance. Also, for me, it's only the right foot as well. Hmm. Ok I will try the other brands you mentioned ASAP. Thanks!
Really interesting theory, Brodie! I think I've been a 'toe flexer' in the past, but through some variations of the exercises you're showing here, I've inadvertently succeeded in re-training my toes to not flex so much..
Thanks for doing this video. Very informative. I will give a go to your tips and see if it helps! Yes, I have this hole issue in all my running shoes. I am considering using those shoe adhesive patches for the toe box. Let see which of these tips helps!
Interesting. Makes sense. This only happens to me with running shoes regardless of the brand. But when the running shoes model has a vulcanized toe cap, the hole problem is solved. Now it is much more difficult to find this model of running shoes, they are almost all made of breathable mesh. I don't think I lose anything by doing your exercises. Thanks!
Ever since I developed joint trouble in my left foot, I've had this problem. The hole I get in my right shoe isn't as large. (I even get holes in my socks- so frustrating!) I'm sure it is the way I am walking/running- but I also agree that shoe manufacturers should reinforce the tops of shoes. Shoes used to be more durable!
What you’ve explained I can relate to especially when wearing flip flops. Post a ten year period of competitive running and I’m still putting holes in my shoes
That's an interesting point about the flip flops. I spent a TON of time in flip flops as a teen and wonder if I just got used to holding my shoe on with my toes
In my case, it's the shoe and my toenail. Never had this issue crop up until I bought a pair with a thin material. And my toenails tend to grow very fast and I don't clip them so often, so it contributed to the problem for sure. But fairly easy to mend the hole, I did it myself.
If the problem IS the runner’s fault, the shoe manufacturer should still reinforce the big toe area. The only explanation for not doing so, is that they know you’ll just buy a new pair. The hole doesn’t form until the shoe is used and dirty. The wearer thinks there’s no way you can return a well-used shoe. It’s a total ripoff. There should be a replacement guarantee.
I am power walker, not a runner. I have holes in the top of two pairs of Asics and also two pairs of Allbirds sneakers. Others seem to have the same issue with Asics. Disappointing since the GT2000's are a favorite for my plantar fasciitis. Hoping the exercises help, thanks for a good video.
I get these holes and I'm not a runner. I get them from working out in the gym with a range of floor, lifting, cycling, rowing and treadmill running. So, even if your theory is correct, can't we just have a reinforced section at the top of the shoe???
I’d say so, there are products that help reinforce the shoe and they work pretty well. The shoes I used in this video weren’t from me, but from my mother in law who walks and cycles. She has since reinforced her shoes and it works well
I thought this was due to ankle flexibility but my left side, where I have more of an issue is more flexible. This makes sense that it’s a strength issue. I’ll give the exercises a go. Thank you.
I think that this is just caused by repeated friction from the toe rubbing against the thin material that most shoes have around the toe area. Having been a runner all my life, this has just happened to me for the first time with Asics Gel Nimbus. Around the front of this shoe, there is a much more solid material used to keep the shape of the shoe however this thicker material stops just short of where my toe meets the shoe - had it been there, I would not have had the holes develop. I have also had holes develop in the same position on both shoes at the heel which is made of quite thin material and will just be down to friction. I am buying new shoes now and will definitely be looking for ones that have a more solid material around the toe.
I’m not a runner but for decades now I wear my right toe and sometimes right pinky toe. If I make them work/yard shoes and wear them long enough the left foot will wear the toe. By that time I can near stick my whole big toe through.
I'm here because I just got home from a 10k and when I took off my shoes, there was a hole in my (almost brand new) $30 wool socks from The Running Room. That was the last straw after putting a toe box hole in my Speed 1s AND my Triumph 19s. Get this - I got a toe box hole in the Triumphs after only 50k! And I've worn the socks for even fewer kms. That's not the weirdest part, it's only my left foot! Even weirder again - it's my right foot that's slightly bigger! So, I think your theory is correct and now I need to figure out which muscle group in my left foot needs work. Thanks for the video!
I disagree with not blaming the shoes. Literally the only brand of shoe that this has consistently happened for me is ASICS. I’m on my 3rd pair that this happened. The last two developed a hole above the big toe within 6 weeks. I took the last 2 pairs back and exchanged them and now my current pair, which granted has lasted longer this time, has developed the same problem. The shop assistant at ASICS told me it’s a known flaw with the shoes. I’ll never buy ASICS again. No way are they worth the money
I've only had this happen on one pair of shoes, ever, and just put it down to a poor quality product. even though it was a top selling brand. Interesting video, thanks.
How about Asics creates a shoe that doesn't get a hole in it? Crazy to depend on the company to make a quality product. I say this because I have about 8 pairs of asics for work. I don't run, I just walk on concrete, a lot. I recently purchased a beautiful pair of shoes and the hole started at the toe by the end of the 1st MONTH! By the 4th month it just got bigger. I filled out, yet another warranty form, but I find that this is a consistent ASICS problem. They wouldn't give me money back, so needless to say, my replacement pair will be my last.
Do you think toe yoga would be helpful for this as well? I always get a hole on my left foot from my big toe. Realizing it comes up when I run since having stress fracture in that foot and getting back into my normal gait.
Thanks for watching Emma. I think toe yoga would do the opposite as this exercise is encouraging toe extension. Unless you are performing it differently?
I run with Asics, the cumulus has developed a toe hole whijst the Nimbus is perfect. My New Balance slso develop ed a toe hole and sides are giving way. All three shoes bought in the same year.
This is happening to my 13 year old son, size 11 mens shoe. 3 pairs of Nikes, all different styles. He has a very large"Big toe". Interestingly enough though, he does walk like the video shown. He is also a wrestler so is used to using his toes a lot. Has not happened (yet!) with the wrestling shoes. Could be the shoes AND the way he walks 🤔
The blame should go on the shoe companies, not on individual walking/running styles. Shoe designers need to properly test and modify their construction accordingly to last longer and not develop holes. I'm a 50 year old walker, not a runner. I'm not gonna change the way I walk!!
I’m 69 years old and my husband is 75. We can assure you that it *is* the shoes’ fault. This wasn’t a problem even as little as 20 years ago. I’m thinking of putting a patch inside the big toe area on my next pair of brand new shoes as prevention.
Another one of those arguments blaming the consumer “you’re using it wrong” kind of style. The fix is easy, and manufacturers can totally solve this with a reinforcement material. But hey, sales of shoes would get down, so who wants that?
Insert for the soles? Wouldn't that make the toe more likely to rub against the top material? Do you have a link for a specific insert? I truly cannot afford keep replacing my son's shoes. Thank you!
not in my case, my big toenail even when cut short is like in a 45 degree, so especially with heavy training and sports my shoes always got this hole...i know a lot of people with same issues Fortunately, my right big toenail fell off and regrow but much straighter, now the toe hole stops on the right side, it hurts but its worth it 😂😂😂...now waiting for my left toe to fall off accidentally someday, 😂
i have now bought my second on running shoes in july and now they already have a hole and now its september. and that is the second time now with this brand.I hate this company
Ok its the peoples fault because they dont train their feet muscles correctly haha good joke my friend.i tell you what that is thats a scam of the spirts industry since these bs shoes came on the market my shoes only lasted for only a year due to these holes and i was not even wearing the shoe to run just to walk and im talkin about brands like on running that are priced in a higher price range
Ok, I'm 61 years old and have been running and walking for a long time now. :) This has only become an issue over the past 10 years or so and it's definitely the shoe's fault and it may even be "planned obsolescence". IMHO over the past 10 years or so manufactures have just started using cheaper and lighter weight/less durable material in that part of the shoe especially running shoes and or gym shoes. Also it doesn't seem to be just one or two brands it's across the board which is why people are making videos about it. I never had this problem years ago when I was in the Army and did a lot of running. It's definitely the cheep flimsy light weight material they're using. So yes, we need to put something in our shoes to prevent this because clearly the manufactures don't care and don't want your shoes to last more than a few months as opposed to several years like they used to.
Very interesting Dave, thanks for sharing this information. What are your thoughts on the runners who wear these cheap material shoes and never get holes? If I were to guess, it would be a combination of someone’s movement pattern+cheap material? Thoughts?
Totally agree in mass production without the quality improvement in fabric and toe house.
@@RunSmarterwithBrodieSharpe Salute
After twisting my ankle , digiging holes begins to appear in my shoes : that injury causes my poor dorsoflexion , so combinatiom of strechening with shoes shild is a must. Thanks for video bro, helps a lot !
Ps : if runer has great dorsoflexion cheap shoes will be fine. It is not shoe's fallt.
I totally agree. It would take very little effort for the manufacturer to cover the big toe area. I’m sitting here right now looking at an expensive pair of running shoes that have barely been used, but have a hole that makes them look like crap.
I’m
Not even a runner and still have this problem
@@5ashll303 I know a few people like that too
This is the same for me. Any shoes I wear that have mesh over the toe where a hole but it’s primarily on my right foot the right foot would develop a whole big enough to near stick the end of my toe through before the left toe starts to have a visible hole.
I've been getting theese holes in all my running shoes, it's very annoying to throw away shoes that are perfectly fine aside for having hole on the big toe. Some models survive longer than the others, for instance once I bought Saucony shoes which last just about a month! I've ran only about 120km with them. Very frustrating. I will definetely try the exercises!
I feel your frustration
Shoe manufacturers know this is a common problem and they bank on that fact.. it would only require tiny extra material in that area to completely solve, but they choose the cheap option. I would pay more for a shoe that simply has that area reinforced
Agreed, I find it similar to the iPhone battery that used to die after 1-2 years 🙄🙄
At least with an iphone you use it constantly. Im having this problem with my adidas and i dont run every day. Never buying them again.
When I first got into running my parents bought me ASICS. I loved them but within 3 months there was a hole in the toe area in the right shoe only. Bought another pair of ASICS and again a hole appeared in the same right side toe area. I switched to Brooks and never had this problem again. Since then I’ve tried Brooks, Saucony, New Balance, and Hoka all with no problems. If this happens to you, try a different brand.
Thanks for sharing this is really helpful!
2 Saucony’s I have (Guide 15 and Kinvara 13) both had this problem despite barely wearing them (around 35 miles each); on the contrary, my ASICS Trabuco 11 which I have ran over 200 miles is still intact. I am extremely disappointed with Saucony, which has chosen lately to became a fashion brand opposed to a serious running shoes brand, using very cheap material to their shoes.
@healthyhappyhero SAME! It has only been with Asics, which I actually LOVE. I never had this happen with Adidas or New Balance. Also, for me, it's only the right foot as well. Hmm. Ok I will try the other brands you mentioned ASAP. Thanks!
I have this problem o my 3 pairs of Adidas Galaxy M4
ASICS is the only brand that was a problem. I won’t buy a shoe with the cheap fabric again.
Really interesting theory, Brodie! I think I've been a 'toe flexer' in the past, but through some variations of the exercises you're showing here, I've inadvertently succeeded in re-training my toes to not flex so much..
Thanks for doing this video. Very informative. I will give a go to your tips and see if it helps! Yes, I have this hole issue in all my running shoes. I am considering using those shoe adhesive patches for the toe box. Let see which of these tips helps!
Interesting. Makes sense. This only happens to me with running shoes regardless of the brand. But when the running shoes model has a vulcanized toe cap, the hole problem is solved. Now it is much more difficult to find this model of running shoes, they are almost all made of breathable mesh. I don't think I lose anything by doing your exercises. Thanks!
@@JB.4150 thanks for watching JB
Ever since I developed joint trouble in my left foot, I've had this problem. The hole I get in my right shoe isn't as large. (I even get holes in my socks- so frustrating!) I'm sure it is the way I am walking/running- but I also agree that shoe manufacturers should reinforce the tops of shoes. Shoes used to be more durable!
What you’ve explained I can relate to especially when wearing flip flops. Post a ten year period of competitive running and I’m still putting holes in my shoes
Thanks for watching and commenting 😍😍 I am glad you found it useful.
That's an interesting point about the flip flops. I spent a TON of time in flip flops as a teen and wonder if I just got used to holding my shoe on with my toes
In my case, it's the shoe and my toenail. Never had this issue crop up until I bought a pair with a thin material. And my toenails tend to grow very fast and I don't clip them so often, so it contributed to the problem for sure. But fairly easy to mend the hole, I did it myself.
Since 20% of runners have this problem you would think a shoe manufacturer might design a shoe less likely to have this problem.
If the problem IS the runner’s fault, the shoe manufacturer should still reinforce the big toe area. The only explanation for not doing so, is that they know you’ll just buy a new pair. The hole doesn’t form until the shoe is used and dirty. The wearer thinks there’s no way you can return a well-used shoe. It’s a total ripoff. There should be a replacement guarantee.
I am power walker, not a runner. I have holes in the top of two pairs of Asics and also two pairs of Allbirds sneakers. Others seem to have the same issue with Asics. Disappointing since the GT2000's are a favorite for my plantar fasciitis. Hoping the exercises help, thanks for a good video.
@@nancymiller6777 you’re welcome good luck!
My toes always crack when I walk 😞 I’m hoping this strengthening will help that
I notice my toe raise more when running steep downhills, does this make sense based on on the lack of strength in the group2 extensor muscles.
I get these holes and I'm not a runner. I get them from working out in the gym with a range of floor, lifting, cycling, rowing and treadmill running. So, even if your theory is correct, can't we just have a reinforced section at the top of the shoe???
I’d say so, there are products that help reinforce the shoe and they work pretty well. The shoes I used in this video weren’t from me, but from my mother in law who walks and cycles. She has since reinforced her shoes and it works well
I thought this was due to ankle flexibility but my left side, where I have more of an issue is more flexible. This makes sense that it’s a strength issue. I’ll give the exercises a go. Thank you.
I’d be interested to see how you go 👏
Tell me why my shoes have a hole but my socks are fine. Why are socks tougher than the mesh shoe?!
@@kathleenrodgers5357 good question! I’d say the sock are more flexible and you rotate through multiple socks compared to only a few shoes
I think that this is just caused by repeated friction from the toe rubbing against the thin material that most shoes have around the toe area.
Having been a runner all my life, this has just happened to me for the first time with Asics Gel Nimbus. Around the front of this shoe, there is a much more solid material used to keep the shape of the shoe however this thicker material stops just short of where my toe meets the shoe - had it been there, I would not have had the holes develop. I have also had holes develop in the same position on both shoes at the heel which is made of quite thin material and will just be down to friction.
I am buying new shoes now and will definitely be looking for ones that have a more solid material around the toe.
I’m not a runner but for decades now I wear my right toe and sometimes right pinky toe. If I make them work/yard shoes and wear them long enough the left foot will wear the toe. By that time I can near stick my whole big toe through.
If you put pressure on the small toes the large toe dost sit properly and how we walk changes
I'm here because I just got home from a 10k and when I took off my shoes, there was a hole in my (almost brand new) $30 wool socks from The Running Room. That was the last straw after putting a toe box hole in my Speed 1s AND my Triumph 19s. Get this - I got a toe box hole in the Triumphs after only 50k! And I've worn the socks for even fewer kms. That's not the weirdest part, it's only my left foot! Even weirder again - it's my right foot that's slightly bigger! So, I think your theory is correct and now I need to figure out which muscle group in my left foot needs work. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for sharing. It’s a good example to hone in on my theory
We maybe toe twins 🙄
I disagree with not blaming the shoes. Literally the only brand of shoe that this has consistently happened for me is ASICS. I’m on my 3rd pair that this happened. The last two developed a hole above the big toe within 6 weeks. I took the last 2 pairs back and exchanged them and now my current pair, which granted has lasted longer this time, has developed the same problem. The shop assistant at ASICS told me it’s a known flaw with the shoes. I’ll never buy ASICS again. No way are they worth the money
I've only had this happen on one pair of shoes, ever, and just put it down to a poor quality product. even though it was a top selling brand. Interesting video, thanks.
You’re welcome! Thank for watching. And agree there is probably different quality mesh on different shoes.
How about Asics creates a shoe that doesn't get a hole in it? Crazy to depend on the company to make a quality product. I say this because I have about 8 pairs of asics for work. I don't run, I just walk on concrete, a lot. I recently purchased a beautiful pair of shoes and the hole started at the toe by the end of the 1st MONTH! By the 4th month it just got bigger. I filled out, yet another warranty form, but I find that this is a consistent ASICS problem. They wouldn't give me money back, so needless to say, my replacement pair will be my last.
I'm thinking of buying Luna Sandals because of this problem. This has happened just recently. I've tried bigger sizes and the problem persists.
I switched to barefoot shoes and world of a difference, Hykes Flex are my new favorite shoe. I will never go back to regular shoes.
This is a recent problem, maybe shoe makers could go back to making shoes that cant be ripped open by a toe.
Do you think toe yoga would be helpful for this as well? I always get a hole on my left foot from my big toe. Realizing it comes up when I run since having stress fracture in that foot and getting back into my normal gait.
Thanks for watching Emma. I think toe yoga would do the opposite as this exercise is encouraging toe extension. Unless you are performing it differently?
I’ve never been a runner, ut I know my bi toe sticks up and mesh shoes and i are not friends. I always put holes in them, it’s very expensive.
I run with Asics, the cumulus has developed a toe hole whijst the Nimbus is perfect.
My New Balance slso develop ed a toe hole and sides are giving way.
All three shoes bought in the same year.
Very strange 🤔 thanks for sharing your thoughts. Perhaps different space within the toe box plus different material?
Interesting. Makes sense. I get them in all my shoes
This is happening to my 13 year old son, size 11 mens shoe. 3 pairs of Nikes, all different styles. He has a very large"Big toe". Interestingly enough though, he does walk like the video shown. He is also a wrestler so is used to using his toes a lot. Has not happened (yet!) with the wrestling shoes. Could be the shoes AND the way he walks 🤔
@@1MoreLight0720 very much a possibility! Thanks for watching 🔥🔥
The blame should go on the shoe companies, not on individual walking/running styles. Shoe designers need to properly test and modify their construction accordingly to last longer and not develop holes. I'm a 50 year old walker, not a runner. I'm not gonna change the way I walk!!
I’m 69 years old and my husband is 75. We can assure you that it *is* the shoes’ fault. This wasn’t a problem even as little as 20 years ago. I’m thinking of putting a patch inside the big toe area on my next pair of brand new shoes as prevention.
Just cuting the nail.
Another one of those arguments blaming the consumer “you’re using it wrong” kind of style. The fix is easy, and manufacturers can totally solve this with a reinforcement material. But hey, sales of shoes would get down, so who wants that?
I have ran over 30 years and this happens in all my running shoes
Seriously, if the shoe manufacturers just put an extra lining in that part, no holes would develop. It is by design to sell more shoes.
I wouldn’t be surprised 🙄🙄
You can buy inserts for your sneakers to prevent this.
Insert for the soles? Wouldn't that make the toe more likely to rub against the top material? Do you have a link for a specific insert? I truly cannot afford keep replacing my son's shoes. Thank you!
Is this why my flip flops don't last and pop out too.
that's what it is.. I know from experience.
not in my case, my big toenail even when cut short is like in a 45 degree, so especially with heavy training and sports my shoes always got this hole...i know a lot of people with same issues
Fortunately, my right big toenail fell off and regrow but much straighter, now the toe hole stops on the right side, it hurts but its worth it 😂😂😂...now waiting for my left toe to fall off accidentally someday, 😂
I've ruined some shoes in my life in this way. But I think this is due to having flat feet.
Do anyone already try this?
It's cheaper shoe material. The fashion of mesh started and holes started happening.
It’s the whole shoe and the foot, shoes isn’t made to fit the foot as so the foot destroys the shoe
@@MFbunch well said, thanks for your input
Go through shoes like crazy. Tired of it
@@grgstvn super frustrating 😣
i have now bought my second on running shoes in july and now they already have a hole and now its september. and that is the second time now with this brand.I hate this company
Couldn't it be because you have two big toes? 2:05 :)
@@ValentinDumitru 🤣 quite possibly
Ok its the peoples fault because they dont train their feet muscles correctly haha good joke my friend.i tell you what that is thats a scam of the spirts industry since these bs shoes came on the market my shoes only lasted for only a year due to these holes and i was not even wearing the shoe to run just to walk and im talkin about brands like on running that are priced in a higher price range