10 Best Running Shoes For Metatarsalgia (Review) In 2022

- 1. Asics Gel Venture 5 Women's Running Shoes For Metatarsalgia
- 2. Hoka One Bondi 5 Men's Running Shoes For Metatarsalgia
- 3. Brooks Ghost 11 Men's Running Shoes For Metatarsalgia
- 4. Altra Torin 3 Men's Running Shoe
- 5. Saucony Zealot ISO Men's Running Shoe
- 6. Saucony Kinvara 7 Women's Running Shoe
- 7. Asics 33 Unisex Running Shoe
- 8. Saucony Mirage 4 Men's Running Shoe
- 9. Kubua Unisex Running Shoe
- 10. New Balance 990v4 Women's Running Shoe
Unfortunately, Metatarsalgia is a little bit of the runners’ curse! If you’re involved regularly in any kind of high impact sport, then you are likely to be susceptible to this common condition. More often than not, the symptoms of inflammation and niggling pain go ignored until they become bothersome and in extreme cases, debilitating. It can be treated, and it will clear up, but you can do a lot to try and prevent metatarsalgia from developing in the first instance by wearing the appropriate running shoes. In this guide today, we’ve researched, and hand-picked ten of the best running shoes for metatarsalgia so read on if you’re interested in finding a solution to your own symptoms.
The Best Running Shoes For Metatarsalgia
1. Asics Gel Venture 5 Women’s Running Shoes For Metatarsalgia

Ideal to a wide range of terrains
GEL comfort support system throughout
Fully removable sock liner
Breathable mesh upper with bright overlays
Anyone who’s into running will be familiar with the Asics brand, and these Gel Venture 5 Women’s Running Shoes are a perfect choice for those of your suffering with the debilitating foot inflammation associated with metatarsalgia. In a superb range of color choices, this synthetic upper running shoe features a full GEL cushioning system for optimum comfort. There’s even a fully removable sock liner so that you can replace with your own custom-designed orthotics if necessary. They’re designed in a neutral running style with a multi-surface, highly durable trail outsole to deliver plenty of traction and support. These performance-driven running shoes provide an excellent fit alongside everyday comfort. To prevent shin splints while on the trail, pick your favorite running shoes for shin splints from our list.
2. Hoka One Bondi 5 Men’s Running Shoes For Metatarsalgia

Smooth and stable, comfortable ride
Superior cushioning with full-length Ortholite insole
Use of meta rocket technology for gait control
Breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool and dry
The Hoka One Bondi 5 Men’s Running Shoe is today’s Premium Pick and is a sensational running shoe that really does provide exceptional levels of comfort thanks to its use of advanced compression properties. It’s fabricated with a high abrasion rubber outsole that supports a balanced stride pattern. The midsole features a Meta-Rocker system with low heel-to-toe differential for a natural rocking motion which supports a natural gait cycle. The upper is made from a seamless engineered mesh which accounts for its superior flexibility and breathability. This has to be one of the most cushioned running shoes on the road, offering a precise fit and a plush feel. If you are new to running, be sure to check out our guide to the best running shoes for beginners and find your favorite pair.
3. Brooks Ghost 11 Men’s Running Shoes For Metatarsalgia

Smooth, dynamic and responsive ride
Full-length segmented crash pad
Omega Flex Grooves
Removable foam insoles
If you are looking for a new pair of running shoes to deliver a highly energized cushioned and smooth ride, then check out these Brooks Ghost 11 Men’s Running Shoes. Offering a medium to high level of arch support, they’re fabricated from engineered mesh which is designed to be both breathable and stretchy. With a removable foam insole, these Brooks running shoes provide excellent underfoot support for smooth and dynamic transitions. Omega Flex Grooves ensure a natural and fluid movement is maintained with every stride. They’re a soft and supportive running shoe and are just ideal for anyone with metatarsalgia. In case you are looking for more natural feel to your running routine then you should consider checking out our buying guide for barefoot running shoes.
4. Altra Torin 3 Men’s Running Shoe

Plenty of foot cushioning and responsive performance
FootPod outsole combined with A-Bound midsole
Delivers a natural foot position with great ground connection
Lightweight yet incredibly responsive feel
Always a popular choice, our next best running shoes for metatarsalgia recommendation is the Altra Torin 3 Men’s Running Shoe. With an updated FootPod outsole that has been improved to better map to the bones and tendons of the foot, this running shoe allows for plenty of flexibility and anatomical support. Overall, the Altra Torin delivers a lightweight, cushioned, and responsive feel and supports natural running form for happier feet. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who does the majority of their running on hard surfaces as it has plenty of compression and good ground impact. It’s also fabricated with quick-dry air mesh to keep feet cool, fresh and dry. Designed to improve foot positioning and offer comfortable toe splay, it’s an ideal choice for sufferers of metatarsalgia. For those of you who also suffer from underpronation, we’ve prepared the selection of the best running shoes for underpronation, so check them out.
5. Saucony Zealot ISO Men’s Running Shoe

Floating support upper cage
Custom-feeling fit
Proprietary PWRGRID+ foam cushioning
4mm heel-to-toe offset
The first of a couple of options from popular running shoe brand Saucony to make it onto our list. The Saucony Zealot ISO Men’s Running Shoe is all about performance as you’d expect from a company who are so focused on biomechanics. With an ISOFIT upper, this excellent running shoe perfectly adapts and conforms to fit the shape, size, and movement of the wearer’s foot, delivering an almost custom-feeling fit. Combine that with Saucony’s PWRGRID+ cushioning and what you achieve is a stable and cushioned, dynamic fit. Their use of proprietary foam is excellent for supporting metatarsalgia and provides up to 20% more cushioning than most other standard midsoles. Overall this is a lightweight and low profile choice for a fast and fun ride. Our guide to the best zero drop running shoes features more comfortable shoes for your running sessions.
6. Saucony Kinvara 7 Women’s Running Shoe

Lightweight design with wide comfortable toe box
Simple and stylish with snug midfoot feel
Flexible IBR outsole technology for advanced traction
FlexFilm and ProLock lacing system
Saucony happens to be one of the most respected and recognizable names when it comes to running shoes, and their Kinvara 7 is a lightweight and responsive option. Featuring EveRun heel cushioning for enhanced energy return as well as a seamless FlexFilm upper for an optimized fit, these are a technically advanced pair of trail running shoes and a remarkable price. Further performance-enhancing features include TriFlex outsole for excellent ground contact and just the correct amount toe flexibility plus fully removable insoles. These Saucony Kinvara 7 Women’s Running Shoes deliver exceptional traction, even distribution, and impact protection. Featuring a simple wide toe box, they provide enhanced comfort. These shoes are a durable, budget-friendly, and lightweight choice if you are looking for a pair of metatarsalgia running shoes.
7. Asics 33 Unisex Running Shoe

Optimal padding and cushioning throughout
Secure and comfortable fit and feel
Removable footbed with ComfortDry sock liner
AmpliFoam and Solyte midsole technology
Offering a full line up of performance-based shoes and technical sports apparel, Asics is all about promoting a healthy and happy approach toward fitness. These unisex running shoes, constructed from breathable mesh with a low heel-to-toe drop, are an excellent choice for anyone looking to manage metatarsal pain. The rubber outsole delivers plenty of cushioning and support but is crucially highly durable too. With AmpliFoam midsole technology, the Asics 33 Unisex Running Shoe also provides a comfortable and resilient ride. It’s a lightweight, adaptable, and flexible running shoe with plenty of breathable seamless mesh. Overall, this is a highly comfortable and optimally cushioned shoe that any sufferer of metatarsalgia will appreciate. They also make a good pair of running shoes for wide feet.
8. Saucony Mirage 4 Men’s Running Shoe

Fabulous fit and super comfortable construction
Rubber lugs on outsole for enhanced traction
TPU midfoot stabilization
FlexFilm seamless overlays and reflective logo design
Back again, with popular running brand Saucony for our next best shoes for metatarsalgia product review. The Saucony Mirage 4 Men’s Running Shoe is fabricated from blown rubber for exceptional durability and also features a carbon rubber outsole. It’s a lightweight runners shoe that’s sleek to look at and super stable to wear. With superior rubber lugs, it provides excellent traction while the TPU midfoot section delivers all the stability you need. With a moisture-wicking collar as well as reflective logos, you can ensure that you are cool, comfortable, safe, and seen. The upper is made from FlexFilm sections designed from mesh threads that enhance the aesthetics while adding to the performance. If you are looking for a pair of metatarsalgia running shoes for under $100 which also offer a remarkable fit as well as comfort, then the Saucony Mirage 4 Men’s Running Shoes might just be perfect ones for you.
9. Kubua Unisex Running Shoe

Versatile and flexible cushioned sports shoe
Ultra-lightweight, breathable and ventilated
Supportive ankle design
Rubber hydro-grip outsole for excellent traction
With their highly breathable and ventilated soft knit uppers, these Kubua running shoes are an excellent choice for both men and women and ideal for casual as well as fitness purposes. With extra cushioning around the ankles and heel, they provide strong support and can be worn without socks if preferred. The wavy pattern design detailing and use of bright and bold colors add to the overall attractive design aesthetic of this funky and functional fitness shoe. With a flex groove sole and hydro-grip outsole, you can also enjoy plenty of traction and stability across a wide range of terrains and surfaces. This is one highly affordable, fashionable, and also comfortable running shoe and an excellent recommendation for sufferers of metatarsalgia. You might like some of the best running shoes for flat feet from our list, so be sure to check them out.
10. New Balance 990v4 Women’s Running Shoe

Secure lace keeper system
Durable and stable rubber blown outsole
Supportive ENCAP midsole technology
Dual density foam for comfortable fit
Our final recommendation in the category of best shoes for metatarsal pain is the New Balance 990v4 Women’s Running Shoe. It’s an excellent choice, highly stable, well-constructed, and perfect for not only running but also everyday wear. It’s highly breathable with a mesh engineered upper and provides a good level of medial support thanks to the use of ENCAP midsole technology. What that means for the wearer is that this New Balance shoe is stable, comfortable, and provides an excellent level of support. The lacing system has all be redefined in this latest version of the popular 990v4 trainer and can now be looped through a lace keeper delivering a far more stable ride. The additive of 3M reflectivity ensures that you are safely visible by motorists if road running at night. For extra support, you may combine them with some of the best insoles for plantar fasciitis from our list.
Running Shoe For Metatarsalgia Buying Guide & FAQ
How We Chose Our Selection Of Running Shoes For Metatarsalgia
Thankfully we don't all suffer from metatarsalgia here in the office although we have been known to overdo it on occasion when it comes to the training so can totally appreciate the pain it causes. While we love nothing better than trying out all the products we recommend, we didn't really want to experience a case of metatarsalgia ourselves to confirm that our selection of running shoes really do work. So instead, we looked at three other critical facts to help us narrow down our recommendations. You can always check out our buying guide with best books for running to motivate yourself and read about other people's experiences and how they overcame their challenges.
Brand - we've gone for a real mix of brands, some of which you'll recognize more than others. The important factor though is that they all produce quality running shoes that ooze style, represent quality and are recommend in the fight against foot inflammation.
Price - safe to say that the best performing running shoes aren't the cheapest ones around, but then when you're faced with a choice between pain every time you run or a temporary hole in your wallet, we're pretty sure we know which one you'd prefer! That said, as always, we do try and pull together a representative list of products with different price points so that there's something to hopefully appeal to all budgets.
Reviews - reviews are the backbone of the work we do here. We heavily rely on feedback from consumers who've tried and tested the products for themselves and can provide an honest appraisal for their performance and suitability.
Features To Look For In Running Shoes For Metatarsalgia
When it comes to selecting the perfect pair of running shoes to tackle metatarsalgia, there are a couple of essential factors worth considering.
Shape and size - it's vital that your shoes fit well, are comfortable and not overly tight as wearing restrictive footwear can both lead to and further exacerbate foot inflammation. That's why specially designed footwear, such as shoes for neuropathy, is made. Your best bet is to opt for a shoe design featuring a slightly roomier toe box so that you can comfortably accommodate a pair of orthotics or specialized inserts.
Sole design - the sole design of your running shoes is absolutely vital and plays a pivotal role in reducing metatarsalgia. You should opt for shoes with thicker and more supportive soles which offer plenty of shock absorption. It's also advisable to go for a stiffer as opposed to overly flexible sole so that your foot is fully supported.
Insole Design - it goes without saying that the insoles your shoes are fitted with can have a significant impact on the overall comfort of your shoes. Go for something that has additional cushioning and shock absorption, which is soft and nicely padded, especially towards the balls of your feet where more protection is required.
Weight - the less heavy your running shoes are, the better they will be at alleviating metatarsalgia. The shoes you choose should be lightweight rather than too cumbersome.
Durability - longevity and buying high-quality performing shoes should always feature high up your list. The more durable and long lasting your shoes are, the better, both for your feet and also your wallet.
Running Shoes For Metatarsalgia FAQ
Q: What is metatarsalgia?
A: It sounds pretty nasty and in most cases is a symptom of another underlying condition as opposed to being a specific disease. It's basically the term used to describe pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot and is very common among anyone participating in high impact sports. Pain can be aggravated simply by running and even walking, and it can not only last for quite a while, but also come on over the course of several months rather than simply overnight. It's particularly prevalent in athletes, football and soccer players, baseball players as well as those who enjoy regular games of tennis.
Q: What is the best insole for metatarsalgia?
A: There are plenty of excellent options when it comes to insoles that can be used to help alleviate the pain of metatarsalgia. Go for something that provides plenty to cushioning that will both absorb shock and protect and support the ball of the foot. Dual density gel technology is an excellent option or try an insole made from foam with tiny pockets of micro-air chambers to help absorb impact. You might prefer to go for an insole which also delivers deep heel cupping along with arch support and cushioned comfort. Whether you fancy a full insole, a 3/4 length version or perhaps a metatarsal pad, they are plenty of excellent options available.
Q: What is the treatment for metatarsalgia?
A: Treatment for metatarsalgia may vary depending upon the severity of the condition but is predominantly based around pain management and minimizing the discomfort caused. Applying ice several times a day to the affected area can help to reduce the inflammation as well as taking over the counter medicines like ibuprofen, which helps to minimize swelling. Elevating your feet when resting can also be beneficial. In more severe cases, your Doctor may recommend steroid injections but before taking more drastic action, perhaps try using shock absorbing insoles in your shoes or metatarsal pads.
Q: How long does it take for metatarsalgia to heal?
A: As with most things health-related, your personal recovery time will be a function of factors including your age, any previous foot injuries you've had, your overall health and well-being, plus the amount of exercise you're regularly participating in. Most mild foot pain should recover within a few short weeks, while severe pain will take significantly longer.