CORRECT TOES
CORRECT TOES SIZING AND MODIFICATIONS
Correct Toes are available in four sizes: Extra Small, Small, Medium and Large. While appropriate sizing loosely correlates to shoe size, Correct Toes size will ultimately be determined by toe length and toe girth. If you are in-between sizes, consider sizing up if you have a wide foot.
If you are familiar with Correct Toes please note that the old small is now extra small and the new small is a size in between the old small and medium sized Correct Toes.
Still unsure of which size is best for your feet? Email a picture of your feet (preferably beside a ruler) we will be happy to assist you.
You can modify your Correct Toes to get a better fit. See the video 'When to Modify Correct Toes' below or view the modification guide here.
For more information about Correct Toes please refer to the Owner's Manual.
If you are familiar with Correct Toes please note that the old small is now extra small and the new small is a size in between the old small and medium sized Correct Toes.
Still unsure of which size is best for your feet? Email a picture of your feet (preferably beside a ruler) we will be happy to assist you.
You can modify your Correct Toes to get a better fit. See the video 'When to Modify Correct Toes' below or view the modification guide here.
For more information about Correct Toes please refer to the Owner's Manual.
|
|
|
HOW TO WEAR CORRECT TOES
CORRECT TOES FAQ
How can correct toes help me?
1. Correction of many common foot and leg problems, including bunions, hallux limitus and rigidus, tailor’s bunions, corns, ingrown toenails, heel pain, plantar fasciosis, neuromas, capsulitis, lower leg pain, and runner’s knee. No surgery or medications required!
2. Better balance in athletes, Parkinson’s patients, and elderly.
3. Decreased injury rates in athletes, due to allowing the body to make better use of natural physiological adaptations that are hampered by current footwear available to athletes.
4. Increased performance in athletes (especially walkers and runners) by promoting foot positions that scientific studies have shown to have a 4 to 5% performance edge.
5. Improved strength and flexibility of the toes. This enhances proprioception, and subsequently the brain signals the body to move forward more naturally.
6. Less osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative arthritis), which currently plagues a majority of senior citizens, as well as a high percentage of the younger population.
2. Better balance in athletes, Parkinson’s patients, and elderly.
3. Decreased injury rates in athletes, due to allowing the body to make better use of natural physiological adaptations that are hampered by current footwear available to athletes.
4. Increased performance in athletes (especially walkers and runners) by promoting foot positions that scientific studies have shown to have a 4 to 5% performance edge.
5. Improved strength and flexibility of the toes. This enhances proprioception, and subsequently the brain signals the body to move forward more naturally.
6. Less osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative arthritis), which currently plagues a majority of senior citizens, as well as a high percentage of the younger population.
Are my Correct Toes left/right specific?
Correct Toes are reversible! Each individual silicone Correct Toe spacer is identically casted so are interchangeable on the right or left foot.
What conditions can Correct Toes help?
Regular use of Correct Toes in shoes that are sufficiently wide, lightweight and flexible (like Lems Shoes) can, over time, correct a wide variety of foot problems. Examples of conditions treated are:
- bunions
- hammertoes
- ingrown toenails
- heel pain or plantar fasciosis
- corns
- neuromas
- capsulitis
- lower leg pain
- runner’s knee
Why do Correct Toes work?
Correct Toes spread the toes in a way that re-approximates their natural anatomy. Why is this important? We spend a lifetime in footwear that is too narrow at the ends of the toes, resulting in our foot shape changing such that the toes become scrunched together. Having spread toes is essential to proper gait.
Correct Toes work in a similar way to how braces work for teeth by placing the toes into optimal alignment and, slowly and progressively, changing the architecture of the foot. The muscles and other tissues of the foot and body are able to adapt and strengthen accordingly. The ultimate goal is to return the foot to its natural shape!
Correct Toes work in a similar way to how braces work for teeth by placing the toes into optimal alignment and, slowly and progressively, changing the architecture of the foot. The muscles and other tissues of the foot and body are able to adapt and strengthen accordingly. The ultimate goal is to return the foot to its natural shape!
How do I use Correct Toes?
Correct Toes are placed in between the toes. They are designed to be worn either barefoot, in wide slippers or wide shoes. Important note: the shoes MUST be wide enough to accommodate the toes with Correct Toes in place. The best results are seen when people incorporate them into their daily weight-bearing activities. Check out our range of Lems Shoes.
It is important to incorporate Correct Toes SLOWLY and progressively. We recommend wearing them for a half-hour the first day and then increasing the time by approximately 30 minutes each day. This will allow your body to adjust to the changes. You may experience some soreness at first, as would be expected when muscles are being utilized in a novel way. Just like with any new activity, the soreness should subside and your muscles will end up stronger and more capable than before.
It is important to incorporate Correct Toes SLOWLY and progressively. We recommend wearing them for a half-hour the first day and then increasing the time by approximately 30 minutes each day. This will allow your body to adjust to the changes. You may experience some soreness at first, as would be expected when muscles are being utilized in a novel way. Just like with any new activity, the soreness should subside and your muscles will end up stronger and more capable than before.
Is it that simple: Can I just use Correct Toes and be cured?
We wish it were that simple! It’s not quite that easy, but it’s not complicated either. The whole idea behind Correct Toes is that they position the toes in the correct way. It is also vital to utilise shoes that are completely flat, lightweight, flexible, and sufficiently wide in the toe box, so that the foot can function like a barefoot inside the shoe. This type of footwear must be used on a very regular basis. Unfortunately, such footwear can be difficult to find, which is how we came to stock Lems Shoes. Following the above plan, you can expect to see positive results.
Where do I find shoes that work with Correct Toes?
This is a very important question! Unfortunately, almost all the footwear available on the market does not respect natural anatomy. In a natural foot, the widest part of the foot is at the ends of the toes, not at the ball. The trick to finding appropriate footwear is to make sure that the shoe is the same shape as your foot. The best way to test this is to pull the liner out of the shoe and stand on it. No part of your foot should hang over the liner. If it does, the shoe is too narrow. Always seek shoes that are completely flat, wide in the toe box, and flexible. We think Lems Shoes are the best shoe on the market.
What are the different sizes of Correct Toes? How do I figure out my size?
Correct Toes come in four sizes: XSMALL,SMALL, MEDIUM, and LARGE. Unlike many other foot products, the Correct Toes size you require does not depend on your shoe size. Instead, the Correct Toes size best suited for your individual toes depends on the width of your feet, the width of your individual toes, and the degree to which your toes are already splayed, or spread.
Your Correct Toes toe-spacer should not "bunch" between your toes—this would be a sign that your Correct Toes toe spacers are too large. Your toe spacers should not pinch your toes, either. Toe spacers that pinch your toes are too small. Correct Toes can be further customized for a wide variety of feet, contact Norbert if you are unsure. Most women and many men find the MEDIUM size most beneficial and adaptable to their feet, though this is not universally true. Some people may need to start out in a smaller size and move up to a larger size as foot adaptations take place. In most cases, we find that the LARGE size works with individuals who wear a men's size 11.5/12 shoe and higher.
If you think you might be in-between sizes, you can email us a picture of your feet taken while standing next to a ruler (to show the length and width of your foot). This image can give us a more accurate picture of which size is most appropriate for you.
Download a .pdf printout to estimate your size. Click this link to download: Correct Toes Sizing Guide
Please contact us if you have further questions about Correct Toes sizing or customization.
Your Correct Toes toe-spacer should not "bunch" between your toes—this would be a sign that your Correct Toes toe spacers are too large. Your toe spacers should not pinch your toes, either. Toe spacers that pinch your toes are too small. Correct Toes can be further customized for a wide variety of feet, contact Norbert if you are unsure. Most women and many men find the MEDIUM size most beneficial and adaptable to their feet, though this is not universally true. Some people may need to start out in a smaller size and move up to a larger size as foot adaptations take place. In most cases, we find that the LARGE size works with individuals who wear a men's size 11.5/12 shoe and higher.
If you think you might be in-between sizes, you can email us a picture of your feet taken while standing next to a ruler (to show the length and width of your foot). This image can give us a more accurate picture of which size is most appropriate for you.
Download a .pdf printout to estimate your size. Click this link to download: Correct Toes Sizing Guide
Please contact us if you have further questions about Correct Toes sizing or customization.
How are Correct Toes different than a pedicure set?
A pedicure set is designed for just that – a pedicure. It spaces the toes so that, while the person is seated, nail polish can be applied. Pedicure sets are not intended as a therapeutic device. It spaces the toes to an arbitrarily wide position for temporary use. Correct Toes, on the other hand, actually place each toe in the CORRECT position, both in relation to the ground and to each other. After a break-in period, this position can be held for a long time, and doing so will benefit the user. Also, Correct Toes are designed and intended for use in footwear, during daily and athletic activities. This would certainly not be comfortable or safe with a pedicure set.
How are Correct Toes different from other toe-spacing products, like Yoga Toes?
Correct Toes go beyond simply “spacing the toes.” It is podiatrist-designed product that places each toe in the correct anatomical position in relation to the ground and to one-another. It mimics the natural barefoot position that is commonly seen in people who go barefoot for most of their lives. Correct Toes do not arbitrarily space the toes.
Correct toes are designed by a podiatric physician (a.k.a., foot doctor), Ray McClanahan, DPM. Dr. McClanahan is an expert in foot anatomy and human physiology. Furthermore, Correct Toes are clinically tested on hundreds of patients, with outstanding success.
Most toe-spacing products are to be worn only while barefoot and while sitting (non-weight-bearing). They are bulky, and it would therefore be impossible to use them while standing, walking, or in shoes. Correct Toes are the ONLY product that is specifically designed to be worn in footwear and during weight-bearing activity. This is essential for attaining the best possible results in making actual changes to the foot and alleviating foot problems. Correct Toes are designed to be worn in shoes during weight-bearing activity, such as running, walking, hiking, and standing. They can also be used barefoot around your home or when you are practicing yoga, tai chi, qigong, or other movement arts. Wearing Correct Toes frequently and while weight-bearing leads to the most effective results.
Correct Toes promote balance. This is incredibly useful in yoga practice and therapeutic for people with Parkinson’s Disease. It is also useful for senior citizens in preventing fatal falls—a common injury among the elderly.
Correct Toes are constructed of medical-grade silicone, which make them both flexible and highly durable. They are comfortable and built to last. Correct Toes is a top-quality product!
When used according to package instructions, Correct Toes offer customers a method of permanently fixing their foot/ankle ailments, without having to resort to custom orthotics ($-hundreds) or surgery ($-thousands). Correct Toes are a tremendously reasonably-priced alternative.
Correct toes are designed by a podiatric physician (a.k.a., foot doctor), Ray McClanahan, DPM. Dr. McClanahan is an expert in foot anatomy and human physiology. Furthermore, Correct Toes are clinically tested on hundreds of patients, with outstanding success.
Most toe-spacing products are to be worn only while barefoot and while sitting (non-weight-bearing). They are bulky, and it would therefore be impossible to use them while standing, walking, or in shoes. Correct Toes are the ONLY product that is specifically designed to be worn in footwear and during weight-bearing activity. This is essential for attaining the best possible results in making actual changes to the foot and alleviating foot problems. Correct Toes are designed to be worn in shoes during weight-bearing activity, such as running, walking, hiking, and standing. They can also be used barefoot around your home or when you are practicing yoga, tai chi, qigong, or other movement arts. Wearing Correct Toes frequently and while weight-bearing leads to the most effective results.
Correct Toes promote balance. This is incredibly useful in yoga practice and therapeutic for people with Parkinson’s Disease. It is also useful for senior citizens in preventing fatal falls—a common injury among the elderly.
Correct Toes are constructed of medical-grade silicone, which make them both flexible and highly durable. They are comfortable and built to last. Correct Toes is a top-quality product!
When used according to package instructions, Correct Toes offer customers a method of permanently fixing their foot/ankle ailments, without having to resort to custom orthotics ($-hundreds) or surgery ($-thousands). Correct Toes are a tremendously reasonably-priced alternative.
When can I expect to see results?
“When can I expect to see results?” is a common question patients ask about Correct Toes, and it reflects patients’ desire to resolve existing foot problems, restore normal, healthy foot anatomy, and prevent future foot, ankle, and lower extremity ailments. We find that most people, most of the time, experience some immediate relief, with continued positive musculoskeletal health benefits occurring over many months and years. Of course, results may be different for different people, and the direct and indirect health benefits of Correct Toes depends on many factors, including your age, your tissue mobility, how frequently you use your Correct Toes toe spacers, your physical activity level, and how often you wear appropriate footwear, to name a few factors among many.
Most people can expect to feel and/or see the beneficial effects of Correct Toes within the first 30 minutes of use. However, for architectural changes to occur, both time and dedication to Correct Toes use is important. For example, in attempting to reverse a bunion, some movement of the big toe (which is lacking in many patients with this health problem) likely will be visible within a few months of regular Correct Toes use (especially in people who use Correct Toes during weight-bearing activities). Further favorable changes will continue over many months or years. Wearing Correct Toes is, ultimately, an investment in lifelong foot health.
Think of it this way: It took a lifetime for your feet to conform to the narrow toe boxes of conventional footwear. Over many years, your foot shape changed, causing the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues involved in standing, walking, and running to adapt to help slow this deformation. It is most certainly possible to undo these negative changes—we see it in our patients all the time—but sustained, long-term changes in foot form do not occur overnight.
You should anticipate using Correct Toes as a part of your foot care plan for many years. Positive changes in your foot symptoms, form, and function will occur much sooner than this, though only continued use of the Correct Toes toe-spacing appliance will ensure ongoing and lasting natural foot health in adults who have used conventional footwear since youth. To help illustrate the restorative effects of Correct Toes (and to give you a general sense of the timeline for significant toe realignment), let’s look at three unique groups: Children, athletes, and elderly individuals.
Children are the most adaptable of the three groups (i.e., a little bit of effort in restoring proper foot anatomy goes a long way with this group). In many cases, children’s feet respond quickly to corrective toe positioning, and the long-term use of toe spacers may not be necessary.
Athletes are an interesting group because they can do considerable damage to their feet through the prolonged use of severely constricting footwear, yet they respond very well to Correct Toes when the toe spacers are adopted and used in appropriate footwear. Athletes, especially runners, subject their feet and toes to tremendous repetitive forces during weight-bearing activity. If the toes are properly aligned, however, these forces can accelerate the corrective effect of the toe spacers.
Elderly individuals are often the least adaptable and the least likely to see lasting structural changes in their feet and toes (due to decreased tissue mobility). This is not to say, however, that elderly individuals will not experience lasting relief from their chronic foot and lower leg problems with the regular use of Correct Toes. In fact, many seniors report excellent results and improved quality of life (including a heightened sense of balance) with consistent Correct Toes use.
Most people can expect to feel and/or see the beneficial effects of Correct Toes within the first 30 minutes of use. However, for architectural changes to occur, both time and dedication to Correct Toes use is important. For example, in attempting to reverse a bunion, some movement of the big toe (which is lacking in many patients with this health problem) likely will be visible within a few months of regular Correct Toes use (especially in people who use Correct Toes during weight-bearing activities). Further favorable changes will continue over many months or years. Wearing Correct Toes is, ultimately, an investment in lifelong foot health.
Think of it this way: It took a lifetime for your feet to conform to the narrow toe boxes of conventional footwear. Over many years, your foot shape changed, causing the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues involved in standing, walking, and running to adapt to help slow this deformation. It is most certainly possible to undo these negative changes—we see it in our patients all the time—but sustained, long-term changes in foot form do not occur overnight.
You should anticipate using Correct Toes as a part of your foot care plan for many years. Positive changes in your foot symptoms, form, and function will occur much sooner than this, though only continued use of the Correct Toes toe-spacing appliance will ensure ongoing and lasting natural foot health in adults who have used conventional footwear since youth. To help illustrate the restorative effects of Correct Toes (and to give you a general sense of the timeline for significant toe realignment), let’s look at three unique groups: Children, athletes, and elderly individuals.
Children are the most adaptable of the three groups (i.e., a little bit of effort in restoring proper foot anatomy goes a long way with this group). In many cases, children’s feet respond quickly to corrective toe positioning, and the long-term use of toe spacers may not be necessary.
Athletes are an interesting group because they can do considerable damage to their feet through the prolonged use of severely constricting footwear, yet they respond very well to Correct Toes when the toe spacers are adopted and used in appropriate footwear. Athletes, especially runners, subject their feet and toes to tremendous repetitive forces during weight-bearing activity. If the toes are properly aligned, however, these forces can accelerate the corrective effect of the toe spacers.
Elderly individuals are often the least adaptable and the least likely to see lasting structural changes in their feet and toes (due to decreased tissue mobility). This is not to say, however, that elderly individuals will not experience lasting relief from their chronic foot and lower leg problems with the regular use of Correct Toes. In fact, many seniors report excellent results and improved quality of life (including a heightened sense of balance) with consistent Correct Toes use.
How long do I need to wear Correct Toes?
Think of it this way. It took a lifetime for your feet to conform to overly narrow footwear. Over many years, your foot shape changed. Subsequently, all the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues associated with standing, walking, running, etc adapted, or mal-adapted, to this slow change. It is certainly possible to un-do these negative changes, but it does not happen over night. Just as the negative changes took a long time to develop, so too will positive changes require some time. You should anticipate on wearing your Correct Toes for many years. Positive changes will occur sooner than that, but continued use will assure on-going natural foot health.
Can I walk or run in Correct Toes?
Yes! Having spread toes while running and walking is great for the feet and whole body. It also feels wonderful. It is VERY IMPORTANT that the shoe is wide enough in the toe box to incorporate Correct Toes without pinching or rubbing. To test your shoe, take the liner out and stand on it. If any part of the foot hangs over the liner, then these shoes will not work with Correct Toes.
Are Correct Toes customisable?
Yes! Here are a few examples: (Click here for our illustrated modification chart.)
1. Correct Toes are designed to allow you to progressively increase the space between your toes. This is accomplished by using shims (small pieces of EAV material) in the spaces between the 1st & 2nd toes and the 4th & 5th. You can use 1, 2, or 3 shims in each, depending on your personal needs. As always, any changes should be implemented slowly and progressively, so that your body has ample time to adjust.
2. It is possible to decrease the space between your fourth and fifth toes. This may be useful if: the 5th toe (“pinky” toe) is pushed out too far (this occasionally happens for some types of feet) or to use Correct Toes in shoes that are almost, but not quite, wide enough. To accomplish this, start by cutting ½ of the small interspace along the vertical plane. This will diminish the space between the last 2 toes. If necessary, the whole 4th interspace can be removed. Correct Toes will still work quite well.
3. Need a bit more space for your toes? Simply use a hole-punch on the first and/or fourth interspace. This increases the stretchiness of Correct Toes.
Also see Modification video.
1. Correct Toes are designed to allow you to progressively increase the space between your toes. This is accomplished by using shims (small pieces of EAV material) in the spaces between the 1st & 2nd toes and the 4th & 5th. You can use 1, 2, or 3 shims in each, depending on your personal needs. As always, any changes should be implemented slowly and progressively, so that your body has ample time to adjust.
2. It is possible to decrease the space between your fourth and fifth toes. This may be useful if: the 5th toe (“pinky” toe) is pushed out too far (this occasionally happens for some types of feet) or to use Correct Toes in shoes that are almost, but not quite, wide enough. To accomplish this, start by cutting ½ of the small interspace along the vertical plane. This will diminish the space between the last 2 toes. If necessary, the whole 4th interspace can be removed. Correct Toes will still work quite well.
3. Need a bit more space for your toes? Simply use a hole-punch on the first and/or fourth interspace. This increases the stretchiness of Correct Toes.
Also see Modification video.
Should I wear Correct Toes with my orthotics?
Correct Toes eliminate the need for conventional orthotics in most people by enabling your foot arch (i.e., your medial longitudinal arch) to support itself. In general, we DO NOT recommend wearing Correct Toes in combination with orthotics, we instead recommend weaning yourself off orthotics—slowly and progressively—when introducing Correct Toes. Correct Toes are, by definition, an orthotic, though conventional custom orthotics are placed under your foot arch (instead of between your toes) and attempt to alter foot position by using an unnatural methodology (i.e., by propping up your foot arch).
In other words, custom arch orthotics are not natural in any way. In fact, they violate the natural anatomy of your foot’s arches by artificially lifting them and placing material under them in a manner never seen in nature or in human-made structures, such as arch bridges. They may, initially, help gain a more natural foot position, but they do so artificially and the results are temporary. Our toe orthotic, Correct Toes, supports your foot’s arches in the exact manner nature intended, by placing your toes in their ideal natural alignment. So here we have two different types of orthotics attempting to do the same thing: one violates the natural anatomy of the foot, the other provides natural alignment to the foot and toes, and thus balance and support. Correct Toes are particularly effective in enabling optimal foot health when used in combination with a completely flat shoe surface (i.e., when they are worn in a shoe that possesses no heel elevation, toe spring, or motion control features).
While most people do not need orthotics if they use Correct Toes in footwear that allows proper toe splay, there are a few rare individuals who, even with Correct Toes and proper shoes, may not be able to restore their own arch structures simply by using their foot naturally. These few individuals may, in fact, benefit from Correct Toes AND orthotics. In even rarer cases, where the combination of Correct Toes and orthotics does not restore foot arch structures, a surgical procedure on the ankle may be warranted. Of course, Correct Toes should be worn after this surgery to help maintain proper toe and foot alignment.
In other words, custom arch orthotics are not natural in any way. In fact, they violate the natural anatomy of your foot’s arches by artificially lifting them and placing material under them in a manner never seen in nature or in human-made structures, such as arch bridges. They may, initially, help gain a more natural foot position, but they do so artificially and the results are temporary. Our toe orthotic, Correct Toes, supports your foot’s arches in the exact manner nature intended, by placing your toes in their ideal natural alignment. So here we have two different types of orthotics attempting to do the same thing: one violates the natural anatomy of the foot, the other provides natural alignment to the foot and toes, and thus balance and support. Correct Toes are particularly effective in enabling optimal foot health when used in combination with a completely flat shoe surface (i.e., when they are worn in a shoe that possesses no heel elevation, toe spring, or motion control features).
While most people do not need orthotics if they use Correct Toes in footwear that allows proper toe splay, there are a few rare individuals who, even with Correct Toes and proper shoes, may not be able to restore their own arch structures simply by using their foot naturally. These few individuals may, in fact, benefit from Correct Toes AND orthotics. In even rarer cases, where the combination of Correct Toes and orthotics does not restore foot arch structures, a surgical procedure on the ankle may be warranted. Of course, Correct Toes should be worn after this surgery to help maintain proper toe and foot alignment.
Is there anyone who should NOT use Correct Toes?
Anyone with diabetes or with diminished sensation of the feet should NOT use Correct Toes. Also, anyone with a diminished circulation condition, such as peripheral arterial disease or “PAD”, should NOT use Correct Toes. If for any reason you are uncertain about whether you should use Correct Toes, you should consult your holistically-minded healthcare provider.
What are shims and how do I add them to my Correct Toes?
Shims are used for individuals rehabbing a bunion or Tailor’s bunion that need additional space between their 1st and 2nd toes or 4th and 5th toes. The cavity in the large and small pylons of Correct Toes can be modified to add material and create additional spacing. Typically the material that we add is from footwear—an old sock liner or any other thick, soft foam will work best.
To insert the shim into Correct Toes, first cut a small square or rectangle of foam. Thread a pair of tweezers through the cavity opening. Place the cut piece of foam in the tweezers and slide the tweezers back through the cavity so that the foam is inserted into the cavity (see video for placement). This modification is suggested after 3-4 months of Correct Toes use. Shim material is not provided with the purchase of Correct Toes.
To insert the shim into Correct Toes, first cut a small square or rectangle of foam. Thread a pair of tweezers through the cavity opening. Place the cut piece of foam in the tweezers and slide the tweezers back through the cavity so that the foam is inserted into the cavity (see video for placement). This modification is suggested after 3-4 months of Correct Toes use. Shim material is not provided with the purchase of Correct Toes.
I lost my owner’s manual, where can I get another?
No Problem. Click here to download the User Manual.
