Can Metatarsal Pads Provide Immediate Relief for Metatarsalgia?

Depending on the severity, pain around the balls of your feet can range from a minor inconvenience to seriously debilitating, and even if the pain is minor, it can worsen without metatarsalgia treatment. Metatarsal pads are compact shoe inserts that provide reinforcement to the area to ease pressure and reduce shock. As the treatment is so direct and offloading, metatarsalgia sufferers can find immediate pain relief when using support pads.

Here at ShoeInsoles.co.uk we carry metatarsal pads in a variety of shapes and in different materials like leather, foam or gel, so we're sure we have the right pads for you.

What Does This Guide Cover?

• Our Best Metatarsal Pads:
  • Gel Metatarsal Pads: Pro11 Gel Metatarsal Pads
  • Foam Metatarsal Pads:
    • Basic Metatarsal Dome Pads for Shoes
    • Spenco RX Ball-of-Foot Cushions
    • Traditional MicroGrip Metatarsal Domes
  • Leather Metatarsal Pads: Pedag T Form Metatarsal Supports
• How Can Metatarsal Pads Provide Pain Relief?
• How Do You Get the Right Placement in Your Shoe?
• What Else Can You Do For Metatarsal Pain?

Gel Metatarsal Pads

Pro11 Gel Metatarsal Pads

Pro11 Gel Metatarsal Pads Comfortable and discreet gel metatarsal pad Shields against impact and redistributes pressure Reduces pain and fatigue in the ball of the foot Supplied as a pair of pads    In stock now £5.99   (33) More info

Editor's Verdict: While metatarsal domes provide more rigid stimulation to the area, the gel design of these Pro11 Pads provides more of a soft cushion. They evenly dissipate shock and pressure gentle but effective ball of foot support. They also feature a handy toe attachment loop so, there's no need to secure them to a set pair of insoles and you can switch shoes without losing support.

Customer Verdict: "Massive Relief - Super bit of kit providing huge pain relief for my metatarsalgia..." ★★★★★ Nick

Foam Metatarsal Pads

Basic Metatarsal Dome Pads for Shoes

Basic Metatarsal Dome Pads for Shoes Domes to relieve pressure from the metatarsal area Can be applied to a range of orthotics Adhesive backed to stick securely in place Three sizes available for different foot sizes    In stock now From:  £4.55   (45) More info

Editor's Verdict: The Metatarsal Dome Pads are made from dense foam to efficiently absorb your weight and impact shock. The rounded design fits the natural curvature of your foot for long-term comfort, while the adhesive backing makes sure they stay in place to give you the most benefit. They're available as a pack of two domes, or in a money saving pack of ten, so you can apply them to all your shoes for constant support at a great price.

Customer Verdict: "Impressed - I had been told I had metatarsalgia, then Mortons Neuroma and was recommended these. I was surprised at how effective they are at reducing pain, Im no longer limping and can for miles. I will buy more. Easy to fit on insoles or sandals. I also use them in clip on cycle shoes." ★★★★★ Kevin

Spenco RX Ball-of-Foot Cushions

Spenco RX Ball-of-Foot Cushions Pair of ball-of-foot cushions for improved comfort Ideal for improving comfort in the metatarsal area Suitable for wearing in a range of footwear types Designed to absorb shock and impact during movement    In stock now £8.99   (2) More info

Editor's Verdict: The multi-layer design of these Spenco RX Ball-of-Foot Cushions combines low-density EVA foam, breathable stretch fabric and curved metatarsal cushioning. This provide moulded and comfortable support for the balls of your feet, without being as rigid or hard as other domes. They're also engineered to prevent blister formation and odour build-up, even with extended wear.

Customer Verdict: "Fixed My Metatarsitis - These ball-of-foot cushions are excellent. They sit just back of the actual ball of foot and provide a good cushion for the joint between matatarsals and toes. Relieved the pain I was experiencing and allow me to go walking again." ★★★★★ Nigel

Traditional MicroGrip Metatarsal Domes

Traditional MicroGrip Metatarsal Domes Broad metatarsal pads in A30 shore EVA Secure MicroGrip fastening to prevent movement in shoes Compatible with most off-the-shelf insoles Supplied as a pair    In stock now £3.99   (16) More info

Editor's Verdict: Compact, thin and made of soft EVA foam, these Traditional MicroGrip Metatarsal Domes provide comfortable support that moulds to the metatarsal area. They're also rounded and slightly raised for subtle reinforcement that isn't to obtrusive. Featuring a clever MicroGrip fastening system, they won't move around in your shoes, but can still be purposely removed and reapplied if you want to adjust the position.

Customer Verdict: "Relief ! ! - Can't believe the difference ! Instant relief as soon as I fitted these in to my slippers . Sent for 2 more pairs , have them in my favourite shoes and my wellies which in this weather I wear all day and my joints are still pain free by evening . Many thanks ." ★★★★★ Nola

Leather Metatarsal Pads

Pedag T Form Metatarsal Supports

Pedag T Form Metatarsal Supports T-shaped metatarsal pads Relieves symptoms of splayfoot Genuine leather for lasting quality Self-adhesive to prevent movement within your shoe    In stock now £5.99   (42) More info

Editor's Verdict: These Pedag T Form Metatarsal Supports are made of high-quality leather, which is a fantastic material for metatarsal orthotics because of it's comfortable, breathable and contours to your feet better than synthetic materials. They also have a T shape, designed to fill the shape underneath the balls of your feet, providing support without feeling rigid or unnatural in your shoes. Many customers find their pronounced dome shape really effective for metatarsalgia treatment, but if you're looking for a lower profile leather support, we also offer the Pedag Drop Metatarsal Supports and the Pedag Galant Metatarsal Supports.

Customer Verdict: "Excellent Service And Excellent Product - These insoles are excellent for my metatarsalgia. They provide comfort where needed. The service from Shoe Insoles was first class. I received the product quickly and they were a third of the price of some other suppliers." ★★★★★ Janice

How Can Metatarsal Pads Provide Pain Relief?

Metatarsal pads can provide quick pain foot pain relief in two main ways:

• Reducing Pressure: metatarsal pads reduce pressure on the balls of your feet by reinforcing the metatarsal bone and more evenly dispersing your weight across the area. 
• Absorbing Shock: softening the impact of walking, running and landing, particularly on hard surfaces, protects the metatarsal bones from injury

If you're not sure if your foot pain is metatarsalgia, have a look at our What is Metatarsalgia? guide to find out more.

How Do You Get the Right Placement in Your Shoe?

Metatarsal pads have to be strategically placed behind your toe joint (as seen in the diagram below) to correctly absorb pressure, but everyone's feet are different. You should move the pads around your insoles and experiment with what feels most comfortable and effective before sticking them down with adhesive. 

What Else Can I Do for Metatarsal Pain?

Metatarsal pads can really help people with metatarsalgia, but there can be more to painful feet. For more info on the dos and don'ts of metatarsalgia, including exercises for long-term progress, why not check out the NHS guide to Pain in the Ball of Foot.

Say Goodbye to Foot Pain!

The pads above are tried and trusted by our customers in providing relief for metatarsal pain and we're sure they can help you! If you want to see even more brilliant pads, why not check out our full range if Metatarsal Pads. Remember, if you find your ball of foot pain gets worse despite your best efforts, visit a GP for help and information.

If you have any questions about metatarsalgia or just have something to say, let us know in the comments below, or find us on Twitter and Facebook.