Metatarsalgia is one foot injury that is common with joggers, runners, and other athletes. If you are suffering from this condition, you would surely want to find relief from the pain and inflammation that come with it. The best way to do that is to use the right type and size of shoes.
To find the best shoes for metatarsalgia, I suggest that you read the comprehensive review and detailed buying guide that I have prepared for you below.
What Is Metatarsalgia ?
Don’t know what this foot injury is For your information, metatarsalgia is a type of overuse injury which causes inflammation and pain of the ball of the foot. These symptoms come as a result of the swelling of the metatarsal joints or the type of joints that connect the metatarsal bones found your foot with your toes.
People who are at risk of developing this condition are athletes who take part in high-intensity sports that deliver pressure and impact to the feet (like running and jumping). However, this may also be common with football, tennis and baseball players.
To help you further understand what metatarsalgia is, please watch this video:
What Increases The Risk Of Metatarsalgia
If there’s one thing you should understand about this condition, it is the fact that it does not happen overnight. It is a result of the prolonged stress and pressure that your feet receive.
The most common risk would be wearing worn-out or poorly fitting shoes which may cause foot deformities. Another factor would be obesity as this condition can further add stress to the feet.
How To Find Shoes For Metatarsalgia
As mentioned, poor choice of shoes is one of the reasons why you may have metatarsalgia, so the best way to remedy it is to find shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning to your injured feet.
But how would you do that? What are the things that you should look for when choosing shoes for this condition? You may want to check out the information that I have provided below:
1. Weight
If you are a runner, this is one factor that would matter to you the most. After all, running with a heavy shoe will only add to your already painful condition. It can also make your feet more exhausted and tired.
Because of this, it is a must that you choose for a lightweight shoe. The things that can determine the shoes’ weight would be the materials used for the shoes’ inner and outer sole which we will discuss in detail below.
2. Inner Sole
The condition primarily affects the ball of the feet. Among the different parts of the shoe, it is the inner sole that comes in contact with this part of the feet, and that is why it is vital that you pay attention to the material used in its construction.
You should make sure that the inner sole has either air or gel cushioning. If you have a budget to spare, the best inner sole material that you can go for is EVA. But you have a limited budget, the next best option that you have is Polyurethane cushioning.
3. Outer Sole
Aside from the inner sole, another critical feature that should look into is the outer sole. After all, this part determines how much support and cushioning your feet can get.
For materials, the most comfortable option that you have would be synthetic materials. More than the material used, you also need to make sure that the sole has lug patterns. These patterns add friction which can prevent your feet from slipping which may cause your condition to worsen.
4. Size
Even if you have chosen the best shoes for metatarsalgia in the market, your efforts will all be put to waste if you will get the wrong size.
Maybe you already know which size of shoe to get, but please be reminded that the ball of your feet is inflamed. If you want to prevent further damage to your feet, it is best that you go for a shoe size that will give your feet enough space to breathe and move around. Because of this, you should avoid narrow shoes.
5. Durability
More than the longevity, the durability of the shoes can also determine the amount of support that your feet will receive.
When determining the durability of a pair of shoes, there are a few factors that you should consider and these include the strength of the soles, the construction of the shoe, the consistency of footbeds, and the level of softness of the shoe.
The Best Running Shoes For Metatarsalgia Revealed!
I have created this article to be a complete buying guide, and that is why I will provide you with an in-depth review of the best metatarsalgia shoes for both men and women.
If you want to find shoes that suit your condition the best, keep on reading!
For men:
The best metatarsalgia shoes for men that you can find today are as follows:
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1. ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe
ASICS is a company known for delivering the best running or athletic shoes on the market, and they have decided to create a pair of shoes designed specifically for users with metatarsalgia, and that is no other than the ASIC’s Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe.
If you considered buying metatarsal pads to be placed inside your shoes, you would be happy to know that this shoe uses the Rearfoot gel system in the insole. This means that the sole has gel-infused items which act as the support pad to reduce the pain at the ball of your foot.
But if you still want to wear metatarsal pads for added protection, you can simply remove the sockliner so the shoes can accommodate a medical orthotic.
On the other hand, the outsole features a unique reverse lug pattern which boosts the traction of the shoes, keeping your feet safe from slips and accidents.
The shoes, in itself, are wide and provide the feet lots of space to move. The upper portion of the shoe is made of highly breathable and lightweight synthetic materials to ensure your feet’s comfort during the session. The toe bumper is stitched down to ensure the durability of the shoes.
Pros
Cons
- Removable Sockliner
- Rearfoot gel system in the insole
- Available in ten stylish color combinations
- Many users commented that it lasts for up to 8 months of consistent use
- Wide shoe size
- Sizing of the shoes runs small
- Many users found the shoes to be a bit stiff
2. Brooks Men Anthem
Brooks is one shoe brand that is known for the amazing and durable construction of their shoes, and the Brooks Men Anthem is no exception. Its midsole is made of BioMoGo DNA cushioning which is designed to adapt to the user’s stride. On the other hand, the outsole is made of HPR Plus which is considered to be a durable and abrasion resistant material.
The company has designed this pair of shoes to mimic the curvature of the foot to ensure a fantastic fit. Its sockliner is contoured to ensure that there will be no negative space under the foot. It also features a rounded heel to give the feet enough space.
At the arch, you can find a small hike which supports the metatarsal arch and further prevent pain and inflammation. This simple addition prevents vibration and added pressure to the feet.
When it comes to breathability, these shoes are a great option. After all, it has an engineered mesh upper which is reinforced and layered with non-abrasive material. The heels and ankle parts of the body are surrounded with comfort collar wraps for greater stability and durability.
Pros
Cons
- Dual sole design for a more stable base
- Thick padding to reduce pressure and impact
- Contoured sock liner for perfect fit
- Abrasion-resistant outsole
- Mesh upper for breathability
- Most users find it to be a bit narrow
- The fit is uncomfortable for the first few days
3. New Balance Men’s M990v3 Running Shoe
The last men’s shoes for metatarsalgia in this list also comes from one amazing brand—New Balance Men’s M990v3 Running Shoe. This shoe is perfect for a person with metetarsalgia due to a wide array of reasons.
First off, the shoes’ outer shell is made of mesh and suede. The combination of these fabrics deliver durable construction and promotes proper airflow to keep the feet comfortable and refreshed.
The toe box is wide and reinforced by double stitching. This goes the same with the heel cap which features a raised stitch that also provides rear support.
The shoes’ outsole is made of a thick rubberized material which offers a solid base for landing and push off. It also has low profile legs which make the shoes perfect for both dry and wet conditions. It also features a layered midsole, producing a tremendous shock-absorbent technology that is perfect for the feet affected by metatarsalgia.
In addition to its amazing construction, these shoes have one added feature – its reflective detailing. This feature would come handy for people who love to run at night.
Pros
Cons
- Has reflective detailing
- Midsole with shock-absorbent technology
- Reinforced stitching for durability
- Mesh and suede shell that maintains the shoe’s form
- Reinforced forefoot design for added metatarsal support
- Some users claim that the shoes emit bad smell after a few months
- They also argue that the soles do not stay together
For women:
Of course, I also have something for the women. If you are suffering from metatarsalgia and wish to find the best shoes that can provide you with the relief that you need, here are some of the brands that you may want to look into:
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1. Brooks Women Glycerin 15
Brooks is a sports brand that has become popular because of their walking and everyday footwear. The Brooks Women Glycerin 15 is their first product in the running arena. The shoes feature a nice curvature which makes it perfect for women who love to run and walk.
What makes this shoes unique is that its outsole features grooves not just on its undercarriage (which improves the grip of the shoes) but also on its side as well (making it look more attractive). This simple design also encourages maximum impact absorption. It also reduces the amount of vibration received by the foot—one thing that can benefit people with metatarsalgia.
The outsole also has what the company calls the plush transition zone which makes every movement feels smooth and soft.
Moreover, the shoe’s midsole has the company’s Super DNA cushioning technology that is considered to be 25% more adaptable than the standard midsole.
The company also boasts of the shoe’s plush fit. The upper shell of the shoe exhibits a 3d Fit Print technology that can move and expand as the feet moves.
Pros
Cons
- Comes in six stylish colors
- Cushioned footbed to keep the ball of pain secured
- 3D fit Print Technology for a smoother and flexible experience
- Grooved undercarriage to reduce vibration
- Plush transition zones for natural movement
- A bit on the expensive side
- The tread of the shoes wears out quickly
2. New Balance Women’s Vazee Coast Running Shoe
When it comes to running shoes, New Balance has already made its name in the industry. The New Balance Women’s Vazee Coast Running Shoe is another one of their running footwear offerings on the market. It is also their contribution to the people with metatarsalgia.
The shoe is made metatarsalgia-friendly by its wide array of features. For one, the shoes have a lightweight rubber outsole which allows maximum shock absorption while still allowing you to enjoy an explosive push-off.
The lightweight materials of the shoes keep the feet more relaxed and less fatigued. The outsole material also produces a rise, extending the support from the forefoot to the heel. On the other hand, the Revlite midsole foam delivers enough padding to the ball of the feet, reducing the pain that it feels.
The upper shell is made of a combination of mesh, textile, and synthetic materials, all of which work together to strengthen the essential parts of the shoe. These include the reinforced heel shaft and mesh treated shell.
Pros
Cons
- Thick yet lightweight outsole
- Padded midsole for comfort
- Extended support from the forefoot to the heel
- Reinforced heel shaft for durability
- Mesh treated upper shoe shell for breathability
- Only has two color options
- Sizing is half-size smaller
3. Brooks Womens PureCadence 6 Running Shoe
Another Brooks shoes in the list is the Brooks Womens PureCadence 6 Running Shoe and is considered to be another model that is perfect for women with metatarsalgia.
The upper shell is made up of a synthetic material which is lightweight but still durable enough to offer adequate protection to the feet. The shoes are also designed with the perfect fit in mind.
The shoes have a lace-up closure system that is densely layered and tight that keeps the midfoot locked down. Thick paddings surround the insertion point of the shoe which keeps the feet secured and comfortable. In addition to that, this point has a large dip which allows the user to remove and put on the shoes easily.
The rubber and synthetic outsole features grooves around and under it. These grooves not only provide traction to the feet but adds stability as well. The cuts in the outsole facilitate the even distribution of pressure and impact on the different parts of the feet.
On the other hand, the feel of the midsole closely resembles that of the memory foam and ensures the comfort of the feet.
Pros
Cons
- Updated midsole and outsole technology for support and cushioning
- Thick padding at the insertion point to keep shoes in place
- A tight lace-up system that delivers comfort to the midfoot
- Synthetic materials for low weight
- Lighter construction may make it less durable than other shoes
- Toe covering breaks after a few months
4. Skechers Women Shape Ups 2.0 Fashion Sneaker
The Shape Up line from Skechers is called as such because it is designed to work specific muscles such as the leg muscles and glutes. From its appearance, you can tell that the shoes have a thick outsole which delivers adequate support to the ball of the feet.
The shoes feature a soft fabric lining. Its midsole is made of Kinetic wedge soft foam which was designed to absorb the shock and impact that the foot receives. The insole is made from Memory foam which cushions and cools down the feet.
The upper part of the shoe is made of faux leather with mesh fabric panels at its sides and front. The entire upper has stitching accents to ensure durability and are closed with a lace-up system for a snug fit.
Pros
Cons
- Soft fabric lining inside the shoes keeps feet as comfortable as possible
- Pull loop for easy on and off
- Padded collar and tongue for added support
- Mesh panels for cooling effect
- Thick rubberized outsole to keep the ball of the foot comfortable
- Only two color options are available
- Some users claim that the shoes give negative arch support
Summary
Your choice of running shoes has a significant impact on how fast your foot injury will heal. If you want to manage your metatarsalgia correctly, you would need to choose your running shoes carefully.
For this roundup, I have reviewed shoes for both men and women so I will give a recommendation for both genders.
For the men, my choice would be the ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe. The three shoes in the list have almost the same construction but what makes my choice stand out is the fact that it has removable sock liner which allows the user to add metatarsal pads for added support.
On the other hand, my choice for women’s best shoes for metatarsalgia is New Balance Women’s Vazee Coast Running Shoe because of its advanced 3D printed technology that keeps the feet secure and the grooved undercarriage that reduces impact and vibration when running.
If you are looking for more running gear, I suggest that you check out my other buying guides here.