If Your Feet Hurt, Try These Podiatrist-Recommended Toe Separators

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Whether you’re suffering from bunions, hammer toes, plantar fasciitis, or something else altogether, there are many reasons as to why your feet hurt. Luckily, toe separators, also known as toe spacers, are foot care products that are specially designed to help alleviate symptoms from a variety of conditions.

As the name suggests, “Toe separators are devices worn in between the toes,” says Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute. There are a few different types of toe separators, the most common being larger versions that fit over all of the toes on one foot and smaller versions that sit in between two toes.

Meet the experts: Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute and Emily Splichal, D.P.M., a board-certified podiatrist

“Toe separators between two toes serve the purpose of reducing discomfort from deformities that cause pressure between two toes (bunion, hammertoe, etc.),” Sharkey explains. “The larger toe separators can be used for comfort and to ease aches and pains at the end of a long day.”

These tools work to aid bone alignment. “Toe separators are designed to stretch and align the toes of the feet,” adds Emily Splichal, D.P.M., a board-certified podiatrist. “Many people wear them at the end of the day but they can also be worn when walking around, in shoes, or even when working out.”

Our top picks

Ahead, find the best expert-recommended toe separators for maximum comfort.

Gel Toe Separators

Sharkey recommends these toe separators and says they are “used for comfort and to ease aches and pains.” The brand suggests using the toe separators for 30 minutes per day to begin with, gradually increasing the time to two to three hours as your feet become more used to them. “I started wearing these a little bit at first when I developed a bunion, and now wear them almost all day and it’s made a huge difference,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “I have a lot less pain and my toes look more aligned again.”

Toe Separators

These toe separators, made from a comfortable and flexible gel material, can be worn while lounging or with socks and shoes. The brand even says they can be used while walking barefoot or while walking in shoes. Plus, over 2,000 reviewers on Amazon have given the product five stars, noting how effective they are at relieving pain. “They are so comfortable to wear, even in my sneakers. They brought my toes back into alignment while wearing them,” one reviewer wrote.

Gel Toe Separators

Sharkey says these toe separators from ZenToes are “great for bunions and hammer toes” and relieves the discomfort associated with each. The single toe separator is meant to be worn between the first and second toe, to help strengthen and stretch each toe. “These clear, gel toe separators hold my big toe in much better alignment and take pressure away from my second toe,” one Amazon reviewer wrote.

Splay

These toe separators are extremely comfortable due to the gel material and “can be used in shoes or walking around,” Splichal explains. They offer a slim, lightweight design without sacrificing optimal stretch and alignment. “This product has just the right amount of stretch to gently adjust your toes,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “This product is easy to put on and does not hurt at all.”

Gel Separators

If you’re looking for a great option for single toe spacers, Sharkey says that these “can easily be used between any two toes.” Each pack comes with 12 pieces for versatility and a great value and the brand explains that the unique gel material helps avoid rubbing, friction, and irritation. “My toes cause pain sometimes and I have one crooked toe. These help straighten and cushion for my shoes,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “Slide right in and they are easy to clean.”

GEMS

For those who need a set of toe separators for relaxing at the end of a long day, Yoga Toes are a great option as they offer the “widest spread or stretch of the toes,” Splichal explains. They are made from a hypoallergenic and latex-free gel material that is soft and flexible. “These definitely give my toes a good stretch,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “I like the open design since it makes it easier to put on and take off.”

What are the benefits of using toe separators?

Toe separators offer a variety of benefits, but “are used primarily to reduce pressure between two toes where pain, calluses, or pressure is developing,” explains Sharkey. “Toe separators are most commonly used in the incidence of bunions, hammer toes, and neuromas.” However, Sharkey notes that while toe separators can help alleviate pain and symptoms related to a variety of conditions, they are not a method of reversing things like hammer toes or bunions.

Toe separators also “play an important role in foot recovery and supporting natural toe alignment,” Splichal adds. “This can be beneficial after a long day wearing tight shoes,” or for those with plantar fasciitis or balance issues.

Who should avoid toe separators?

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.

How long should you wear toe separators?

It is best to start slowly by wearing them for about 30 minutes which will allow your toes to get used to the devices. Then, most brands recommend working your way up to wearing them daily.

How to choose the best toe separators

According to Sharkey and Splichal, these are the primary considerations to take into account when choosing the best toe separators:

✔️Comfort. Be sure to shop around and choose an option that looks the most comfortable for you. For some, this might be a flexible, gel-like material, while others may prefer a more stiff construction. “Personal preference on material as well as whether the spacer simply sits between the toes versus actually strapping around the toes is a very personal preference,” Sharkey explains. Splichal also recommends looking for an option that easily fits in your shoes and is comfortable for walking.

✔️Cleaning and care. Anything that goes on your feet will need to be regularly cleaned, so choosing an option that makes cleaning easy might be important. “I prefer the silicone toe spacers best as they are easy to keep clean,” Sharkey says.

✔️Price. While toe separators range in price, Splichal says cost is another important factor to consider when shopping around. And since more expensive does not always equate to a better product, you can rest assured knowing that there are options for every budget.

How we chose the best toe separators

We spoke with Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute and Emily Splichal, D.P.M., a board-certified podiatrist. We also conducted our own research and sifted through hundreds of online reviews to find the best toe separators available.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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