I have a few pair of the injinji smartwool socks, and they are incredible. Very durable, wear them as often as I can.

sadly it's not actually a UK retailer and very lmited stock / sizes
I think they might be EU located. That being said, I have used them in the past and had a return with them that all went through ok, so they are legit....but yeah still not ideal for trying to get them / would much rather our own xeroshoes uk site.....actually stocked more than like 3 models

https://www.tradeinn.com/runnerinn/en/xero-shoes-speed-force-ii-running-shoes/142580285/p

I would recommend toe socks first. 

Especially if you are worried about "itchy, sweaty toes".

Then if you still want then, any brand of spreaders will typically work over the top of the socks.

I'd be worried if they had an even number of toes.

Wayne funk regina

This! I've been doing so much research since I've had tendon issues, and while loading them a bit is essential for recovery, the pain being gone does not equate to recovery or mean that you should continue running as normal.

Such a shame that Altra’s been going narrower for years now. Unfortunately Topos and innov8’s felt even narrower to me than altra when I tried them in-store last year.

Yes I do - I'll send some info over via chat, thanks!

It really depends on the person. Some people don't have much or any control over the big toe, so the foot won't really want to load that zone, until you can flex the toe down using the muscles in the sole of foot.

Some people can feel that ok (along with other toes) but they don't have a midfoot that can move at least a little bit up/down.

Some people may have some of that midfoot control, but the ankle/heel doesn't invert/evert like it could.

Some combination of all that, control over the big toe flexors, an ankle that can evert, and a midfoot that can move down a little bit, would be my suggestion for how to load across and towards the big toe.

Here's one way you can assess some basic big toe control: https://youtu.be/SAt9oNdUdV0

Any random foot exercises may be somewhat helpful, but figuring out what to target for, that your foot/ankle can't quite do, is usually higher value than getting better at something you can already do.

I don't know if I need them. I want them.

Why do you think you need them?

👍🏻

Odd number of toes on some of those... 

Hormone testing is accurate-ish. I had to be tested on a specific day of my period, with the goal of seeing what the FSH and estrogen were doing. They were still in normal range for not menopause, but my dr did say stuff could be starting and wouldn’t show on that test until it’s more advanced.

what's the uk retailer? those things seem as scarce as hen's teeth on our side of the pond, and I'd like to try a pair myself!

Not a PhD in medicine, but did help out a friend with the stats portion of their work (math PhD) who published in this area.

Eccentric and isometric low force movements are the most effective protocol for connective tissue injuries. Interestingly, increasing the load is not correlated at all with patient outcomes past a minimum “low” amount.

This is great, but you need to follow all the good advice on here to do your heel drops/eccentric heel raises.

The thing where your tendons feel fine after you work them a bit is not good news. You need to back off and do some directed rehab!

Except we do know that lmao. The literal biomechanical function of the toe splay is precisely for stability, force absorption, and force distribution during landing. There are literally scientific studies on this and how shows dampen this effect. You are about 20 years late buddy.

Wild. I have Torin 5 in wide size 7.5 and Lone Peak 9 in wide size 7.5 and the lone peaks are definitely roomier in length and width.

Yup my calves are huge now

Fair enough

Fully barefoot is so unlike the others in how one runs. And fully barefoot only uses calves for landing. Not for pushups by off, unlike anything covering skin in foot. Hence my reaction. Proper form does not build big calves.

Interesting! My main issue with the Torin 9 wides is the volume as they are definitely less generous than my 5s. The only thing is if I take the insoles out I lose some of the padding I want. And if I up a size I just know I'll trip over 😬

Have tried them - the volume has been reduced so they squish from the top 😂🙊🙈

Have tried the Torin 9 wides now and found the width good but the volume too low - much lower than my previous model and squishes my feet.

Back on the hunt again