Both toe spacers and bunion splints address hallux valgus (bunions) — but they provide very different levels of correction and are suited to different stages of the condition. Using a passive spacer when you need active correction means you're not getting the benefit you could be. Using a rigid splint when you only need gentle separation means unnecessary discomfort. Here's how to choose.
What are toe spacers?
Toe spacers (also called toe separators or toe spreaders) are soft silicone or gel devices that sit between the toes, gently spreading them apart. They work passively — they don't force the toe into a corrected position, they simply create space between adjacent toes to reduce friction, relieve pressure at the bunion joint, and encourage natural toe splay.
Toe spacers are easy to wear, comfortable, and can be used inside shoes or barefoot at home. They're the lowest-intensity bunion management option and work best for mild bunions, overlapping toes, and general toe spacing for foot strength exercises.
Our range:
- Flamingo Feet Toe Spreaders — medical-grade silicone spreaders that separate all five toes, with an included exercise guide for foot strengthening. Our most popular toe spacer, ranking on page 1 of Google for "flamingo feet toe spreaders."
- Silipos Active Gel Toe Spacers (Pkt 2) — single-pair spacer for targeted separation between the big toe and second toe
- TheraStep Gel Toe Spacers (Pkt 2) — similar to Silipos with a slightly different profile
What are bunion splints?
Bunion splints are semi-rigid or rigid devices that actively hold the big toe in a corrected alignment using adjustable strapping. Unlike passive spacers, splints apply sustained corrective force to the big toe, pulling it back toward its anatomical position and maintaining that alignment while worn. They're significantly more effective than spacers for moderate to severe bunions and are the standard of care after bunion surgery.
Our pick: Darco GTS Great Toe Splint — the most commonly recommended bunion splint in Australian podiatry. Semi-rigid construction with adjustable strapping, low-profile enough to wear inside shoes during the day and comfortable enough for overnight use. Available in left and right, two sizes.
When to use toe spacers
- Mild bunions — the big toe is drifting but hasn't significantly deviated. Spacers reduce joint irritation and may slow progression.
- Overlapping or crowded toes — spacers create room between adjacent toes, reducing friction and preventing corns
- Foot strengthening exercises — the Flamingo Feet spreaders are specifically designed as an active foot-strengthening tool with a structured exercise program
- After wearing narrow shoes — restore natural toe splay and relieve forefoot compression
- Inside shoes during the day — thin silicone spacers like the Silipos Gel Toe Spacers fit between toes inside most footwear without adding bulk
When to use a bunion splint
- Moderate to severe bunions — where the big toe has deviated significantly and passive spacing isn't providing enough correction
- Post-bunion surgery (bunionectomy) — the splint maintains the surgical correction during the critical 6–12 week healing window. This is the primary clinical use for semi-rigid splints.
- Overnight correction — splints worn overnight apply sustained corrective force for 6–8 hours while you sleep, which is more effective than short periods of passive spacing during the day
- Conservative management to delay surgery — when surgery isn't appropriate or desired, a splint provides stronger correction than spacers and may slow progression more effectively
Can I use both?
Yes — and it's a common combination. Many podiatrists recommend silicone toe spacers inside shoes during the day for gentle separation and comfort, combined with a Darco GTS Splint worn overnight for stronger correction while sleeping. This gives you 24-hour bunion management at two different intensity levels.
For cushioning and protection of the bunion bump itself (rather than toe alignment), a Tailors Bunion Gel Protector shields the joint from shoe friction — a different function from either spacers or splints.
Quick comparison
- Mild bunion, want gentle daily separation → toe spacers
- Moderate/severe bunion, want active correction → bunion splint
- Post-surgery alignment → bunion splint (essential)
- Foot strengthening and exercises → toe spacers (Flamingo Feet)
- Inside shoes during the day → toe spacers
- Overnight correction → bunion splint
- Maximum management → spacers during the day + splint overnight
Browse our full range of bunion correctors, splints and toe spacers →