Product Review: YogaToes Offer Solution for Numerous Foot Problems

Whether you're constantly on the run, or stuck behind a desk, by the end of the day, your feet can use a little TLC. Enter YogaToes, the solution for complaints of tired feet or numerous foot problems.

In sea green or pale pink, YogaToes most closely resemble the toe separaters used in pedicures. However, instead of lightweight foam, YogaToes are made out of a thick, rubber-like material (according to their website, yogapro.com, it's a "medical grade plastic gel compound".) Available for men and women, in three sizes (small, medium, large) YogaToes have acquired a devoted following, from those with swollen feet to arthritis.

I first read about YogaToes in Lucky magazine. My curiosity rose because my own feet, once narrow and smooth, now appeared consistently puffy; my once-tiny toes were now referred to as "sausage toes", quite unappealing for a girl in her twenties. Poor circulation is likely the problem, so what do my toes need? Some exercise, of course. I ordered a pair online (one pair on yogapro.com is approximately $50, with discounts if you order more than one pair. They offer a 90-day money back guarantee, as well as a lifetime warranty.)

Putting YogaToes on for the first time is a bit of a challenge. The material is both slippery and sticky, and trying to pry toes into the sections is harder than it looks. Have you ever played Whack-a-Mole? As you put one toe in, another wants to pop out. Finally, all ten toes were in line. And then you feel pain! It's hard to describe, but it really feels as though your toes are being exercised. Similar to how a new yoga position feels sore, your toes are in a bit of a shock. The muscles tingle. The directions for YogaToes advise to only wear them for 5 minutes the first time, to work up to longer increments. I wore them for 5 minutes the first few nights, but then fairly quickly, it became easier to wear them for longer periods of time. Pain is replaced by comfort. Put them on before your favorite TV show and you'll forget you're wearing them (don't forget for too long, though, because they really are "exercising" your toes - you don't want to be sore the next day!)

Suggestions for using YogaToes include putting them in the freezer or wearing them in the bathtub. I haven't tried the freezer yet, but I did put them on in the bathtub, and they were comfortable though the water caused them to slip out a bit (sometimes water helps them go on, other times it seems to hinder - it's a lot of trial and error.)

The beauty of YogaToes is the immediate change you'll see in your feet! Toes are straighter, less swollen, smaller. Customer reaction on the yogapro.com website includes testimonials from women or men with arthritis, bunions, varicose veins and other foot problems.

So give your feet and toes a much-needed treat. It's one of the simplest ways to exericse.