Best Ball of Foot Cushions & Metatarsal Pads Reviewed

This set features two kinds of cushions that stick to your feet. One is a clear silicone cushion with a toe loop to keep it secure, while the other is a spandex-covered cushion with a thong-like design similar to flip flop sandals. Both of these cushions are reusable and washable. The silicone ones are great for wearing underneath socks, while the spandex ones are ideal for sandals and other open shoes.

Not only does this set come with a pair of metatarsal shoe inserts, but it also comes with four smaller inserts that can be used in specific areas of the shoe to target other pains and discomfort. These smaller inserts can be used in any part of the shoe, or can even be used as a lower profile cushion for the balls of your feet. There's a lot that can go into proper foot care, especially for those living with injuries or pain. So the treatments and supports we use for them should be comprehensive as well. Slightly less expensive than the other set on this list, this set is designed to treat pain and provide support in a variety of ways.

In terms of construction, Tip Toes use the highest grade technology that is more often found in athletic footwear than heels. The material used for cushioning is Poron, a shock absorbing, highly durable foam material that returns to its original shape after every wear. It’s often used in sneakers, which should give you a good idea of what to expect.

The Poron foam is wrapped in a synthetic suede that is soft to the touch and can be worn with or without hosiery, and it won’t stick to your foot while wearing, even if your feet tend to swear. On the whole, these dry easily, so they can be worn as often as needed, and the strong adhesive ensures the Tip Toes stay in place all day (or night) long. A huge upside is that this is one of the rare products that comes in a multitude of prints, from simple blacks and nudes to zebra and leopard inspired designs.

The majority of metatarsal pads are designed for comfort and support. Not many of them have their own traction methods. Sometimes your feet can start to slip forward when wearing heels. This can put extra pressure on your toes and easily become painful. The Fancy Feet gel pads are made to keep your feet secure in your shoes and prevent them from slipping forward.

The Fancy Feet pads have a slim and tapered design which will keep them from moving around within the shoe and becoming visible. These are specifically designed for use with heels and dress shoes, and are a bit more on the expensive side. However, they are still a good investment if you plan on wearing heels a lot or need something more discreet looking.

The material used in constructing these cushions by Brison is medical grade silicone gel which is eco friendly and highly durable. It can easily be cleaned after wearing, and it retains its shock absorbing properties, no matter how often you use it, which means that you won’t have to purchase new items as often as with other products of this kind.

The design of these inserts includes a raised portion that falls right in the middle of the metatarsal area, and it is this portion which is crucial for treating and preventing pain that’s connected to Plantar Fasciitis, Morton’s Neuroma, bunions, and other issues. The package includes 6 items, for three pairs of footwear, and although slightly more expensive than other listed products, the price per item is still pretty low.

These pads are described as walking on marshmallows, as they provide silicone and gel padding in order to prevent any injury or pain caused by excessive shock. In addition to shock, these double down on the amount of materials used and results in a pad that is extra thick. This thicker build provides the wearer with much more cushion, preventing blisters on both the heel and ball of the foot.

They're absolutely no-slip thanks to the two bands that help secure them to your foot. Every pack comes with two pairs at a very affordable price, making these a perfect "bang for your buck" purchase. Additionally, the added cushioning and thick materials make these a great choice for preventing heel and ball of foot pain.

Washable cushions are both more value-conscious and more eco-friendly than their non-washable counterparts. Washing a metatarsal cushion allows it to be used for longer, meaning you get more time out of it before having to get a new pair, which can also mean less waste. A washable cushion is also more resilient to germs, reducing the potential for odor.

There are two adhesion methods used in metatarsal cushions: one type sticks to your foot, while the other type sticks to the inside of your shoe. The latter is a better choice, as you won't have to worry about the adhesive wearing off as a result of sweating, or potential irritation and allergic reactions to the adhesive. This can make placement more difficult, so take your time. Two pairs for under $10 is slightly below the average price we see for metatarsal cushions. Thanks to their antimicrobial and washable design, you can expect that this purchase will be a solid investment for a while.

The high-quality silicone gel used in the ZenToes cushions does not absorb dirt and odors, and the nonporous surface resists bacteria and germs. This means that these won't start to smell after a few uses.

A good indicator of value is how many uses you can get out of it, similar to replayability when it comes to video games. The ZenToes silicone pads are a medical-grade material that stays cleaner longer, and can easily be washed with soap and warm water, allowing you to get more use out of each pair. With a unit cost of about $5 per pair, the ZenToes cushions are a solid investment. The design and materials make it both odor-resistant and easy to clean while being reusable. The adhesive is self-sticking and doesn't stick to your foot or cause irritation.

One of the benefits of this Ballotte product is the fact that it’s completely clear, which means that you can wear it with strappy sandals without having to worry about unsightly inserts showing beneath your feet. Overall, it’s a durable item which can be washed with lukewarm water and mild soap after every wear, and be used in multiple pairs of footwear.

The composition of this item is medical grade PU gel which is hypoallergenic, while the upper features small protrusions that massage the bottom of your foot while standing, increasing blood flow and helping stave off pain. The pack contains four items to be used on two different pairs of shoes, but, as already mentioned, they can easily be moved from one pair to the other. Depending on the pack size you opt for, these can rank between average and well below average per unit.

As mentioned above, one of the main draws to these metatarsal pads, and really why they're so popular is the fact that they can be trimmed. This is a result of the rather thin and flexible build that allows for easy customization.

The other quality that makes these pads so unique is the fact that there really quite wide, which is most likely a result of the trimmable design. Dr. Jill pads in particular measure in at 2.25 inches wide and 2.75 inches in length giving the user plenty of space to work with. Dr. Jill Metatarsal Pads aren't that bad of a deal considering they come in a pack of ten and feature high-quality adhesive suitable for every type of shoe on the market. The customization available on these is also a plus and definitely puts them above many other popular options available on the market.

The MARS Wellness Felt Foot pads will easily fit a multitude of foot sizes. You won't have to worry about the pads fitting your feet shoe. If needed, they can be trimmed, and won't drastically change the fit of your footwear.

These inexpensive pads won't break the bank by any means. You can buy multiple pairs for a fair price, and reap the benefits of shock absorption and soft tissue protection that can be a real benefit for those who suffer from Morton's Neuroma. They even come with placement instructions for the best possible results.