Discover everything about Correct Toes in this comprehensive guide: from choosing the right size and first use to adjusting and wearing them during activities. Includes FAQs and practical tips for optimal results.
What are Correct Toes?
Correct Toes are anatomical toe spacers designed to place your toes in their natural, splayed position. Developed by Dr. Ray McClanahan, a podiatrist and barefoot running expert, they help your feet recover from years of wearing shoes that are too narrow.
Why use Correct Toes?
By splaying your toes back to their natural position, Correct Toes offer numerous benefits:
Improved balance and stability - A wider foot base provides better proprioception.
Better toe alignment and reduction of foot pain - Helps with hallux valgus (bunions), hammer toes, plantar fasciitis, and neuromas.
Stronger foot musculature - Activates small foot muscles that are often weakened.
Improved gait technique - Supports natural foot function and roll-through.
Injury prevention - Through correct alignment of toes, foot, ankle, and knee.
Choosing the right size
Correct Toes are available in three sizes. Choosing the correct size is essential for comfort and effectiveness.
Are you between two sizes? Choose the size that best matches your shoe size according to the chart. Correct Toes are made of flexible medical-grade silicone and adapt to your foot. If you desire more splay, you can always customize your Correct Toes by warming and shaping them.
Please note: Correct Toes sizing is based on your shoe size, not the width of your foot. Even for wide feet, use the standard size chart.
How to use Correct Toes
First-time use
Start slowly and build up gradually. Your feet need to adjust to the new position of your toes.
Week 1-2: Getting started
Start with 10-15 minutes per day.
Wear them at home while sitting or standing.
Pay attention to any pressure points or discomfort.
Week 3-4: Building up
Increase to 30-60 minutes per day.
Start moving lightly: walk around the house.
Wear them in combination with wide, flexible shoes or toe socks.
From week 5: Active use
Wear them during daily activities.
Use them while walking, running, or other sports.
Some people eventually wear them all day long.
Important to know
Everyone is different - listen to your body.
Light tension is normal, pain is not.
When in doubt: build up more slowly.
Combine with foot exercises for optimal results.
Customizing Correct Toes to your feet
One of the great advantages of Correct Toes is that you can customize them for a perfect fit. The medical-grade silicone can be safely modified.
When to customize?
Consider customization if you:
Experience pressure points in specific areas.
Have a toe that is shorter or longer than average.
Want more or less splay.
Want to make them more comfortable for long-term use.
How to customize?
Use sharp scissors to carefully trim small pieces from the spacers between the toes. Always cut a little bit at a time. Correct Toes has a complete guide on their website on how to customize your spacers.
Tip: Start conservatively with adjustments. Always test how they feel before making further adjustments.
Wearing during activities
Correct Toes are specifically designed to be worn during movement – not just at rest. It's no secret that our brains and bodies talk to each other. This neuromuscular connection helps your muscles remember to maintain the changes being made. Movement triggers the brain to retain information about movement patterns. When you use Correct Toes while active, you are essentially programming your brain to remember this aligned position.
During walking
Perfect for daily walks. Wear them in combination with:
Barefoot shoes with a wide toe box.
Injinji toe socks or other toe socks.
Or barefoot on safe surfaces.
During running
Many barefoot runners use Correct Toes during their training sessions:
Start with short, slow runs.
Gradually build distance and intensity.
Pay extra attention to your running technique and foot placement.
During strength training
Ideal for squats, deadlifts and other exercises where foot positioning is important:
Improves your foundation and stability
Helps with correct power transfer
Activates foot muscles during exercise
During yoga and Pilates
Excellent for balance and stability exercises. The spread toes give you a firmer base.
At home and at the office
Wear them during daily activities:
While working (sitting or standing)
When doing household chores
Whilst relaxing on the sofa
Maintenance and Care
Cleaning: Wash them regularly with lukewarm water and mild soap.
Drying: Let them air dry, away from direct sunlight.
Lifespan: With normal use, they last 2-5 years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to see results?
This varies per person. Some feel improvement within weeks, others need months. Consistency is more important than intensity.
Can I wear Correct Toes all day long?
Yes, many people end up wearing them all day long. Build this up gradually and listen to your body.
Should I wear them with shoes or barefoot?
Both are possible! For optimal results: wear them while exercising. If wearing shoes, you will need shoes with a wide toe box (such as barefoot shoes). Barefoot also works very well.
Can I wear them with normal socks?
Normal socks squeeze your toes together. Preferably use toe socks (like Injinji) or wear them barefoot. In theory, you could wear them under very loose regular socks, but it is not ideal.
Do they help with bunions (hallux valgus)?
Correct Toes can help slow down or stop the progression of hallux valgus, especially when combined with wide shoes and foot exercises. They cannot reverse existing bone deformities, but can improve soft tissues and muscle function.
Are they uncomfortable at first?
Most people experience discomfort or slight tension at first. This is normal – your foot is getting used to a new position. Real pain is not normal; if this occurs, adjust your training schedule.
Can I sleep with it?
This is not recommended. Your feet need rest at night, and you may unconsciously twist them into an uncomfortable position.
What is the difference between this and other toe spreaders?
Correct Toes are specifically designed to be worn during movement and activity. They are made of durable medical-grade silicone, anatomically shaped, and adjustable. Many other toe spreaders are only intended for passive use.
My toes feel sensitive after use, is that normal?
Mild soreness may be normal during the build-up phase. You are activating muscles and tissues that may have been inactive for a long time. Build up more slowly if the soreness persists.
When should you not use Correct Toes?
Anyone with diabetes or reduced sensation in their feet should avoid using Correct Toes. People with poor circulation (peripheral arterial disease or "PAD") should also not use Correct Toes.
Combine with Barefoot Shoes
For optimal results, combine Correct Toes with barefoot shoes. These shoes provide:
Wide toe box - Space for splayed toes.
Flexible sole - Allows your foot to move naturally.
Zero drop - Keeps your body in natural alignment.
At IEDEREEN LOOPT, you will find an extensive range of barefoot shoes that work perfectly with Correct Toes.
Correct Toes are more than just a tool – they are an investment in the health of your feet and your entire body. By returning your toes to their natural position, you lay the foundation for strong, functional feet.
Start today with small steps, build up gradually, and give your feet time to recover. Combined with barefoot shoes and regular foot exercises, you can transform your feet and enjoy a lifetime of comfortable and natural movement.
Ready to get started? Browse our range of Correct Toes and find the right size for your feet.