Toe Spreaders

The foot is a great place to start when attempting to make movement related changes. It tends to be shaped in a way that reveals systemic movement strategies and is easily accessible to intervene and feel a difference in the ways you move. Shoe wear has been the traditional means of influencing folks to change how their foot moves, however more recently the idea to spread the toes has taken off. The idea being that the toes were meant to splay while walking, that modern day lifestyles have limited the foot’s ability to move and we should restore that capacity via external means like toe spreaders. This is not inherently a bad idea, however there is more nuance in how the foot and toes move, requiring the decision to wear toe spreaders be more thoughtful.

Walking is probably the easiest mode of movement to assess when looking at foot mechanics. Early in the stance phase of walking, when the foot first strikes the ground, the arch is high. Toes are closer together and joints, by and large, are facing outward. As that contact time increases, the arch of the foot drops toward the ground and spreading of the foot becomes more apparent as joints make a turn inward. In the later phases, the arch of the foot diminishes and the toes return to their position of being close together. This is generally the mechanics involved at the foot in all activities, but easily seen during walking.

Many people tend to be biased toward one foot position or the other, meaning either they have a high arch with toes closer together, or a flatter foot and toes further apart. This is where the nuance comes into play. If a client of mine wants to know whether or not to wear toe spreaders, we take a look at their foot position. If they have a flat foot, and toes are more spread apart, their need for toe spreaders is most likely low. The person with a higher arch and toes close together, or more likely a candidate for toe spreaders with a better outcome.

Mechanically this tracks. The person with a foot that contains a higher arch has a center of gravity that is further forward and less constrained, meaning their heel is nearly off the ground if we return to our walking analysis. If we applied toe spreaders in this case, it may slow their heel from leaving the ground and promote their ability to distribute forces evenly and systemically. Forces like their foot hitting the ground while walking, running, jumping, etc.

Altering foot mechanics is a great way to reorganize how we move. We can readily change the shape and mechanical influence of the system as a whole by altering the movement capabilities of the foot. Some folks present with a higher arch and may benefit from devices like toe spreaders, however they are not for everyone. Being aware of the mechanics needed to move efficiently and effectively can help guide the decision-making process for things like shoe wear or toe spreaders.

Austin Ulrich, Physical Therapist