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TOETOE SOCKS, WHY YOU SHOULD GET A PAIR!
Primate’s unique fingers and toes have been a good 65 million years in the making. They allow a grasping action ideal for gripping branches and manipulating food. Around 7 million years ago the hominid line started to develop bipedalism and the toes started their unique evolutionary journey. The fact that 7 million years later toes are still with us tells us that they still have an important role in the function of our feet. Today rather than grasping, they help stabilise our forefoot enabling us to use the metatarsal phalangeal joints (joints at the base of our toes) as a fulcrum or pivot to progress forward. They have an essential action in helping us store potential energy in our foot arch, which is released as our heel comes off the ground. Our toe muscles remain strong and vital for healthy feet.
Today we tend to keep our toes “behind bars”, enclosed for hours in shoes and hosiery that tend to compress our toes together preventing the muscles from working properly. This un-natural state of affairs risks atrophy of the toe muscles which can lead to toe deformities like hammer toes which in themselves can lead to corns, callus and pains under the forefoot. Toes need space to work and although barefoot and the free toes that result are the ultimate treat for toes, the UK climate and our modern environment makes this difficult for most of the time.
As a musculoskeletal podiatrist practising over 25 years, a designer of medical insoles (foot orthoses) and a vising fellow at Staffordshire University, I believe that ToeToe socks offer a far more natural condition than traditional hosiery. They help space each toe apart, like toes should naturally be, rather than crushed together. I have found ToeToe socks have helped my patients with metatarsalgias such as Morton’s neuralgia (neuroma), as well as interdigital corns, and athlete’s foot to name but a few common foot pathologies. ToeToe socks are a great improvement on traditional hosiery and the little extra time it takes you to put them on is well worth the effort. Your toes will thank you for it.
Andy Horwood M.Pod.A, D.Pod.M
Musculoskeletal Podiatrist
Visiting Fellow Staffordshire University
Member of the Society for the Study of Human Biology
Member of the Footwear Biomechanics Group
Andy Horwood
Musculoskeletal Podiatrist
Visiting Fellow Staffordshire University
Member of the Society for the Study of Human Biology
Member of the Footwear Biomechanics Group
Peter Sweiger
Bespoke Orthopedic Shoe Manufacturer
Richard Panell
Registered Podiatrist
The promotion of natural foot function is an essential principal of all foot healthcare products. As one of the UK ’s leading suppliers of gait assisted products, Langer UK ltd believe that, TOETOE toe socks offer significant benefits in promoting natural movement and function of individual toes compared to conventional socks. The separation of individual digits, offers the possibility of increased proprioception, ventilation, and biomechanical function, whilst creating an environment that reduces the likelihood of interdigital pressure and abrasion.
Philip Rees
Biomechanics Engineer
Brian Beber
Registered Podiatrist
USER EVALUATION OF TOE-TOE OUT DOOR EPT WALKERS SOCK
Sock types:
- Terry weaves
- Multiple Anatomical Location Weave
Both pairs of socks were worn for eight-hour periods inside Brasher Supa-lite boots and Inov-8 Terroc shoes.
Both pairs of socks had an excellent fit both on overall length and circumference. The fit of the individual digits of both styles of sock was excellent and no inter-digital discomfort was experienced throughout the evaluation. The main focus of the evaluation was:
- How the different materials at their anatomical locations performed according to functional requirements, and
- How the sock protected the foot.
The Multiple Anatomical Location Weave sock has a knitted contoured weave under the Calcaneus and under the Metatarsal Heads. The weave is in the form of a 3D effect. The 3D weave provides excellent cushioning under the heel and the metatarsal heads without an increase in plantar pressure (commonly found in padded/ cushioned socks) or increasing the bulk of the sock and foot inside the shoe. The midfoot weave is located proximal to the metatarsal heads and terminates at the location transverse to the medial cuneiform. The tension of the weave in this area was firm enough to secure the sock to the shape of the mid foot, securing the anatomical location of the sock. The distal tibial section was an even tension around the leg and comfortable without being restrictive. The main feature of the sock is feeling of mobility of the toes and the proprioceptive feeling of being able to feel each individual toe. This enhanced proprioception, I find very beneficial, especially when worn with lighter, flexible footwear (which is the trend at the moment)
The Terry woven Toe sock was a similar high quality fit, and displayed similar levels of proprioceptive feed back through the toes. The main feature of the Terry weave sock is the thermal properties. This is a sock for walkers who will require additional thermal protection for their feet and will suit wearers who prefer to use more rigid heavier footwear.
Overall the socks functions at a very high level of comfort and durability. The multiple weave variations are all located correctly and aid the protective function of the sock in those areas at most risk of blisters and lesions. The individual digits of the sock enable the toes to move freely and enhance the feeling of being “in contact with the ground.
Philip Rees
Biomechanics Engineer
difference from ordinary socks when using them. They are a bit strange to put on at first and when new take
some time to get a comfortable fit on all toes, but I tried them for a 20 mile run in first-time use and was very
pleasantly surprised at how comfortable they were.
There is no doubt you feel much more conscious of your toes and balance when running,
with all the toes feeling snug and protected.
They also get much easier to fit on after being used and washed.
Phillip Howells
Ed&Phil Publishing
I thought it was just a load of marketing hype. Having now tried them, I have to confess that I was wrong!
Running feels totally different when wearing them and you certainly feel much more in touch with the ground underfoot.
As I spend much of my time running in pretty extreme off road conditions,
I really feel the benefit and am much more confident when running on rough ground.
What's more, they keep my feet warmer than traditional socks and I end my ToeToe sock-wearing runs with happy feet.
Edward Chapman
Ed&Phil Publishing