Spread ‘Em: A Unique Way to Get Relief From Foot Pain
Make those toes happy and free! Credit: meddygarnet
Foot pain. Nobody wants it. Not me. Not you. Not your dog. Not your dog’s uncle’s grandma. Not anyone. And while we all know that some shoes leave your tootsies feeling worse than others (gosh, is there anything worse than too-tight running shoes or a pair of heels that smoosh ’em together?), not many of us know how to prevent that discomfort—except for wearing different shoes. Or at least I didn’t know ’cause I had nary a clue how to make my feet feel better. That was until I heard of something that sounds pretty ridiculous (but actually isn’t): SmartToes Toe Stretchers.
Yes, toe stretchers.
At the end of a long day, put your dogs in these toe stretchers for a few minutes, and it’s said to help straighten and align your toes and feet, and stretch your achilles tendon. Kind of similar to what you put your toes in to dry them after a pedi, it’s kind of uncomfortable at first. And the first few times you use it, you can only have your toes in for a few minutes without it feeling really uncomfortable. But, as you work up to it and stretch them out after a few uses, you can leave them in there for 10+ minutes and even walk around in them. Like whoa. And they really do work. Although they feel strange on, as soon as you take SmartToes off, your feet get a rush of energy and just feel good. Kind of like runner’s high, but for your tootsies. I know it sounds weird, but it’s true.
The price tag on these is about $30, which isn’t exactly cheap for what seems like well-shaped plastic-gel stuff. But if you have foot pain or issues—especially the kind that keep you off your feet and away from the gym—it’s certainly worth a try. And I know the holidays are months off, but I can’t help but think of how great of a stocking stuffer these would be. Hey, they say you can never start too early on your Christmas shopping—or your wish list, hehe.
So tell us, would you try these? Do you suffer from foot pain? Let’s talk about those piggies! —Jenn
Comments
I really want to try these because a couple of my toes are very crooked (and starting to get a little painful after my races). It sounds like they work really well to stretch, but do you have any idea if they actually straighten over time? Either way I’ll probably get them, just curious.
Not sure I’d try these little babies, but I work on my feet more often, almost everyday, since a few of the fitness instructors I follow swear by it. Miranda on Classical Stretch has “strengthen your feet” sections on her PBS workouts quite often and Yamuna (body rolling) has a whole routine and special “foot toys” to stimulate the feet. I keep mine underneath my desk and work on them regularly. That’s the key too–consistency, to keep your feet happy! 🙂
I love my SmartToes. I’ve had them for two weeks and it’s made a HUGE difference in my comfort level. I wear them about 15-20 mins a day and it’s like new feet. I wish I found these years ago. I got them on amazon with free shipping.
SmartToes are AMAZING! They definitely will straighten out your toes if you use them consistently. They make my feet feel so much better after I have had on high heels all day.
Wow, I just received my Smart Toes today and tried them on immediately.
It was a lil hard at first, trying to get all my lil toes in the respective toe guides, but after a few tries of pushing down the silicon, they slid into place. What an interesting feeling. Kind of uncomfortable and kind of pleasurable at the same time!!! Increased circulation and unless my mind’s playing tricks on me, it sure looks and feels like my toes are straighter after just half hour of use??? Is that possible??
I’m going to wear these as often as possible!! Oh, I also got a bunion correction toe separator and that was junk- going to return that, but these babies are my new friends!!!
I definitely would try these. As it is now, I have to use inserts, which don’t work in my favorite running shoes and anti-inflammatory medication. I would rather not have to use medication at all. Without the inserts and needs, I can barely stand to walk.
I bought two pairs over the past few years but they are now unavailable. Where can I buy these? I tried competitors and they just don’t cut it. Thanks!
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