What are toe spacers? Podiatrists break down the benefits (2025)

You probably don't give much thought to your toes — aside from choosing which nail polish color will look best with your favorite pair of sandals. But experts say the often overlooked part of your foot plays an important role in overall foot health.

"Our foot functionis very muchrelated to toe strength," shares podiatrist Dr. Emily Splichal. Think of your toes as "an anchor that allows us to releasepower and energyduring movement." They play an important role in stability and our ability to jump and accelerate. So "any imbalance of our toes, such as bunions and hammertoes, can compromise foot strength and balance."

That's why toe spacers have recently gained popularity as a way for people to address these imbalances and improve their overall foot health.

But do they really work? We chatted with podiatrists to find out exactly what toe spacers are and all the ways they may benefit your feet.

What are toe spacers? |Do podiatrists recommend toe spacers? |Are toe spacers good for you? | Best toe spacers, according to experts | Can I walk around with toe separators? | FAQs | How we chose | Meet our experts


Our top picks

Best expert-recommended toe spacers

What are toe spacers?

Toe spacers, otherwise known as toe separators, "are devices that are worn between all of the toes and allow the toes and forefoot to splay, or spread,into a natural alignment for the foot,"shares podiatrist Dr. Alissa Kuizinas.

Typically, they're made of silicone and foam materials. "I prefer silicone because it is more natural feeling and durable," says podiatrist Dr. Ashley Lee.

Do podiatrists recommend toe spacers?

All three podiatrists that we spoke to said that they recommended the tools for different circumstances.

"I recommend toe spacers to almost every single one of my patients," Splichal says. (She is the founder of Naboso, a foot health company that sells toe spacers as one of its products.)

Are toe spacers good for you?

There are a handful of reasons why toe spacers come so highly recommended by experts.

Toe spacers help place your toes in a more natural alignment. This is important because things like narrow footwear, overuse and aging can throw your toes out of alignment. "When our toes are out of alignment, the muscles, tendons,ligaments and other soft tissues can become out of balanceandthis can lead to pain or injuries," says Kuizinas.

For example, in those who have bunions, the big toe joint is misaligned, Lee says. "Wearing a toe spacer between the first and second toes can push the toe 'back in place' which can help ease joint pain." However, she says it's important to note that it will not permanently shift the toe back in place, but rather "it can offer temporary relief."

While they can offer some relief for those with conditions like bunions, as well as hammertoes, neuromas and plantar fasciitis, they're also a good way to give tired feet some TLC. "They are a great form of recovery after a day in tight shoes," Splichal says.

Repeatedly putting your toes in this splayed, stretched position can also help improve the mobility of the joints in your feet, decrease adhesions in your fascia and increase blood flow to the area, Kuizinas says. “All of these elements allow forhealthier, stronger and lesspainful feet.”

Below, we asked the experts to share some of their top picks.

Best toe spacers, according to experts

Mind Bodhi Toe Separators

What we like

  • "Easy to put on"
  • Soft gel material

Something to note

  • May feel awkward at first

Size:One size: W/M: 6-12 |Material: BPA and latex-free medical grade gel

Kuizinas recommends these toe spacers, which are a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon, with more than 21,000 perfect five-star ratings. They’re designed to fit both men and women whose shoe sizes range from 6 to 12.

“I am absolutely thrilled!” one verified shopper wrote about these spacers. “These have been a game-changer for my foot health and comfort. The silicone material is incredibly soft and comfortable, making it easy to wear them for extended periods. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in the alignment of my toes, and the relief from foot pain has been remarkable.”

ZenToes Gel Toe Separators

What we like

  • Can be worn with shoes
  • Soft, flexible gel

Something to note

  • Too tight for some

Size:One size |Material: Silicone

If you’re dealing with a hammertoe or a bunion on your big toe, these single-loop separators — which Lee recommends — are said to provide targeted relief. You’ll get four in a pack and there are multiple color options to choose from.

NatraCure Gel Toe Spacers

What we like

  • 12 pack
  • Gentle cushioning

Something to note

  • May not stay in place

Size:One size |Material: Silicone-free SmartGel

Lee also recommends these individual toe spacers, which come with a variety of sizes so you can place them between specific problem toes. Unlike other spacers, this one is made from SmartGel, which the brand says releases therapeutic oils to soothe skin and prevent friction.

YogaToes Gems

What we like

  • Hypoallergenic
  • "Built to last"

Something to note

  • Can't be worn with shoes

Size:One size: W: 7.5-11, M: 7-10 |Material: Silicone

Both Splichal and Lee recommend YogaToe's unique-looking spacers. While they cannot be worn while walking around, Splichal says that they "do offer a good stretch to the toes." They are a top option among shoppers, with more than 8,800 five-star ratings on Amazon.

Options like these, which are designed to be worn around the house "can help with tight tendons that attach to the toes by stretching out the toes," Lee says. "When used regularly, this device can help loosen the tendons, but they cannot permanently straighten hammertoes or bunions."

Can I walk around with toe separators on?

Yes, you can! Though, you’ll likely want to start by wearing them indoors to get your feet used to the feeling. “The best time to wear toe spacers iswhile you are at home and out of shoes,” Kuizinas says. “I recommend wearing them while walking around the house or doing light activity, and over time you can progress towearing them forworkouts or other activityif you would like to.”

Try wearing them while doing other activities at home, like lounging on your couch, cleaning or watching TV. Start with short periods of time, such as 20 to 30 minutes, and then you can work your way up to wearing them for several hours at a time, she says.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

As previously reported by Shop TODAY, bunions are often caused by genetics, but can also result from too-tight shoes, overpronation and ligament laxity of the foot.

If you have a break in the skin around the toes, Splichal says that you shouldn't wear the spacers.

How we chose

We spoke with experts to get their recommendations for the best toe spacers and their tips on how to use them.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we thinkTODAY.comreaders would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.Learn more about Shop TODAY.


Meet our experts
  • Dr. Emily Splichal, DPM,is a podiatrist and human movement specialist. She previously spoke to Shop TODAY about the best recovery shoes andwhen it’s time to replace your sandals.
  • Dr. Alissa Kuizinas, DPM, is a virtual podiatrist in Massachusetts. She previously spoke with Shop TODAY about the best Teva sandals for your feet. She works with Spacer Mobility, a brand that offers toe spacers.
  • Dr. Ashley Lee, DPM, is a podiatrist atNorthern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialistsin Hinsdale, Illinois.She has a special interest in pediatric reconstructive surgery as well as adult and pediatric sports medicine. Lee has previously provided insights for Shop TODAY on the best Brooks running shoes, comfortable slides and platform mules.

Emma Stessman

Emma Stessman is a writer for Shop TODAY.

What are toe spacers? Podiatrists break down the benefits (2025)

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