Product Frequently Asked Questions

Product FAQ:

Q1) Will a gel crest pad feel bulky in tight shoes?
Short answer: It can. Gel adds lift and thickness under the toe tips, reducing toe-box space especially in ladies' dress shoes.
Workaround: Try a suede- fabric (thinner) crest pad   or  choose roomier footwear for the  gel crest pad.

Q2) My adjustable crest pad rubs/slips. What am I doing wrong?
Likely loop tension or placement. The loop should be snug but not tight and should be at the base of the toe past the knuckle.

The pad sits just under the toe tips to lift and straighten. Refit while standing in the shoe, then take a short walk test. If it still migrates, try the elastic toe loop suede- fabric crest   

Q3) Is a suede crest pad cushioned enough?
It’s lower profile and less cushioned than gel. But it is still very effective. If you have sensitive skin or feet, gel is a better option. Good for dress shoes/tight toe boxes. 

Q4) My gel toe cap feels warm or sweaty—is that normal?
Yes. Silicone is occlusive. Sprinkle a little talcum powder, air-dry the cap daily. If skin is becoming macerated, decrease time of use during the day and be sure to remove at bed time.

Q5) How do I pick the right size for toe caps?
Measure the circumference of the painful toe at the widest point and match to the size chart. If between sizes, go up. Too small = pressure/ feeling tight ; too big = rotation/rubbing/ falling off.

Q6) Pain is on the tip of my toe—will a gel sleeve work?
Usually no. Sleeves protect the top at the knuckle /sides, not the tip. For tip pain/corns, use a toe cap or crest pad (to lift the tip off the shoe).

Q7) Will a Budin splint fix a rigid hammer toe?
No. Soft straps support and may realign flexible overlapping hammer toes. If the joint is fixed, a splint won’t straighten it.  These work best for an early onset overlapping toe like this:

A Budin Toe splint also may  prevent worsening of an overlapping toe . 

Q8) Which product should I use for my specific problem?

·        Corn on toe tip: Gel toe cap if hammer toe is rigid or better yet if hammer toe is flexible  suede-fabric crest pad, adjustable gel pad or  gel crest pad

·        Corn on top of toe: Gel sleeve or toe cap

·        Overlapping toes ( flexible): Budin splint (single/double) or toe spacer

·        Tip-of-toe pressure from curled toes: Crest pad (gel for cushion; suede for tight shoes)

Q9) Best choice for dress shoes or tight toe boxes?
Suede crest pad or thin gel sleeve. Avoid bulky gels and thick caps unless the shoe is roomy.

Q10) Can I wear these in sandals?
Yes, but choose low-profile options (suede crest, thin sleeve). Caps may show or slip without a closed toe.

Q11) How long can I wear pads each day?
Usually they can be worn several hours a  day without a problem. But some people need an adjustment period so start with 1–2 hours and increase as tolerated.  Pads should be left off for 4 hours a day and left off over night while sleeping.  Remove daily to inspect skin. If you feel numbness, tingling, or new or worsening pain, stop and refit. If issue continues , stop using and contact your doctor/ healthcare provider.

Q12) Do you have video tutorials for how to apply the pads?

Yes. Many products include a video on our YouTube channel where Dr. Gaffney explains the pad's use and  demonstrates how to apply and adjust each pad.