Should running shoes be larger than normal size?

I started running a couple months ago and invested in a pair of Brooks. They are great shoes but feel like my toes don't have enough room, especially when i wear my running socks with them. How much larger do most folks go?

Yes!! This is why it's really great to get fitted if you didn't the first time at an actual running store.  I wear a 7 1/2 in normal shoes but a 9 in running shoes.

Rebecca

Agreed, I wear a 6.5 and bought trail shoes in this size. My toes feel cramped when I wear them. I went and got fitted and got an 8.5 wide in running shoes. Who knew?!

Thanks for the replies. I did get fitted, but it was at a large sporting goods store with a running dept. I'll have to find a stand alone running store here in town.

Yeah definitely find a stand alone running store, those large chain sporting goods stores don't know anything about getting you into the correct shoe :)

Rebecca

If you are getting black toe nails or are losing toenails when you run, size up...

Two things:

1) Go and get fitted at a running store.  They will have a wider variety and will watch you walk & run before you are fitted.  It takes longer and the shoes are usually more expensive (you could also find what shoes you like and buy them online-- they may be cheaper), but the upside is that you will get a great shoe that will work.

2) I have different pairs of shoes for different tasks.  I have two pairs of New Balance shoes (same model) one size is for running outside and the other is for the treadmill.  They are only 1/2 size apart, but it makes a difference (at least to me).  The one thing I can say is that if you don't feel like you have next to nothing on your feet you may want to invest in another pair.

My running shoes are NBs (same as all my other shoes :D ) and the same size as the rest of them.  Only change is that I've had to actually snug the laces up a bit... they're a 2E width and I hadn't realized my feet had lost girth until I started getting blisters inside my big toes... pulled the laces tighter and voila, no problems since then!  

If you're wearing orthotics or store-bought inserts at all, then there is a good chance you'll have to go up in length and/or width.

Yes, they should be slightly larger. It's tough for women to swallow, but it is important to do so.
You should be able to move your toes around as if you were playing a piano with your toes.
Go get fitted for a pair of running shoes. It is well worth it! It doesn't cost as much as you would think. You would pay about the same for a good pair at some athletic store anyway. Best wishes! I paid about $110 for mine.

Oh and invest in good running socks. Don't wear cotton socks. Cotton is Rotten!
They don't allow your feet to breath and it will cause your feet to sweat and rub against the shoes because of all the moisture. I kept getting blisters even after being fitted for nice running shoes and they told me it was due to my cotton socks. I switched and it makes a HUGE difference!