The short answer
Metatarsalgia is pain in the ball of the foot, where the long metatarsal bones meet the toes. The best shoes for metatarsalgia take pressure off that area with thick forefoot cushioning, a rocker sole that limits how much the forefoot bends, a wide toe box, and less impact with every step.
- Avoid high heels, thin flat soles, and narrow, pointed toes.
- Every Z-CoiL has nearly an inch of forefoot cushioning, a rocker forefoot, a wide toe box, and a steel spring heel.
- If pain is sharp, swollen, or lasts more than a few weeks, see a podiatrist.
If you have metatarsalgia you know what pain is—the sharp, burning feeling in the balls of your feet that turns into a dull ache; pain in the base of the toes; and numbness and tingling in the toes. And of course there's the foot pain that gets worse the more active you get, or the more you flex your feet.

You may have metatarsalgia if you are overweight, pregnant, or if you participate in sports that are very active. Any one of these can increase the jarring impact of every step you take, causing pain. Metatarsalgia can also result from wearing the wrong shoes, such as high heels or pointy shoes that squeeze toes together. Read here what the Mayo Clinic says about the main causes of metatarsalgia: Causes of Metatarsalgia.
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Give your feet a break
With metatarsalgia you need to give your feet a break. It's important to reduce impact, irritation and stress to the ball of your feet. Here is how:
- Use a shoe with a wide toe box.
- Use a shoe where the ball of the foot and metatarsal heads have extra cushioning.
- Use a shoe with a "rocker" forefoot which reduces bending at the metatarsal heads when walking or running.
The right shoes make a real difference. If pain persists, see a podiatrist. Here's how Z-CoiL footwear is built for metatarsalgia and metatarsal pain.
- Z-CoiL Footwear is engineered with nearly an inch of soft forefoot cushioning to help protect the ball of the foot, right where metatarsalgia pain starts.
- Z-CoiL Footwear also has a rocker forefoot which reduces excessive forefoot bending and makes forward motion smooth.
- Z-CoiL Footwear has a shock-absorbing coil under the heel that reduces impact and returns about 40% of your energy. Testing at Sandia National Laboratories found lower peak impact.
- Last but not least, Z-CoiL footwear is constructed with a built-in orthotic which supports and stabilizes the foot when walking or running. This orthotic called the Z-Orthotic gives your feet extra support and helps with posture and stability.
Over 1 million pairs of Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear® have been sold since 1995.
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Try them for 30 days. If they're not right for you, send them back in any condition for a full refund. Purchase today and receive Free Shipping! Try our top-selling Z-CoiL® shoe, the Freedom Classic. The Freedom is anatomically designed to fit the foot properly and cushion every part of your foot and is the perfect shoe for you to try Z-CoiL®. Call us at 800.268.6239 if you have questions.
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FAQ
What are the best shoes for metatarsalgia?
Shoes with thick cushioning under the ball of the foot, a rocker sole, a wide toe box, and a low heel. Together these reduce pressure and bending at the metatarsal heads.
Can shoes cause metatarsalgia?
Shoes can contribute. High heels push your weight onto the ball of the foot, and thin soles or narrow toe boxes add pressure there. Impact from long days on hard floors can make it worse.
Are rocker-bottom shoes good for metatarsalgia?
A rocker sole helps your foot roll forward without bending hard at the toes, which reduces pressure on the metatarsal heads as you push off.
Should I wear metatarsal pads with my shoes?
Some people find metatarsal pads helpful. If you use one, make sure the shoe has enough room so the pad doesn't make the toe box tight. A podiatrist can show you where to place it.
Is walking bad for metatarsalgia?
Walking in unsupportive shoes on hard surfaces can aggravate it. Cushioned, rocker-sole shoes make walking more comfortable. Check with your doctor about activity if pain is severe.
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