Shoes for Ball of Foot Pain (Metatarsalgia): 6 Current Options with Underfoot Cushioning and Support
Here we take on a reader question about shoes for ball of foot pain:
Hi Kirsten:
Four doctors have acknowledged that I have lost the fat pad from the balls of my feet. The bones in my forefoot have nothing but skin between them and the floor. To compound matters, I have other foot problems that have misaligned these bones. The result is that I need lots of padding in the forefoot of my shoes. Right now, the only brand I know of that I can walk all day in is Fitflops. I have many pair and enjoy wearing them, but the company has apparently discovered that they sell more shoes if they have a sleeker thinner sole. They are, therefore, no longer offering anything other than boots, clogs, and thong sandals with the original sole I can walk in. The flats I have in that brand will eventually wear out and cannot be replaced. I can wear some athletic shoes in other brands, but not to a wedding.
My question is whether or not you are aware of another brand that makes a sole as thick and cushy as Fitflop? I rarely see this feature mentioned in your reviews, though what would be great for many other people does not please my feet. I need to be separated from whatever I am walking on so that, as one sales person put it, I “cannot feel the ground”.
Dear reader,
In the past I’ve addressed footwear for metatarsalgia (ball-of-foot pain as a result of Morton’s neuroma, inflammatory arthritis, synovitis and other conditions), but it’s been a while. I understand that fat pad atrophy of the forefoot is often caused by one of the aforementioned conditions along with the aging process and subsequent break down of the fat pad (read more here). It’s a difficult task to find footwear that offers as much forefoot cushioning as FitFlop (at least their original styles), but I have a few ideas of shoes for ball of foot pain that will hopefully put a cushiony barrier between your feet and the ground. So what are the best shoes for ball of foot pain? Let’s dive in.
Oofos OOahh slide
Oofos are made from Oofoam. What? Yes, that’s right, it’s a thing. Oofoam is a proprietary closed-cell foam that offers 37% more impact absorption than traditional EVA foam–the perfect shoes for ball of foot pain. In laymen’s terms (my own because I have a pair), they feel like bouncy houses for my soles. They’re lightweight, airy, marshmallowy soft and restore the spring to my step. I think it would be difficult for achy metatarsals to even mildly complain when wearing Oofos recovery footwear. And what’s even better–they offer enhanced arch support and a rocker sole-type movement through the stride. Find Oofos footwear in sandals and closed toe options, sizes up to 13 for under $60-120 from Oofos.com, Zappos and Amazon.
Fitflop Rally sneaker
We love this contemporary fashion sneaker by Fitflop that carries APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Acceptance. The Rally’s cushioning is amazing, the support is moderate. The toe box is roomy enough to accommodate a wider forefoot due to bunions, plus you can find a Rally style to fit your lifestyle from sneakers to slip-ons to boots. If your painful forefoot craves dense cushioning, give Fitflop sandals and shoes a try. Find the whole collection of Fitflop sneakers in sizes 5-11 for around $100 from Fitflop.com, Zappos, Nordstrom and Amazon.
Topo Athletic Ultrafly
We’re huge fans of Topo Athletic footwear and love sharing about them with our readers. Read Kirsten’s complete review of her Topo Athletic Ultrafly shoes here. The foot-shaped toe box allows for other foot maladies like bunions and hammertoes yet the fit is snug at the heel. While not completely zero drop like Altra, the 5mm differential between heel and toe means less pressure on forefoot. Topo Athletic shoes feature a ZIP FOAM™ midsole compound that is springier than EVA and provides more rebound over the life of the shoe. Find the Topo Athletic footwear in sizes 6-12 for around $125 from Zappos.
Hoka Bondi
A favorite of our Barking Dog Shoes Facebook community, the Bondi series is Hoka’s most cushioned road-running shoe. Even if you’re not a runner, the Hoka Bondi offers a thick EVA midsole for superior shock-absorption for walking or standing on hard surfaces. A mild rocker outsole helps propel the foot through the stride taking pressure off the sensitive ball-of-foot area. Find the Hoka Bondi in sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths for $160 from Hoka.com and Zappos.
Naot Terehu
Israeli brand Naot makes some of the most comfortable shoes on the market today. Superb craftsmanship, fit and support are their hallmarks. The Terehu bootie features a roomy toe box with good fit at the heel and elastic goring for easy on and off. A cork and latex footbed offers enhanced arch support and it’s removable to accommodate your own orthotic. Find the Naot Terehu in euro sizes 35-43 (4-12) for $189.95 from Naot.com, Zappos and Nordstrom. If an ankle boot isn’t your style, take a look at Naot’s complete Koru collection of supportive sandals and shoes.
Alegria Brigid
No article on comfortable shoes for ball of foot pain would be complete without mentioning Alegria footwear. The combination of roomy toe box, removable ergonomic footbed with arch support and rocker sole make Alegria shoes a win-win for problem feet. The Brigid is one of their newer styles featuring a cozy sherpa lining and adjustable instep strap for a secure fit. If you’re not a fan of sherpa lining, the Brigid comes in solid black unlined leather also. Find the Alegria Brigid in sizes 5.5-11.5 for $119.95 from Zappos, AlegriaShoes.com and Amazon. If you have an extra wide foot, consider Alegria’s wide replacement footbed which is slightly thinner than the standard issue footbed creating more room for wider feet.
Do you have favorite shoes for ball of foot pain? We learn from each other, so feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you kindly.
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51 Responses to Shoes for Ball of Foot Pain (Metatarsalgia): 6 Current Options with Underfoot Cushioning and Support
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Thanks, Kirsten. I have found those suggestions helpful. My main problem is severe pronation/flat feet; the other problems have arisen because of this. If I don’t have that corrected, then my feet roll towards the big toe, which caused the sesamoiditis.
Orthotics and arch pads are helping that right now. It’s been an interesting journey. I found a pedorthist who is working with me, because the mailing back and forth of shoes is just too frustrating. While I’m waiting for my custom orthotics, I’ve found some relief in http://thequadrastepsystem.com/qspatient.html that he gave me. They are hard. I have been wearing NB 1540v2, but with the new orthotics I need more cushioning for impact, so I’m in 840v3. The Alegria was super comfortable for the sesamoiditis but doesn’t really take custom orthotics well, because the insole is about 1 inch thick, so I’m in Dansko Annie now for real shoes.
I second the Beautifeel recommendation! I’ve enjoyed several pairs of their shoes, and they all feel wonderful right out of the box, perfect for wearing all day at work. I haven’t tried the other brands listed, but will check them out!
Alegria and Hoka (athletic) have helped me when my forefeet bother me.
I am really interested in the Cloud company because of their business practice, but haven’t bought any yet.
My opthamologist wears Bernie Mev and she always looks so cute and chic.
Kirsten, can you do a men’s version of this post??! My husband has this issue of fat loss on heels and forefoot, and I would love to find a shoe(s) that would really help him.
Thank you and happy holidays.
I have this same problem, and will definitely look into some of these suggestions. My mother gave me a pair if Bernie MeV flats that I loved — chic and comfortable — but they weren’t quite dressy…For at home and summer use, I adore my Oofos flip flops, which keep my weight away from my forefeet, and stay on my feet (generally I can’t stand flip flops, but these, with thick soles and nicely grippy arch support, are superb). For dressier summer sandals I have a pair of MBT strapped wedges. Bought ’em in Italy walked over twelve miles in them the next day, and had no pain at all with daily use for the next several weeks. MBT shoes are a bit clunky, but I love my sandals, and boy, do they make for comfortable feet!
No doubt, the high heel also can causes foot pain. It is really important to choose suitable pair of shoes. Thanks for this post.
Wow, Jenny. Your feet sound very much like mine. I’ve been so frustrated by the lack of availability of shoes that have at least a little style, are flattering to my legs, and don’t scream “comfort” shoes. But I have to be able to walk and function. In my desperation, I’ve even watched YouTube videos of actual shoe fabrication, wondering if I could make my own….
I have metatarsalgia and Birkenstocks are the only shoe I can wear without my custom insoles. They come in wide, which is essential for my feet. I also have achilles tendonitis so I had my local shoemaker add a 1/4 sole to the bottom of the heel area to provide the lift needed for that.
I agree on Vionic and Oofos (a terrible name for a wonderful shoe). Thanks!
Amazed that no one has mentioned Vionic sandals. My metatarsalgia was so bad that I was confined to a wheelchair for 6 weeks. My pedorthist recommended Hoka One One athletic shoes, which I made my 1st shoes when I started walking again. But I have wide feet, and even the mens Hoka One Ones were too narrow across the forefoot once I inserted the custom orthotics. So, I switched to Vionic. The Amber sandal is really good. Another good brand of sandals with fabulous arch support is Oofos. They are rubber/foam with a rocker sole and are washable. I wear their Oolala slide. It is a bit snug across the forefoot, but the cushioning is so wonderful that it is worth it.
My Vionic sandals are go to shoes for the summer. But I desperately need a walking shoe asap. I have flat feet, bunions, and ball of foot pain and numbness. My rocker sole shoes give out on the treadmill after about 27 minutes and the numbness is screaming. I have considered Finn, MBT. I functioned well in Aetrex but my heel pain increased after a few hours. I am very worried about stability because I am 55 and my main immediate goal is a visit to NYC in less than a month.
I have metatarsalgia in my left foot and have been looking for shoes I can wear without pain. I just got a pair of Hoka One One shoes and it is as if nothing was ever wrong with my left foot! I also have a pair of Alegria sandals that work really well. I also have a very high arch and both Hoka and Alegria provide the arch support I need.
Best article I have found for this. Forefoot and pads of feet hurt mostly in morning waking me up. I am 48. Been running for 5 yrears5. This only started this past year. Train for marathons puts a lot of time on them. Bunion on right foot as well. LOVE my OOFOS, as I wear them for Everything. Go on right when I wake up.
Nowe I need a better running shoe and work shoe. Thinking of the Hoka and hoping they would help with the cushion in ball of feet. No pain in heel at all. Will use this site for looking at work shoes.
I’m 48 too! But as much as I love the cardio feeling of running, my knees hate it…so I gotta walk. I’ve been walking in my Altra Provision 2.5 and do love the cushioning in heel and ball of foot. But I’ve hear their Olympus model has even more cushioning–maybe something to consider? Thanks for commenting, Christine!
Which Hoka’s are helping you? I have just tried a few styles, & they all hurt in some way. Infinte hurt my instep, & Constant hurt my ankle. I am trying Bondi 4 now.
I tried the Vionic & took it right off. It was so hard. I just bought Oofos slides, & am in heaven. It is the first thing I can wear without pain in 5 years. Wish they made something that looked more fashionable. My podiatrist recommended Hokas, but I haven’t found one that feels good yet.
Thank you for this article. I started with a neuroma 5 years ago, followed by surgery, & never recovered. I haven’t been able to do much without being in pain. I have flat feet & no fat pad left in the ball of my foot. I just found Oofos a few weeks ago, & would never take them off if they looked nicer. How do you get dressed up & wear those or sneakers? UGH, so depressing. My new podiatrist told me to get Hoka or MBT. I can’t try on MBT, so I have trying to find a pair of Hokas. Returned 2 styles already, & am trying the only wide version they have right now, Bondi 4. Not bad, but my ankles swell, so closed shoes hurt.
I have Morton’s Neuroma in both feet. Thankfully my right foot has not acted up in a long time. I got the neuroma in my left foot almost 3 months ago and the pain has not gone away. I just sped walked a 1/2 marathon and completed it (in pain). I wore my Mizuno Wave running shoes with Dr. Scholls athletic insert and ball of foot cushion. Just bought a pair of NB 880v6 which need breaking into. The only shoe that relieves the pain for me are original Crocs and a place a NB insert in them. Nice and spongy/cushiony with lots of toe room. Now only if Crocs and New Balance can join up and make a running shoe for us sufferers.
Jasmine, I was just diagnosed yesterday with Morton’s Neuroma in my right foot. Bless your heart for having it in both feet. I’ve been wearing Crocs and I’m not sure what you mean by placing a NB insert in them. Will you please explain this? Thank you! My Ortho doctor told me to buy Nike Air Max but I haven’t purchased them yet. I’m so thankful I found this web site to help me with getting the right shoes.
Deborah, I am so with you on this! I have done the same, wondering in desperation if I could make my own shoes/sandals with some style to them! As a friend of mine said to me ” So its ugly shoes for you from now on?” Hopefully not, but I still have to find some that are elegant yet give me enough cushioning for my metatarsalgia. The hunt continues!
I’ve been wearing Clark’s for a long time and they work wonderfully but I also discovered Alegria a couple of years ago and I live in the sandles thru summertime, I even do my 3 mile walk on them. By the way I have bunions and day missing from the ball so I wear big straps around my bunions.
I have the problems you mention including peripheral neuropathy and torn plantar plates. I’m in constant pain. My podiatrist said the surgery that might help the plantar plate issue could increase my neuropathy.
I have Morton’s Neuroma. For running shoes, Hoka and MBT have worked for me.I add Metatarsal pad for extra support.
For sandals, I find Birkenstock more supportive than Fitflop due to the arch support.
For around the house, I found the Nike Benassi Solarsoft sandals/slides (the non Velcro ones, get half size down) to be quite comfortable. Obviously not the best choice for many situations or long term wear, but I have recently gotten to the point where I can’t walk barefoot around the bedroom or stand in the shower without pain, and these have been a huge help. Am just now starting to try to find suitable replacements for expensive quality dress shoes with something I can wear and it is very depressing.
I just bought Camper Myriam high heel sandal (no longer available, check out other Camper heels) ! I teach, and I’ve had foot surgery due to metatarsal problems so high heels have been hard to wear for any long periods. And I can’t wear real flexible shoe like Clarks. There is no support. But these shoes! They were revolutionary for me. They put the hard rubber on the ball of foot and heel on the outside of shoe. No flimsy soles where u feel every rock you step on. I’m trying to find that same hard rubber and put on the bottom of all my shoes. Why didn’t someone think of this before for heels!
Have just heard of Joya shoes. Very expensive but possibly worth it for my ball of foot pain. Have you tried them? Would you be willing to try them and write a review?
It’s comforting to find others with broken-down feet. I had surgery for Morton’s Neuroma (23 years ago) on both feet (same day) & had to go back to work too soon (RN-Hospital Nursery). I’ve had both hips & both knees replaced and I’d give almost anything if they’d replace my feet. No fat pad, neuropathy, flat feet, etc. When I limp, people assume it’s my knees or hips but my feet hurt ALL THE TIME. Big toes are killing me. I’m 69 & still having to work 4 night shifts a week. Wish I could afford to try some of the shoes you suggest. Good luck to every one in pain- i’ll Pray for all of you.
In the past year, I have been diagnosed with arthritis in the first metatarsal on my right foot as well as lack of fat pads on the bottom of both feet. To compound the problem, I have a high arch and wear a 9.5 AAAA shoe. I also have a leg length discrepancy and wear orthotics in my tennis shoes as well as a 7 mm buildup of the left sole. My biggest problem is finding low heel dress shoes. A few companies make a AA width pumps, but they slip off my heels when I take a step. I usually wear Munro, but they do not make dressy shoes. Some of my shoes are Ros Hommerson, but since they have been taken over by Mark Lemp, they seem to run too wide. Any recommendations from the slim-footed ladies out there? I am desperate.
Nancy, please try the Fitflops. They make some for nurses. Their sizing is inconsistent so you might have to try more than one size. But their website offers free shipping and free returns, so you can order more than one size and return the ones that don’t fit. You might also look on Amazon. They sometimes have older styles at cheaper prices. If they are comfortable for you, you won’t care how old they are.
only thing I can wear without pain is Hoka athletic shoes.
Those Oofos (the only I have tried) do have two issues: 1) The *rounded*, molded footbed. Nice for a few minutes, but your feet are not higher on the sides than in the middle, so puts a lot of pressure on the outsides of your feet. And 2), if you tend to grip with your toes, the super squishy footbed offers no resistance at all, and by day’s end you’re holding your foot in a fist. Ok if you’re hobbled and getting from one room to another, but not for an “all-day shoe.” A solution can cause more problems…
HI – I have a lot of the problems many of you mentioned. I have RA and as I live in Ontario – Canada, Zappos won’t deliver here. I keep looking for a nice loafer to wear that addresses ball of foot pain – plus Hammer toes. Can’t find anything. They are all so clunky? Isn’t there anything out there I could wear, say, to a wedding etc. that is rather fashionable? I know I have to give that thought up, but there must be some manufacturer that has nice shoes that would look good with a dress???
CHeck out Pikolinos shoes, specifically the Puerto Vallarta and Elba styles–both dressy casual with soft, forgiving leathers and cushioned footbeds. Not clunky–and you can choose the Canada site.
I see multiple suggestions for office wear, stylish etc. But my podiatrist has recommended I wear shoes all day as I have Intractable Plantar Keratosis.
Do you have any suggestions for shoes that are comfortable for all day house wear in a mostly warm weather state (Texas)?
Thanks
Ordered a pair of Paloma’s on the 4th of April and have not h received them. I sent $136.84-the price of the shoes and shipping.
Barbara, you’ll have to contact the vendor you bought them from–was it Zappos, Alegria Shoe Shop?
Need style shoes for pain palm of my feet
I really don’t have any suggestions for something to wear to a wedding or other formal occasion except for toughing it out (and maybe keeping a flask in your bag. Easy does it, though.) If you can find something formal-looking enough from Fly London, or if you have a well-broken-in pair of Naots, you might be OK.
But I do suffer from regular bunions, tailor’s bunions, and hammertoes – and yes, I get ball of foot pain and those big callouses that feel like rocks, that I have to cut off with a razor blade. Around the house and for errands, there’s lots of shoes I can wear – Troentorp clogs, Spring Step L’Artiste, the aforementioned Fly London, Romika (those are getting uglier and uglier though. Ten year ago they had some snazzy ones!), UGGS (ugh), Birkenstocks if the leather is not so hard that it turns my feet to a raw, bloody mess…but my job requires me to stand on concrete, no padding, for 12 hours a night.
I have found only two solutions for long-hours wear:
1. Sketchers Go Walk/Recovery – soft cushy sole. The drawback is that it flattens in a couple of months and you’re constantly replacing them. They are also an eyesore and my bunions and hammertoes are very obvious, since the uppers are some kind of stretchy synthetic fabric (often only available in tacky colors like hot pink.)
2. Joyas. Drawback – they’re pricey. I mean sticker shock pricey. But you get actual cushion that LASTS. Not that thin, stingy cushion like Jambu has. This is REAL. It takes a few years of 12 hour shifts to flatten these. Worth every cent! https://joyashoes.swiss/us/collection/women/
I just wish they’d get away from the sneaker model and make some nicer looking ones. The Mary Janes are OK, though.
What a thoughtful comment with lotsa great info and suggestions. Thank you, Stella.
Stella, If you haven’t attended the wedding yet. I’ve got suggestions. I couldn’t find your original post. I’m not sure how formal or casual you are looking.
If you can get away with very casual I recommend Olukai flip flops. If allowed I’ll attach the link. I’ve had several pair of Ohana in different colors. This brand is comfortable and they offer dressy colors in gold & silver. They have added different styles now. You can order from the co. or Zappos. I’m very hard to fit & have the worst foot pain all over. I like Vionic shoes. They have dressy & casual. Naot shoes look great. I haven’t had luck, with them. They feel comfortable but the usual have to much heel for me.
Joan – try Orthofeet. If you are near Ottawa, go to House of Kraft on Prince of Wales drive. They have some shoes in stock and will order others for you. They have catalogues and will make recommendations. Check their website for opening hours or make an appointment. Lovely people. Also Comfort Shoes on Greenbank road carry a lot of brands and often have good prices. I was able to get a very cute pair of slingbacks for a dressy function at Comfort shoes. The owners are very helpful there too.
Very helpful–thanks, Ruth.
Another brand to look at are porto-fino shoes. They have some very cool styles which are orthotic friendly. They have a great website and the red slingback dress shoes are drool worthy! You will be able to get porto-fino shoes at either of the shops I mentioned earlier.
Thank you for sharing this great information , are these shoes will help in reduce chronic pain of problem and sometime when we wears heels , most of the plantar fasciitis problems happened and when we buy these thong heels are they helpful in remove the problems like plantar fasciitis?
Great information but could you tell me the name/brand of the white shoes with a zipper in main photo please.
Many thanks
Hi Lyn,
They are discontinued, but Amazon has some still: Fitflop F-Sporty zip sneakers.
I have metatarsalgia, neuroma and ball of foot pain due to no fat pads on the ball of my right foot only. I used to be a shoe hound and wore heels to work for 33 years. Now I cannot even put my foot into heels and step down with out pain. I just wish I could find a dressy shoe for church and other times I may wear a dress. I have found two very good casual shoes: Hoka one one Bondi 7 (Hoka one one, pronounced ohnay ohnay) and On shoes. The Hoka’s are great for walking as are the On’s, but I would not probably do my walks in On’s. They are pricey, but very worth it. I love love Naot sandals, and have four pair of their Frankie sandals. I have two othersNaot sandals as well. Since I live in AZ, sandals can be worn for many months. Still looking for a dressy shoe!
Based on this, I decided to order the Oofos – I’ll check back here after I’ve had a chance to wear them. If they solve the problem, it’s worth it. I can’t walk more than about 1/5 the steps I used to take, the pain is so great.
Thank you for this wonderful article. Please help if you have any suggestions. I am years past worrying about style, all I do is try to avoid the ball of foot pain in my left foot created by fat pad atrophy and a bunion. Over the years, I have limped so much, I destroyed my right knee. I have had knee surgery, gel shots in the knee, etc. Ortho Doctor says the foot is so bad it will just wear out a knee replacement too rapidly as I shift all my weight to that side of my body due to foot pain. The only shoes I could wear for the past 8 years were New Balance 619 leather memory foam and Taylor Nurse mates. Both were discontinued some years ago, and I can’t find them anymore. I am rather panicking as I am unsure of what to do at this point. Any suggestions? I’ve tried Hokas, Allegria, and some of the others, but I need correct cushioning that offers stability, too. No heel issues, thank God. I have been praying so much for some kind of remedy. Thanks for caring.
Dansko just came out this year with a foam type clog. Kuru has good padding between your foot and the ground, although inconsistent sizing. My dream would be for them to make a removable insole with their proprietary material.
I have metatarsalgia as well. It’s been a difficult journey to find shoes that provide cushion under your forefoot as well as have a roomy toe box so your toes can splay out. I have had luck recently with Ryka tennis shoes as well as Skechers, specifically the Skechers Go Run Consistent model. I’ve just ordered a pair of Ryka boots so I’m hoping they will work well. I have a pair of Stegman clogs I wear around the house and they work well. I’ve been looking for a pair of black booties (somewhat dressy), but haven’t had any luck as of yet. Was thinking about ordering a pair of Hotter boots. Would love some suggestions!
When I had to stand on a concrete floor 12 hours at a time at work, nothing beat Joyas. The downside is that they mostly sell sneakers, but they do have some mary janes.