If you’re a runner, you know what a drag it is to have to battle foot pain. Especially pain on the ball of your foot. The good news is there are plenty of running shoes for ball of foot pain that will help you get back to your routine in no time.
What Is Ball Of Foot Pain And What Causes It?
Ball of foot pain is a common condition that can cause severe pain and discomfort. The pain is usually felt in the forefoot, around the base of the toes. It can be caused by a number of different factors, including:
- wearing ill-fitting shoes
- over-pronation
- bunions
- arthritis
- nerve damage
How to Treat Ball of Foot Pain
If you suffer from a ball of foot pain, it is important to see a doctor or podiatrist so they can diagnose the cause and recommend the best treatment. Wearing the wrong shoes is one of the most common causes of the foot pain, so make sure to wear shoes that fit properly and provide support especially if you have particularly wide or narrow feet.
There are a number of different treatments available for the ball of foot pain, including:
- wearing orthotics or special shoes
- taking pain medication
- undergoing physical therapy
- having surgery
If you have arthritis or nerve damage, there are special shoes and orthotics that can help relieve pain and improve mobility. Surgery is usually only recommended as a last resort if other treatments have failed.
The Best Running Shoes For Ball Of Foot Pain
If you suffer from pain in the ball of the foot, also known as metatarsalgia, you know how debilitating it can be. The pain is often felt in the forefoot and can make even the simplest activities difficult.
Wearing the wrong shoes can aggravate the condition, so it’s important to choose a pair that will provide support and ample cushioning. Here are our top picks for the best running shoes for the ball of foot pain. All of these running shoes have cushioned midsoles and roomy toe box to provide the support and comfort you need along with full foot cushioning.
If you have bunions, check out this list of recommendations for the best running shoes for bunions.
Asics Gel Nimbus 21
The Asics Gel Nimbus 21 is a great option for those with a foot pain. It features gel cushioning in the beveled heel and forefoot, which helps to absorb impact and reduce stress on the feet. The shoe also has a spacious toe box to allow for plenty of room to wiggle the toes and also sports a supportive arch.
Brooks Glycerin 18
The Brooks Glycerin 18 is another excellent choice for neutral runners with a ball of foot pain. It has a comfortable, plush ride thanks to its full-length cushioning. The shoe also has a wide toe box and an adjustable arch support system that helps to customize the fit for your metatarsal bones.
Saucony Triumph ISO 5
The Saucony Triumph ISO 5 is a great option for those who need extra cushioning in their athletic shoes. It has a plush, cushioned feel and a generous amount of space in the roomy toe box. The shoe also has an arch support system that can act like custom orthotics for your feet.
Hoka One One Bondi 6
The Hoka One One Bondi 6 is a great choice for runners who need maximum cushioning. It features a full-length cushioning system that provides plenty of support and shock absorption. The stability shoe also has a wider toe box and an adjustable arch support system to ensure a comfortable fit. This is the shoe I personally wear. It’s also great if you have heel spurs.
New Balance 1080v9
The New Balance 1080v9 is a great option for those who need extra cushioning in tight running shoe. It has a full-length foam cushioning system that provides plenty of support and shock absorption. This motion control shoe also has a wide toe box and n plenty of cushioning to ensure a comfortable fit.
Mizuno Wave Rider 22
The Mizuno Wave Rider 22 is a great option for those who need extra cushioning in their running shoes. It has a full-length foam cushioning system that provides plenty of support and shock absorption. The shoe also has a wide toe box and arch support system to ensure a comfortable fit.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 is a great option for those who need extra cushioning in their shoes. It has a full-length foam cushioning system that provides plenty of support and shock absorption. The shoe also has a wide toe box and an arch support system to ensure a comfortable fit.
Adidas Ultraboost 20
The Adidas Ultraboost 20 is a great option for those who need extra cushioning in their shoes. It has a full-length foam cushioning system that provides plenty of support and shock absorption. The shoe also has a wide toe box and plenty of cushioning to ensure a comfortable fit.
How To Know If You Need New Running Shoes
Are your shoes just not as comfortable as they used to be? This could be a sign that you need new running shoes. Over time, running shoes can lose their cushioning and support, which can lead to pain, especially if you’re prone to ball of foot pain.
If you’re not sure whether you need new shoes, here are some signs to look for:
- Your shoes feel less comfortable than they used to.
- You have pain in the balls of your feet when you run.
- Your shoes are more than six months old.
- You’ve put more than 500 miles on your shoes.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to get new shoes.
They will take into account your foot type, pronation, and gait to find the best shoes for you. Once you have the right shoes, you should feel an immediate difference in your comfort level.
With proper fitting shoes, you’ll be able to train longer without injury.
Tips For Choosing The Right Running Shoes For Your Needs
The best way to find the right shoes for you is to go to a specialty running store and have a professional fit you for shoes.
There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for the best running shoes for the ball of foot pain. First, consider the type of arch you have. If you have high arches, you’ll want to look for shoes with more support. If you have flat feet or suffer from over pronation, you’ll want to make sure the running shoe specialist knows this as well.
You should also consider the amount of pronation you have. Pronation is when your foot rolls inward when you walk or run. If you pronate heavily, you’ll want to look for shoes that offer more support. Finally, think about the terrain you’ll be running on.
If you’ll be running on pavement, look for shoes with good shock absorption. If you’ll be running on trails, look for shoes with good traction.
How To Properly Break In Your New Running Shoe
Most people don’t realize that there is a proper way to break in new running shoes. Just like any new piece of gear, you need to take some time to get used to the feel and fit of your shoes before hitting the pavement. Here are a few tips on how to properly break in your new running shoes:
- Start by wearing them around the house.
- Go for short walks or runs in them.
- Break them in gradually over the course of a few weeks.
- Be sure to listen to your body and give yourself time to adjust to the new shoes.
Additional Tips For Avoiding And Treating Ball Of Foot Pain While Running
If you are a runner who suffers from the ball of foot pain, there are a few things you can do to help avoid and treat the condition. Here are a few tips:
- Wear shoes that fit properly and offer good support. This is especially important if you have high arches or flat feet, as these conditions can contribute to the ball of foot pain.
- Make sure your shoes are not too tight. This can constrict blood flow and worsen pain in the ball of the foot.
- Avoid running on hard surfaces such as concrete. Softer surfaces such as dirt trails or treadmill belts are best.
- Stretch before and after running to help keep the muscles and tendons around the ball of the footloose and flexible.
- Massage the area around the ball of the foot to help increase blood flow and reduce pain.
- Ice the area for 20 minutes at a time several times a day to help reduce inflammation.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to avoid or reduce ball of foot pain while running. However, if the pain is severe or persists, it’s best to see a doctor or podiatrist to rule out any other underlying conditions.
The Takeaway: There are Plenty of Choices for Running Shoes If you Have Ball of Foot Pain
If you’re a runner experiencing foot pain, don’t despair. There are plenty of supportive, cushioned running shoes for ball of foot pain that will help you get back on the trails in no time