Bunions are basically the swelling in the first joint of the toe. This swelling can cause severe pain, but this pain can be avoided if one has “tight shoes.” With developing technologies and emerging innovations, there is a cure for almost every pain. Hence these tight shoes are developed with a unique feature of a narrow-toe box. According to MD Suzanne Levine, a podiatrist, these types of shoes typically can help promote the development of bunions. Moreover, he says in order to avoid worsening the development of the bunions, Foot Reflexologist recommends using such products for bunion support.
It is recommended that when looking for a product for bunion support, choose especially the ones that separate the toes and provide the cushion for the joint, and also give arch support. But if one is dealing with continuous or persistent foot pain, it is advised to seek a medical examination.
How do they work?
Firstly, we need to understand the mechanics of bunions. It actually occurs when a bone or joint is burdened; the body, in reaction, produces more bone in the affected area. So, the big toe turns inward. Thus additional stress or burden is applied to the inner side of the foot.
With the passage of time it leads to the emergence of bunions. Bunion correctors products are manufactured to straighten the big toe, which leads it back to its normal or natural position; its mechanics work similarly to what braces do to teeth. These correctors fit over the affected part of the foot like a sleeve. It also has a spacer that comes between the big toe and the second toe. Another type of corrector is splints; they normally don’t fit in the shoes. It works by supporting it from the side, and they are for overnight wear.
Having said that, there is no solid empirical evidence found that these correctors are effective at adjusting the angle of the toe or correcting bunions. However, there is very limited evidence suggesting that these products slow down the further spread of bunions and provide pain relief. Below are various products for bunion support; they are categorized on the basis of design, material, price, comfort, and force applied.
Top Toe Separators for Bunions
The products shortlisted for valuable customers are as follows. However, their specifications and designs are discussed separately afterward.
- Caretras Bunion Corrector for Women & Men 2pc
- NatraCure Gel Big Toe Bunion Guards & Toe Spreaders
- ZenToes Gel Toe Separators for Overlapping Toes, Bunions
- Bunion Corrector for Women and Men Bunion Pain Relief Protector Sleeves Kit
- Dr. Frederick’s Original Complete Bunion Pad & Spacer Kit
- Sockwell Women’s Sport Ease Bunion Relief Sock
- PowerStep Insoles, Pinnacle Plus, Ball of Foot Pain Relief Insole
- YOGABODY Naturals Toe Spreaders & Separators
1. Caretras Bunion Corrector for Women & Men 2pc – Orthopedic Bunion Splint & Big Toe Straightener for Hallux Valgus – Hammer Toe Corrector & Foot Brace for Bunion Relief – Day & Overnight Support ASIN: B07HGTG6L5
It is a Podiatrist developed 3-layer cushioning technology designed to give relief from pain, post-surgery discomfort, and arthritis. They are ergonomically designed to reduce friction and absorb pressure. This product does not claim to be a miracle fix but claims to alleviate pain and discomfort.
Some other brands’ correctors cut into the feet, while others slip off. But this flexible orthopedic corrector comes with three anti-slip straps around the big toe, instep, and heel. It is made up of high-quality elastane with multi-layer stitchings, which makes it more durable to use. The material is breathable cotton which keeps the feet dry. Moreover, it has shock-absorbing foam.
Pros | Cons |
They reduce friction and absorb pressure. | |
Adjustable and flexible fix. | |
Satisfaction guarantee (refund within 30 days, 60 day full replacement). |
2. NatraCure Gel Big Toe Bunion Guards & Toe Spreaders – 1315-M RET6PK – (6 Pieces) – (for Pain Relief from Crooked Toes, Pressure, and Hallux Bunions) ASIN: B07D5H4RF7
It is a cushy gel-manufactured corrector which helps in reducing friction, irritation, and pressure.
It re-aligns the overlapping and crooked toes. Moreover, it separates the first and second toe to eliminate discomfort. It moisturizes and nourishes skin with several mineral oils and vitamin E, and aloe vera gel. It is odorless, washable, hypoallergenic, and reusable. It is easy to wear and comfortable to wear all day. It is a size fit, mostly.
Pros | Cons |
Nourishes and moisturizes skin | |
One size fits the most | |
Doctor recommended |
3. ZenToes Gel Toe Separators for Overlapping Toes, Bunions, Big Toe Alignment, Corrector and Spacer – 4 Pack (Beige) ASIN: B0100M7FPA
These are silicone toe separators, which realign and straighten the big toes and also provide pain relief from hallux valgus, overlapping toes. This results in the improvement of balance and stability. This product can be worn alone or can be worn along with bunion pads for more protection of feet.
It is easy to use over the second toe and position the gel pad against the big toe. It adjusts in any shoe allowing the user to walk more comfortably. Moreover, it can be worn during the day and at night. It is a latex-free and washable medical-grade gel, which makes it reusable. It comes in various colors, and one size fits most.
Pros | Cons |
Comfortable and durable | |
Washable and reusable | |
Comes in various colors |
4. Bunion Corrector for Women and Men Bunion Pain Relief Protector Sleeves Kit – Relief Pain in Hallux Valgus, Big Toe Spacer Separators Brace Straighteners Splint ASIN: B01M5E0Q0T
It is a seven-piece protector set manufactured fully with 100 percent medical-grade silicon; it is stretchable and soft. This corrector provides a unique solution to various foot problems like relief from pain, treats bunions, reduces friction, gives back walking enjoyment, and to re-aligns the big toes. It is a one-size fit. These toe spacers can be enjoyed day and night by males and females.
Pros | Cons |
100% medical grade silicon | |
One size fit | |
It is a 7 piece protector kit |
5. Dr. Frederick’s Original Complete Bunion Pad & Spacer Kit – 14 Pcs – Bunion Corrector for Women & Men – Fast Bunion Relief – Bunion Splints, Toe Separators – No Surgery Temporary Bunion Corrector ASIN: B01MCR9HHL
This product provides instant relief from hallux valgus, overlapping toes, and foot pain. It contains a 14-piece kit, which includes bunion pads, toe separators, and spacers, ideal for every occasion for both males and females. This kit contains a variety of products of various shapes. With this corrector, one can get back to work without any pain or worrying about pain.
They basically are to be put under socks and provide comfort under shoes. They are made up of soft and flexible gel that one barely feels that they are wearing. Moreover, it is washable and reusable. It is specially designed and highly recommended by doctors. And it gives an additional guarantee of 30 days or less to cure the aching feet and big toes.
Pros | Cons |
Easy use | |
14 piece kit | |
Designed and guaranteed by doctors |
6. Sockwell Women’s Sport Ease Bunion Relief Sock ASIN: B015QWHAP4
This product is made up of thirty-four percent merino Wool, thirty-four percent rayon, twenty-eight percent nylon, and four percent spandex. It is washable and reusable. It soothes uncomfortable and aching feet, and it separates the big toe from the second toe, which reduces discomfort, minimizes friction, and also reduces bunion pain.
This relieves the pressure and also gives back the natural alignment. It offers a comfortable fit and helps in keeping the bunion relief sock in place. The materials in it provide a natural moisture management system, control the odor, and are durable.
Pros | Cons |
Various high quality materials used in manufacturing | |
Offers comfort fit | |
Natural moisture management system |
7. PowerStep Insoles, Pinnacle Plus, Ball of Foot Pain Relief Insole, Metatarsalgia Arch Support Orthotic for Women and Men ASIN: B002696XEA
This product is made up of 100% polyester and has a synthetic sole, and it is the number 1 podiatrist-recommended product. It has full-length insoles to be put in the shoes, which cradle the arch and the heel. It has moderate cushioning of dual layers, with fine stitching, and provides natural arch support.
It provides foot pain relief related to fasciitis, splints, and other foot, hip, knee, ankle, and back pain. It is designed for everyday use; it can be put in a variety of shoes, no matter if they are athletic or for walking or running, also in casual or dress shoes.
Pros | Cons |
Synthetic sole | |
Can be put in every type of shoes | |
Moderate cushioning of dual layer |
8. YOGABODY Naturals Toe Spreaders & Separators, Fast Pain Relief from Hammertoe & Bunions, Two Pairs in Stylish Wooden Box, Latex-Free Rubber Toe Stretchers Used for Nighttime, Yoga Practice & Running ASIN: B01AUZWM64
It is recommended by a podiatrist and was developed by a yoga teacher. This spacer corrector includes two pairs, one is small, and one is large. It provides pain relief from hammer toe and overlapping toes.
It is comfortable for people who wear high heels, have to stand all day, and have to wear work boots. Moreover, like one can wear it the whole day, it can easily be worn at night while watching tv, doing yoga, doing dance rehearsals, and other sports. By using this product, one can regain their natural shape.
Pros | Cons |
Podiatrist recommended spacer | |
Comes in two sizes smaller and larger | |
Can be worn during all day activities, like yoga, sports, dance, and etc. |
Things To Consider Before Buying Toe Separators for Bunions
Material
The first and foremost thing to look at in wearable products is material. Patients mostly find silicon-based correctors more user-friendly and comfortable. This material preferably is a soft and breathable fabric that would not cause discomfort or irritation to the user.
Toe separators
According to the anatomy of feet, there are long bones called metatarsals. In the big toe, there lies the first metatarsal, which starts to protrude in the creation of bunions. Resultantly, it causes the big toe to turn inward, that is, towards the second toe. Hence, one should look for toe separators that are made of gel or other soft and flexible materials which will provide comfort to the foot during its use. However, this is not a long-lasting remedy for bunions, but it works as the other over-the-counter product.
Conclusion
Ease in walking and presentable feet is the dream of everyone. Rescue the aching feet, and please get back to everyday activities. However, one big problem one can face is the big toe, which is swelling in the first joint of the big toe. Science and emerging technology provide solutions to this problem as well. There exists a wide range of products that are known as bunion correctors and toe separators.
These products vary on the basis of color, specifications, qualities, materials, and sizes. These products do not guarantee the toe to deviate back to its original and natural position. But it promises to help in providing relief to the pain and straightening the arch. Just like the braces adjust the position of the teeth, these toe separators and bunion correctors realign the position of the big toe.