Toe Separators
Toe separators are an ingenious piece of design and are intended to reduce friction and irritation between the toes They generally consist of a corrective shield that is placed in between toes, to prevent overlapping of the toes commonly caused by hammer toes or bunions. They do this by carefully and deliberately pulling the toes into such a position that they do not touch and thereby increasing your comfort levels.
In short toe separators can help if you have the following problems with your feet: overlapping toes, bunions, hammer toes, if your toes are bent, if your toes stick up, if your toes cross over, if you have sore skin between your toes, if even if you have friction between your toes.They can also help if your toes are pinched – that is if your toes are smashed together and rub uncomfortably. The rubbing can also cause corns – so be warned!
Toe separators come a variety of materials and styles and can be can be made of gel, cotton, form, moleskin and other materials – each having its own pros and cons in relation to its intended use. You generally can buy them small, medium, large and extra large – obviously to accommodate various feet sizes. And some are made to be worn with (loose fitting) shoes.
As with any health care product, there are some precautions you must take when using toe separators: keep out of reach of children and pets; avoid using on cracked or broken skin; and if you suffer from diabetes or poor circulation, consult your doctor/GP/health-care professional before use. Should you suffer any irritation, discomfort, skin dis-colouration or any other problem when using toes separators, discontinue immediate and consult your health-care professional.
Scholl Gel Toe Separators:
Utilising soft gel technology to provide relief from pain and soreness between the toes, these are ideal for corns between the toes, sore spots and blisters. Soft, slim and made for optimum comfort this product is washable are available in a range of sizes.
Toe Separators for Pedicure Treatments:
Pedicure Toe Separators are the perfect and obvious choice for use during pedicures. They are generally then given to the client to take home and use.
Biodegradable Toe Separators:
LA Pontique International Ltd is one of the companies to make this biodegradable versions of this product. As they say, their product is soft, flexible and biodegradable! They are made from environmentally friendly biodegradable foam which helps reduce harmful waste in (ever increasing) landfills. The package includes 12 pairs and come in many assorted colours.
Oppo Foam Toe Separator and Retractor:
Also from the above mentioned La Pontique, these are particularly good for reducing pain caused by interdigital pressure and can help people who are particularly concerned with overlapping of toes.
Foam Toe Separators:
These are basically a thin board placed between the toes and so are similar to gel toe separators. They are washable, can usually be trimmed and can be used in shoes.
Toe trainers:
Toe trainers are manufactured to reduce friction and promote alignment and therefore they essentially serve the same purpose as toe separators. These are generally made of cotton covered foam splints and they slide over the defective/problem toes. Can be worn under shoes.
Some cheaper alternatives:
Adhesive moleskin and bandages are a cheaper alternative to toe separators but do not correct severely overlapping toes – certainly not with the same results or effectiveness as purpose made products. Having said this they could definitely help with friction. All you need to do is to cut the correct sized strips and stick them between your toes.
Toe socks can be found in full socks as well as small socks and perform a similar purpose as bandages. They are essentially fabric based socks that slip over each toe separately only the balls of the feet thereby allowing the end of the toes to be free.