Toe separators and toe spacers: Are they the same thing?
Its objective is the same but the way to achieve it is very different. We explain it to you.
Lately in Spain the use of foot separators has become more known and promoted. However, spacers are a very little known tool while in other parts of the world, toe spacers are widely used.
To understand the differences, let's start with what unites them.
Objectives of Toe Spacers and Separators:
They both have a common goal, and that is for your toes to align with their metatarsal bone so that the foot works correctly and is as functional as possible. In short, forcing your intrinsic muscles to work in a new way to return your feet and fingers to their original anatomy and functionality.
Starting from this common objective, there are differences that mean we can combine them to get the most out of each of them.
toe separators
Its use is best known in Spain.
- Aim: Return the shape, strength and natural functionality of the feet through their use in more dynamic activities.
- Material : SBES, elastic, flexible, soft material.
- Use: During the development of physical activity.
- Approach : More efficient in dynamic physical activities. Sports, walking, yoga... that require more support.
- Interdigital separation : Greater separation between the toes, which makes the muscular network of your foot very active, regenerating and oxygenating itself during physical activity.
- Transition: Adaptation to these devices must be much more progressive than for spacers.
- Cons : Using it for a long time can compromise blood circulation or cause some type of discomfort. Therefore, we do not recommend using it for more than 1 or 2 hours at a time.
Toe spacers
Much more widely used in other parts of the world, but less known in Spain.
- Aim : Maintain and secure the natural space of the fingers for longer periods of time, passively working on their alignment.
- Material: Medical grade silicone, firmer and more consistent.
- Use : They can be used for longer periods of time (they do not compromise the circulation of the fingers because they are not as elastic)
- Approach: They can be used in less dynamic activities or at rest. They can be worn under conventional socks to reverse the compression they generate or with 5-finger socks. They can also be used at rest (although the benefits in this case are much less than using them while moving, even if it is light). It makes sense, for example, to wear them during your work day, during a long trip, when you go shopping, watch a series or read a book.
- Interdigital separation: Less interdigital separation.
- Transition/time of use : As the space generated between the fingers is very natural, the adaptation period to them will be shorter. By not compromising the circulation of the fingers, they can be used for hours without any problem.
- Cons: As they fit over the fingers and are not held elastically, in very dynamic activities they can become dislocated.
As you can see, one complements the other, and it is advisable to use both to improve the health of your feet.