Is lacing running shoes helpful for my numb toes? In this article, I will explain various methods to lace your charming running shoes for numb toes.
The toe is a very sensitive part of our feet. When it gets numb, we feel a lot of pain while walking. First, a comfortable pair of running shoes is necessary if you suffer from toe pain.
Even if you have ideal footwear, it is still important to learn lacing techniques to minimize pain. If you don’t lace your shoes properly, it leads to numb toes.
How to Lace Running Shoes for Numb Toes?
- For black toenails, crisscross the laces by taking one lace four inches longer than the other.
- Move the laces straight in the eyelets of your footwear for heel blisters.
- Skip the alternative eyelets for very tight shoes
- Crisscross the laces in the middle of shoe and go straight while passing on the last hole. This technique helps to provide arch support.
- For particular tight shoe areas, thread the laces to only that area and go in a crisscross pattern.
- Thread the shoelaces in the middle of shoes for high instep
- Skip one eyelet to lace running sneakers for a narrow foot
- For wide forefoot, begin by threading the laces and crisscrossing in the middle of the foot
Different Techniques to Lace Running Shoes for Numb Toes
Here are some helpful lacing methods if you are suffering from a foot problem.
- For toenail pressure or black toenails
- For heel blister or heel slipping
- If shoes are too tight
- For arch support
- If one area is too tight
- For high instep
- For a narrow foot
- For wide forefeet
For Toenail Pressure or Black Toenails
This technique enables your toes to have more space. I tried this technique when I broke my Pinky toe. It is very helpful in lifting the toebox easily.
- First of all, I started to lace my shoes from the big-toe eyelet to the other side of the eyelet.
- Remember to take one lace 4 inches larger than the other. After that, I crisscrossed it across each
- In the end, I tied the knot normally
For Heel Blister or Heel Slipping
The heel slipping technique is very common, and most people go through this situation. It ultimately forms the Heel blisters. This type of lacing method is called heel lock.
Besides this, it is very helpful in restricting the movement of your feet in your shoes and reduces friction. Friction is the main cause of blisters.
- Firstly, I begin to tighten the laces of my shoes in a regular crisscross pattern from the second eyelet to last
- When I reached the last hole, I passed the laces straightly without crisscrossi
- After twisting the shoelace on the other side, I tied the knot gently
Note: apply the heel lock technique only if you have heel blisters. It limits your ankle movement and puts strain on the upper side of your foot. If you begin feeling pain, then you should try other lacing techniques for your footwear.
If Shoes Are Too Tight
Try the straight bar technique if you notice that your shoes are too tight to wear. In addition to this, it also works amazingly for swollen or wide feet.
Sometimes feet also swell after coming from long runs. That’s why it is also known as the Lydiard lacing method.
- I begin to lace my training shoes parallelly by skipping alternative eyelets every time and moving the shoelace on the upper side to reduce the strain
- Then, I tied the knot of my shoes in a normal way
If the lacing technique was not helpful, then ensure the size and width of your shoes.
For Arch Support
It is easy to lose or tighten the laces if more eyelets are present. To give your running shoes arch support, it is necessary to loosen the laces on the toe side and tighten them on the heel side.
- First of all, I threaded the shoelaces through the sides
- After that, I crisscrossed them after reaching the middle of the foot
- Then, I passed the laces straightly into the last hole without crisscrossing
- Before tying the knots, I threaded the laces on the other side of the loop
If One Area is Too Tight
If a particular part of the shoe is tight, then use this technique for a better experience.
- This time, I started lacing my sneakers in a crisscross manner
- Then, I threaded the laces on only that part where the shoe was tight
- Again, I crisscrossed in the last two holes and tied the knot normally
For High Instep
High instep occurs when the upper corner of your feet is lifted higher in the middle and near your ankle. People who have high arches mostly face this problem.
If you suffer from high instep, you will feel pressure on the upper side of your feet. So if you have high arches or instep, then use the “Gap lacing Technique” for lacing.
- I crisscrossed the laces and threaded them while reaching the center of the shoes.
- Then, I crisscrossed them again in two final holes and tied the knot gently.
For a Narrow Foot
People with narrow feet should apply the lacing technique that effectively tightens their shoes.
- After crisscrossing the running shoe laces, I skipped one eyelet and began to thread the shoelace in a crisscross manner.
- At last, my laces were in proper crisscross design, and then I tied the knot properly.
For Wide Forefeet
Apply this lacing technique to make room in the toe side for a wide forefoot. It is necessary to provide your feet adequate space to prevent pressure and pain while running.
Lacing shoes for wide feet is similar to the high arch lacing pattern. The only difference is that there is no need to start in a crisscross manner to give the extra toe space.
- I began to thread the laces through the sides and crisscrossed them in the middle foot area.
- Finally, I tied the knot after crisscrossing the laces on the last hole
This technique also works great if you have foot problems like Morton’s neuroma, bursitis, corns, and calluses other than wide forefoot or bunions.
What Causes Your Feet to Go Numb?
Here are the following reasons that make your toes numb:
- Improper lacing
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Small size shoes
Improper Lacing
If you tie the laces improperly, then your toe might get hurt. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to lace their favorite shoes rightly. As a result, they squeeze their feet and feel toe pain.
Improper lacing puts a lot of pressure on the forefoot and affects blood circulation.
Morton’s Neuroma
Your toes might get numb because of Morton’s Neuroma. In this condition, you will feel a burning sensation and stings in your third and fourth toes.
Small Size Shoes
Another common reason for toe numbness is small-sized shoes.
A tight fit causes constant pressure on your toes, and as a result, they get numb. That’s why you should wear wide-toe running shoes if you have wide feet.
Other Ways to Improve the Fit of Your Shoes
If your toes are still feeling numb after lacing your shoes, then you should also consider some other factors:
- Get your feet measured
- Purchase a different size
- Buy shoes with the right support
Get Your Feet Measured
It is good to measure the size of your feet from any shoe store. This will help you to purchase shoes that fit you properly. Make sure that your toes have enough room to fit in.
Purchase a Different Size
Keep in mind that not every shoe brand has the same size of shoes. That’s why it is important to understand the running shoe fitting.
Be careful while selecting running shoes, and try different sizes to know which fits you well.
Buy Shoes with The Right Support.
Buy running shoes with arch support to eliminate the lacing need. On the other hand, the lacing style is beneficial in providing extra protection to your feet.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
How to Lace Shoes for Swollen Feet?
One of the most common ways of lacing shoes for swollen feet is to use the “Eight figure pattern .”Thread the shoelace through the eyelet on the inner side of the shoe. After tying them, thread laces on the outer side.
How Do You Tie Your Shoes for Neuropathy?
- Begin crisscrossing the laces and skip on hole
- After that, thread the shoelace in a standard crisscross pattern and tie the knot.
How Do You Lace Shoes to Prevent Extensor Tendonitis?
The easiest way to prevent extensor tendonitis is by changing the lacing style. Skip lacing on those areas where you feel pain and tie the knot.
What is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Extensor Tendonitis?
Give your affected tendons a break of three to four days. Try to put ice on them for twenty minutes after a gap of three hours.
Is It Bad to Tie Your Shoes Tight?
Yes, tieng your shoes tightly can cause inflammation of the instep. If you don’t take precautions properly, it can lead to severe toe injuries.
Conclusion
The main goal of lace running shoes for numb toes is to get the blood flowing and wake the nerves up. If lacing techniques don’t help you, try wearing fitted running shoes.
Too small shoes can develop blisters and corn, so avoid wearing them. Read the steps carefully and imply them to your shoes.
