The 6 Best Toe Separators That Can Help Prevent Injury and Relieve Pain

ProsSoft materialContoured shape for comfortEasy to cleanThese separators are meant to be worn for 15 minutes to an hour at a time, so don’t worry about trying to shove them into your shoes for all-day wear. Because of this, they are a bit thicker than models designed to be worn with shoes, and they will give your toes a bit more of a stretch than those you’re meant to wear all day.They come in one size but the design is form fitting and shaped to the contours of your feet and toes. They are still plenty comfortable because of the soft gel material.More: How to Care for Your FeetKey SpecsMaterialsGelSizesSmall (fits women's and men's shoe sizes 7 and over)ProsAvailable in 4- and 5-loop optionsSecure fitConsTop band may be too tight for some These toe separators are made of silicone which provides a bit of stretch while still giving you a secure fit. They’re meant to sit tight across the toes to stay in place while running, doing HIIT workouts, or dynamic stretching. They’re sleek enough to be worn with or without shoes.We spoke with someone who primarily uses these for lifting and is starting to pick up running. He’s found a noticeable improvement in stability when squatting and can wear them while cross training on the bike or elliptical. He’s working his way up to wearing them on easy runs.Key SpecsMaterialsSiliconeSizesOne sizeAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSlips over any one toeAvailable in a variety of colorsConsMay discolor over timeThose wanting to alleviate discomfort from a hammer toe or bunion only need to create space between the big and second toes. This separator encircles the second toe with a pad that extends towards the big toe, creating space for a natural alignment.It’s made from a soft gel that’s comfortable enough to wear all day, and it is low-profile enough that it will fit in most shoes. It’s available in different colors to blend with skin tones, which make it less noticeable if you’re wearing it with sandals.Key SpecsMaterialsSEBS GelSizesOne sizeProsComes with both loop toe separators and open-toe separatorsFits large feetCons5-loop option provides less separation than others These toe separators come with two pairs of separators: a looped option and an open-toe option. They are both made from a soft, comfortable gel, and are great for stretching out your toes at home. The looped option will give you a bit of extra stability, while the open option is great for yoga or stretching.Customers with large feet who typically have trouble finding toe separators that fit were surprised to find these fit well.Key SpecsMaterialsMedical-grade gelSizesOne sizeAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsLow-profile design Available in different sizes ConsSome reviewers note rigid designIf you want a toe spacer that you can wear during the work day, it will have to be one that will also fit inside your shoes. These spacers are not only comfortable and effective, but they're also super low-profile, making them easy to fit inside your favorite pair of sneakers.They are made from a soft, comfortable gel that will not rub or blister.Key SpecsMaterialsMedical-grade siliconeSizesXS–LProsEasy to wear with shoesFits small feet and short toesConsProvides less separation than silicone optionsThese toe separators swap gel for fabric dividers that sit in between each toe and help to gently separate them. This mild separation coupled with the sock-like design makes them a good option to use during stretches and mobility work.They are not as aggressive as a gel option so they’re a good choice for those trying toe separators for the first time. While gentle, they’re still plenty durable as customers say they hold up to multiple washes and wear.Key SpecsMaterials90% cotton, 7% polyester, and 3% elastaneSizesS-XLDanny Perez is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men's style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men's shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.Jerry Francois, also known as Coach J, got into long distance running after participating in college sports. He’s since founded Goldfinger Track Club, a Brooklyn running group that focuses on inclusivity. Francois is a 2:41 marathoner and has over a decade of long-distance running (and because of that, injury management) experience.