Brooks for Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is a condition where the ball of your foot area becomes painful and inflamed, which may be caused by activities that involve jumping or running.

Brooks shoes for metatarsalgia have softer cushioning that is full length to provide shock absorbency in the ball of the foot area. They likewise provide a wider fit and more toe room to accommodate swelling.


Metatarsalgia Symptoms

Metatarsalgia is a condition that is generally not very serious; however, it could sideline you a bit. There are usually at-home treatments such as resting, ice, and over-the-counter medications to manage the symptoms.

Wearing proper footwear that offers good support and cushioning can minimize the symptoms and future problems with Metatarsalgia.

Metatarsalgia symptoms may include a sharp, aching, or burning pain in the ball of your foot. The pain may worsen when you stand, run, walk or flex your feet.

The pain may become sharp, and the area may become numb. You may also notice that it feels as if you have a pebble in your shoe.


Causes and Risk factors of Metatarsalgia

There are a few Causes and risks that could lead to metatarsalgia;

  • Causes – Intense training and activities can lead to metatarsalgia as football may be taking all the impact. Persons with a higher arch type likewise have more pressure on the metatarsal area. Shoes that are too tight fitting and do not offer good support or cushioning can increase your risk for Metatarsalgia. Being overweight likewise places strain on your feet that cause a harder impact that may lead to metatarsalgia.
  • Risk Factors – Persons participating in high-impact sports and running are at greater risk of the condition. Overweight and obese individuals and people with foot problems such as hammertoes or calluses at the bottom of their feet are likewise at greater risk. Inflammatory arthritis may also lead to the condition. High heels or very flat shoes offer little support and can lead to foot issues, including metatarsalgia.

Features of a Good Brooks Shoe for Metatarsalgia

Brooks for metatarsalgia

  • Uppers – Brooks shoe models for Metatarsalgia need comfortable uppers with a more flexible fit and a very roomy toe box, allowing you to spread out your toes easily and accommodate for swelling in the forefoot. Brooks shoes are available in their breathable mesh options that have a more sleek fit with a roomy toe box and 3D print overlays for structure and support. Some knit models are very flexible and breathable with a more stretchy feel. Then Brooks offers full grain leather shoes that may have a lace-up or hook and loop Velcro closure, with a very relaxed and accommodating fit. Brooks shoes are lined for your comfort and may have a padded collar for a comfortable fit. Most Brooks shoe models also have a removable padded or foam insole.
  • Midsole – Brooks shoes for Metatarsalgia offer a full midsole for shock absorbency and cushioning. Depending on your pronation, and arch type, you may need firmer or softer cushioning. Their DNA Loft is their softest midsole that is responsive and durable. The DNA AMP is a midsole that expands under your feet with PU and a thermoplastic casing, to provide energizing cushioning. The DNA Flash is a nitrogen-infused firmer stability midsole ideal for flat feet and overpronation. Mostly the BioMoGO DNA midsole is used because it adapts to your weight, speed, and motion, offering more accommodating and shock-absorbing cushioning that is still quite responsive.
  • Support – If you need support, you can opt for a GTS stability shoe model from Brooks that features Guiderail technology to keep excess movement in check. They also have a more substantial Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB) support system that reduces pressure off your body and joints by limiting motion. Some models offer Plush transition zones with added cushioning in the midfoot and heel area, which can also be ideal for metatarsalgia.
  • Outsole – Brooks shoes mostly have a high traction rubber outsole that may have different patterns according to the shoe’s design. The trail models have a TrailTack rubber outsole for grip on outdoor trails.
  • Options – Brooks shoes are available in different width options, and you will need to consider the model, as some offer wider widths, which may be needed for metatarsalgia. Brooks shoes are available in half, full size, and more color ranges.

Reviews: The Best Brooks Shoes for Metatarsalgia

These models from Brooks offer the perfect support, and cushioning technology to help relieve Metatarsalgia pain and discomfort;


1

Shoes for Metatarsalgia

  • The Brooks Glycerin StealthFit has a comfortable and flexible fit which could be ideal for Metatarsalgia.
  • It has Fit Knit uppers that have with, breathable structure with a textile lining and removable textile insole for comfort.
  • There is very soft DNA Loft underfoot cushioning in the midsole, which is ideal for metatarsal pain relief and more responsive in shock absorbency.
  • The shoes are perfect for everyday comfort wear if you have Metatarsalgia, and the flexible fit will accommodate swelling.
  • The outsole is a durable and high traction rubber.

2

Shoes for Metatarsalgia

  • I have chosen the Brooks Beast and Ariel for more severe Metatarsalgia, where you may need to use an orthotic device or need a wider fit for swelling.
  • They come with a removable cushioned insole and are available in wide and extra-wide widths.
  • The shoes are PDAC A5500 diabetic shoes and have the APMA Seal of acceptance, so they are more medical-grade shoes.
  • There is a Guiderail support system to reduce motion that could cause pain in the metatarsal area.
  • The DNA Loft midsole offers much softer underfoot cushioning and excellent shock absorbency.
  • The outsole is stable and a durable rubber that will prevent slips.

3

Stability Running Shoe for Metatarsalgia

  • The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is a stable running and walking shoe for Metatarsalgia.
  • As you will see from the fit, there is plenty of room in the toe box, yet there is a secure fit heel and padded collar for comfort,
  • The uppers are textile with a smooth moisture-wicking lining and a comfortable, removable insole.
  • The shoe has soft DNA Loft cushioning in the midsole, which is softer under the balls of your feet but still absorbs maximum impact.
  • The outsole is a durable rubber that offers good traction and stability.
  • The shoe features Guiderail technology that prevents excessive motion which could cause further damage to the metatarsal area of your feet.
  • Segmented crash pads in the midsole are placed in the heel and ball of foot area, which is perfect for reducing impact when you have metatarsalgia.

4

Neutral Shoe for Metatarsalgia

  • The Brooks Launch 9 is a neutral shoe that allows you more freedom of movement, but good cushioning for metatarsalgia.
  • It has a more modern design and breathable textile uppers, with a textile insole that is removable, so you can use your orthotics.
  • A BioMoGO DNA cushioned midsole adapts to your weight, speed, and stride, which means the cushioning will be more responsive.
  • The Outsole has a more flexible design, allowing for a more durable grip and traction.

5

Running Shoe for Metatarsalgia

  • The Brooks Anthem 5 is a very comfortable and cushioning shoe for Metatarsalgia.
  • It has very breathable and lightweight uppers with Engineered mesh, a soft textile lining, and a roomy toe box fit.
  • There is a removable insole, so you can use your softer insoles as needed.
  • BioMoGo DNA cushioning in the midsole is more adaptable and responsive.
  • There are also segmented crash pads in the midsole, which I find perfect for Metatarsalgia, as they absorb shock in these critical areas.
  • The shoe has a supportive and stable outsole with durable and high traction rubber.
  • They are ideal for training and everyday wear.

6

Stability Trail Running Shoe

  • The Brooks Launch GTS is a supportive, stable running and walking shoe for Metatarsalgia.
  • The shoe has Re-Engineered Creel warp mesh uppers that are designed to be extremely lightweight and breathable, making them the perfect summer shoes.
  • The toe box has a roomy and accommodating fit, and the Guiderail system helps to keep excess motion to a minimum, which could cause pain in the ball of the foot area.
  • It has BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning, responsive, and shock absorbing to reduce the impact on your feet.
  • A Green rubber outsole is very lightweight and designed for smoother heel-to-toe transitioning, which is also desirable when you have Metatarsalgia.

Index Table: Top Rated Brooks Shoes for Metatarsalgia

No.ShoeMen ♂Women ♀FeaturesBrandScore
1Brooks® - Shoes for Metatarsalgia Glycerin 20 StealthFit Glycerin 20 StealthFit
  • Half Size
  • Round Toe
  • Ribbed Collar
  • Sock-Fit
  • DNA Loft
Brooks98
2Brooks® - Shoes for Metatarsalgia Beast 20 Ariel 20
  • Wide and Extra Wide Widths
  • Diabetic Shoe
  • DNA Loft Cushioning
  • GuideRails
Brooks97.9
3Brooks® - Stability Running Shoe for Metatarsalgia Adrenaline GTS 22 Adrenaline GTS 22
  • DNA Loft
  • GuideRails
  • Segmented Crash Pads
  • Wide and Extra Wide Widths
Brooks97.8
4Brooks® - Neutral Shoe for Metatarsalgia Launch 9 Launch 9
  • BioMoGO DNA Cushioning
  • Breathable
Brooks97.8
5Brooks® - Running Shoe for Metatarsalgia Anthem 5 Anthem 5
  • Adaptive Cushioning
  • Breathable
  • Segmented Crash Pads
Brooks96.9
6Brooks® - Stability Trail Running Shoe Launch 9 GTS Launch 9 GTS
  • Stability
  • Responsive Cushioning
  • GuideRails
Brooks97


About the Author

Eliza Ward

Eliza Ward is a running enthusiast, nature lover, and full-time mother for 3 lovely kids in South Africa. She has always had a fetish for shoes and has the best product recommendations for all her friends and family. So she turned what she loved into her full-time job - by testing and recommending the best shoes for our online readers. Read her reviews to know how detailed her observations are.