Best Custom Orthotics for Metatarsalgia

Ever felt a sharp pain or discomfort in the forefoot area? Common to many, Metatarsalgia is a treatable condition in which the metatarsals (bones in the forefoot) become inflamed, resulting in pain. It is generally caused when you put excess pressure on the forefoot area or injure it while doing intense training or certain activities. Poorly fitted shoes, Morton’s neuroma, stress fractures, and certain foot deformities can also lead to metatarsalgia. 

When left untreated, metatarsalgia (also known as “Stone Bruise”) can radiate to other areas such as the lower back and the hip. This eventually leads to an abnormal gait, causing you to feel some imbalance while walking. To prevent or minimize future problems, your podiatrist will recommend shock-absorbing insoles for metatarsalgia. 

Things to Consider When Choosing Orthotics for Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is felt as a sharp burning or aching pain in the ball of the foot/metatarsal or the transverse arch area. Resting and wearing good-quality insoles, at the initial stage, is very effective in healing the condition. A few parameters to check before purchasing insoles for metatarsalgia are: 

• Metatarsal Pads: Cushy yet firm metatarsal pads are indispensable for keeping the metatarsals in their natural position and preventing them from being cramped. This also improves shock absorption and removes excess strain from the forefoot area. 

• Shock Absorption: Look for insoles with high shock absorption capacity, especially if you frequently engage in intense/ high-impact activities. For high arch, flat feet, athletes, or runners, invest in insoles with good metatarsal support, which can absorb shock of significant force when you perform these activities. 

• Body Weight: Your insoles should be compatible with your body weight. For overweight individuals, we recommend the Cushwork Metatarsal Heavy Duty insoles which gives support up to 300 lbs. 

• Arch Type: Many researches have shown that overpronation is a common cause of metatarsalgia. If you have overpronated feet, ask your podiatrist to provide the right solution for supporting the transverse arch and the forefoot structure. 

• Toe Box: When having Metatarsalgia, wear compatible shoes, preferably with a wide toe box. This will prevent the toes and the forefoot from squishing. In this way, there is reduced strain in the metatarsal area, especially if you have laxity issues. Also, wear flexible footwear with good cushioning to protect from worsening the condition. 

Without further delay, let's get into the review 

1. Stride Soles Orthotics for Metatarsalgia

Stride Soles Custom Orthotics for Metatarsalgia tops our list. Designed with metatarsal pads that redistribute pain from the points of impact, forefoot offloading recesses that make more space for the tarsal heads, reducing inflammation, and EVA cushioned forefoot that absorbs the shock aimed at the metatarsal heads, these insoles will reduce the pains associated with the condition.

Made from premium-quality materials, Stride Soles is confident enough about its product to offer a full 180-day money-back guarantee if they don't deliver as promised. These are custom-made for an exact fit, so there are no sizing issues.

While they may be expensive, the solution they offer makes it worth it.

Key Specs

• Arch Type - Custom-made to fit any arch type
• Compatible Shoes - Can be designed to fit any shoe type
• Material - Vegan leather, EVA foam, and TPU base
• Sizes - Will be designed to any size
• Construction - vegan-leather top-layer, EVA foam cushioned mid, and TPU base with metatarsal pad, forefoot offloading recess, and cushioned forefoot.
• Price - $398

Pros

• ✅ They are custom-made to an exact fit, ensuring precise comfort and support. 
• ✅ Made with top-quality materials. 
• ✅ They are highly durable. 
• ✅ Comes with a 180-day money-back guarantee. 

Cons

• ❌ Costs more than over-the-counter brands. 
• ❌ May take up to 3 weeks to be delivered.

2. Seconds Ultra Arch Support 3810 with Metatarsal Pad

The 10 Seconds Ultra Arch Support 3810 with Metatarsal Pad is a great choice for people with high arches or those who wear high heels, the two key factors that can significantly increase the risk of metatarsalgia or ball of foot pain. With impact zone cushioning and strong arch & heel support, it gives the right amount of support to the transverse arch of your foot.

The 10 Seconds insoles are approved to give good metatarsal support up to 250 lbs. This makes it ideal for folks with extra body weight which is yet another reason for metatarsalgia and associated pain.

What really makes these insoles different is their ‘Carbon’ support structure. This material makes it ideal for effective shock attenuation during walks, runs, long days on the trail, or even lifting and transferring heavy objects.

Key Specs

• Arch Type - High
• Compatible Shoes - Work boots, casual, and sports shoes.
• Material - Foam, Carbon. 
• Sizes - 4 to 14 (Men), Women (6 to 13). 
• Construction - Carbon heel and arch support, PORON cushioning, Extra deep heel cup, and Biostatic top cover.
• Price - $64.99

Pros

• ✅ Specially designed for those who have to stand or walk for extended periods.
• ✅ Effectively absorbs shock while giving lightweight support to the heel and arch. 
• ✅ Provides impact zone cushioning. 
• ✅ Distributes pressure evenly to provide high-impact resistance and heavy-weight. 

Cons

• ❌ May not fit well with some shoe types, especially those with narrow toe box. 
• ❌ Expensive. 

3. Cushwork Metatarsal Heavy Duty Arch Support Insoles

The Cushwork’s Heavy Duty Insoles are engineered to help overweight users take effortless strides. These insoles will rapidly help in easing pain and discomfort resulting from the overuse of the metatarsals. Note that the insoles work efficiently for individuals who are up to 300 lbs. and also for Morton’s neuroma.  

The heavy-duty support of Cushwork’s insoles, combined with superior and full-length memory foam cushioning, is thoughtfully engineered to maximize biomechanical efficiency through each stride. Users confirmed that they felt pain relief after 2-3 weeks of use.

The insoles provide a soft bounce-back feel when you move, but without compromising on support. At this price point, 85% of users agree that the Cushwork insoles are one of the best over-the-counter alternatives to custom insoles.

Key Specs

• Arch Type - High
• Compatible Shoes - Walking, Athletic, Hiking shoes, and Work Boots.
• Material - EVA, Memory Foam
• Sizes - Men (4 to 14.5), Women (5.5 to 14).
• Construction - Heavy-duty semi-rigid arch plate, EVA Foam Base, Cushion Memory Foam, Metatarsal pad, Extra Support Plate, and Heavy Duty Fabric top.
• Price - $39.99

Pros

• ✅ Alleviates pain and discomfort in the forefoot area. 
• ✅ Best suitable for overweight individuals, metatarsal, and Morton’s neuroma pain relief. 
• ✅ Fits into most shoe types. 
• ✅ Also suggested for faster post-op recovery. 

Cons

• ❌ May feel hard for some foot types. 
• ❌ Works up to 6 months. 
• ❌ No size options for big feet. 

4. Superfeet All Purpose High Impact Support

With a reinforced design, the Superfeet All Purpose High Impact Support provides multipurpose support. They fit true-to-size and are super lightweight and comfortable.

The insoles feature maximum insole thickness. The Superfeet insoles absorb shock well, especially during intense/ high-impact activities, including dancing, trekking, running, HIIT, jumping, and cross-training. The pair also worked very efficiently on concrete floors.

Along with resilient forefoot cushioning for preventing metatarsalgia pain, the Superfeet insoles have medium-firm underfoot cushioning and a deep heel cup. All of these efficiently redistribute forces and reduce strain on your lower body.

Key Specs

• Arch Type - Medium to High
• Compatible Shoes - Walking, Running, Casual, Athletic, Trekking shoes, and Work Boots.
• Material - High-density foam.
• Sizes - Men (5.5 to 17) and Women (6.5 to 13)
• Construction - Stabilizer heel cup, Closed cell full-length foam, Foam forefoot cushioning, Moisturwick top cover.
• Price - $59.99

Pros

• ✅ Great for all-day use. 
• ✅ Reduces stress on metatarsals, ankle, knee, and back during high-impact activities. 
• ✅ Long-lasting stability and high durability. 
• ✅ Approved by APMA. 

Cons

• ❌ Limited size options available for women. 
• ❌ Fits best into roomy and moderate-fitting shoes. 

5. PowerStep Pinnacle Plus Insoles

The Powerstep Pinnacle Plus Insoles are clinically proven to protect people with active lifestyles, who are also prone to injuries, from major impacts. Like the ones listed above, the PowerStep insoles also cushion the metatarsal heads. However, what makes it distinct is its clinically-proven design, which alleviates a variety of foot conditions.

So besides metatarsalgia and ball of foot pain, the Pinnacle insoles are also recommended by podiatrists for preventing arch or heel pain, plantar fasciitis, ankle and knee pain, Morton’s neuroma, as well as correcting mild to moderate overpronation.

Indeed, the design provides good motion control to reduce excess stress on the forefoot area, ankles, joints, and tendons. If you have mild to moderate metatarsalgia, the PowerStep Pinnacle usually gives results in 4 to 6 weeks. With a standard insole thickness, it seamlessly fits into most shoe variants.

Key Specs

• Arch Type - Neutral Arch
• Compatible Shoes - Sneakers, Casual, Walking, Boat, Casual, Dress Shoes, and others with removable factory insoles.
• Material - Polyester, Foam, EVA
• Sizes - Men (4 to 16+), Women (6 to 12)
• Construction - Heel cradle, Semi-rigid support shell, Metatarsal pad, EVA foam base, Foam top layer.
• Price - $49.95

Pros

• ✅ Exerts minimum pressure on the bigger toes and forefoot area. 
• ✅ Plush cushioning enhances comfort. 
• ✅ Easy to install and fits into most shoes. 
• ✅ Also helpful in preventing many other foot conditions such as ankle pain, knee pain, and overpronation. 

Cons

• ❌ Some users complained that the pad placement was not accurate for their foot shape. 
• ❌ May not be suitable for a high arch. 
• ❌ Will usually take some time to get adjusted. 

6. Pedag Viva Arch Support Insoles with Metatarsal Pads

The Pedag Viva Arch Support Inserts with Metatarsal Pads is one of those few insole variants that are handmade and come with metatarsal support pads. In fact, these insoles have some exceptional features, like an activated charcoal layer for odor control. They also do not use any solvents or harsh chemicals, which makes them both skin and environment-friendly.

Coming to its performance, the Pedag Viva insoles promote healthy feet and alleviate metatarsalgia, especially if you have sensitive feet/ skin. It prevents fatigue by absorbing shock, minimizing stress, and impact on the pressure points. They also keep shoes fresh by neutralizing odor.

Key Specs

• Arch Types - Available in Low, Medium, and High Arch options
• Compatible Shoes - Casual, Work, and Dress shoes.
• Material - Leather, Active Carbon
• Sizes - Men (5 to 18), Women (6 to 12)
• Construction - High arch and plantar support, Heel cushion, Metatarsal pad, Active carbon filter, and Leather vegetable-tanned top. 
• Price - $39.99

Pros

• ✅ Highly recommended for sensitive feet.  
• ✅ Made of natural and skin-friendly materials. 
• ✅ It is extra thin, long-lasting, and durable. 
• ✅ Available in wide-size options for men. 

Cons

• ❌ Minimal padding. 
• ❌ Limited size options for women. 
• ❌ Mostly works with casual shoes. 

7. Currex Lifefit Insoles with Metatarsal Cushioning

The Currex Lifefit with Metatarsal Cushioning made it to our top seven list because of its dynamic support and unique pressure distribution mechanism. The interesting ‘metatarsal dome’ structure with an anatomical 3D support design keeps you moving without pain or discomfort.

For most users, the Currex insoles worked as a real all-rounder for everyday activities, standing for long hours, and even while working out at the gym. Putting these on gives great stability and just the right amount of support. Little wonder it works great for low levels of metatarsalgia or ball of foot pain.

A few users also experienced cramping, especially during the first few days of use. To maximize performance with the Currex Lifefit insoles, we highly suggest ensuring you pick the right specifications (High/medium/Low profile; Knee alignment; and foot size), when purchasing online.

Key Specs

• Arch Type - Available in Low, Medium, and High Arch options
• Compatible Shoes - Walking, running, and everyday shoes.
• Material - Foam, Composite material.
• Sizes - Men (5 to 14.5), Women (6.5 to 16)
• Construction - Forefoot cushioning, Dynamic arch technology, Heel cushioning, Metatarsal dome, Dual layer cushioning, and Deep decoupled heel cup.
• Price - $69.95

Pros

• ✅ Best suitable for walking, standing, light work, and other everyday activities. 
• ✅ Doesn’t move, slip, or feel tight on wearing. 
• ✅ Wide size range available for both men and women. 
• ✅ Has comfortable heel-to-toe cushioning. 

Cons

• ❌ Expensive. 
• ❌ Not as breathable as others. 
• ❌ Sizing issues. 

Bottom Line

With the right care and support, Metatarsalgia is an easily treatable condition. However, if Metatarsalgia pain doesn’t improve within 2-3 weeks of using ready-made insoles, you should consult a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon. This will help in diagnosing the underlying cause. 

When it comes to finding the right insoles for metatarsalgia, each person can be different. Custom insoles for this condition are designed to fit to the exact foot shape and are aimed to assist in walking or doing everyday activities without any issues. Remember, the earlier you start the treatment, the less the chances of future complications.