Are you looking for running shoes that will alleviate the pain on the ball of your foot (Metatarsalgia)?
Here are my top picks to help you feel more comfortable while you run.
- On – Cloud Stratus
- Nike – Free
- Hoka One One – Clifton
Please see your health care professional before you make a purchase of running shoes or metatarsal pads. If you need more information about Metatarsalgia you can check out this article from the Mayo Clinic.
This article is being written by a guy who has experienced almost all of the foot issues over the past 30 years. I was a cross country and track runner from elementary school through high school. And now I am an amateur triathlete who runs between 20-50 miles per week.
Metatarsalgia can stem from many issues that are not always directly related to how our feet are naturally shaped. There are always a host of factors for each person. But, like most foot-related problems, only about 3-8% of us who run regularly received our issues genetically.
1. On Running – Cloud
Provided by Amazon
Price: See Price on Amazon
These shoes are perfect for ball of foot pain. If you have Metatarsalgia you definitely want to try out these shoes.
The cushioning in the front of the foot is incredible. They have lots of cushioning, but they have a lot of spring. So you don’t lose as much energy as you do with some overly cushioned shoes. It’s not as springing as the carbon-plated shoes that you can get, but it is definitely good enough to keep the ball of your feet feeling comfortable.
The honeycomb mimicry is beautiful. The individual cells are strong. When combined with a grouping of about 40 other cells, the sole becomes very stable. The stability creates a slight recoil in upward momentum.
You receive the benefits of stable cushioning, a soft touch on your tender forefoot, and durability that could potentially last for years.
2. Nike – Free
Provided by Amazon
Price: See Price on Amazon
After being plagued by running issues that devastated my feet, I would search ceaselessly for something that would for my particular issues. I simply couldn’t find anything that would work for me.
Then, I tried the Nike Free running shoes. On the whole, they worked perfectly for me. My feet need low-rise soles and a very flexible sole that doesn’t force my feet to move in any one direction. The Nike Free allowed my feet to move as they naturally do.
Most of the Nike Free line is excellent for cushioning. The ones I have chosen here are well cushioned throughout the entire sole. This allows your entire foot to have more comfort. The forefoot is well cushioned so that your Metatarsalgia does not act up. As mentioned before, follow your medical professional’s advice.
The Nike Free are also surprisingly durable and inexpensive. I currently run in a pair that has served me well for the past 6 months. I average about 20-25 miles per week on them. I also alternate shoes so that I can get the most life out of them.
And after I retired my older pair from last year, I still get great cushioning in them when I walk.
These shoes are ideal to keep your feet comfortable while you deal with Metatarsalgia. Give them a try and see if they work for you. If they don’t, you can try an amazing cushioned shoe brand, Hoka One One.
3. Hoka One One – Clifton
The Hoka One One Clifton series is the premier line of this brand. They update them regularly to improve the model.
This is a fairly new running shoe company. They stem from the triathlon world and particularly focus on marathon and ultra-marathon distances. They are not my first choice because of the height of the sole, but they are well-reviewed and worn by so many pros, that I had to add them to the list.
One of the best factors about these shoes is that they come with a very low rise. The added cushioning makes for a supple road feel in practice or in a race.
The forefoot cushioning is amazing. Super squishy and great for helping recover from Metatarsalgia. You will feel the benefits of having the extra cushioning throughout the entire foot when you are training or racing.
One of the downsides to this shoe is the odor that can build up after a few runs. The synthetic material holds funky odors very well. But, if you can get relief from running in them, it might be worth the stank.
The Wrap Up
As I have mentioned in other articles on this site, everyone has a unique foot. A shoe that works for me or people I know, doesn’t mean that it will work for you. Just like most things in life, it’s all about trying and seeing.
See what works best for you.
I recommend looking at any pain you are having from a whole-body approach. How is your sleep, nutrition, warmup, and cool down?
Are you doing all the cross training, weight training, and mobility workouts that will help keep you running strong?
Are building up your miles/intensity slowly? Are resting enough between workouts?
How is your foot strike? Are you landing in a way that is best for you? Forefoot, mid-foot, or heel strike works for you? If the way run in all the shoes you have tried on is still causing you pain, maybe it’s time to change the way your foot strikes the ground while you are running.
After you have addressed those areas, then look at your shoes. Are the shoes you have been running in actually good for your feet, or are they the cutest/fire-looking ones you could find? Looking good while you are running is definitely something that feels good emotionally, but is looking good hurting your feet.
Thankfully, there are a myriad of shoe styles out now. So you can be comfortable and stylish while you run.
Keep trying shoes until you find a pair that work best for you. Don’t listen too much to anyone, even me. Try and see.