Last Updated: February 8th, 2021
If you have metatarsalgia with high arches, you are looking at double trouble.
High arches will put more pressure on your metatarsals and will worsen your problem.
However, with simple adjustments, you can get considerable relief from your pain.
One such adjustment is your running shoe and this is also the most effective.
As per our research, Brooks Ghost 13 Running Shoes is the best running shoe for both the problems.
However, there are more best running shoes for metatarsalgia and high arches to choose from.
Our Top Picks
For Women:
✅ Brooks Ghost 13 Running Shoes
“Good forefoot cushioning and high arch support”
For Men:
✅ New Balance 1080v9 Fresh Foam Running Shoes
“Fresh foam comfort for the forefoot and good high arch support”
Best Running Shoes for Metatarsalgia and High Arches in 2021
If you are suffering from metatarsalgia, you need a running shoe which is very shock absorbent and is decently flexible at the fore-foot.
This reduces any kind of stress on your toe area and you will be comfortable to run.
Also, with the high arch you also need adequate support to propel forward.
Brooks Ghost 13 excels in both these areas. It has very good cushioning in the fore-foot, thanks to the BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT midsole.
This is a soft and plush material whih provides continuous cushioning to your feet right through from forefoot to heel.
Also, it has segmented fore-foot. This provides them with additional flexibility at the forefoot.
This running shoe is mad for people with medium to high arch. So, it as very good arch support which takes away additional stress from your metatarsals.
Overall, you will have a very comfortable running experience in it, despite your painful situation.
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This is another very comfortable shoe with a lot of cushioning.
It is built on a platform of fresh foam mid-sole. This mid-sole is plush and soft. However, it will not get packed out under weight.
Also, they have very good responsiveness and you will get a good deal of feedback from them.
This foam extends till the tip of the toe and provides you with very good cushioning under the metatarsal area.
Also, there are deep flex grooves present in the fore-foot region to provide you the required flexibility.
It comes with very good arch support and will provide you with ample cushioning under the arch.
Since, high arches tend to put more pressure on metatarsals, this arch support will take away that stress as-well.
Also, the out-sole is made from durable rubber and provides you with very good stability and grip on the roads.
The upper is made from breathable mesh for a very good in-shoe comfort.
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If you want a lot of cushioning and I mean a lot…then this is the running shoe to go for.
It is built on CMEVA mid-sole which is an improved version of EVA foam and provides you with a lot super soft cushioning.
It comes with an early stage meta rocker geometry which encourages a guided gait cycle.
The heel and mid-foot comfort frame provides you with additional stretch, recovery and durability.
The upper has seamless overlays which provides secures the mid-foot better. Also, it reduces the weight of this running shoe.
In the upper, you have SpeedFrame which reduces the overall weight of the shoe and maintains the structural integrity of the shoe.
It comes with a lace up closure and keeps your shoe securely fastened to your feet.
The out-sole has blown rubber which provides you with proper grip and stability on the roads.
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If you are a trail runner, you will love these shoes. This is a zero drop shoe and will provide you with the most natural running experience.
Also, the cushioning of this shoe is very uniform. You get a lot of comforts right under your metatarsals.
This cushioning is due to EVA foam with A-Bound. This makes this running shoe very lightweight yet durable.
The toe-box is of FootShape and helps your toes to relax and expand properly.
The out-sole is made from a durable rubber and has TrailClaw. This penetrates into the soft ground and keeps you very stable.
This running shoe is designed to improve your natural foot positioning and is great at improving your gait cycle.
With a breathable upper, padded collar and tongue, his running shoe provide you with very comfortable running experience.
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This is a low-drop shoe with a decent amount of cushioning underfoot.
It comes with EVA mid-sole with TPU mid-foot stabilizer.
Also, there is very good cushioning under the metatarsal area and provides you with a lot of shock absorption.
The front-foot also has deep grooves which makes these running shoes very flexible.
It also has very good arch support for high arches and takes away any kind of additional stress from your metatarsals.
The out-sole is made from XT-900 compound and is very durable adnd lightweight.
The HydraMAX moisture wicking collar keeps you dry for a longer period of time.
On the upper you have FlexFilm overlays which provides structural integrity to the shoe but doesn’t add any bulk to the shoes.
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Cushioning of this shoe comes from two layers. The EVA foam mid-sole and the EVERUN top-sole.
EVERUN is a very cushy and responsive material which provides you with that extra bounce.
Also, this cushioning extends till the fore-foot. So, your metatarsals get additional cushioning and protection from the shoes.
On the out-sole of the fore-foot, these running shoes have TRI-FLEX.
This enhances the flexibility of the fore-foot and take away stress from your metatarsals.
Also, they have excellent arch support for high arches. This makes them perfect for anyone having cavus foot.
The out-sole is made from rubber and has blown rubber placed strategically at high impact places.
This not only provides you with exceptional grip, but also will make these shoes very durable.
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FAQs
Q) What is metatarsalgia?
A: Any pain in your forefoot, more commonly called ball of foot is metatarslgia.
This is a pain that happens in the metatarsal heads and can be severely uncomfortable.
There are many types of pain that come under this common head, like:
- Morton’s Neuroma – Swelling or Inflammation to the covering of the interdigital nerve.
- Morton’s Toe – Shortness of the first metatarsal leading to increased pressure under second metatarsal head.
- Capsulitis – Inflammation to joint capsule of the toe.
- Metatarsal stress fracture.
- Tear in the Plantar Plate.
Metarsalgia is basically a problem that happens due to overuse.
With this problem, you will experience pain in the following region:
Image Credit: Applied Biomechanics
Q) Why causes metatarsalgia?
A: Metatarsalgia is an overuse injury and is common in athletes. Your foot may get injured during sports activities.
This may have happened due to a change in your bio-mechanics and this may have caused the abnormal weight distribution.
If you keep on putting stress, it will cause inflammation of ligaments and tendons.
Here are some common causes of metatarsalgia:
- You have a hyper-active lifestyle.
- Over developed metatarsal heads.
- Tight toe extensors or toe muscles.
- Weak toe flexors or muscles.
- You have hammertoe.
- Hypermobile first foot bone.
- Your Achilles Tendons are tight.
- You overpronate too much.
- Your wear a worn out or ill-fitted shoe.
- You have a cavus foot or high arch.
Image Credit: Florida Orthopedic Institute
Q) How can you get relief from metatarsalgia?
A: With some adjustments you can get rid of metatarsalgia without having to undergo surgery.
Here are some ways to get relief from metatarsalgia.
- Wear a proper fitting shoe.
- Use some insoles.
- Talk to your podiatrist and get a custom Orthotics.
- Get a gait analysis done and change your shoe accordingly.
- Use ice compress.
- Use some soft pads under your metatarsals.
- Do some stretching exercises.
Here is an effective routine for metatarsalgia:
Q) What shoes are best for metatarsalgia?
A: Metatarsalgia is a pain of the forefoot.
You need a running shoe which has good cushioning and shock absorption at the forefoot.
Also, your arches have strong influence on your metatarsals.
If you have a high arch, your metatarsals will be more pressurized.
Your pronation also plays a huge role in this.
Keeping all these criteria in mind here are some running shoes that will help you to deal with this problem better.
- Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Forefoot Strikers
- Best Women’s Running Shoes for High Arches and Supination
- Best Affordable Running Shoes for High Arches
- Best Low Drop Stability Running Shoes
- 14 Best Trail Running Shoes for Flat Feet and Overpronation
- 6 Best Running Shoes for Beginners with Flat Feet
- Best Running Shoes for Morton’s Neuroma and Plantar Fasciitis
- Best Running Shoes for Metatarsalgia and High Arches
Q) How long does it take to heal metatarsalgia ?
A: If your metatarsalgia is not severe, then it will take few days to few weeks to heal.
However, for more severe cases, it can last for months to years.
Q) Is massage good for metatarsalgia ?
A: Yes it can help to certain extent.
It will get more oxygen to the inflamed tissues and will relieve pain.
Try out these massages:
Conclusion
Metatarsalgia can be very painful and it is more so for high arched people.
The most easy way to get rid of this problem is to wear the right running shoes.
Brooks Ghost 13 Running Shoes is the best for both the problems.
However, here are the other best running shoes for metatrsalgia and high arches.
References
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/metatarsalgia#2-4
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metatarsalgia
https://profoot.co/article/high-arch-foot-pain/
https://treadlabs.com/blogs/foot-issues/high-arch-foot-problems-relieve-pain-in-arch-of-foot
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15890-metatarsalgia
Madhusree Basu
Author, Admin
Blogger and a fitness enthusiast. She loves running and Yoga and everything in between. She started running to manage her weight and to eat to her heart’s content. A true foodie at heart she shares whatever knowledge she has gained throughout the years about weight management and fitness.
