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Toe Separators for Shoes: Sizing, Fit and Cleaning Guide

Toe Separators for Shoes: Sizing, Fit and Cleaning Guide

A toe separator is a small piece of silicone, gel or foam that sits between your toes. Below you will find how to choose a size for the Restore Toe Separator from Wyde Footwear, what to look for in a shoe, how long to wear a separator at first and how to clean and store it.

What is a toe separator and what is the Restore Toe Separator made of?

A toe separator, also called a toe spacer, is a device that sits between the toes and holds them slightly apart while you wear it. The Restore Toe Separator from Wyde Footwear is made of medical-grade silicone.

Toe separators come in different materials. Saguaro, a shoe brand that publishes a guide on the topic, says they are commonly made from silicone, gel or foam and come in different shapes and sizes. Kentdo, which sells toe spacers, describes silicone separators as flexible and gel ones as softer. The material matters for care, because Kentdo says gel needs gentler cleaning than silicone.

What are the main facts about the Restore Toe Separator?

  • Material: 100% medical-grade silicone.
  • Sizes: Small for shoe sizes 36 to 39, Medium for 40 to 44 and Large for 45 and up.
  • Shape: open ends at the big toe and the little toe for adjustable spacing.
  • Colour: white.
  • Price as of October 2026: 380 kr on wydefootwear.com and €35 on the EU store.

Wyde describes the Restore as a companion to its shoes. It sells the separator as an accessory next to its shoe range, which is made up of sneakers, sandals, a slip-on and boots.

Which size of the Restore Toe Separator should you choose?

The three sizes are labelled by shoe size. Small is for sizes 36 to 39, Medium is for 40 to 44 and Large is for 45 and up.

Match the label to your shoe size. If you are unsure of your size, measure your foot first. Stand upright with your full weight on the foot. Measure from the back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe in a straight line, and compare the length in centimetres with the size chart on wydefootwear.com. Measure both feet, and if one foot is longer, choose the size that fits the larger foot.

Pick carefully, because Wyde does not take back toe separators. Its return policy says they cannot be returned at all, whether the packaging is opened or not. Wyde gives hygiene as the reason for limiting returns on this kind of item. If you are between two sizes or are unsure, email support@wydefootwear.com before you order. Wyde says its support team are licensed physiotherapists or foot function specialists.

How much does the Restore Toe Separator cost?

The Restore Toe Separator costs 380 kr on wydefootwear.com and €35 on the EU store, as of October 2026. The price is the same for all three sizes.

Wyde also sells other accessories, including the Cleaning Kit, which is made for sneakers. For prices of the shoes themselves, read Wyde Shoe Prices: What Each Model Costs and What You Get on wydefootwear.com.

Can you wear a toe separator inside shoes?

Some toe separators are intended for relaxing or stretching at home, and others for specific activities. Saguaro says that for walking you should use only products intended for movement. Check this with the maker before you walk in a separator.

For the Restore, ask the Wyde team before you wear it in a shoe. You can write to support@wydefootwear.com or use the contact form on wydefootwear.com. If you wear any separator in a shoe, the shoe needs room, because the separator takes up space between your toes.

What should a shoe have if you want to wear a separator in it?

  • A toe box that follows the natural shape of your forefoot.
  • Enough width and depth for your toes to sit comfortably.
  • A fit that does not cause rubbing or pressure when you walk.
  • A secure fit around the midfoot and heel that does not squeeze the toes.

These four points come from Saguaro, and they are a sensible checklist for any brand. The same source adds that shoes with a tapered front can compress the toes, while wide toe box shoes give them more room to rest. If a separator creates pressure inside a shoe, take it out and do not push through.

How much room do Wyde shoes have in the toe box?

Every Wyde model has a wide, foot-shaped toe box as standard. Wyde also lists the insole width for each size, from 10.0 cm in EU 36 to 12.2 cm in EU 47, with 11.2 cm in EU 42.

Insole width is a measurement of the shoe, not of your foot. It gives you a number to compare against the width of your own forefoot. For the full size chart, see the size guide on wydefootwear.com.

Every Wyde model also has zero drop and no toe spring. Zero drop means the heel and toes sit at the same height, like standing barefoot. Toe spring is the upward curve at the front of many shoes that lifts the toes off the ground. Wyde shoes do not have it, so the toes rest flat. For more on the design, read Foot-Shaped Shoes: Wide Toe Box, Zero Drop and Flexible Soles Explained.

Wyde shoes have removable insoles and no traditional built-in arch support. If you use your own orthotics, you can swap the insole for them. Wyde says the shoes are made for everyday wear on concrete and pavement.

Should you choose a bigger shoe size to fit a toe separator?

Wyde advises choosing your size by foot length only. It says its wide toe box is standard on every model, so you do not need to size up for width.

Wyde sells unisex shoes in full EU sizes from 36 to 47, with no half sizes. If you are between sizes, size up. For the Maia and Maia Strap sandals, choose one size down from your Wyde sneaker size. Wyde adds that its shoes follow the natural shape of the foot and may feel more spacious at first, which it says is intentional.

If a separator feels tight in your usual size, email support@wydefootwear.com before you change size. Wyde allows 30 days from delivery to register a return of shoes, and size exchanges are free in Sweden, the EU and the USA. Shoes must come back unused and in the original box. For the full rules, read Wyde Footwear Sizing, Size Exchanges and Returns Explained.

How long should you wear a toe separator at first?

Start with short sessions at home. Kentdo suggests 10 to 15 minutes for beginners and 20 to 30 minutes for regular users. Saguaro suggests 15 to 30 minutes at home to begin with. Kentdo says to place the separator gently between your toes so that each toe sits comfortably in its slot.

Both brands say to build up slowly as your feet get used to it. Saguaro adds that there is no universal schedule and that wearing a separator for longer does not mean better results. Consistent, comfortable use matters more than long sessions. If you want advice for your feet, ask the Wyde team at support@wydefootwear.com.

When should you take a toe separator off straight away?

  • Pain.
  • Numbness or tingling.
  • Swelling.
  • Skin irritation.

Saguaro says to remove a separator immediately if you notice any of these. Kentdo gives the same advice for pain, numbness and irritation. Saguaro also says that if you have diabetes, reduced foot sensation, circulation issues or a foot injury, you should seek professional advice before you start.

How do you clean a silicone toe separator?

Wash it with mild soap and warm water, rinse it well and let it dry completely. Saguaro says to wash separators with warm water and soap, then air dry them. Kentdo gives the same method for silicone and gel spacers.

What are the steps for a daily clean?

  • Rinse the separator under warm running water.
  • Apply a small amount of mild hand soap or gentle dish soap.
  • Rub all surfaces gently with your fingers.
  • Rinse thoroughly to remove all the soap.
  • Pat it dry with a clean towel, then let it dry completely.

Kentdo recommends rinsing a separator after every use. If you wear one daily, it recommends a wash with mild soap several times a week. Dirt, sweat and skin oils collect between the toes, so a quick rinse after each session is a good habit.

How do you know a separator needs cleaning?

  • A noticeable odour.
  • A sticky or slippery surface.
  • Visible dirt or residue.
  • Skin irritation after you wear it.

Kentdo lists these four signs. If you see any of them, wash the separator before you use it again.

Is a gel separator cleaned differently from a silicone one?

Yes, a little. Kentdo says gel is softer and needs gentler cleaning: mild soap and lukewarm water only, no abrasive brushes or rough scrubbing, a careful rinse and a full air dry. The vinegar soak below is described for silicone.

How do you remove odour from a silicone separator?

Kentdo gives two methods for silicone spacers. For the vinegar soak, mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar, soak the separator for 10 to 15 minutes, rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely. For the baking soda method, lightly sprinkle baking soda over the damp separator, leave it for about 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

What can damage a silicone separator?

  • Bleach, alcohol and strong chemical cleaners, which Kentdo says can dry out silicone or make it crack.
  • Boiling water, which Kentdo says can damage silicone and gel.
  • Direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Storing it while it is still damp, which Kentdo says encourages mould and bacteria.

If your separator comes with its own care instructions, follow those first.

How do you store a toe separator and when should you replace it?

Store it clean and fully dry in a breathable container, away from direct sunlight and heat. Replace it when it shows damage, a smell that cleaning does not remove, or loss of shape.

Kentdo advises against sealing separators in a container while they are damp and against leaving them under heavy objects. It lists three signs that a separator has worn out: tears or cracks in the material, a persistent odour that cleaning cannot remove, and loss of shape or elasticity.

When should you talk to a professional before using a toe separator?

Talk to a GP, physiotherapist or podiatrist if you have foot pain, a diagnosed condition, diabetes or reduced feeling in your feet. A toe separator is an accessory. Neither it nor a shoe treats a foot condition.

Saguaro says toe separators cannot make a bunion disappear or change the structure of the joint. For what Wyde shoes do and do not offer, read Bunions and Flat Feet: What Wyde Shoes Do and Don't Offer.

If you want to know whether Wyde shoes will work for your feet, email support@wydefootwear.com. Wyde says its team are licensed physiotherapists or foot function specialists and can give specific advice. Wyde was founded by the brothers Melker and Rasmus Svärd, and Rasmus is co-founder and head of physiotherapy.

Frequently asked questions

Can you return a toe separator to Wyde?

No. Wyde says toe separators cannot be returned at all, whether the packaging is opened or not. Check the size before you order and email support@wydefootwear.com if you are unsure.

What is the Restore Toe Separator made of?

It is made of 100% medical-grade silicone. It has open ends at the big toe and the little toe for adjustable spacing.

Which sizes does the Restore Toe Separator come in?

There are three sizes, labelled by shoe size: Small for 36 to 39, Medium for 40 to 44 and Large for 45 and up.

How much does the Restore Toe Separator cost?

It costs 380 kr on wydefootwear.com and €35 on the EU store, as of October 2026.

Can you boil a silicone toe separator to clean it?

No. Kentdo says boiling water can damage silicone and gel materials. Use mild soap and warm water instead.

Do you need to size up your shoes to wear a toe separator?

Wyde advises choosing your shoe size by foot length only, because the wide toe box is standard on every model. If you are between sizes, size up. If a separator feels tight, email support@wydefootwear.com.

How do you contact Wyde with a question about a toe separator?

Email support@wydefootwear.com or use the contact form on wydefootwear.com. Wyde says its team are licensed physiotherapists or foot function specialists.

What are the sources?

Wyde Footwear, Restore Toe Separator (SEK): https://wydefootwear.com/products/restore-toe-separators

Wyde Footwear, Restore Toe Separator (EU store, EUR): https://wydefootwear.eu/products/restore-toe-separators

Wyde Footwear, Cleaning Kit: https://wydefootwear.com/products/cleaning-kit

Wyde Footwear, Size guide: https://wydefootwear.com/pages/size-guide

Wyde Footwear, Return policy: https://wydefootwear.com/policies/refund-policy

Wyde Footwear, Nova White product page: https://wydefootwear.com/products/nova-white

Wyde Footwear, Maia Black product page: https://wydefootwear.com/products/maia-black

Wyde Footwear, About us: https://wydefootwear.com/pages/about-us

Saguaro, How to properly use toe separators for foot health: https://www.saguaro.com/blogs/barefoot/how-to-properly-use-toe-separators-for-foot-health

Kentdo Healthy Beauty, How to clean and reuse your toe separators: https://kentdohealthybeauty.com/blogs/beauty-self-care/how-to-clean-and-reuse-your-toe-separators-like-a-pro