I’ve always noticed these toe strips around traditional chappal and found myself wondering.. ye kyu hai yaha? What’s it’s purpose? Is it for aesthetic reason? Until I came across the benefit of toe spacers. Toe spacers that are used to separate your big toe from your other toe is very important to maintain the correct alignment as well as leading to healthy feet. 

“Toe spacers and proper gait mechanics are the holy Trinity of having long-term foot health.” said a guy, while explaining the benefit of toe spacers. 

Unlike narrow shoes that have been brought to us by west, they offer no room for our toes to splay which may lead you to crammed space that misaligns your gait and cannot let it function like they are intended to function. 

“Conventional running shoes and high heels are some of the worst footwear you can choose for foot health. Wearing shoes with features that restrict motion of the foot (arch supports, toe boxes) has been linked to weaker foot muscles and reduced foot stiffness. Flat foot, a condition whereby there is reduced stiffness of the longitudinal arch, can greatly impair gait. Studies show that flat feet are uncommon in people who are habitually barefoot or wear minimal shoes compared to those who wear conventional modern footwear. The design of conventional footwear also squishes the toes together (pushes the big toe inwards towards the other toes) and distributes the weight towards the toes rather than evenly distributed over the foot.” 

Aaj Maine Jaana traditional chappals ke peeche ka science