Why Do People Wear Toe Spacers?

A normal and natural human foot is widest at the ends of the toes, not at the ball of the foot. According to numerous decades-old studies, people who have gone barefoot or who have worn only minimalist footwear most of their lives—which is common in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and South and Central America—have feet that are widest at the ends of the toes, and their toes are straight and evenly spaced. Several old-time studies that discuss the feet of barefoot groups include the following:

• Notes on Foot Disorders
• Feet and Footprints of Solomon Islanders
• A Comparison of Barefooted and Shoe-Wearing Peoples

The foot structure observed in these unshod (i.e., non-shoe wearing) populations is similar to newborns, who haven't yet had their feet molded and sculpted by shoes that incorporate tapering toe boxes and other problematic design elements. The tapering toe boxes of most conventional shoes squeeze the toes into a wedge position, altering normal and natural foot and toe anatomy and function. This usually causes a variety of toe alignment issues and foot problems over time, such as bunions, hammertoes, other crooked toes, neuromas, plantar fasciosis, and shin splints, among other problems.

Toe spacing devices, such as Correct Toes, are used to combat the deforming effects of conventional footwear and help realign the toes to a healthy, functional position. Restoring the toes so that they are in line with their corresponding metatarsal bones is important in addressing and preventing the above-mentioned foot and toe problems, as well as for the following:

• Enabling natural arch support
• Improving intrinsic foot muscle strength
• Boosting blood flow to the feet and toes
• Enhancing balance and weight distribution
• Preventing excessive pronation and ankle sprains

Toe spacers (particularly when used in combination with men’s and women’s foot-shaped footwear that accommodates natural toe splay) are among the best tools for achieving these goals.

Correct Toes toe spacers can be worn under a conventional sock, over a pair of toe socks, or within footwear that features a sufficiently wide and appropriately shaped toe box. They are constructed of medical-grade silicone for comfort and durability and come in a variety of sizes and colors to suit unique feet and preferences. Please see this article to learn more about the many merits of Correct Toes toe spacers.