If you feel pain and inflammation in the balls of your feet, then surely, you are suffering from metatarsalgia. The little bones that connect the toes with the ankle are called metatarsals. And in the case of metatarsalgia, people experience pain in the metatarsal heads and sesamoid bones.
There are various causes of metatarsalgia, but according to a study, metatarsalgia affects mostly women as compared to men, and the main reason behind this is the excessive use of high heels for a longer period.
So, in order to treat metatarsal pain, metatarsal pads are the best option. That’s why doctors and experts recommend buying shoes for metatarsalgia as the insoles present in those shoes have the same healing properties as the metatarsal pads have.
So, if you are looking for shoes to treat metatarsalgia, then here we have a list of the seven best shoes. Go through them and then select the best one according to your needs.
Shoes for Metatarsalgia Reviews
1. ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 5 Running Shoes – Women Running Shoes for Metatarsalgia
GEL Cushioning System: This ASICS Gel-Venture 5 is the best running shoes for women suffering from metatarsalgia pain. These shoes feature a gel cushioning system to provide comfort to metatarsalgia affected feet.
Removable Sock Liner: This feature is rare to find in shoes. Even though the ASICS shoes have soles to accommodate orthotics, they are removable, which means you can replace them with other medicated soles.
Hard Rubber Outsole: The outsole of the shoes is from a hard rubber, which provides strength and durability. It makes them ideal for running on uneven or hard surfaces.
Mesh Fabric Outlay: The ASICS GEL-Venture shoes are as aesthetically pleasing from the outside as they are from the inside. They come in Neon Grey color, which is a feast to the eyes. The best part is that the outlay is from synthetic mesh fabric. This material makes the shoe water-resistant and provides ample breathing space. Consequently, you can use them during the rainy season without any worry.
Protective Bumper: The front of the shoe has a protective bumper to protect your toes from rocks or any other harmful substance that you may encounter while running. So go ahead and try them in the forest!
Trail Outsoles: Here comes another feature that makes the shoe ideal for running. The trail outsoles mean that the shoes are ideal for off-road running. The reverse traction lugs also help in off-road adventures.
My Opinion:
Pros: The removable sock liner means if you are unable to find relief, you can replace the liner with your own medicated ones. The shoe has a highly durable rubber that can withstand extreme pressure. Also, its protective bumper and mesh fabric outlay are the most likable things.
Cons: The shoes are water-resistant, but they do not have a good grip on wet surfaces.
2. Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 19 – Men Running Shoes for Metatarsalgia
Guide Rails Support System: If you are looking for the best running shoes for metatarsalgia for men, then this Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19 is the perfect choice for you. They have a guide rails support system that delivers on-demand support. It gives the shoe stability and helps the body to find its natural path.
BioMoGo Foam Midsole: The BioMoGo foam is incredibly soft, which gives you a gentle stride. NO matter how rough the surface is, the BioMoGo foam will absorb the shock and give you a comfortable feel.
Breathable Upper Mesh: The Brooks Adrenaline Shoes are as good from the outside as they are from the inside. The upper mesh is breathable. It means your feet won’t sweat after long hours of walk.
Wide Toe Box: The shoes have a wide toe box, which means you can use them for many years. No need to replace them when your feet grow. The wide toe box also gives you a gentle feeling from the front side of the shoes when you go for long hauls.
My Opinion:
Pros: The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19 has excellent arch support, has breathable mesh, and a wide toe box. In short, it has all the features to support you for your daily morning walks. Considering all the functionality that the shoe provides, the price is less than what we were expecting.
Cons: The durability of the shoes is questionable. If you regularly go for demanding physical exercise, these shoes might not be a good fit.
3. New Balance Men’s MW928 Walking Shoe – Men Walking Shoes for Metatarsalgia
Leather Made: The New Balance (NB) brand has been there for more than a century. They are believed to be one of the best brands out there for walking shoes. The entire shoe have been made from leather. It makes them soft and hence suitable for long walks.
ABZORB Cushioning: There is an ABZORB cushioning system in the heel and forefoot areas for shock absorption and to displace energy. You will not experience any discomfort while walking on any surface.
ROLLBAR Technology: ROLLBAR technology is responsible for reducing rear-foot movement. A molded plate is placed under the heel featuring both the postings on the inner and outer edges of the shoes.
Wide Toe Box: The shoes have a wide area for the toes. Hence, your toes won’t be stuck in one place like it is in most other shoes.
Odor-resistant Phantom Liner: There is a smooth phantom liner that is odor-resistant to keeps your shoes and feet free from any bad odor.
My Opinion:
Pros: The forefoot sole and rollbar provide support on the ball of the foot by preventing the feet from excess movement. When there is the minimum movement of feet, less pressure applies. Also, its wide toe box allows free movement of the toes.
Cons: It is hard to run with these shoes for more than 10 minutes or so.
4. Brooks Men’s Ghost 11 Running Shoes – under $250
Engineered Mesh: The Brooks men shoes have newly engineered mesh, which makes the boots stretchy. Therefore, you can use them for many years as you won’t have to replace it when your feet grow. The mesh also provides ample space for breathing. This feature keeps your feet cool and dry even after hours of physical activity.
DNA AMP Midsole Technology: This DNA AMP provides ultra-cushioning and softness. You will not feel any weight on your soles. Brooks calls it energized cushioning, which is designed to capture and return your energy.
Segmented Crash Pad (SCP): This is a unique feature of the Brooks shoes. The SCP is designed to support your footfall. It means no matter how roughly you land your feet; the shoes will adapt to it. Consequently, you will experience the smoothest landing. Amazing! Isn’t it
Achilles Guard and Rubber Outsole: The shoes also feature an Achilles guard that is soft foam wrapped in a faux-suede. It is responsible for protecting the Achilles tendon. Also, it has a crystal rubber outsole that provides excellent gripping.
My opinion:
Pros: The Brooks men’s shoes are lightweight and provide extreme cushioning from external shocks. They have a sparkling design and are one of the best companions of runners.
Cons: The shoes are a bit heavy as compared to other similar alternatives.
5. Hoka One Men’s Bondi 5 Running Shoe
Breathable Mesh Upper: These shoes are not just best for running but also support other physical activities. The Hoka shoes have a breathable material, which means you can use it for hours, yet remain calm.
Ultra-cushioning: The insole of Hoka One Bondi 5 running shoes are designed to provide cushioning against external shocks. This feature also makes the boots friendly for your metatarsalgia feet. The Eva material added to the insole provides the highest level of comfort and protection.
Zonal Rubber Outsole: The outsole is of highly durable rubber. As running puts extra pressure on the shoes, the Zonal rubber has been placed in a way to prevent wearing. It means you can use the shoes for a longer period.
3D Printed Upper: The 3D printed upper of the Hoka One shoes are made from lightweight material, which is ultra-lightweight. It means you won’t feel any pressure on your soles even after running (or other physical activity) for an extended period.
My opinion:
Pros: Lightweight and provides excellent cushioning. This feature makes the shoe ideal for long hours of physical activity.
Cons: There is little support for the ankles. Using it for a long time might stress the ankles. Hence, we don’t recommend it for people having ankle complications.
6. New Balance Women’s w990v4 Running Shoes
Synthetic Leather: Here comes another masterpiece by New Balance (NB). But this one is designed solely for women, and it is for running rather than walking. Made with 100% synthetic leather, the NB shoe has a smooth texture.
ENCAP midsole technology: It has a mesh-engineered midsole that provides a lot of room for breathing. Consequently, your feet won’t sweat a lot even after prolonged running.
Advanced lacing system: The NB women running shoes come with an advanced lacing system. This upgraded system helps to keep the tongue in place. Therefore, you won’t have to adjust it manually now and then. It is a very comfortable feature for those who undergo extreme physical activities daily.
3M reflectivity: The 3M reflectivity feature means your shoes are visible even in the darkest of the condition. You can now stroll around the city even during the night. No need to wait for the sunrise. It is a relief for night owls.
My opinion:
Pros: The overall performance of these running shoes is quite satisfactory. It has a good cushioning system, and the 3M reflectivity feature is ideal for the night runners.
Cons: There isn’t enough room at the toe box. If you are not comfortable with packed toes, these shoes might not be a good fit.
7. Adidas Performance Men’s Adizero Ubersonic Tennis Shoe – Tennis Shoes for Metatarsalgia
Sprintframe Construction: Are you a tennis lover? Then we have a surprise for you! The Adidas Ubersonic Tennis shoes have been designed just for you. Its sprint frame construction provides the speed, stability, and support for your feet. Hence, you will land safely on the court after that flying shot.
Ubersonic 3s: A common notion is that when an object enhances speed, it wears away quickly. This is true for shoes, as well. However, the Ubersonic 3s feature makes the shoes highly durable.
Adiprene Inner Sole: The insole of the shoes features Adiprene technology that provides cushioning for the foot.
Adituff: When you play tennis, the toes take the most pressure. The Adituffis an abrasion-resistant material used in the toe section of the shoes. Also, its toe box is wide. These two features add to give your toes the highest level of comfort.
Adiwear 6 Outsole: The Adiwear 6 outsole is extremely durable that features a non-marking rubber used mainly for high-abrasion areas in a tennis shoe.
My opinion:
Pros: The Adidas Ubersonic shoes are designed to support aggressive movement while being durable and supporting the toes. This makes them ideal for tennis.
Cons: Even though the shoes are durable, the outsoles wear out quickly.
Buying Guide
What are the features of a good shoe for metatarsalgia? Here in this guide, we are going to highlight them.
Upper: The first thing that people look at when buying any shoe is the upper material. The upper construction of your metatarsalgia shoe must be breathable and flexible from mesh and synthetic covers. These overlays provide ample breathing space and make the shoes highly flexible for a comfortable fit.
Cushioning System: The cushioning of your shoes must be great. Make sure there is an EVA, memory foam, or gel cushioning system under your feet. All these cushioning systems help prevent pressure and absorb the impact quite well. Moreover, the shock-absorbing feature of your shoes must be great.
Lining: The Lining is the material used inside the shoe that gets in touch with your whole foot. Therefore, it must be soft and cushioned enough to keep your feet free from any kind of discomfort. It should be a soft fabric or textile to make you feel comfortable all the time.
Outsole: Always look for shoes that feature a solid, durable, and supportive rubber outsole. A good outsole absorbs the shocks well and provides you with excellent grip and friction.
Toe Box: Now, come to the toe box that must be wide so that you can easily move or stretch your toes in the shoes. For the sufferers of metatarsalgia, it is essential to go with a wide toe box.
Arch Support: The shoes with the right support for your particular arch type are ideal to buy.
What is Metatarsalgia and how the right shoes are important to prevent the pain?
Metatarsalgia is a medical condition in which people suffer from the pain of the ball of their foot. Along with pain, people also experience inflammation. There are various causes of metatarsalgia that include running, jumping, foot deformities, pronation, and tight or loose shoes.
If you are suffering from metatarsalgia pain, then it is recommended to see your doctor first. And then to do your daily routine outdoor activities, buy the right pair of shoes to treat the sensitive area.
The right footwear is quite important for the protection of the ball of your foot from pressure and overuse injuries. Also, the shoes help prevent inflammation and pain in the area.
What are the best insoles for metatarsalgia?
There are various excellent options available that can be used for treating metatarsalgia pain. Before selecting any insole, make sure that it has additional cushioning. Also, it must be good at absorbing shock and protecting and supporting the ball of your foot.
The two of the best insoles for treating metatarsalgia pain include “New Balance 3030 Pressure Relief Insole with Metatarsal Pad Shoe and the “Powerstep Pinnacle Orthotic Shoe Insole.”
But if these two are not available, then you can go for the “New Balance 3810 Ultra Support Insole” or the “Soft Sole Insole Men’s AIRR Orthotic Support Full-Length Gel Shoe Insert.”
Is it necessary to have a wide toe box in your shoes?
Some people prefer to buy shoes with wide-toe boxes whereas some like narrow ones. But if we talk about metatarsalgia patients, then it is better to select a shoe with a wider toe box so that you can easily move or stretch your toes. With a wider toe box, the ball of your foot will also remain painless.
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