The best way to reduce the pain and discomfort of Morton’s neuroma is to make sure your feet are supported throughout the day.
This could be with new shoes. Or a more practical idea is to buy one of the best inserts for Morton’s neuroma. These can be used in different shoes and they’re more affordable than a new pair of shoes.
If you need more support to reduce the pain of Morton’s neuroma, we recommend the PowerStep Pinnacle Plus Met insole. It has semi-rigid arch support, dual-layer cushioning, and built-in metatarsal support.
Before shopping for new shoes for Morton’s neuroma, consider buying one of these inserts.
Top 3 Best and Favorites
Best Overall | Best Overall |
PowerStep Pinnacle Plus Met
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| Check Price |
Top Value | Top Value |
Spenco Total Support Gel Insoles
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| Check Price |
Best for Sports | Best for Sports |
Tread Labs Pace
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| Check Price |
Best Overall
1. PowerStep Pinnacle Plus Met
The Powerstep Pinnacle Plus Met insert is a max cushion insole with a built-in metatarsal pad to help relieve pressure on your forefoot.
Plush, dual-layer cushioning uses a top layer of VCT technology, which increases comfort and shock-absorption.
The cushioning is targeted and uses firmer padding in areas that need better support. An EVA foam base is a great foundation for absorbing vibrations and protecting the foot.
Semi-firm arch support provides good stability for mild to moderate overpronation and a neutral foot. It also keeps the foot aligned so the weight distribution is even preventing hotspots. A contoured heel cradle helps to provide stability for the foot and keep it on the arch support.
The metatarsal pad isn’t immediately apparent when looking at this insert. But when you stand up and place your weight on it, you’ll feel the support right in the ball of your foot.
The pad is subtle but helps to spread the toes, which makes the metatarsal bones spread slightly apart from one another. This reduces the pressure on the neuroma, relieving pain and inflammation.
You should take note that this insert is not gender-specific. Some women have reported that the metatarsal pad is in the wrong place for their feet. Consider this before buying.
PROS:
- Semi-rigid arch support
- Dual-layer cushioning
- Built-in metatarsal support
- Contoured heel cradle
CONS:
- Women may find that the metatarsal pad is in the incorrect location
Top Runner-Up
2. KEEN UTILITY K-30 Insole
The Keen Utility K30 Medium Arch insole is ideal for those who need mild arch support.
The dynamic arch design is contoured and flexible and fits most neutral arches quite comfortably. It works with the deep heel cup to provide optimal support for every aspect of the foot.
Shock-absorbing anti-fatigue gel pads are present in the forefoot, which provides support and protection for the painful area on the ball of the foot. The high-rebound foam offers protection against vibration that could aggravate Morton’s neuroma.
Cleansport NXT technology is an anti-odor and quick-drying technology, so you can wear these when you’re relaxed or when you’re doing intense activity.
These inserts are designed to fit Keen boots. But they can be easily trimmed to fit inside any shoe.
PROS:
- Dynamic arch support
- Anti-fatigue pads
- Deep heel cup
- High rebound foam
CONS:
- Some may find that the arch support isn’t enough for their foot
Best Value
3. Spenco Total Support Gel Insoles
The Spenco Total Support Gel insoles are high-quality and offer great value for their price.
They’re also accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association—APMA—since they promote healthy feet.
It features both a forefoot and a rearfoot impact zone to absorb shock. In the forefoot, thermoplastic gel reduces vibrations and offers a great energy return. In the heel, a 3-pod cushioning system cushions every step.
There’s a stability cradle that helps support the arch and the heel, providing structural stability and comfort. It also makes it easier to get the insert into the shoe, thanks to its stiffness.
A built-in metatarsal pad helps to splay the toes and take pressure off the metatarsal heads, leading to reduced pressure and inflammation. This can significantly reduce pain associated with Morton’s neuroma.
To further promote foot health, Silipure antimicrobial technology is incorporated, to prevent odor-causing bacteria from developing.
PROS:
- 3-pod cushioning system
- Forefoot impact zone
- Metatarsal support
- Stability Cradle
CONS:
- Some people may find these inserts to be too heavy
Top Insoles For Sport
4. Tread Labs Pace
Individuals who play sports and need insoles to relieve Morton’s neuroma pain will find much to like in the Tread Labs Pace.
It’s made in a 2-part system; a molded arch support section and an open-cell polyurethane foam top cover.
You can choose from four different arch heights on the molded arch support for close-to-custom support. This piece offers medical-grade structure and they’re guaranteed for life.
The top cover is made from PU foam and it’s 5 mm in thickness offers shock absorption. These top layers are replaceable, so when your foam starts to flatten you can simply replace the top layer and stick it to your bottom molded arch support.
The thick layer of cushion, a precise-fit arch, and a deep, sturdy heel cup keep your foot locked down and prevent any movement that could aggravate the pain in the ball of your foot.
There is also PURE antimicrobial treatment in each insole, keeping your feet as fresh as they are protected. There is a slight chance of the insoles being squeaky when you walk.
PROS:
- Molded arch support
- Open-cell polyurethane foam top cover
- PURE antimicrobial treatment
- Deep heel cup
CONS:
- These insoles can be squeaky
Best 3/4 Length
5. Footlogics Metatarsalgia
If you prefer a ¾ length insert, then we recommend the Footlogics Metatarsalgia.
Developed by podiatrists, it’s designed to provide relief from pain in the ball of the foot as a result of metatarsalgia or Morton’s neuroma.
The arch support is ideal for those who have flat feet and overpronate. But it will also support neutral feet. A built-in metatarsal raise provides support right below the metatarsal arch, which gently spreads the bones in the forefoot to reduce pressure, which helps to reduce inflammation.
The Podflex padding in the heel and forefoot offers excellent shock absorption, which can help to reduce pain in the forefoot. The insole is made of lightweight EVA foam with a faux suede cover.
The ¾ length is specifically designed to fit in flat shoes or even sandals. Take note that if the insert doesn’t fit snugly into the shoe, there’s no way to anchor them so they may move around in the shoe.
PROS:
- Built-in metatarsal raise
- Podflex heel and forefoot padding
- Contoured arch support
- Faux suede cover
CONS:
- These inserts may move around in your shoe as there’s no way to anchor them
Most Comfortable
6. SOLE Active Thick
One of the things that makes this insole extremely comfortable is that the heel is no higher than the forefoot, which significantly reduces pressure on the ball of the foot.
A durable EVA footbed cushions and molds to the foot for the highest comfort. It’s moldable by heat and wear. So you can heat it and mold it to your foot initially and as you continue to wear it, it will become more comfortable.
This helps to distribute pressure equally across the foot, reducing hotspots and pressure on the painful places. It has robust arch support that contours to your arch for a very precise fit.
Polygiene technology keeps your feet fresh at all times. There’s also a metatarsal pad to provide you support in the right place for relieving pain. You can also buy them in wide sizes.
PROS:
- Durable EVA footbed
- Moldable base
- Polygiene treatment
- Zero-drop heel
CONS:
- These insoles are slightly more expensive than others
Best All-Day Comfort
7. LARSARO Plantar Fasciitis Orthotics Arch Support Insoles
These insoles are comfortable enough to wear all day long without feeling pain or discomfort.
They’re full-length, so they provide cushioning from toe to heel. Although there’s no specific metatarsal pad in these insoles, it does contain a shock-absorbing gel pad in the forefoot to reduce vibration and lower pain.
There’s also a gel pad in the heel to provide shock absorption. A deep heel cup cradles the foot and delivers extra stability. In the arch, the firm TPU material of 35 mm high helps to provide good support for those with flat feet.
The velvet top cover is comfortable on the feet and it’s also anti-slip, so your feet will stay in place throughout the day.
These insoles may require a break-in period due to the firm material of the arch support.
PROS:
- Shock-absorbing gel pads
- E-TPU forefoot pad
- Contoured heel cup
- Anti-slip velvet top layer
CONS:
- These insoles may require a break-in period
FAQs
What is Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition that causes pain in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes.
It occurs when the nerve becomes thickened, due to inflammation in the surrounding tissue.
Do Insoles Help Morton’s Neuroma?
While we recommend buying new shoes if you’re suffering from Morton’s neuroma, insoles can help to relieve the pain.
Certain insoles are created with more support in the forefoot that allow the toes to splay naturally, which reduces pressure on the painful area of the foot.
Arch support in an insole also helps to align the foot properly, which helps your weight to be distributed evenly across the insole, also reducing pressure.
What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is most often caused by prolonged pressure or high-impact forces on the foot. The most common reason for Morton’s neuroma to develop is wearing shoes that don’t allow enough space for your forefoot to lie naturally.
Women who wear high heel soften or those who wear shoes with a small and tight toe box are at higher risk of developing Morton’s neuroma.
Athletes and individuals who play high-impact sports recreationally are at high risk of developing Morton’s neuroma due to the repetitive stress on the ball of the foot, which can increase inflammation.
Those who have existing foot conditions, such as high arches, flat feet, hammer toes, or bunions, can also increase the chance of developing morton’s neuroma.
Can Walking Barefoot Cause Morton’s Neuroma?
Walking barefoot doesn’t necessarily cause Morton’s neuroma.
If your foot isn’t sufficiently supported when you aren’t wearing a shoe and you walk barefoot often, there is a slightly elevated chance of developing Morton’s neuroma.
But if you already suffer from Morton’s neuroma, walking barefoot may make it feel worse.