Metatarsalgia is an overuse injury affecting the joint at the end of a metatarsal bone next to the toes. There is sharp pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot and it becomes worse each time you walk or run.
While intense physical activity that puts too much pressure on the forefoot is the number one culprit for having metatarsalgia, abnormalities in the bones or muscles and foot conditions are also contributing factors.
Metatarsalgia gradually develops. However, people may confuse Morton’s neuroma for metatarsalgia because it gives similar symptoms of pain in the forefoot. Both of these foot conditions require comfortable shoes that can take the pressure off the forefoot. Getting new shoes often is a requirement to ensure optimum footwear support and cushioning.
RELATED: Best Shoes for Morton’s Neuroma
What are the best shoes for Metatarsalgia?
The best shoes for metatarsalgia have soft, comfortable cushioning under the forefoot, roomy toe boxes that allow the toes to move freely, soft and pliable upper material, and support that helps align the foot to its ideal walk/run signature. A shoe with a rocker ride is a plus. Moreover, these shoes must be podiatrist-recommended.
The Best Shoes for Metatarsalgia
Here is a list of the best shoes for metatarsalgia (in no particular order):
Hoka Clifton 9
Hoka Clifton 9 is an APMA-accepted running shoe that works well with various foot conditions. Metatarsal pain is one condition it can relieve, from which the Clifton may work up to moderate symptoms.
It is Hoka’s most popular neutral daily trainer with a soft, oversized midsole foam of at least 29mm stack height. This responsive midsole is very supportive, has balanced cushioning, and has an early-stage MetaRocker, which offers a smooth heel-to-toe transition that doesn’t put unnecessary pressure on the ball of the foot.
The drop is only 5mm, which helps redirect the pressure off the forefoot. The Clifton 9 also has a roomy toe box and a soft, breathable engineered knit upper that gently conforms to the shape of your foot.
Shop On ZapposHoka Bondi 8
If you have super wide feet, Hoka Bondi 8 is arguably your best option on this list. It is Hoka’s most cushioned neutral running shoe with a modern, slick design that offers plush cushioning that works with both supination and overpronation. The soft and thick midsole is not as soft as the Clifton 9 but offers a much higher stack height of 39mm. This shoe is 2 oz heavier than the Clifton 9.
It is well-padded and feels more stable than the Clifton underfoot. The midsole has a 4mm heel-to-toe drop and a MetaRocker that offers a smooth, natural transition from heel to toe. It has a roomy toe box. And an engineered mesh upper that feels soft, pliable, and breathable.
Shop On ZapposAsics Gel-Cumulus 26
If you have severe symptoms of metatarsalgia, Asics Gel-cumulus 26 is arguably your best option. It is a soft, stable neutral daily trainer you can always count on. This APMA-accepted running shoe seems to be the podiatrist’s favorite for any forefoot problems.
The Gel-Cumulus 26 ticks all the boxes of being an excellent shoe for metatarsalgia. It has a soft, energetic FF BLAST PLUS midsole with at least 37mm stack height. The midsole has a strategically placed PureGEL, which helps absorb impact.
It also has a rocker ride and a heel-to-toe drop of 8mm. And a one-piece engineered mesh upper that feels soft and breathable and offers enough room in the toe box.
Shop On ZapposAsics Gel-Nimbus 26
The Gel-Nimbus 26 is Asics’ most cushioned neutral running shoe. It is heavier than the Gel-Cumulus 26 by 1.8 oz but offers a slightly more comfortable midsole foam of FF BLAST PLUS ECO. The midsole stack height is 42mm with a heel-to-toe drop of 8mm.
It is technically a shoe with a rocker ride. It also has a soft engineered knit upper that feels more plush than the upper material of the Gel-Cumulus 26. And it offers ample toe box space, which allows your toes to splay with more freedom.
Shop On ZapposNew Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14 is an APMA-accepted neutral running shoe that offers a soft, plush Fresh Foam X midsole foam with a 29mm stack height and an 8mm heel-to-toe drop. It is New Balance’s go-to running shoe, which feels comfortable and dependable and has everything you need in a running shoe. But it’s the only shoe on this list without a rocker design, which means you have full control of how you want to transition from heel to toe.
The Fresh Foam X 880v14 offers a soft landing and energized propulsion during take-off. The mesh upper with a cotton lining feels comfortable and has a toe box with just enough space for your toes. Its normal width feels wide enough to accommodate various foot types so you don’t have to worry about the shoe squeezing your foot.
Shop On ZapposNew Balance Fresh Foam X More v4
The Fresh Foam X More v4 is New Balance’s plushest and softest neutral running shoe. It offers a stack height of 34mm of pure Fresh Foam X midsole, which feels stable underfoot even on uneven surfaces. The heel-to-toe drop is 4mm with a gentle rocker shape design in the midsole, which helps with smooth transitions that don’t irritate the forefoot.
The engineered mesh upper is breathable and comfortable and provides a supportive locked-in sensation. The toe box also feels roomy and comfortable for the toes.
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