They are soft comfortable and soothing. They will work like some others and seperate my toes and maintain a streight big toe that had gotten broken at the joint and healed crooked and over lapping the toe next to it, just a little. But, these are so comfie and gently push the toe back over. I am also diabetic which can cause hammer toes and could never wear high heels because I was born with scholiosis. These work great helping my toes lay flat again. and I don't even know I am wearing them. Also silicone doesn't absorb anything so they can be washed off with just water, but I still use soap water and my hands.