Metatarsalgia causes pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot area.[1] It can be caused by ill-fitting shoes and also by high-impact activities that place pressure on the ball of the foot area.
Proper footwear can help a great deal when you have Metatarsalgia and add comfort while it heals.
New Balance shoe for Metatarsalgia has been chosen specifically with features in mind to accommodate for this condition. A more accommodating with a roomy toe box and good underfoot cushioning, in the form of full cushioning or more concentrated in the forefoot, is ideal.
Thus, we have selected New Balance shoe models that do actually have all these features.
If you have a foot condition or ongoing foot pain, talk to a doctor or podiatrist. Shoes can add comfort and support, but they are not a medical treatment.
Metatarsalgia Symptoms and Causes
Metatarsalgia is not generally a very serious condition, though it can sideline your activities quite a bit.
It is a condition that can be caused by participating in activities such as running and jumping, by wearing ill-fitting shoes that are too tight or too loose, and certain foot deformities.
Fortunately, certain at-home measures and wearing proper footwear are two ways to help manage Metatarsalgia.
- Symptoms – When you have Metatarsalgia, you may feel a sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot area.[2] The pain may feel worse when you walk, run, or flex your feet. Sometimes the pain may be sharp and shooting, causing numbness and tingling in your toes. You may also feel like you have a pebble in your shoe.
- Risk factors – Individuals who take part in high-impact sports especially running and jumping are at great risk of getting Metatarsalgia. Wearing high heels and ill-fitting shoes can also lead to the condition. Other causes include being overweight, inflammatory arthritis, and other foot issues such as hammertoes and calluses at the bottom of your feet.
- Treatments – You will need to take a rest from activities that might have caused the Metatarsalgia in the first place for a while. You can use ice and rest off your feet to deal with the pain. Anti-Inflammatory pain medication will help. Proper footwear that fits well and has a low or no heel is ideal, and you can also use metatarsal pads or arch support insoles to reduce stress on the metatarsal bones.
Metatarsalgia Shoes and Insole
Because Metatarsalgia is mostly caused by repetitive stress on the feet from certain activities or issues such as Overpronation and ill-fitting shoes, the right shoes or insoles are one of the best ways to manage the condition.
You can use Metatarsal pads or arch support insoles which are both ideal for providing support and cushioning for the condition.[3]
Two features that are important in shoes for metatarsalgia are arch support and cushioning, as this absorbs impact and takes stress off the metatarsal bones and joints.
A roomy forefoot will accommodate for swelling and provide a more comfortable and less restrictive fit.
You can opt for Orthopedic shoe types or for athletic shoes, as they usually offer the best features.
It would be best if you avoid High heels, narrow-fitting shoes, and very flat shoes when you have Metatarsalgia.
Features of a Good New Balance Shoe for Metatarsalgia
- Uppers – New Balance shoes may have leather uppers with a more roomy and relaxed fit or mesh and knit uppers that may have a more structured or sock-like fit. Their shoes are lined for comfort with a supportive padded collar and heel.
- Cushioning – New Balance shoes come with a removable soft insole or a removable Pu footbed that allows you to use an arch support insole or metatarsal pads of your choice.
- Midsole – New Balance shoes have different types of Midsoles, offering softer or firmer cushioning and excellent shock absorbency. We have the REVlite and Fresh Foam midsole that is softer and more lightweight. The IMEVA midsole that is more flexible and firm, and the firmer PU midsole for better stability and support. The ABZORB midsole, on the other hand, absorbs maximum shock.
- Outsole – New Balance shoes will have an Ndurance rubber, or regular high traction rubber outsole.
- Options – Most Models of offer wider width options, and most models are available in more color varieties.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| No. | Shoe | Type | Upper | Closure | Cushioning (as listed) | Outsole |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 | Running Shoe | Mesh | Lace-up | Fresh Foam X | Not stated |
| 2 | New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 | Running Shoe | Not stated | Not stated | Fresh Foam | Rubber |
| 3 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15 | Running Shoe | Mesh | Not stated | Fresh Foam X | Rubber |
| 4 | New Balance Made | Running Shoe | Mesh | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| 5 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1440 V1 | Running Shoe | Not stated | Not stated | Fresh Foam X | Rubber |
| 6 | New Balance 577V1 / 577 V1 (men's) | Not stated | Leather | Hook-and-loop | Abzorb | Not stated |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as stated by the listing, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy.
Reviews: The Best New Balance Shoes for Metatarsalgia
The following shoe models from New Balance offer comfort for people with Metatarsalgia;
1
Cushioned Breathable Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for metatarsalgia.
- Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content delivers the brand’s most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for metatarsalgia.
- These running shoes for women feature a gusseted tongue designed to help keep debris out.
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper, which helps feet stay comfortable through running.
- Adjustable lace closure for a customized fit, so it is easier to get a secure, comfortable fit for running.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
2
Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for metatarsalgia.
- Plush Fresh Foam cushioning absorbs impact and delivers a soft, comfortable ride for road runs and everyday wear, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- Targeted heel support provides a secure, locked-in fit that keeps your foot stable and comfortable throughout your run, a feature worth weighing when comparing New Balance shoes for metatarsalgia.
- Ndurance Outsole: durable NDurance rubber outsole technology handles road miles and daily wear while maintaining reliable traction on multiple surfaces, helpful on the surfaces you meet during running.
- Bootie Construction: soft, sock-like bootie wraps your foot for a smooth, comfortable feel with no irritating seams against your skin, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for metatarsalgia.
- Removable Arch Support: the removable insole with built-in arch support adapts to your unique foot shape for personalized comfort all day.
- Truly Unique: the New Balance Fresh Foam Roav v1 running shoes are the ultimate in casual athletic style.
- Feel like you’re running or walking in the clouds.
3
Supportive Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for metatarsalgia.
- All-new Infinion technology delivers premium underfoot cushioning with enhanced energy return, designed for long-lasting performance run after run, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- Built with NDurance rubber in high-wear areas for increased durability, ensuring reliable traction and longevity through hundreds of miles, a practical detail for running.
- Stylish molded mesh upper provides a breathable, supportive fit with a modern aesthetic that transitions easily from run to daily wear, the kind of support many people look for in New Balance shoes for metatarsalgia.
- Plush cushioned tongue and heel tab deliver added comfort and easy on-off convenience, reducing pressure points during long runs, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for metatarsalgia.
- All-new Infinion cushioning delivers long-lasting performance with enhanced cushioning and energy return, providing a plush yet responsive ride mile after mile.
- Built for daily road running with a balanced combination of soft cushioning and responsive energy return that runners have come to rely on in the 1080 series.
- Breathable Upper Design: lightweight, ventilated upper keeps your feet cool and dry during long runs, with a secure fit that moves naturally with your stride.
4
Mesh Stability Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Made comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for metatarsalgia.
- Premium Performance Running Shoes: the 1540v3 Running Shoe is crafted with premium materials and technologies for discerning consumers who are serious about athletic style and performance.
- Cushioned Support: the ENCAP midsole technology in these cushioned running shoes combines lightweight foam with a polyurethane rim to help deliver all-day support and impressive durability.
- These comfortable running shoes feature a ROLLBAR stability post system designed to control rear-foot movement for enhanced support with every stride, a feature worth weighing when comparing New Balance shoes for metatarsalgia.
- Your feet are sure to look as good as they feel in the stylish and breathable uppers of these premium running shoes, made of mesh and synthetic materials, which helps feet stay comfortable through running.
- As of April 2021, the 1540v3 will no longer be produced in the United States.
- With the performance-inspired updates, the New Balance Classics Made in USA 990v6 sneakers will elevate your everyday style while providing cushioned comfort, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- Breathable textile lining, which helps feet stay comfortable through running.
5
Cushioned Supportive Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1440 V1 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for metatarsalgia.
- Fresh Foam X midsole delivers the brand’s most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for metatarsalgia.
- Wrapped rubber outsole for a bold look, helpful on the surfaces you meet during running.
- Bootie upper construction hugs your foot for a snug, supportive fit, a feature worth weighing when comparing New Balance shoes for metatarsalgia.
- Due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 8 mm drop are approximate.
- These running shoes are made with a knit mesh upper to keep your feet comfortable, which helps feet stay comfortable through running.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
6
Cushioned Leather Shoe for Everyday Wear
The New Balance 577 V1 (men’s) and 577V1 (women’s) are matching shoes from New Balance, and both are worth a look for New Balance shoes for metatarsalgia.
- Abzorb cushioning in the heel for exceptional shock absorption, which helps keep long stretches of everyday wear comfortable.
- Polyurethane Midsole for stable cushioning, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for metatarsalgia.
- Reflective accents designed to catch the light, so the shoe does not feel heavy during everyday wear.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
Index Table: Top Rated New Balance Shoes for Metatarsalgia
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance® - Cushioned Breathable Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 2 | New Balance® - Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 3 | New Balance® - Supportive Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 4 | New Balance® - Mesh Stability Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 5 | New Balance® - Cushioned Supportive Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 6 | New Balance® - Cushioned Leather Shoe for Everyday Wear |  |  |
| New Balance |
Sources
General background on foot health and footwear. This is not medical advice; see a doctor or podiatrist about foot pain or a foot condition.
- NHS: Pain in the ball of the foot
- MedlinePlus (NIH): Foot pain
- Cleveland Clinic: Orthotics
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance Fresh Foam 1080V11 to New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance DRFT V1 to New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 1080 V12 to New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 1540V3 to New Balance Made
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 680V7 to New Balance Fresh Foam X 1440 V1
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 577V1 to a current in-stock listing
- Jul 2022: First published
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