Iusually wear toe socks, but sometimes I like wearing conventional socks. Can I still wear toe spacers with my conventional socks?
—Submitted byCharlotte from Milwaukee,WI
Our Answer
The answer is, yes, absolutely. We do prefer combining Correct Toes with Injinji toe socks, as both products work synergistically to encourage natural toe splay and a variety of foot health benefits, but it is possible to use conventional (i.e., non-toe sock) socks with the spacers too. If you plan to wear conventional socks or use your Correct Toes in combination with conventional socks, we recommend that you give the seam at the ends of the socks a good stretch, from side to side, to make the socks wider at the ends of the toes and help reduce any pinching or squeezing forces on the toes.
The following is a conventional sock-stretching protocol that was shared with us by a Natural Footgear blog reader:
To help stretch my conventional socks, I use wool balls (about the size of a hardball) that are designed to fluff bulky clothes in a dryer. After washing my socks, I turn them inside out and put (cram) two balls down into the toe area—side by side—so that only the seam at the ends of the toes is stretched to widen the toe area. After this, I put the socks on a towel to dry (you might have to flip them after a few hours). I then wriggle the balls out of the sock, one ball at a time up the neck of the sock, and turn the socks right-side out. Note: The wool used for these balls is not “fine” wool.
Consider giving this technique a try, or better yet, get yourself a few pairs of Injinji toe socks and skip the work!
Disclaimer:
The above content is for educational or informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or augment professional medical instruction, diagnosis, or treatment. Read full disclaimer here.
About the Author
Marty Hughes, DC
Dr. Marty Hughes is a chiropractic physician, or DC. He received his doctoral degree from Western States Chiropractic College (WSCC), now known as the University of Western States (UWS). Dr. Marty has always been interested in foot health, due to the connection between the feet and the spine. He has worked as a freelance writer for LiveStrong.com, for whom he contributed over 2,200 health-and-fitness articles. He is a co-founder of Natural Footgear and an ardent supporter of natural foot care approaches. Dr. Marty enjoys road cycling, trail running, hiking, canoeing, and cross-country skiing as well as exploring the mountains of Western North Carolina.
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FAQs
The answer is, yes, absolutely.
What are the negatives of toe spacers? ›
These drawbacks include the following: Individual toe spacers easily slip out of place during weight-bearing activity, even when worn under conventional socks, in combination with toe socks, or within a pair of sufficiently wide toe box footwear.
Can toe separators be worn with shoes? ›
Yes. Correct Toes toe spacers can be worn inside of natural footwear or naturally shaped shoes.
How many hours a day should you wear toe separators? ›
Start wearing toe spacers for 30 minutes at a time in the comfort of your home. Increase the time by 30 minutes each day you wear them.
Is it okay to wear toe separators all night? ›
You can even wear toe spacers at night when you go to sleep, however, it is advisable to allow your feet and toes to adjust to the product for shorter periods of time before wearing them overnight.
Do podiatrists recommend toe spacers? ›
Almost anybody can wear toe separators, and they are highly recommended by podiatrists for pain relief. However, if you have any concerns or medical issues, it is always best to consult a medical professional before adding toe separators to your routine.
What is the incorrect use of toe separators? ›
It is important to note that toe separators may not be effective when worn with conventional shoes that have narrow, tapered toe boxes. So, choose shoes with a wide toe box that are compatible with toe separators and give your toes the space they need to spread out comfortably.
Can you wear socks over toe spacers? ›
Our Answer. The answer is, yes, absolutely.
How long does it take for toe separators to realign toes? ›
Our Answer. We find that most people, most of the time, experience some immediate relief, with continued positive musculoskeletal health benefits occurring over months and years.
Can you wear toe spacers with barefoot shoes? ›
Strength. With proper alignment, toe spacers promote the proper use of all the muscles in the feet and lower legs. Many of these muscles are underdeveloped with the use of conventional shoes. When paired with barefoot shoes, toe spacers can remove the need for artificial support (orthotics).
Some people wear toe spacers all day but to be most effective, they should not be worn with shoes. It is important to listen to your body and adjust the amount of time you wear the spacers based on your comfort level.
How do I know if I need toe separators? ›
If you find that your toes are crowding together, overlapping or bending upward (also known as hammertoe), or if you have bunions, you might consider toe spacers to give them some breathing space. Toes that have been scrunched up in socks and shoes can benefit from a good stretch.
Do toe separators improve circulation? ›
Toe spreaders work by helping to realign the toes, which can help to relieve pressure and pain in the feet. They can also improve circulation and promote proper balance and stability. There are different types available, including single-toe spacers and multi-toe spacers.
Do toe spacers prevent bunions? ›
While toe spacers may potentially help slow the progression of bunions, they cannot fully prevent them from forming. However, making certain lifestyle changes, such as wearing comfortable shoes that fit properly (find our recommendations here).
Do toe spacers help with flat feet? ›
Indeed, in our experience, we've found that wearing toe spacers and men's or women's foot-healthy footwear (i.e., footwear that allows the foot to function as nature intended) provides the foundation for developing strong foot arches and is an integral step in addressing many cases of flat feet.
Will toe spacers cut off circulation? ›
Toe spacers can have a positive impact on blood flow, benefiting the feet and lower extremities in the following ways: Enhanced Circulation: By creating space between the toes, toe spacers help prevent constriction of blood vessels, allowing for improved blood circulation.
Is it good to stretch your toes apart? ›
People who regularly stretch their feet and toes are more likely aware of the many benefits that may accompany these movements. These may include increased blood flow into the feet, the muscles in the sole of the feet being properly stretched, and possibly helping to balance flat feet or fallen arches.
Are toe spacers permanent? ›
Toe Spacers (also called spreaders, stretchers, or separators) are any type of “device” that temporarily forces the toes back into their proper alignment.
