If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best metatarsal pads for runners are, then I’d recommend the Metatarsal Pads Ball of Foot Cushions by Brison as the best one.
If you’re a dedicated runner, you’ve probably encountered these five main problems that affect your feet at some point: Plantar fasciitis, Metatarsalgia, Morton’s Neuroma, bursitis or bunions, and then fallen arches and stone bruises.
They are all fairly common and all have similar ways to reduce the pain:
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help with that nagging foot pain, and of course you want to find the best metatarsal pads for runners:
- Rest
- Ice it
- Pain relievers
- Stretches
- Specific foot exercises
- Pads or foot orthotics
This post is here to help you choose the best metatarsal pads for runners because if you are here, it’s most likely you are looking to help alleviate that foot pain from the strain on your feet caused by being a runner.
Here are the top metatarsal pads we’ll be reviewing:
- Brison Metatarsal Pads
- Metatarsal Pads Ball of Foot Cushions by Brison
- Dr. Frederick’s Original Metatarsal Pads
- Natracure Metatarsal Gel Sleeve with Forefoot Cushion Pad
- Zentoes Fabric Metatarsal Sleeve with Sole Cushion Gel Pads
How Much Do You Know About Your Feet?
Our foot is a delicate instrument constructed of 26 bones, 33 joints, and 20 areas of articulation, and more than a hundred muscles, tendons and ligaments.
It’s a complicated piece of machinery.
And so, we need to take care of our primary piece of machinery that helps us maneuver from point A to point B and onward.
High Arches and the Metatarsal Bone
If you have high arched feet, since the metatarsal bone is convex and arches with your foot, much of the impact at the center of your foot goes to the ball of the foot.
It is very common to injure, inflame or damage your foot if you don’t protect this important section of the foot.
Weight and Metatarsals
The heavier you are the more weight goes onto your feet.
That is a given, right?
And so, let’s say you re-enter the world of exercise and fitness and are now pounding that pavement quite a bit more and putting a bit more strain on that foot.
Why Buy Foot Pads?
Your feet takes a lot of pounding when you’re a runner.
You need something that can take that weight and pressure and disperse it across the area of your feet, absorb the impact, and then relieve any pain.
What I have found for my own foot troubles is there is nothing like preventative measures like adding a padded section in your shoe.
This is possibly the single most beneficial item you will ever use if you are going to be running or exercising in any capacity.
Before starting your run, you want to have a good metatarsal pad for runners placed within your running shoe.
Make sure you have a roomy toe box in the shoe, if you’re like me and have slightly fatter feet.
But not only the fact you might have fatter or wider feet, but when you are running your feet swell naturally.
So, that’s when that toe box needs to be taken into consideration.
Place the metatarsal pad on and then place your “snug” sock over that padding, and wear a good shoe.
Reviews of the Best Metatarsal Pads For Runners
Brison Metatarsal Pads
The Brison Metatarsal Pads is a very basic and to-the-point foot wrap. The package comes with two pads for each foot (two left and two right), four in all.
It has a durable fabric that is washable. It has ball of foot relievers within the fabric and spreads out over around a two-inch area from the arch and under the ball of the foot.
Pros
- Fits over any foot
- Wraps the entire top portion of foot
- Stretches with movement
- Washable
Cons
- Might fit tightly on a larger foot
- Tends to bunch up
- A very basic material that is not medical grade, and I didn’t see the supposed ball of foot relievers
Metatarsal Pads Ball of Foot Cushions by Brison
The durable medical grade material that is Eco-friendly and washable make the Metatarsal Pads Ball of Foot Cushions by Brison stand out. It also keeps down the smell if worn all day (yes, that’s a plus).
The package includes a pair of arch support sleeves and a pair of ball of foot pads. The larger foot sleeve comes with a ring that slides over the second toe and then fills out the ball of the foot underneath with a soft elastic material for each foot.
It’s easily cleaned with some soap and warm water, and is extremely elasticized for support throughout your foot with any movement while running.
The two extra gel ball pads that come within the package are easily glued to shoe for that extra padding.
This is meant to give you all day pain relief and they can comfortably be worn throughout the day, or just while running.
Pros
- Eco-friendly washable material
- Soft and gentle
- High quality medical grade thicker material
- Two bonus pads come within packaging
- Doesn’t smell after wearing all day
Cons
- On rare occasions the ring can be uncomfortable
- No directions in packaging
Dr. Frederick’s Original Metatarsal Pads
There are four gel pads within each package of the Dr. Frederick’s Original Metatarsal Pads that are super stretchy and durable (four, not the basic two).
They are biodegradable TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), and have non-slip ridges within the design. Easy to wash with soap and water.
What is so nice about Dr. Frederick’s product is that it takes all that pressure points, and distributes it across the foot and is absorbed by the pad. This is a relief if you are actively running, walking, or hiking.
Also, they have a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied, which is an added peace of mind, as corny as that sounds.
Pros
- Four gel pads included
- Biodegradable and washable for reuse
- Non-slip ridges
- Money back guarantee
Cons
- Can move too much on the foot
- Wear and tear shorten the life maybe too quickly
Natracure Metatarsal Gel Sleeve with Forefoot Cushion Pad
The nice thing about the Natracure Metatarsal Gel Sleeve with Forefoot Cushion Pad are they fit larger or wider feet: men size 9.5+ and women 11.5+.
So, if your foot is a little bigger this one might be the best fit.
Comes with only one pair in the package. The material is basic flexible and washable nylon material you would find in a wrap.
They disperse the pressure across the foot well, and are very durable.
It spreads across a large area of the ball of foot down to around the half-way area of the arch.
There is a gel pad within the fabric that absorbs the shock of movement throughout the day, or run. Also, you have the two-loop design that is placed around the big toe to keep the pad in place.
Pros
- Absorbs really well across the metatarsal area
- Fabric is very resilient and breathable
- Can be worn barefoot
- Fits wider and larger sizes well
Cons
- Might feel uncomfortable because they cover a larger area of the foot
Zentoes Fabric Metatarsal Sleeve with Sole Cushion Gel Pads
The Zentoes Fabric Metatarsal Sleeve with Sole Cushion Gel Pads is unisex fit sleeve that are for sizes 6-9 for men and 8-11 for women, with a cushion at the ball of the foot.
There is a flexible compression across the entirety of the ball of the foot and along the sides, that has a loop fit around the big toe. The material is medical grade and of a higher quality.
This helps with any problematic condition like metatarsalgia, calluses, bunions or Morton’s Neuroma.
Packaging comes with four pads which is always nice to have that extra pair of pads if you are washing one pair.
Pros
- Four pads, rather than two
- Flexible material
- Medical grade material
- Extra pad at the ball of foot
Cons
- Doesn’t cover as much area as others
- Can pinch and be too tight of a fit, causing pain if wearing for any length of time
Conclusion
This is not the most comprehensive list and there are many I have not mentioned, but I kept coming back to Brison as the best metatarsal pad for runners.
Dr. Fredericks, in my opinion was a close second.
There, I said it right out with little build up.
I am sure you love a good story with lots of build-up, but I tend to just skip to the end of the book to make sure the journey will be worth the trip.
I then go back and read the entirety since I can be secure in knowing it will end well. (I know most don’t do this.)
And the journey you will be traveling as you run with less foot pain will be worth it if you pick the best metatarsal pads for runners because you don’t want the worst ones, right?
I hope this helped you pick the best metatarsal pad for runners and hope you have some happy and painless running.
