It was one of those beautiful days that you were taking a morning jog, and a sharp pain in your foot that you didn't know where it came from, struck. The ball of foot pain produces an intense burning sensation that can sometimes affect running or jogging.
But where does this ball of foot pain come from? Is it something you ate? Or maybe something you did at work?
Well, it is not something of the sort, but rather, an inflammation brought about by several factors. The inflammation can come from high-intensity repetitive stress on the foot, ill-fitting footwear, and overpronation. The metatarsalgia, as it is also known, becomes worse when you flex your foot, walk, stand or even run.
The good news is that it is possible to relieve metatarsalgia by choosing the right footwear to provide adequate shock absorption and support that your foot needs. You don't need to despair anymore or stop your favorite activities because of the foot pain.
That said, which are the best running shoes for the ball of foot pain? Can any type of running sneakers be appropriate? If not, which are the factors to consider when buying the running shoes for the ball of foot pain?
We attempt to answer these questions below. Read on!
Best Running Shoes for Ball of Foot Pain (Reviews)
Brooks Women's Glycerin 15
The fact that brooks women's glycerin 15 comes in a variety of colors and prints is quite pleasing to women. If you have decided to take up running as a way of keeping fit and healthy, then this shoe may serve your needs adequately.
Some of the comfort features include the padded collar and tongue to safeguard the foot against friction and impact from running or walking. Also, the cushioned footbed is comfortable and prevents any shock from below reaching the foot.
We also like the updated midsole design that this shoe comes in. It makes it more comfortable and effective for people with various foot ailments.
What we like
Padded collar and tongue for walking comfort
Cushioned footbed for additional comfort and shock absorption
An updated DNA midsole design
What we don't like
The toe area design is not the best
They may not last for long
Saucony Men's Cohesion 10 Running Shoe
They say that first impressions are most lasting. Well, the impressions that you get, the first time that you lay eyes on these running shoes is pleasant. There appear to be some of the most comfortable.
It is the case of appearances not deceiving, because the footwear is comfortable, and one of the most appropriate for people with a ball of foot pain. But which are the other features that will so much help with a ball of foot pain?
The injection-molded EVA is another outstanding feature that safeguards the heel and the foot from the stress associated with walking for long distances. The stamping that you make when running can sometimes take a toll on your foot, especially when it is weak from an infection or sickness.
Additionally, the padded collar and tongue protect the upper part of the foot from friction and abrasion that may further worsen the condition.
What we like
Attractive-looking running shoes
The running shoes are comfortable
They are also lightweight
Injection molded EVA for the necessary safeguard against the effect of walking or running impact
What we don't like
It may not provide an ideal overall support
Its durability may be in question
New Balance Men's 990v4
New Balance is a famous brand when it comes to running and walking shoes. However, the main question is whether this new balance men's 990v4 is the best for you to deal with the ball of the foot pain.
To answer this question sufficiently, we will need to go through each of the features that may help achieve adequate comfort and protection for your feet. Mostly, support and protection are the two most important features that you should look out for when choosing the right footwear for you.
For starters, the measurement of the shaft from the arch is low top, and which is not so bad for people with foot conditions. The combination of leather overlays and breathable mesh is another source of comfort in the shoe.
Other essential features include the dual-density collar foam and EVA core heels for better foot protection. The leather and textile materials are other sources of additional comfort for you. The blend of materials is breathable and helps keep your feet dry. The importance of this is to ensure an adequate flow of fresh air to aid in the healing process.
We will also like to mention that the shoe is lightweight, and that helps the matters significantly.
What we like
Leather overlays and breathable mesh to provide comfort
Dual-density collar foam for better shock absorption
The core of the heel is EVA material
It is also lightweight
Adequate flow of fresh air to help in the healing process
What we don't like
The shoes may not be durable but are quite comfortable
Skechers Performance Men's Go Walk 4 Incredible Walking Shoe
A quick scan of the Skechers go walk 4 reviews tells you that this is a shoe that most people love. It is not only adorable but also functional in every way. But most importantly, it has the features to support the healing of the foot, especially for those with various foot ailments and injuries.
And to ensure more comfort, the Skechers walking shoe has a 100% breathable mesh upper material to prevent the accumulation of moisture and sweat. Breathability is an essential factor that helps your foot heal appropriately.
Other feature that will prove helpful include the bamboo-lined footbed and 5GEN midsole cushioning. It also features an antibacterial odor control to keep your feet fresh and comfortable.
What we like
It has an attractive design
The shoe is ultra-lightweight
100% breathable mesh upper material
Bamboo lined footbed and 5GEN midsole cushioning
What we don't like
The toe design may be too narrow
Hoka One One Men's Bondi 5 Running Shoe
In our opinion, Hoka one Bondi 5 breaks the charts as one of the running shoes with many comfortable features. As a result, it may be ideal for the ball of foot pain.
Some of the features include Meta-Rocker and EVA midsole. These two features ensure a better roll and shock absorption that your foot needs to heal appropriately. The breathable mesh upper makes the foot comfortable and relieves the pain in the process.
The running shoe also has a quite flexible rubber sole and with an excellent grip to prevent slipping, which may further make the injury worse.
What we like
Meta rocker and EVA midsole to ensure an improved role and shock absorption
Ortholite insole for arch support and better cushioning
Breathable mesh upper
Lightweight running shoe
What we don't like
Some reviewers say that the tread falls apart easily
There may be problems with the outsole
What Metatarsalgia is and the Possible Solutions
Metatarsalgia or the ball of the foot pain is a type of foot pain that crops up as a result of various factors such as wearing ill-fitting shoes. Other factors include worn-out shoe and medical conditions such as obesity.
The significant body weight can put pressure on the ball of the foot, resulting in inflammation in the foot. Also, foot deformities can form as a result of wearing improper shoes. If that is the case, then the issue may not be immediately apparent. The pain only comes up when the inflammation has grown to critical levels.
The most common symptom of the condition is a pain at the metatarsal bones. Often, there is a sharp pain that radiates from the foot when you stand up or walk.
The management of metatarsalgia depends on the extent and type of condition. Even so, the most common treatments include ice packs, taking pain medicine, rest, and in some severe cases, surgery.
Whatever the case, having the right footwear is critical for the successful management of the ball of the foot pain. Nobody wants to deal with pain, now and then. Therefore, take preventative measures that include having the right type of shoes to deal with the pain. Prevention is always better than cure.
What to look for when purchasing running shoes for the ball of foot pain
Choosing the best footwear for you may be easy. However, it becomes a bit challenging when you need specific shoes to bring relief to your foot when suffering from a particular condition such as bunions, Achilles heel pain, and ball of foot pain.
In the case of the ball of foot pain, the following factors will help you choose the best shoe for you, and maybe improve the quality of your life. Pain can significantly affect your daily activities and your overall happiness. Now, let's get into it.
Insoles
For people suffering from the ball of foot pain, the choice of insoles that they make is critical and can determine whether the condition worsens or becomes better. Ideally, you should go for foam insoles for better shock absorption and comfort. Furthermore, foam insoles contour better to your foot than any other material.
Another benefit of these types of insoles is that they provide better support to the pressure points than any other. Well, some brands have come up with innovative technology and materials to offer better competition to the foam material probably. The important part is to choose the best insole that will provide adequate shock absorption and comfort to your foot.
It is also better if you go for the removable insoles so that it can be comfortable to replace or clean. Some people can also replace them with orthotic insoles for better effect, and it is alright. Just make sure it is removable.
Size
It is always critical to choose the correct size to avoid more problems cropping up. As mentioned earlier, some of the factors that may contribute to the ball of foot pain include incorrectly fitting footwear and high-impact activities. Therefore, make it a point of visiting the store and fitting the shoe yourself.
Some of us have the habit of sending our friends or relatives to buy the shoes for us, and that is the biggest mistake that you can make. The manufacturers sizing can vary across regions and brands. Therefore, your size 6 may not be the same size with particular brands, and that can bring about some complications.
If you find that the shoe you choose as a bit small, don't tell yourself that you are going to break in over time. Such a decision may aggravate the situation significantly, causing discomfort as a result.
The Midsole and Outsole
Different brands have different technologies that they incorporate into their footwear to make it comfortable for the user. Ideally, always go for the insoles that provide adequate comfort and shock absorption to help in the healing process of the foot.
Some of the most common materials for insoles include polyurethane and EVA. Mostly, both elements are suitable, always check for the thickness and other qualities such as shock absorption. It is different across brands, and you must be able to choose between them.
Check the customer reviews, and other manufacturers information to determine the effectiveness of the midsole.
Similarly, the outsole must also be supportive and flexible enough to help you in the healing process. It should have excellent traction to give you a better grip when running or doing other activities.
The heel should also be sufficiently shock-absorbent so that it can absorb the stress and pressure associated with running and jumping.
Final Note
It is critical to have the best running shoes for the ball of foot pain to provide relief and to help in the healing process. The ideal shoes give an extra soft cushion and Shock absorption to make life easier for you during movement or when standing.
When it comes to it, the above shoes may serve your needs appropriately. However, it will mostly depend on your condition. If the pain persists, it is always advisable to seek medical attention. Other advanced procedures such as surgery may be necessary to alleviate the pain.
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