9 Best Shoes for Metatarsalgia – 2024 Guide

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Brooks Ghost 14
Test Winner: Brooks Ghost 14
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There's a number of people who are avid runners, who never experience any discomfort and pain, regardless of the difficult fitness regime they go through.

However, there are also those who suffer from conditions that make even walking an excruciatingly painful experience.

Those who suffer from Metatarsalgia are too familiar with the sharp and burning pain in the ball of the foot, numbness and tingling, and the inability to walk or stand on hard surfaces.

Standout Picks

Brooks Ghost 14
The latest edition of one of the world’s best running shoes brings innovation and well-loved technology to provide you with a pair of running footwear that’s cushioning, comfortable, and looks great. Whether you wear it for training sessions or on a daily basis, you’ll enjoy the updated jacquard upper that’s highly breathable and ensures a great fit.
New Balance 990v5
New Balance has been an industry staple for many decades. Buyers trust the reputation and value they are getting when buying New Balance. The 990v5 is highly developed with a blown rubber forefoot for lightweight cushioning but strong reinforcement of support.
OOFOS Original Thong
The OOFOS Original Thong will provide the ultimate comfort the moment you put your foot in it. The sandal thong is like walking on air and provides cushioning for the entire sole but, especially, in the ball of the foot where people that suffer from pressure-point pain will find relief. These are like massaging your feet upon every step. It is exactly what a person needs that has problems with pain in the ball of the foot.
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Almost everyone is familiar with Birkenstocks and the way they mold to your foot when you slip it on. The only complaint some people have had through the years is that the footbed is too rigid. Birkenstock listened to the complaints of customers and made their iconic shoe with a soft footbed to provide the ultimate in cushion and support in their famed sandal.
Brooks Addiction 14
The Addiction 14 from Brooks is a stunningly responsive stability running shoe that balances strong support with a lightweight feel. The midsole is outfitted with a range of different features, such as the brand's own BioMoGo DNA material, and a Progressive Diagonal Rollbar for extra support. A foam insole also provides maximum cushioning, keeping your feet comfortable and well supported.

Top 9 Shoes for Metatarsalgia

1. Brooks Ghost 14

Where to buy
Brooks Ghost 14
Brooks Ghost 14
Brooks Ghost 14
Amazon Link

The latest edition of one of the world’s best running shoes brings innovation and well-loved technology to provide you with a pair of running footwear that’s cushioning, comfortable, and looks great. Whether you wear it for training sessions or on a daily basis, you’ll enjoy the updated jacquard upper that’s highly breathable and ensures a great fit.

Another awesome thing about Brooks shoes is that they come in a number of widths, so you can purchase the Ghost 11 in narrow, normal, wide and extra wide.

One of the best midsole materials in the market, the BioMoGo DNA is fully responsive, and customizes the level of cushioning and energy return to your personal style of running and walking. More force, for example that generated by heavier runners, will result in firmer cushioning.

The heel area will benefit from a DNA Loft shock absorbing system that disperses force of impact and prevents it from traveling up the legs. The front of the shoe, on the other hand, has traditional Crash Pads that allow landing impact on the front of the foot to be evenly distributed over the entire foot.

Additionally, this technology ensures a more efficient toe off through the guidance lines that help put the foot in the correct position for the movement.

2. New Balance 990v5

Where to buy
New Balance 990v5
New Balance 990v5
New Balance 990v5
Amazon Link

New Balance has been an industry staple for many decades. Buyers trust the reputation and value they are getting when buying New Balance. The 990v5 is highly developed with a blown rubber forefoot for lightweight cushioning but strong reinforcement of support.

The shaft to arch measurement is 3 inches; thereby, providing more of the adequate cushioning and arch support buyers with metatarsalgia need. This, also, has a plush tongue, as well as, a thick collar to prevent chaffing around the ankle or on the top of the foot.

The midsoles of these are designed to support and cushion the arch and ball of the foot. This helps to alleviate the pressure on the ball of the foot which is where the pain originates from for metatarsalgia sufferers. Typically, shoes that are tailored made with extra padding in the sole would, usually, be heavy and dense.

Footwear like the New Balance 990v5 that are made with blown rubber in the outsole, however, are lighter in weight, thanks to the technology of it. This makes a difference on tired feet and legs, plus they are easier to wear and walk in.

While the 990v5 is at a higher price range than some of the others shoes in the category, buyers can feel confident in their purchase.

3. OOFOS Original Thong

Where to buy
OOFOS Original Thong
OOFOS Original Thong
OOFOS Original Thong
Amazon Link

The OOFOS Original Thong will provide the ultimate comfort the moment you put your foot in it. The sandal thong is like walking on air and provides cushioning for the entire sole but, especially, in the ball of the foot where people that suffer from pressure-point pain will find relief. These are like massaging your feet upon every step. It is exactly what a person needs that has problems with pain in the ball of the foot.

By designing the footbed with texture points, it gently massages the foot with each step. Not only does it massage the foot but the textures help to distribute pressure from the weight of the body on each step, as well. Traditional shoes send reverse energy back into the foot.

The OOFOS original thong does the opposite and it absorbs up to 37% more energy and forces it into the shoe, alleviating the stress and impact that is sent back into the body.

This is very affordable and will last a long time. It is even machine washable to allow for easy cleaning. It can be worn every day, so buyers will get much use out of the sandal.

4. Birkenstock Arizona Soft

Where to buy
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Birkenstock Arizona Soft
Birkenstock Arizona Soft
Amazon Link

Almost everyone is familiar with Birkenstocks and the way they mold to your foot when you slip it on. The only complaint some people have had through the years is that the footbed is too rigid. Birkenstock listened to the complaints of customers and made their iconic shoe with a soft footbed to provide the ultimate in cushion and support in their famed sandal.

Birkenstocks have been a staple in the industry since 1896, and have a reputation of some of the best and most supportive shoes in the business

Often imitated but never duplicated is the footbed of the Birkenstock Arizona. However, they improved their own design by making the footbed softer and suppler for those that craved support and cushion. Made of contoured cork and latex, the footbed conforms to each individual shape to provide the best cushion and stability throughout.

By putting dual adjustable straps on the footwear, wearers can tailor their fit on a daily basis. Some days the foot swells and it needs more room but typical shoes don't have a way to adjust the fit. If you want to wear socks with your Birks, you can simply adjust the buckles to give the foot more room to accommodate a sock.

5. Brooks Addiction 14

Brooks Addiction 14

The Addiction 14 from Brooks is a stunningly responsive stability running shoe that balances strong support with a lightweight feel. The midsole is outfitted with a range of different features, such as the brand's own BioMoGo DNA material, and a Progressive Diagonal Rollbar for extra support. A foam insole also provides maximum cushioning, keeping your feet comfortable and well supported.

The BioMoGo DNA midsole is a signature part of Brooks running shoes and works together with the Progressive Diagonal Rollbar to provide support. The BioMoGo DNA material is incredibly responsive; the harder you push on the shoe, the firmer the midsole will be in response.

The Progressive Diagonal Rollbar is where the stability really shines in the Addiction 14. This technology runs through the entire length of the shoe. It is designed to guide you through a proper gait, helping to gently correct issues with pronation.

The BioMoGo DNA material we mentioned earlier, in the midsole? It's also present in the foam insole. Similar to how it performs in the midsole, this material is designed to gently mold itself to the shape of your foot, similar to memory foam. This is designed to provide you with key points of cushioning, properly supporting your feet no matter how they change over time.

Sources

  1. Christian Nordqvist, All About Metatarsalgia, article
  2. Shelley Drozd, Metatarsalgia, article
  3. Mayo Clinic Staff, Metatarsalgia, article; medical
  4. Shatto, B., How to Self-Treat Metatarsalgia, blog; article
  5. Durham, B. MD., Metatarsalgia Treatment & Management, article; medical