Shoes for Metatarsalgia

The underside or plantar surface of the forefoot has a natural fatty padding (behind the toes) that is designed to cushion and protect the foot’s five metatarsal heads. These metatarsal heads are bony prominences that connect the metatarsal shafts with the phalanges or toes. Even the natural padding can’t protect this area when prolonged, excessive pressure or overuse of the metatarsal heads occurs. The resulting pain and discomfort is called metatarsalgia. This painful bruising of the metatarsal heads is most commonly associated with the high arched foot, although it is certainly not limited to this particular foot shape.

Metatarsalgia is usually a chronic condition. Certain circumstances can aggravate this problem: running or walking on hard surfaces; wearing shoes that are too short; wearing heels that are higher than two inches; aging (which decreases the foot’s natural cushioning); and overuse. Even though the inflamed tissue takes time to heal, solutions are often as simple as proper shoes, insoles, and cushioned socks. Below are some tips on relief and also how to find the best shoes for metatarsalgia.

1. Properly fit shoes for metatarsalgia should have ample toe room to allow the forefoot to relax. Metatarsalgia shoes should also have soft soles to provide protection from hard surfaces.

2. Always wear shoes, and avoid walking barefoot or sock-footed, even around the house. Appropriate footwear protects the inflamed area against re-injury. For supportive, easy-to-wear comfort for leisure, try our Orthaheel sandals, approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association. These clinically proven sandals are designed by doctors and are built with a posted, cushioned arch.

3. Wear socks with your shoes. Socks offer additional padding and protection. Our Smartwool and Coolmax® socks are made with moisture management qualities to keep your feet dry.

4. New Balance insoles for metatarsalgia should include metatarsal padding. This supportive padding provides instant relief by lifting the metatarsal heads behind the toes for proper foot alignment. This metatarsal padding may feel intrusive at first, but over time, feet should adjust to this beneficial support. The Supportive Cushioning, our most popular insole for metatarsalgia, features protective ABZORB® cushioning and soft metatarsal padding. The New Balance Performance Orthotic, NB405, offers the highest degree of custom-like support with metatarsal padding. Inside, a thin layer of rubberized cork molds to your feet, just like an orthotic.

5. Custom orthoses are recommended when over-the-counter solutions don’t provide the necessary relief. Our ABC certified pedorthists, available at our St. Louis, Branson, and Washington store locations, can fill your physician's prescription for those orthotics.