Hello fellow Japan residents!
So not to make this too terribly long, but last summer (my first summer here) I got a terrible fungal infection in both of my big toenails. I had one toe suffer worse than the other (still recovering from it sadly) and I am really afraid this summer will be the same as last summer. So I need advice, but before anyone gives me tips, please hear me out. So I have really bad knees and so only tennis shoes that have good support is the only thing I can really wear, which is what I wore last summer. When I try to wear anything else that is more open toed it really messes up my knees, so I am kind of stuck with closed toed shoes. However, the tennis shoes I currently wear are pretty tight around my feet, would buying a little bit of a bigger sized tennis shoe be more helpful?
Is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening again while still wearing tennis shoes? I did buy some deodorant type spray for feet/shoes and I wear very thin socks now. Last summer I was wearing really thick black socks and didn’t have any kind of spray for my feet. If this isn’t enough, maybe some other suggestions? Thanks.
13 comments
This might be a ‘basic human hygiene’ thing, but to just make sure, be sure to clean your feet, clip nails, clean under nails. Also be sure to air out your feet without socks when you can. Wear new socks everyday, make sure they’re clean (and wash them inside out).
If we’re talking standard tennis shoes, maybe they’re too closed in? Not very breathable? Especially the fake (plastic) leather ones. Perhaps consider switching to running shoes, and getting custom arch supports to put into any shoe you choose.
From there, go for running socks. Avoid cotton, or at least get less cotton ratio as cotton retains moisture. Anything man-made or wool (costly) is far better.
Don’t wear the same shoes everyday. Alternate between at least two. If you really like a particular pair, buy two. It’s not exactly a waste of money as they should last twice as long.
Hoka Bondi 8 in the Extra Wide sizes. (Make sure it’s extra wide and not just wide. The “wide” size actually runs a bit narrow)
It also has great ventilation on top of its top class cushioning.
So what caused the fungal infection? Sweaty feet or blisters from tight shoes?
Alternatively have you tried wearing one of those toe socks?
I like to use epsum salt baths at night. While a full bath is OK, I prefer to do a footbath to keep the supply last longer.
Also, I also prefer walking shoes with tons of open mesh on top to keep things fresh. And if you’re really desperate, baby powder before putting on socks. It is popular in Hokkaido before putting on ski socks and boots because it helps keep the feet cold by reducing sweat. The same idea can be done in the summer. And it keeps shoes smelling better!
Stan Smith’s are cheap, stylish, leather and roomy while still having a minimal look. Might help.
Get yourself two to three sets of leather insoles and switch them out at the end of the day anytime you wear your shoes.
Don’t waste money on other insoles that last, at best, a month. Leather is naturally anti-bacterial but you need to let them dry after use so having three pairs will give them time to fully dry. They last a long time (years) so they are worth the money.
I know you said you have knee issues which prevents open toed options, but I’m curious if you’ve tried any ‘premium’ sandals like Teva or Birkenstock that are designed for all day wear and have comfort, support, etc. My knees aren’t that great, but I basically wear Tevas all summer… and they’re more comfortable than my Merrell mocs.
alternate between different pairs of shoes, let them air out for at least a day before rewearing. you can put foot powder inside too to help control smell, etc
airism socks, shoes with some breathable mesh
wash your feet really well with a scrub brush and antibacterial or tea tree soap
disinfect your shower floor by giving it a daily spray down with kabi killer or the like after you wash
keep a bottle of mizu mushi treatment on hand and apply every other day as prevention
If you didn’t need specific shoes, what worked really great for me were [mesh shoes with “breathable soles”.](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004217727272.html) [Here is another pair…](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002497421153.html) I use them as my “indoor shoes” at work.
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Another suggestion would be to regularly use foot power, and/or [toe socks](https://www.injinji.com/). Change your socks daily, and wash them inside out.
If you live in Japan, you are probably covered by the National Health Insurance.
You should go to a hospital.
Dermatology and orthopedics too.
Knee supporter and rehabilitation costs and physical therapy are also covered by the insurance so your burden is very small.
I never took the oral meds but over decades used a lot of the “mizumushi” topical liquid drugs they sell OTC at drugstores, the expensive small bottles. They help but won’t really cure the fungus for good, it will come back every year when it gets hotter and more humid around March onwards. They contain just enough of the active ingredient to give some effect and avoid any side effects, but are designed to make you buy it again and again at inflated prices
To really cure the fungus once for all and cheaper, the best for me was apple vinegar. They sell large bottles for cheap at every super markets, get a large bottle and a plastic container from 100y shop, just large enough to place one foot flat entirely, then pour the vinegar to fill over the toes entirely and let it soak for at least 30 minutes, while reading the Reddit forums..
Do this again a day later and once more or twice, this will hit the fungus real hard, and is a much more natural and effective solution than the OTC money making weak drugs they sell here.
The “foot gel” product might be worth to try too. Since it basically will seal your feet.
My smelly feet problem gone after I use it. Those spray stuff never worked for me.