10 Best Metatarsal Foot Pads To Buy In 2023
Give aching feet relief from all day's stress and the cushioning they need.
Expertise: Podiatry
Experience: 7 years
Dr. Jamila Butcher specializes in podiatric medicine and surgery. She has seven years of experience and is an associate of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Dr. Butc... more
Expertise: Fitness & Lifestyle
Experience: 3 years
Rajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication fro... more
Aditi Naskar Diploma In Health & Wellness
Expertise: Health & Wellness
Experience: 5 years
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She i... more
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If you often suffer from aching feet, the best metatarsal foot pads might be the perfect quick fix for your issue. These foot pads, also known as met pads, are designed as an effective solution to forefoot pain as they support the metatarsal bones of your feet and relieve the pressure on them. These pads help alleviate pain and are ideal for those suffering from metatarsalgia (pain in the balls of your foot). Dr. Jamila Butcher, specialist in podiatric medicine and surgery says, “Metatarsal foot pads can help to distribute pressure evenly across the foot, reducing the amount of pressure that is concentrated on the ball of the foot. This can be especially beneficial for people who spend a lot of time on their feet, such as athletes, dancers, and people who work in jobs that require standing for long periods of time”
In this article, we have curated a list of the 10 best metatarsal foot pads. Read on!
In This Article
Top 10 Metatarsal Foot Pads To Buy in 2023
1. Dr. Frederick’s Original Metatarsal Pads
Image: Dr. Frederick's Original Dr. Frederick’s Original Metatarsal Pads are made of a super stretchy gel material that provides extra metatarsal cushioning.. This gel evenly distributes the pressure on the bottom of your foot to ease the pain. It absorbs shock and vibrations with its padding. The kit includes two pairs of metatarsal pads.
Pros
- Washable
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Extra cushioning
- Odor-resistant
Cons
None
Quick Tip2. Pedifix Visco-Gel Ball Of Foot Cushion
Image: Pedifix The Pedifix Visco-Gel Ball Of Foot Cushion foot pad is designed to cushion and protect your feet and toes while walking or standing on hard surfaces. It helps relieve pain, discomfort, and swelling caused by plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, and many other foot conditions. With its soft outer layer, it offers maximum comfort even when worn directly against the foot’s skin without any padding underneath. It is also flexible, and easy to clean, so you can use it without worry. You can wear a metatarsal pad for walking with shoes or without any shoes at all. for perfect foot control and flexibility. Each toe cover features a soft inner lining that cushions the foot from pressure and impact. The gel padding adds comfort and eliminates pain and pressure. This metatarsal pad cushion also absorbs and helps rebound from friction, pressure, and impact.
Pros
- Reduces friction
- Absorbs shocks
- Prevents calluses
- Reusable material
- Built-in metatarsal support
- Diabetic-friendly
- Suitable for plantar fasciitis
Cons
- Lack of breathability
Pro Tip3. Copper Compression Metatarsal Pads
Image: Copper Compression The Copper Compression Metatarsal Pads are copper-infused and designed to provide relief from pain, discomfort, and swelling. These metatarsal pads for shoes can be worn in shoes or without any shoes at all. The pads are made of high-quality copper and maintain their original shapes even when used constantly. The copper metatarsal pad material is also durable, flexible, and easy to clean. It is very soft on the inside and would not cause skin irritation even when worn for an extended time. The pressure-relieving gel filling adds extra comfort to the pads.
Dr. Jamila says, “Powerstep insoles are a great value. The cushioning and support provided by the metatarsal foot pads can make it easier to engage in athletic and regular activities, while reducing the risk of injury or discomfort.”
Pros
- High-quality material
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Durable
- Cushioned sole
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
Cons
- May slip in some shoes
Pro Tip4. NatraCure Metatarsal Gel Sleeve
Image: Natracure NatraCure Metatarsal Gel Sleeve is ideal for narrow footwear and boots. It is a flexible product that fits average to wide feet (women’s shoe size 11.5+). Its fabric sits comfortably on the skin without causing friction. It distributes your weight evenly and eliminates any excess pressure on the balls of your feet. This extra-soft gel pad absorbs shock and vibration caused during walking, running, or standing and provides proper stability.
Pros
- Breathable
- No discomfort
- Super stretchable
- Washable
Cons
- Bulky
5. Dr. Jill’s Metatarsal Pads
Image: Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads Dr. Jill’s Metatarsal Pads are designed to deal with issues related to the nerves situated between metatarsal heads in your feet. Though these pads are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any ill condition of the metatarsal heads, they help in alleviating the pain. Considered saviors, these are the best metatarsal pads for neuroma and are cost-effective and less expensive than custom inserts. The only drawback of these pads is that their adhesive is too strong, making them sticky and tough to remove.
Pros
- Alleviate pain
- Sit comfortably under the feet
- Protect the balls of the feet
Cons
- Too sticky and difficult to remove
6. ZenToes Metatarsal Pads
Image: Zentoes
ZenToes Metatarsal Pads comes in a pack of 4 gel dancer pads suitable to fit most women’s and men’s feet. It effectively eliminates pain caused by bunions, corns, sesamoiditis, calluses, or long periods of high-impact activity. It is compatible with all foot sizes and offers weight distribution to prevent pressure at the ball of your foot. The washable and reusable pads also comfort and balance the forefoot all day long to ease pain. They are suitable for wearing with any footwear.
Pros
- Pack of 4 gel pads
- Offers unisex fit
- Washable
- Reusable
- One size fits most
Cons
- The pads ride up during transition
7. Brison Health Metatarsal Pads Ball Of Foot Cushions
Image: Brison Health The Brison Metatarsal Pads Ball Of Foot Cushions are great for relieving forefoot discomfort caused by blisters, calluses, burning sensations, and metatarsal issues, as well as preventing various other foot ailments. The foot cushion is constructed of machine-washable, long-lasting gel (SEBS). The elastic toe ring guarantees a snug fit with shoes and socks. The gel cushioning absorbs stress and protects the ball of the foot. Furthermore, these gel pads are ergonomically designed, do not skid, do not have a strong odor, and ease discomfort when walking or standing. They are suitable for both men and women.
Pros
- Distributes pressure
- Absorbs shock
- Soft gel surface
- Machine-washable
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- May be hard to align
8. NatraCure Gel Forefoot Cushion Pads
Image: Natracure These innovative forefoot cushion pads are made of spandex material that provides all-day comfort. Their plush cushioning not only helps in shock absorption but also prevents slipping or moving during any physical movement. They help in eliminating forefoot pain, calluses, neuromas, and metatarsalgia.
Pros
- Shock absorption
- Do not slip or move inside the footwear
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons
- Tear easily
9. Temi-Art Felt Metatarsal Pads
Image: Temiart The Temi-Art Felt Metatarsal Pads are designed to significantly reduce foot fatigue and discomfort associated with prolonged standing or walking. They are made of superior-quality felt wool and comprise air pockets. The adhesive padding offers great cushioning even when stepping on hard surfaces and does not slip off easily. They are easy to wear and take off. The wool material is not only durable but also resistant to germs and protects your feet from unwanted injuries.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic material
- Easy to use
- Superior-quality material
- Suitable for foot fatigue
Cons
None
10. Hapad Medium Metatarsal Pads
Image: Hapad The Hapad Medium Metatarsal Pads are easy-to-use and designed to offer maximum comfort and support while reducing foot pressure. These pads feature a unique gel padding that provides comfort while helping reduce impact and friction. The gel cushioning also makes the pads bounce back and absorb impact when you step on a hard surface. The cushions help keep your feet cool and comfortable even when used inside shoes all day long. The soft outer wool fabric does not irritate the skin.
Pros
- High-quality material
- Durable
- Reduces friction
- Maximum cushioning
- Full metatarsal support
- Offers intense shock absorption
- Affordable
Cons
- May not last long
If you are suffering from foot pain and looking for quality and effective metatarsal foot pads, then you have to go through some important inspections before buying one. Therefore, we are providing a brief buying guide that you can refer to and purchase the best metatarsal foot pads for pain relief.
Points To Keep In Mind While Purchasing The Best Metatarsal Foot Pads
- Material
Metatarsal pads are available in a variety of materials such as open-cell polyurethane foam, wool or polyester, latex, and leather. Open-cell polyurethane foam offers long-term resilient cushioning. On the other hand, wool or polyester foot pads are less resilient and firm than polyurethane foam. However, these pads do offer firm support but can be slow while drying. The softer latex material is supported with leather but if you are allergic to latex, avoid using pads made with leather. Remember to look for metatarsal pads with an effective antimicrobial treatment to stop bacterial growth that causes odors.
- Shape
There are a variety of shapes available in metatarsal pads such as dome, U-shaped pad and donut-shaped pad. It has been noticed that the metatarsal dome pads are the most effective metatarsal pads for reducing pressure and relieving foot pain. The second most effective foot pads are U-shaped pads. The donut-shaped pads are not effective in bringing significant changes but they offer temporary relief.
- Adhesive Or Velcro
The best metatarsal pads are simply adjustable and attached to your insole rather than your foot. Velcro is preferable to adhesive because you might need to move the met pad about a bit to find the ideal position for it. Velcro allows for several adjustments without compromising the attachment because it does not lose its grip over time as adhesives do. Adhesive metatarsal pads firmly stay in position and alleviate pain from metatarsalgia.
Infographic: How To Place Metatarsal Pads In Your Shoes
Metatarsal pads provide a quick fix to reduce foot pain. They are easily available and affordable. However, you must know how to position these pads in your shoes to gain the optimum metatarsal pad benefits. Check out the infographic below to know the metatarsal pad placement area under your feet to avoid discomfort and gradually alleviate your foot pain.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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The Bottom Line
Foot pain can restrict our movement and make living difficult. The best metatarsal foot pads help take care of the fore-foot pain. These metatarsal pad recommendations listed above can help distribute the pressure evenly across the foot, and also absorb shocks to offer the right amount of cushion. Dr. Frederick’s Original Metatarsal Pads and their ergonomic design provide the ultimate relief from pain and discomfort. If you intend on walking a lot, try the Pedifix Visco-Gel Ball Of Foot Cushion, and for optimum support and stability, opt for the ZenToes Metatarsal Pads. Some of the listed products also help with calluses, corns, and bunions. They are hypoallergenic and made of comfortable materials that do not cause irritation on wearing for long hours. These specially designed, cost-effective foot pads are a great help for foot discomfort and pain.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Aditi Naskar, the author of this article, is a certified health and wellness expert and a fitness enthusiast. Her expertise and specialization in the wellness domain motivate her to find fresh and state-of-the-art products for her readers. She read through numerous user reviews online and put together this list of the best metatarsal foot pads for her readers. She picked products that are specially designed to reduce pain and support the metatarsal bones in your feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you wear metatarsal pads?
Initially, wearing metatarsal pads may cause a bit of discomfort, so for the first day wear it for four hours only and then increase an hour every day to make yourself habituated.
What is the difference between a metatarsal bar in a metatarsal pad?
Metatarsal pads are placed inside your shoe soles to comfort the patients. On the other hand, the metatarsal bar is on the outsole and often causes discomfort to the patients.
How thick should metatarsal pads be?
Metatarsal pads are slimmer on the outside and gradually build up to the ¼” thickness in the middle.
Do all the met pads have cushion filling?
Yes, all met pads have cushioning filling to provide relief and comfort to the wearer.
Are metatarsal foot pads good for plantar fasciitis?
Yes, metatarsal foot pads are good for plantar fasciitis, as it reduces both mean and peak plantar pressure.
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