Oh, no… You went out for your daily run this morning, only to be surprised by the excruciating pain in the ball of your foot. Is it time to change your good old kicks? It probably is, and you may even want to consider looking into the best running shoes for metatarsalgia, just in case.
Don’t worry, metatarsalgia is a common issue among runners, especially those who already have certain foot conditions. But, no matter how common it is, it doesn’t make it any less painful and uncomfortable.
Luckily, there’s one thing you can do that will make all the difference in the world. That’s finding the right pair of shoes, of course!
Looking for kicks that make you look good is never enough, especially now. You need plenty of comfort, stability, and support that is going to get you through your long runs and intense workouts.
When your shoes fail to deliver these key features, you end up with all kinds of issues. Most of them are super painful and uncomfortable, and they may even make you give up running altogether. But, we’re not going to let that happen to you. It’s possible to enjoy your favorite sport again, and we’re here to help!
Without further ado, lace up your kicks, and let’s jump into the world of pain-free running, with the help of our list of best running shoes for metatarsalgia. We might even answer some of your additional questions, too!
What is metatarsalgia?
Does it feel like you’re stepping on Legos every time you go for a run lately? Well, there’s a high chance you may be dealing with metatarsalgia.
Don’t worry, it’s not some tiny mystical creature living inside of your shoe, making your life miserable. Although it sounds like it came straight from a fantasy novel, it’s just a fancy word for the annoying pain you feel in the ball of your foot.
But, how did you end up in this situation? There are many potential causes, including wearing shoes that don’t fit you well, doing high-impact activities without support, but also certain foot conditions that make it hard for your body to distribute its weight evenly. None of these sound fun, right?
Well, they’re not, and neither is metatarsalgia. Does any of these symptoms sound familiar: feeling like you’re walking on nails, sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot, and that annoying feeling of numbness and tingling? If the answer is yes, then it’s time to make some changes in your routine.
By learning more about this condition, you’re already on the right track!
The next step, and one of the most important ones, is finding the best running shoes for metatarsalgia that will help you get back to your active lifestyle.
What should you look for in your next pair of shoes?
So, you get the deal – you need new shoes ASAP if you want to get back on your feet (no pun intended). But, what should you look for, exactly? If your understanding of footwear doesn’t go above the aesthetics and the way they feel on your feet, we’re here to help.
First things first, you need all the cushioning you can get. Your forefoot area requires padding to absorb shock and reduce pressure on your painful feet, especially the metatarsal bones.
Arch support will become your best friend, mark my words. It’s crucial for the right foot alignment and reducing the stress on the metatarsal area. Shoes with adequate arch support will help distribute your body weight evenly, lessening the strain on your forefoot.
Of course, you don’t want your shoes to be too tight, so make sure you find the pair with a wide toe box. The last thing you need is your toes to be squished together, so make sure you give them enough space to spread naturally.
The best kind of running shoes are those that feel like nothing on your feet. Because of that, make sure that your next pair is as lightweight as possible. Not only will they give you the best running experience, but they’ll also help minimize the excess strain on your feet.
Best running shoes for metatarsalgia: Our top picks
You have it all down on paper: cushioning, wide toe box, arch support, the lightweight feeling… Now what? Do you have to spend the whole day looking for the perfect pair, buy one, and hope for the best? Nope! We’ll make it a lot easier for you.
Listed below, you can find some of the best running shoes for metatarsalgia on the market today. We hope you find your perfect fit in our selection – we picked them just for you.
1. Hoka Bondi
Get ready to fall in love with running all over again. With your new Hoka One One Bondi shoes, your favorite sport will feel like a whole new experience.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to run on clouds? Well, these kicks are the closest thing you’ll get to living your dreams.
With their full-length EVA midsole, you’ll be landing on the softest cushioning with each step you take. This incredible plush comfort will enable you to say goodbye to metatarsal pain forever.
Their incredible arches will give your feet all the support they need. By keeping your joints aligned, your body will be able to distribute its weight evenly, without putting additional strain on the forefront of your feet.
Their fancy Meta-Rocker technology will absolutely rock your world. They’re like this secret ingredient that propels you forward with each move, relieving the pressure on the ball of your foot. You’ll feel balanced, stable, and ready to break your personal running record.
They’re padded in all the right places, including the collar, which feels like a small, soft hug for your feet. Trust me, you’ll never want to go back to your old pair.
2. ASICS Gel-Venture 6 MX Running Shoes
ASICS Gel-Venture 6 MX Running Shoes are like superheroes that are designed to put an end to your metatarsalgia issues. What’s their superpower? The Rearfoot Gel system, of course!
It’s specifically designed to provide support right where you need it the most – the front of your foot. They’re here to take every impact and shock so that your metatarsal area doesn’t have to. Your painful running sessions will soon become a distant memory.
On top of that, they’re designed with a roomy toe box, which will enable your toes to wiggle freely and spread naturally. No more cramped toes that make you dream about the moment your running session is over and you get to take off your tight shoes…
The ASICS Gel-Venture 6 MXs are made of high-quality synthetic materials. Not only are they built to last, but they’re also super breathable. On top of that, their soles are made of rubber, which will absorb shocks and provide you with an excellent grip, no matter what terrain you choose today.
3. Saucony Kinvara 14
Saucony Kinvara 14 is a definition of a lightweight shoe, let me tell you that. This is a real gem when it comes to running shoes, and they’ll take your runs to a whole new level. Are you ready?
The designers behind this model are all about cushioning. They’ve padded all the right places, giving your feet enough comfort and support to achieve all your fitness goals and completely forget about your metatarsalgia issues. Doesn’t that sound like a dream?
Their forefront is spacious and sure to give your toes enough room to wiggle while keeping the ball of your foot safe and protected. Their lower drop encourages a natural position of your feet and the smoothest stride. Most importantly, they prioritize the cushioning.
Their midsoles are made with a special kind of foam that’s super bouncy and responsive. Not only that, but it’s also flexible and durable, and I can guarantee that these shoes will last you for a long time. Their rubber soles contribute to that, too!
4. Brooks Ghost 15
The Brooks Ghost 15 may be the savior all you metatarsalgia warriors are looking for. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to running or you’ve been into this sport for years now, these kicks are game-changers.
Their midsoles are made of this magical foam called DNA Loft. And let me tell you, it feels like your shoes have small pillows inside, especially your metatarsal area which needs the most care and love here. On top of incredible comfort, they’re also amazing when it comes to shock absorption.
They’re so bouncy and responsive that you may feel like your forefoot has a tiny trampoline hidden inside. You’ll be able to run for miles and not get tired, which is what every runner dreams of, am I right?
If that wasn’t enough, their design is made to answer all of your needs: breathable mesh for good airflow, rubber outsoles for extra protection and a nice grip, and a sleek design that will make heads turn.
