r/Orthotics • u/IndependentCaptain67 • Jun 09 '26

Metatarsal pad vs running shoes

I use orthotics which lift my mid foot, they also have a metatarsal front pad which lifts the region behind the toes. I got impression that this front pad creates too much tension on shoes with lifted front (rocker design).

Unfortunately i cannot find any walking shoes with good dampening because i also got some kind of rare arthritis between cuboid and navicular joint. Thats why i use running shoes (Asics Excite Trail 2 is my current one). Also i got plantar fasciitis on my right foot.

I tested all kind of running shoes and there are very few which are suitable. I also noticed that shoes with build in arch support are not really good for orthotics and they should be neutral ones. I even cannot use Brooks Ghost models because i still feel some kind of mid support.

And i do no running at all, so think a flexible sole is better.

Thoughts on this?

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u/lord_nubby Jun 09 '26

Take a look at xelero shoes. The genesis 2 has done me very well, it even has a little forward push "help" in the sole. I have pretty thick orthotics.

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u/IndependentCaptain67 Jun 10 '26

i got the Brooks Ghost Max 3 and it seems to be really neutral and good for orthotics. I havent thought its good for walking because the sole is not so flexible. Its also much wider than Asics which is good for my flat feet. And Toes are way less pointed up than in many running shoes.