“when to wear toe spacers?” or “ should I wear toe spacers?”
Both questions we are asked often? There is always uncertainty when trying new products but what we know is there are several toe benefits to adding them to your daily routine. With several spacers on the market not all of them are designed to be worn all day. Think of how often your feet has spent in tight shoes over the years. Your feet need more than 30 minutes of using toe spacers to return to their correct position. They continue to become a more popular accessory for everyone’s foot journey. Which is why we designed Correct Toes to be worn daily.
How do they work?
Toe spacers work by realigning your toes into a natural position, encouraging proper foot biomechanics and relieving pressure from misaligned joints. Particularly, they are helpful for addressing common foot problems such as bunions, hammertoes, fungal infections, and the list goes on and on. However, like any foot care tool, knowing when to wear toe spacers is important to achieve the best results.
When TO Wear Toe Spacers:
1. During Physical Activity
One of the most effective times to wear toe spacers is during physical activity. Exercises that place a significant load on your feet, such as running, walking, yoga, and hiking are all great times to include them. For athletes and runners, they also contribute to decreasing chances of injury as we know can be a common problem if you are running and exercising everyday.
2. Post-Workout Recovery
After a workout or physically demanding activity, your feet may feel fatigued or cramped. Wearing toe spacers during your post-exercise recovery period helps stretch and realign your toes, relieving pressure and reducing soreness. This practice can also prevent the formation of common issues such as bunions or hammertoes over time.
3. At Work (If Allowed)
If your job involves prolonged periods of standing or walking, this little accessory can provide a break for your feet during the day. Many people find wearing them for short intervals during work hours can help reduce fatigue and discomfort, especially if they work in occupations like retail, healthcare, or construction where foot strain is common.
Toe spacers can be worn in select footwear: *be sure to perform the shoe liner test on all new shoes to determine if they are a good fit for your foot [Shoe Liner Test – video]
4. Around the house daily activities
Another ideal time to wear toe spacers is while you’re resting at home. You can use them during low maintenance activities:
- Doing laundry
- Cooking meals
- Cleaning the home
- Working in the yard
- Walking the dogs
When NOT to Wear Toe Spacers
Although toe spacers can be highly beneficial, there are certain situations where wearing them may not be appropriate.
1. In Shoes That Are Too Tight!
AVOID wearing toe spacers in shoes that are too narrow or tight. Actually, you need to avoid wearing tight shoes in general! These have been proven to cause significant problems in our lower extremities and some of the back pain we experience on a daily.
2. If You Experience Discomfort
While toe spacers are designed to correct alignment and improve foot health, they should not cause pain. Some discomfort during the initial break-in period is normal, but if wearing toe spacers results in significant pain, this can be due to improper sizing which you should give us a call or email us as we can help you get fitted properly for a pair. If this occurs, it’s best to stop wearing them and consult with a foot care specialist.
3. Immediately After Surgery or Injury (Without Medical Advice)
Toe spacers can be an excellent tool for foot recovery, but after surgery or a serious foot injury, it’s important to seek medical guidance before using them. Your foot may need time to heal without additional manipulation, and wearing spacers too soon can interfere with the healing process. The hope is with incorporating toe spacers, you are able to avoid some of those surgeries in the first place.
How Often Should You Wear Toe Spacers?
Consistency is key when using toe spacers. For beginners, it’s recommended to start slowly, wearing them for 30 minutes and increasing by 30 minutes each day. You can see our recommended break in chart to help better guide you through inserting these into your daily routine[How to wear Correct Toes]. You’ll find after a few weeks they can be worn for several hours a day.
Key Takeaways: When to Wear Toe Spacers
Toe spacers are a valuable tool in promoting foot alignment and improving overall foot health.
Start slow, listen to your feet, and incorporate them into your daily routine in a way that supports your lifestyle and foot care goals. With consistent use, toe spacers can help reduce pain, prevent foot conditions, and contribute to better posture and overall well-being.