Best Metatarsal Pads for Metatarsal Pain
Metatarsalgia is a common overuse injury in which the ball of your foot becomes painful and inflamed, often as a result of the pounding your feet take during sports, or due to other health conditions such as foot deformities, arthritis or hammer toe.
We understand that metatarsalgia can stop you from enjoying everyday life, as even standing or walking can aggravate the pain. Our helpful guide to the Best Metatarsal Pads for Metatarsal Pain, will help you find a product that will make your metatarsalgia more manageable and to prevent any worsening of the condition.
What's Covered in This Guide?
- How Can a Metatarsal Pad Help My Ball of Foot Pain?
- Best Metatarsal Pads
- Best T Form Metatarsal Supports
- Best Metatarsal Sleeves
- Best Metatarsalgia Full-Length Insoles
- Best Cold Therapy for Relieving Metatarsal Pain
How Can a Metatarsal Pad Help My Ball of Foot Pain?
Adding metatarsal pads to your shoes can help relieve metatarsal pain and prevent further damage to your forefoot. Below are the main features to look out for in a pair of metatarsal pads or insoles:
- Pressure Relief: For someone with metatarsalgia, poor weight distribution can lead to more pressure being placed on the forefoot, which could worsen the condition. Opting for insoles with a cushioning metatarsal dome can distribute pressure more evenly and diminish the stress on the balls of your feet.
- Shock-Absorption: Impact from walking or running can lead to more stress being placed on your forefoot. Shock-absorbing metatarsal pads or insoles contribute to relieving ball of foot pain and minimise future problems with metatarsalgia.
Best Metatarsal Pads
Our Winner: Basic Metatarsal Domes
Why We Love Them...
✔ Relieve pressure from the metatarsal area of the foot
✔ Can be applied to a range of orthotic insoles for utmost convenience
✔ Feature an adhesive back for secure fixation to any kind of insole
Perfect For...
✔ Use during long commutes where a lot of walking is involved
✔ Running and sprinting with metatarsalgia
✔ Hikers with metatarsalgia in need of reinforced support
Good to Know...
✔ Available in UK sizes ranging from 4 - 9+
✔ Can be purchased in a pack of 2 or in a pack of 10
Editor's Verdict: Metatarsalgia can make it hard to cope with daily activities, but it shouldn't stop you from making the most out of your free time. If your metatarsal pain is holding you, you should consider the Basic Metatarsal Domes. Despite their small and compact design, these domes are extra cushioning to relieve the pressure felt on your metatarsal bones as you walk or run. No matter where you're heading, these domes are sure to provide you with effective pain relief and get you on track to fully recovering from metatarsalgia.
Customer's Verdict: "I was recommended these metatarsal domes by my physio and when I got back home I searched the internet and found this company and product and ordered them. To my surprise, they came in the post the next morning. What can I say, after a few adjustments sticking them to my insole they have done the trick and the pain in my foot has now gone after one week of use. I can now go out walking again. My physio was well pleased when I told him. So I can recommend this company and product. It worked for me." Anthony ★★★★★
Best T Form Metatarsal Supports
Our Winner: Pedag T Form Metatarsal Supports
Why We Love Them...
✔ Feature a T-shape metatarsal pad to support the metatarsal bones
✔ Added cushioning helps distribute pressure causing metatarsal pain
✔ Covered with breathable goatskin leather for maximum comfort
Perfect For...
✔ Individuals looking for extra support to relieve metatarsal pain
✔ Use with tighter shoes due to the non-bulky design
✔ Sticking on any existing insole to increase comfort
Good to Know...
✔ Self-adhesive design that sticks securely to the inside of your shoe
✔ Available in UK sizes ranging from 2 - 12
Editor's Verdict: Featuring a cushioning yet non-bulky design, the Pedag T Form Metatarsal Supports are T-shaped to support the anatomically correct position of the metatarsal bones and relieve painful symptoms of metatarsalgia. With these pads, you won't have to worry about potential discomfort or blisters, as the seamless design will allow you to wear them with your tighter shoes and trainers.
When We Asked the Manufacturer, They Said: "Metatarsal pain is very uncomfortable, it is caused by a flattening of the latitudinal arch, a lifting of the toes (hammer toe) a difference in leg length (often when somebody has a sore or painful knee the leg does not straighten properly meaning more stress on one foot). The reason Pedag’s version is best, T-Form uses a high-quality expanded EVA foam rubber which retains its shape and cushioning for a very long period of wear. It is covered with an antibacterial, perspiration-absorbing, natural leather which has no pigmentation and is hypoallergenic."
Customer's Verdict: "These insoles are excellent for my metatarsalgia. They provide comfort where needed. The service [...] was first class. I received the product quickly and they were a third of the price of some suppliers." Janice ★★★★★
Best Metatarsal Sleeves
Our Winner: Silipos Ball of Foot Cushion Universal Gel Strap
Why We Love Them...
✔ Cover all metatarsal heads to relieve pain and prevent further injury
✔ Protect the foot against impact shock, pressure and shear forces
✔ Supplied in pairs to protect both feet against metatarsal pain
Perfect For...
✔ Protecting your feet when you're not wearing shoes
✔ Users looking for a long-term solution to relieving metatarsal pain
✔ People who struggle to apply standard metatarsal pads in their shoes
Good to Know...
✔ Can be purchased with a gel covering that treats calluses
✔ Available in two sizes that should suit most users
Editor's Verdict: If you're looking to relieve metatarsal pain and protect your feet against further injury, you should try the Silipos Ball of Foot Cushion Universal Gel Strap. These sleeves integrate a gel cushion to provide an extra protective layer on the forefoot where the metatarsal pain derives from, and this way relieves pain felt whenever pressing down on the foot. While foam tends to break down over time, gel keeps its original shape and works as a long-term solution to support your forefoot.
Customer's Verdict: "I've been suffering from severe pain under the ball of my foot, probably metatarsalgia, and have had instant relief from the pain since I put these gel straps on. I would highly recommend these. They were delivered the next day, so service was excellent." Mary ★★★★★
Best Metatarsalgia Full-Length Insoles
Our Winner: FootActive Metatarsalgia Full-Length Insoles
Why We Love Them...
✔ Provide firm support to alleviate pressure in the arch and forefoot
✔ Absorb shock in the heel and forefoot to prevent further injury
✔ Offer exceptional comfort and breathability for all-day wear
Perfect For...
✔ Supporting every part of the foot to reduce strain on vulnerable areas
✔ Use in most types of lace-up shoes, including trainers and work boots
✔ People working jobs that require them to constantly be on their feet
Good to Know...
✔ Made from a combination of EVA foam and polyurethane
✔ Available in UK sizes ranging from 3 - 13
Editor's Verdict: Metatarsal pads are great, as they focus on the particular area where your pain originates from. If you're looking for something that will cover the whole of your foot, while still treating your metatarsalgia, you should go for the FootActive Metatarsalgia Full-Length Insoles. These insoles integrate a raised metatarsal dome that cushions the affected area to relieve pain and discomfort, while the shock-absorbing feature shields your feet against further damage as you walk. What's more, the full length also provides support to the whole of your foot to ensure you walk in comfort all day long.
When We Asked FootActive, They Said: "The Metatarsalgia full-length insoles are the insoles we would recommend for metatarsal pain. The main features that help with ball of foot pain would be a combination of our arch support and raised metatarsal dome. The dome slightly lifts this part of the foot, preventing them to drop down. This added support relieves pressure on the ball of the foot area and helps with pain management and allows the foot to heal better."
Customer's Verdict: "I have arch problems and metatarsalgia, I tried these insoles out of desperation. They are brilliant, I can walk pain-free again and would highly recommend them" Jane ★★★★★
Best Cold Therapy for Relieving Metatarsal Pain
Our Winner: Aircast Foot Cold Therapy Cryo/Cuff with Cold Therapy Cryo/Cuff Cooler Saver Pack
Why We Love It...
✔ Provides long-lasting cryotherapy to reduce metatarsal pain
✔ Cools the whole foot, leading to better pain relief
✔ Uses a simple, gravity-fed system for ease of use
Perfect For...
✔ Reducing pain and swelling on the forefoot
✔ Improving circulation throughout your forefoot to increase healing
✔ Bettering joint mobility to help you perform daily activities as usual
Good to Know...
✔ Can be bought separately or as a bundle for maximum cost effectivity
✔ Cuff comes in the sizes medium and large
Editor's Verdict: As recommended by the NHS, putting an ice pack on your forefoot for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours can help ease metatarsal pain. Instead of using a bag of frozen peas, why not opt for our highly effective Aircast Cryo/Cuff Saver Pack? This product provides potent cold therapy that works to significantly reduce pain and swelling, improve blood circulation throughout your forefoot, reduce inflammation and improve joint mobility.
Relieve Metatarsal Pain with Every Step You Take
No matter the weather, you should never let your metatarsal pain get the best of you. With the right pair of metatarsal pads, you'll be able to wave the pain goodbye and take on every adventure that comes your way. Whether you fancy taking a long walk through the park or have been invited on a weekend hike in the mountains, the products suggested in this guide should allow you to make the most of life without having to suffer from metatarsal pain and discomfort.
If you haven't found what you're looking for here, see our full range of Metatarsal Pads to find the most suitable product for you.