assistant: Black toenails are a classic sign of a too-tight toe box — your foot is sliding forward on impact and jamming your nails into the front of the shoe. A roomy daily trainer with a wide forefoot is the fix, and you've got solid options here. The **New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5** is my top pick for you. It's explicitly marked wide in the forefoot, runs true to size, and at 224g it's light enough that you won't feel the extra room as slop — the shoe stays locked down through the midfoot while giving your toes breathing room. The FuelCell foam is soft and responsive, making it versatile for easy runs and long efforts. At $145, it's also the best value in this group. If you want more cushioning and a softer ride, the **ASICS Gel-Nimbus v28** is a max-cushion alternative with a wide forefoot and a 42/34mm stack that absorbs impact well on recovery days. It's heavier (272g) and has a moderate rocker that smooths the transition, which some runners find more forgiving on the toes. A third option is the **Brooks Glycerin GTS v22**, which offers mild stability (helpful if you have any arch concerns) and a wide forefoot option. Doctors of Running notes it has a snug upper that breaks in, so sizing up half a size might be worth considering if you're between sizes — but the wide version should give you the toe-box room you need. One quick question: are you currently experiencing any arch or heel pain, or is it purely the toe-box tightness driving the black nails?