Metatarsal Pads

What are metatarsal pads?

Unlike metatarsal support insoles, which provide arch support via a full-length insole or ¾-length insole, metatarsal pads are standalone metatarsal cushioning and support pieces, often with an adhesive backing, that can be added to any shoe or insole to provide some additional metatarsal lift and padding.

How do metatarsal pads work?

Metatarsal pads are often sold as a pair, but be sure to check the product details to be certain; you’ll definitely want a pair to ensure that you have the same level of support in both of your shoes.

Metatarsal pads have an adhesive back that allows the piece to be adhered to your existing shoes or insoles. This adhesive is covered when you first take them out of the box, not only to ensure that the adhesive doesn’t dry out, but also to ensure that you’re able to find the correct placement for the insert before adhering them.

To fit to an existing pair of insoles, ensure that the midfoot of the insole is flat (insert pieces won’t adhere to curved surfaces well). Remove the insoles from your shoes if possible and place them on a flat surface that you’ll be able to stand on. Then, without removing the adhesive cover, place the metatarsal pad atop the insoles. Stand on the insoles to see if the metatarsal pad is in the right place (see what feels the most comfortable to you), and adjust as necessary. Once you have the correct placement, simply adhere the inserts to the insoles and return them to your shoes.

The process is similar for shoes without removable insoles, including sandals. Simply find the correct placement, based on what is most comfortable to you, before you remove the adhesive covers. Then, once you have the correct placement, remove the adhesive cover and adhere the inserts to your shoes.

Do metatarsal pads work as well as arch support insoles?

This depends largely on what you want the metatarsal pads to do. If you’re simply looking for some additional cushioning for the metatarsals of your foot, then simply adding a standalone metatarsal pad to your existing shoes should work just fine. However, if you’re looking for additional forefoot support (including relief from metatarsalgia, sesamoiditis, and/or Morton’s neuroma), we have found that the combined arch support + metatarsal support that you’d get in a metatarsal support insole works better.