The main function of your toes is to provide posture and balance, support our body weight, and propulsion during the gait cycle. Not only do your toes help thrust your body forward when you walk, they actually help increase the length of your stride allowing you to run faster.

What is purpose of big toe?

The main function of the big toe is to direct body weight through the foot in the direction of travel (Yavuz et al., 2009). Stoneham et al (2018) recently demonstrated the association between big toe valgus (inward squash of big toe towards other toes) and foot pronation while running barefoot.

What were little toes used for?

The little toe: What is with that little toe? Well, it used to be much larger and was used for holding and climbing trees. Now the little toe serves no purpose in balance or walking. Some species of animals have lost the little toe all together and now just have four.

Why do you have a pinky toe, anyway? Your toes play an important role in keeping you balanced as you move, whether you’re barefoot or wearing shoes. Your pinky is the smallest toe, but it’s crucial in helping you to maintain your balance. It helps to think of your foot as having a triangular base of balance.