7 Best Running Shoes for Metatarsalgia in 2024
Reviewed by: Ernesto Mendez (Orthopedic Clinical Specialist)
Are you an avid runner dealing with constant foot pain, specifically in the ball of your feet? If yes, you need the best running shoes for Metatarsalgia.
In this article, we will review 7 of the best running shoes for Metatarsalgia pain along with tips on how to identify it and what kind of shoe to wear. So if you’re ready to find the right shoe for your needs – read on!
In a HURRY? Skip to Our Pick
The HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Sneaker offers plush comfort and high support for runners with a ball of foot pain. Its perfectly engineered, unique design provides enhanced cushioning and stability in the ball of your foot while running.
This section features insightful reviews of the best ball of foot pain running shoes that provide exceptional comfort and support to those suffering from Metatarsalgia.
Top 7 Best Running Shoes for Metatarsalgia Reviewed
- HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Sneaker – Top Pick
- New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X More V4 Running Shoe – Best For Long Runs
- ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes – Budget Pick
- Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 22 Supportive Running Shoe – The Most Designs
- ALTRA Women’s Olympus 4 Trail Running Shoe – Best For Women
- Saucony Men’s Kinvara 14 Sneaker – The Most Comfort
- Under Armour Women’s Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe – Stylish Pick
Running shoe comparison chart for runners with Metatarsalgia
| Product | Expert Score | Comfort | Breathability | Stability | Flexibility | Support | Cushioning | Durability | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9 | 4.9 | 50 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| New Balance Fresh Foam X More V4 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.9 | 5.0 |
| ASICS Gel-Venture 8 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.9 |
| Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.8 |
| ALTRA Olympus 4 Trail | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Saucony Kinvara 14 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.8 |
| Under Armour Charged Assert 9 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.7 |
1. HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Sneaker
Top Pick
HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9 For Men
Great features come together in these best sneakers HOKA Clifton 9 for Metatarsalgia to help relieve painful symptoms of Metatarsalgia (ball of foot pain) while running — and without compromising on performance or style.
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Looking for the best men's shoes for Metatarsalgia? The HOKA ONE ONE Men's Sneaker offers plush comfort and high support for runners with ball of foot pain. Its perfectly engineered, unique design features a stiffer, metatarsal break section to provide enhanced cushioning and stability in the ball of your foot.
Hoka shoes for Metatarsalgia also have full-length EVA midsole cushioning and a wide, stable base that delivers superior shock absorption while running. Additionally, its thicker hard rocker sole ensures maximum comfort with every step you take.
- Material: Synthetic
- Sole material: EVA foam
- Outsole: Rubber
- Drop: Medium
- Colors: 13 colors
- Special features: Removable insole
- Size: from 8 to 12
- Type: For everyday running
Pros of HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9:
- Durable midsole for great shock-absorption
- No-irritation textile lining
- Removable insole
Cons of HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9:
- May not help with severe pain
2. New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X More V4 Running Shoe
Best for Long Runs
New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X More V4 Running Shoe
The New Balance shoes for Metatarsalgia are available to accommodate every runner’s needs of comfort in this light-weight stylish design.
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The New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X More V4 Running Shoe is an excellent choice for runners looking for the best running shoes for ball of foot pain. The lightweight shoe has a breathable and soft engineered mesh upper that is perfect for long runs or daily training.
Its cushioning makes it a great recovery day item, and its durability ensures high mileage. As it is extra-lightweight, there won’t be any added strain on your feet while running long distances.
- Material: Synthetic
- Sole material: Fresh foam X
- Outsole: Rubber
- Drop: Low
- Colors: 12 colors
- Special features: Promotes natural stride
- Size: from 7 to 16 with X-wide options
- Type: For long runs
Pros of New Balance Fresh Foam X More V4:
- Maximum cushioning
- Snug mesh upper
- Lightweight and breathable
Cons of New Balance Fresh Foam X More V4:
- Some users find them a bit bulky
3. ASICS Men's Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes
Budget Pick
Running Shoes ASICS Gel-Venture 8
The ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 8 for running feature GEL technology cushioning that adds comfort and absorbs shock for a smoother ride.
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The ASICS Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes are ideal for runners with Metatarsalgia seeking relief and support. It provides an accommodating forefoot fit when compared to its previous model, the Gel Venture 8.
These trail running shoes provide superior impact absorption and they are great for all types of running loads. Plus, with ASICS as the maker of this shoe, you can trust that it is optimal for relieving pain while providing reliable stability.
- Material: Synthetic
- Sole material: Gel
- Outsole: Rubber
- Drop: Medium
- Colors: 23 colors
- Special features: Asics GEL technology
- Size: from 7 to 15 with X-wide options
- Type: For all types of running exercises
Pros of ASICS Gel-Venture 8:
- Gel cushioning
- Durable outsole
- Budget-friendly
Cons of ASICS Gel-Venture 8:
- Some users find them a bit narrow for wide feet
4. Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 22 Supportive Running Shoe
The Most Designs
Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 22 Supportive Running Shoe
These Brooks shoes for Metatarsalgia gently hold your whole foot for amazing arch stabilization coupled with pain relief from impact absorbed every step of the way.
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The Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 22 offers the perfect balance of support and softness for a smooth, comfortable running experience. With extra comfortable cushioning, this shoe provides lockdown form-fitting comfort with a wide fit from toe box to heel.
The upper is incredibly supple and breathable while providing structure and security for road running. Moreover, airy mesh uppers help keep feet cool while special foam service encourages bounce back during runs which relieves fatigue in heels and toes.
- Material: Synthetic
- Sole material: DNA LOFT Foam
- Outsole: Rubber
- Drop: Medium
- Colors: 30 colors
- Special features: GuideRails support
- Size: from 7 to 15 with X-wide options
- Type: For everyday running
Pros of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22:
- Good arch support
- Great for overpronation
- Helps relieve pain
Cons of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22:
- Some users report that the laces are a bit short
5. ALTRA Women's Olympus 4 Trail Running Shoe
Best for Women
ALTRA Women's Olympus 4 Trail Running Shoe
Its breathable and durable engineered mesh upper provides excellent protection, while its premium tongue ensures a tailored fit so your foot is locked in place at all times.
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