Metatarsalgia or stone bruise is the pain around the metatarsal bones — the bones that connect the toes to the ankles — of the foot. Metatarsalgia results from various factors such as extreme sports, arthritis and improper footwear. In most cases, it is the latter.
Metatarsalgia leads to severe pain in the balls of the feet and makes it difficult for a person to walk, run or stand comfortably and consequently has an adverse impact on daily activities/chores.
With an appropriate footwear, you will be relieved from the foot pains and you can go on with your daily activities without any foot ache to trouble you.
When it comes to finding the proper shoes for metatarsalgia relief, it can be quite confusing with plenty of shoes marketed towards the same. You should always look for the following features in your shoes for metatarsalgia problems :
- Extra support and cushioning for the ball of the foot
- Removable insoles for medical orthotics
- Thick sole design to reduce the strain and shock
- Lightweight
- Sufficient arch support to distribute the pressure on foot evenly
In case you’re still having trouble finding the right shoe and right fit, we’ve thoroughly reviewed many of the running shoes for metatarsalgia and picked out some of the best ones.
So, here are the 7 best running shoes for metatarsalgia:
1. Brooks Men’s Anthem Running Shoes
The running shoes from Brooks brand offer a sound construction design and excellent support.
If you look at the outsole, you can see that it is made from hard rubber which is always a requirement in running shoes in contrast to the leather outsoles. The material is also quite thick compared to other running shoes which adds durability and shock absorption.
The heel design of these shoes is also rounded to an extent so that it makes the underfoot much more stable.
The dynamic cushioning from their BioMoGo DNA material is provided in the midsole of these shoes. It also helps to soften the impacts around the bottom of the foot and increases the comfort and responsiveness of the shoes.
The breathability is average in these shoes which is due to the fact that more emphasis was given on the durability and protection aspects in the course of running.
The shoes are also surprisingly lightweight for a running shoe. One of the reasons for that is the BioMoGo material which is relatively lighter. However, this makes the upper part of the shoes less sturdy than other shoes and more prone to hazards.
The shoes provide excellent traction on many surfaces. It isn’t ideal for surfaces with excessive moisture but works exceptionally well in other environments. The shoes are also fairly priced compared to other shoes designed for metatarsalgia.
Pros
- BioMoGo midsole with shock absorption and comfort
- Lightweight
- Heel portion rounded for stability
- Hard rubber outsole
Cons
- Less durable
- Less breathability
- Upper material doesn’t provide sufficient protection
2. Hoka One Bondi 5
The Hoka shoe brand is a relatively new name in the market of running shoes. Originating in France, they gathered mainstream attention with their “maximalist
Their Bondi 5 series for men and women are a popular choice among long distance runners for metatarsalgia related problems. The shoes provide just the right amount of comfort, support and cushioning for runners.
The heel and toe section of the shoes incorporate a high-abrasion rubber which are designed to provide maximum grip and durability. With EVA cushioning in the middle of the outsole, the chance of wear and tear in a short period is less likely.
The EVA midsole runs along the length of the shoes and provides ample cushioning for your feet.
The seamless mesh upper of the shoes give a sleek and smooth appearance. The toe box is also wide to accommodate for people who have wider feet.
The upper material of these shoes is also lightweight and breathable, which is useful when you are running long distances at a time.
Even though the durability is the only concern when it comes to these shoes, every other factor makes these shoes a necessity for runners.
Pros
- Cushioning all along the length of the shoe
- Spacious toe box
- Seamless engineered upper
- High-abrasion rubber outsole
Cons
- Less durable upper material
- Quite expensive
- Midsole might feel stiff for some people
3. Saucony Mirage 4 Running Shoes
These shoes are designed with support and stability as the top priority. The Saucony Mirage line of shoes are lightweight by design for a racing/running feel.
The outsoles of these shoes are made of XT-900 carbon rubber and carbon lugs to increase the traction.
The midsole uses PowerGridfoam which is lighter and durable than the standard EVA foam. Even though the midsole is quite thick, the shoes are very responsive due to the impact forces being distributed evenly.
With a sleek no-sew upper and HYDRAMAX moisture-wicking collar, the shoes feel comfortable and dry even after prolonged hours of running. The redesigned seamless FlexFilm overlays add a smooth feeling on the insides of the shoes and increase the overall stability. The TPU upper also features arch support which further enhances the stability.
The tight FlexFilm overlay of the shoe upper still maintain a good breathability and prevents chafing and blisters as well.
Aesthetically, these shoes are quite vibrant and pleasing as well. The shoe upper fits well and has a spacious toe-box.
The PowerGrid heel provides sufficient cushioning in all terrains: rocky, hard or wet.
While the shoes feel a bit stiff due to the foam, these moderately priced shoes are worth the price for running.
Pros
- HydraMAX moisture-wicking collar
- XT-900 carbon outsole
- FlexFilm overlays
Cons
- Less flexible and more stiff than other shoes
- Heavier than previous versions
4. ASICS Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe
The sixth version in the Gel-Venture series is designed for people with metatarsalgia.
The single AHAR outsole adds flexibility and durability for long running. The lugs provide excellent grip on almost any surfaces : even and uneven terrains, hard or rocky surfaces and oily/wet surfaces.
The midsole provides exceptional comfort while running. The GEL technology employed in the rear reduces the shocks from impacts and allows for a smoother transition from different terrains and jumping/climbing.
The synthetic mesh upper is also very durable and ensures maximum breathability. The stitched toe bumper provides further protection to the foot and the shoe tongue feels comfortable as well.
The tread and lugs of these shoes are long-lasting and withstand any conditions that arise while running. The AHAR rubber on the foundation helps to protect the shoes and the GEL technology midsole ensures that the foot is protected as well from impacts. The synthetic mesh material ensures a snug fit and allows for natural movement without any limitations.
Pros
- GEL cushioning that reduces impact effects
- AHAR outsole offer more durability
- Removable sockliner for medical orthotics
Cons
- Heavier than other shoes
- Limited responsiveness
5. New Balance v9 Foam Running Shoes
The ninth iteration of Fresh Foam 1080 boasts incredible improvements over the v8. It is significantly lighter, stylish and more comfortable than the previous versions and serves as excellent running shoes for metatarsal problems.
The rubber outsole of these shoes is designed in honeycombed pattern and feature flex grooves which allow greater bend and flexibility in the shoes. The rubber outsole also offers resistance to abrasion. The outsole also has a pressure map that is color-coded and indicates pressure zones.
The midsole is provided with FreshFoam material which is one of the lightest and softest material found in running shoes. The midsole provides a smooth heel to toe transition by lessening the shock impacts.
The slim shoe upper provides a sleek look to the shoes and features a breathable Jacquard mesh. The heel section has a molded foam collar instead of the cushioned collar. This helps to keep the heels locked in place.
The shoes are also incredibly lightweight with the men’s version weighing about 10.5 ounces and the women’s shoes weighing around 9 ounces.
The shoes also feature a removable sockliner for orthotic devices to allow for greater comfort and stability.
Pros
- FreshFoam midsole provides extreme comfort and support
- Thick rubber outsoles
- Smooth transition due to the presence of flex grooves
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Less drop compared to other sneakers
- Not ideal for all terrain
6. Newton Running Distance 8
These shoes provide good stability and comfort for runners. With significant improvements over the previous versions, these shoes give a whole new meaning to “running shoes” with their superb features.
The EVA outsoles attenuate the impact from shocks drastically. The outsoles are comprised of S.H.A.R.C. (Super High Abrasion Rubber Compound) material which offer excellent durability and traction.
The midsole of the shoes has a sensor plate that helps to keep the foot stable by providing ample support.
The upper mesh of the shoes is quite breathable and also has a quick-drying feature. The shoe upper also incorporates a 360 degree reflectivity to help the runners in low-light situations.
Weighing around 8 ounces, these incredibly light shoes boast many “running shoes” features in a light package. There aren’t many shoes that can provide the same features while being lightweight as well.
The full flex zone allows the foot to be spread out with every step taken and the lightweight laces are less likely to be loose while sprinting.
Even though these shoes do not fall into the “budget shoes” range, you will certainly get your money’s worth. The shoes are also incredibly durable because of the S.H.A.R.C. material which further justifies the price you pay for these shoes.
Pros
- Fits right from the start
- Very responsive
- Suitable for low-light running
- Excellent traction due to S.H.A.R.C. material
Cons
- Very expensive
- Colored outsoles not preferred by everyone
- Traction not great for all surfaces
7. Altra Torin 3.0
These shoes boast a zero drop feature and have significant improvements over the previous versions. The shoes feature massive improvements in breathability and flexibility compared to the previous iterations of the shoes.
The rubber outsoles incorporate the same design as the previous versions but with greater flexibility. The outsoles are also much more durable compared to the previous ones.
The EVA midsole with A-bound top layer provides great cushioning and responsiveness. The highly cushioned midsole is great for long-distance running.
The shoe upper features a quick-dry-mesh that enhances the overall breathability of the shoes. The FootShape toe box is also spacious which assures a comfortable feel around the toes and no restrictions of the toes. The thick upper design makes the shoes durable and also improves the airflow. In the women’s version, the upper offers a Fit4Her design which adjusts to the unique shape of a woman’s foot and provides adequate ventilation accordingly.
The shoes are also lighter than the previous releases of Altra Torin. Even then, the cushioning of the shoes isn’t affected by it and provides good shock absorption and protection.
The anatomical foot shape is ever present as before and allows for a natural spread of the foot for wearers. The A-bound cushioning can easily withstand serious blows to the shoes and consequently offers a smooth and comfortable ride.
While these shoes are mostly designed for road running, the quick dry feature enables the shoes to be worn around waterlogged areas just as well. The cost of these shoes also falls around the “budget shoes” vicinity.
Pros
- Footpod outsoles
- Spacious toe-box
- Zero-drop design
- EVA midsole
- Quick-dry air mesh
Cons
- Outsoles less durable compared to other running shoes
- Not designed for all terrains
- Shoe upper not sufficiently breathable