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The metatarsals absorb pressure when we move our legs. Metatarsal pads, also known as ball of foot pads, provide protection and cushioning to the feet. The best ball of foot cushion can be placed in your footwear to alleviate pressure on the ball of the foot and prevent pain and sprains.
A good metatarsal pad offers many benefits when used for some time. It helps you avoid feet problems such as blisters, calluses, corns, and bunions. It also provides some extra cushioning and evenly distributes the bodyweight on the foot.
If you experience pain and other issues on the ball of your feet, you can give a metatarsal pad a try. In this post, we list some tried-and-tested ball of foot cushions to help you pick the right product and give you a few tips on buying one to give your feet the care they deserve.
Top Picks
11 Best Ball Of Foot Cushions
1. Best Skived Design: Mars Wellness Metatarsal Felt Foot Pad
Image: Mars Wellness The 100% felt-based metatarsal foot pad by Mars Wellness has a skived design that fits comfortably under the ball of your foot to relieve pain. It is easy to use because it has an adhesive layer on the back to ensure correct positioning. The foot pad has excellent cushioning and a universal fit, allowing you to use it on the left or right foot.
It stays in place without budging and can help handle conditions such as neuromas, intractable plantar keratosis (IPK), painful scars, and calluses and provide extra support during long walks. Depending on your preference, you can test the pad by pasting it to your feet or footwear and determine how it works.
Quick tip2. Best Compressive: ZenToes Metatarsal Pads For Women and Men
Image: Zentoes Made of tried-and-tested medical-grade materials and flexible, compressive fabric, these ball of foot cushions are designed to offer all-day comfort to your feet and reduce soreness. These premium gel ball of foot cushions are unisex and offer support and shock absorption.
Whether you’re wearing high heels, running shoes, or loafers, the gel cushion relaxes, soothes, and balances your forefeet for all-day relief. They distribute the weight and offer shock-absorbing comfort, thus alleviating strain when walking, running, and jogging. You can hand wash the pads with mild soap and warm water and lay them flat to dry.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Do not miss out on this product that has earned 2,976 positive reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Long-Lasting: Copper Compression Ball Of Foot Metatarsal Pads
Image: Copper Compression These soft, snug-fit metatarsal pads are infused with copper, providing them with anti-microbial properties. Copper also makes these pads odor-resistant, making them ideal for long-term use. In addition, the four-way stretchable material does not hinder your movement while keeping you comfortable throughout the day.
The long-lasting pads can be worn under shoes or socks for pain alleviation and accelerate recovery. These slip-on pads have a slim design, making them suitable for most footwear, and the moisture-wicking fabric keeps your feet cool. In addition, they help distribute the body weight across the foot evenly, relieving fatigue and symptoms of certain foot conditions.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 912 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
Mars Wellness Metatarsal Felt Foot Pad Best Skived Design | ZenToes Metatarsal Pads For Women and Men Best Compressive | Copper Compression Ball Of Foot Metatarsal Pads Best Long-Lasting | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | White | Beige | - |
| Package Dimensions | 6.3 x 4.84 x 1.02 inches; 1.59 Ounces | - | 4.53 x 4.02 x 0.55 inches; 1.13 Ounces |
| Material | - | Gel | - |
| Dimensions | - | 1 x 3 x 0.39 inches | - |
| Weight | - | 2.89 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 614 | 2,976 | 912 |
| Price | $16.99 | $12.99 | $17.95 |
4. Best With Adhesive: Moon Health Metatarsal Foot Pads
Image: Moon Health These metatarsal foot pads by Moon Health come in a pack of 12 and are made of 100% wool felt. They are easy to use–peel the adhesive backing and stick the foot pad to your footwear, socks, or barefoot with its triangular end pointing directly toward the middle of your heel to get that extra heel support.
Moreover, these residue-free pads have an anti-slip design and can prevent the formation of blisters, corns, and calluses.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 807 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
5. Best For Instant Relief: Dr. Frederick’s Original Metatarsal Pads
Image: Dr. Frederick's Original Relieve pain caused by wearing high heels or quick walking with Dr. Frederick’s Original Metatarsal pads. If you are looking for unisex pads that offer instant pain relief and keep you comfortable, these are worthy candidates. These pads are doctor-designed and have undergone various tests to offer comfort and are the perfect solution to alleviate metatarsal pain. They have a stretchy and angled toe loop to fit any toe size, and the thick yet lightweight cushioning keeps you comfortable while walking or climbing stairs.
6. Best For Active Lifestyle: Temiart Ball Of Foot Cushions
Image: Temiart If you often go on runs and experience foot pain, these thick foot pads from Temiart might help relieve the pain felt under the ball of the foot. These wool felt pads for people leading an active lifestyle are compatible with different types of footwear and come in a pack of 18 to provide optimum foot comfort.
In addition, these adhesive-based foot pads can easily be placed behind the second and third metatarsals of the foot for quick relief from bunions and calluses.
7. Best With Gel Padding: Dropsky Metatarsal Sleeve With Gel Pads
Image: Dropsky Dropsky’s metatarsal foot pads have a soft gel pad inside them to provide optimum support for your foot and relieve pain. The compression provided by these foot pads increases blood flow in the target area and prevents the formation of corns, blisters, and calluses. In addition, the breathable sock-like fabric has moisture-wicking properties to keep the foot from developing musty odors.
The tried-and-tested stretchable fabric offers a snug and non-slip fitting, making it compatible with all kinds of footwear. Moreover, they come in a pack of four, including two pads for your left foot and two for your right foot.
Do remember8. Best Durable: Hapad Metatarsal Foot Pain Relief Cushion
Image: Hapad Featuring an easy-to-peel adhesive back, these metatarsal foot pads by Hapad are quite easy to place under the ball of your foot. The cushioned inserts help distribute the body weight such that the larger metatarsal area of the foot bears the maximum weight.
They are made of soft and durable virgin wool felt and have a strong adhesive to provide maximum comfort and support for your foot. Moreover, the moisture-wicking properties make them compatible with different types of footwear.
9. Best Reusable: Dr. Frederick’s Original Deluxe Ball Of Foot Cushions & Bunion Pad
Image: Dr. Frederick's Original Dr. Frederick’s metatarsal pads are made of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), a stretchable and high-quality gel material to ensure excellent cushioning. These pads relieve discomfort by uniformly distributing pressure on the bottom of your foot and absorb shock and vibrations, making it a recommended choice of physicians. They are reusable, biodegradable, and easy to clean.
10. Best Shock-Absorbing: Brison Store Ball of Foot Cushions for High Heels
Image: Brison Health Eco-friendly and long-lasting, these cushions are made of medical-grade silicone gel. The design has a raised portion in the center of the metatarsal region, ideal for treating and preventing pain associated with plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, bunions, and other conditions.
Brison pads are attached to the inside surface of your shoes and help prevent foot sliding. These orthotic solutions cushion the front of your feet and provide proper alignment, even support, and shock absorption in the metatarsal region.
11. Best Eco-Friendly: Daliva Ball of Foot Cushions
Daliva ball of foot cushions provides excellent forefoot support and relief from Morton’s neuroma, plantar fasciitis, callus, metatarsal foot pain, and bunions. These pads are made of high-quality, long-lasting, and eco-friendly medical-grade material, making them sturdy and elastic. These innovative met pads are flexible, resilient, and have soft, breathable fabric to wear under your socks comfortably.
How To Choose The Right Ball Of Foot Cushion?
Keep these following factors in mind while buying a ball of foot cushion.
1. Material: Different materials have varying effects on your foot problems. Choose a material that suits your needs.
2. Support: While ball of foot cushions are primarily designed to provide shock absorption, they may also provide support, essential for those who have Plantar Fasciitis or bunions. Metatarsal pads placed just behind the ball of the foot are intended to offload pressure to the metatarsals.
3. Breathability: The breathability of these cushions is vital because, regardless of how well ventilated the shoes are, they can always hurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I throw the ball of foot cushions in the laundry?
You can wash them in the laundry. However, it is recommended to read the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. How do I prevent my cushions from smelling?
There is no risk of odor as foot cushions have antimicrobial functions. However, you can wash them regularly to prevent smell.
3. Can I run with ball of foot cushions on?
You can easily walk and run with a ball of foot pain cushions on as they are made of non-slip material, have foam cushioning, and are long-lasting. However, if you have forefoot pain, walking may become difficult. In this case, you need a met pad that is sturdy, sticky, and effective.
4. How can I cushion the ball of my foot?
You can cushion the ball of your foot with pads made of silicone, gel, or regular fabric. These pads can provide much-needed arch support and alleviate or prevent pain.
5. How do I stop the balls of my feet from hurting in shoes?
Pain caused due to wearing shoes, especially a pair of heels, can be reduced using metatarsal pads (1). Wearing proper shoes, correcting your gait, or taking supplements for bone strength may help with the pain in your foot.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah specializes in household products, electronics, automobiles, and books. He understands the importance of good research while writing his posts. Therefore, after going through several articles and customer feedback and reviews, he has compiled a list of the best ball of foot cushions that can support your feet and help you stay at ease while standing or walking for long. Wedetso has described every recommended product in detail and also added a buying guide to enable you to make the right choice.
The Bottom Line
Ball foot cushions are forefoot insoles that support the metatarsals and help reduce foot pain. You should choose the one based on your heel problem and the type of shoes or sandals you prefer. For instance, consider clear silicone insoles while wearing open sandals. Depending on the need, you may also choose insoles that support the arch or heels. An ideal product includes placement instructions to help you use it correctly, alleviate joint and muscle tension, and decrease pain. We’d suggest choosing the skived Mars Wellness Metatarsal Felt Foot Pad that provides extra support during walks or the moisture-wicking Hapad Metatarsal Foot Pain Relief Cushion for enhanced comfort and coverage. We also recommend the Temiart Ball Of Foot Cushions as they are compatible with different types of footwear.
References
- The Effect of Metatarsal Padding on Pain and Functional Ability in Metatarsalgia
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1457496916683090
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