What Our Customers Are Saying

“Dear Michael: I’m sitting here in Santiago, Spain, wearing the sandals you sold me. Over 800 miles in 28 straight days and my feet were never a problem! I’ve seen hundreds (thousands?) of other people out here this month and only saw two other pairs of sandals – they’re all in big heavy hot hiking boots. MANY people have commented on my sandals and asked about them. One person even took my photo because...”
-Anne C.

Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is a general term used to refer to any painful foot condition affecting the metatarsal region of the foot (the area just before the toes, also known as the ball of foot). This is a common foot disorder that can affect the bones and joints at the ball of the foot. Metatarsalgia is usually due to excessive pressure over long periods of time. It most often occurs under the first metatarsal head (near the big toe). This kind of pain is often caused by improper fitting footwear, most often in women’s dress shoes. Shoes with narrow toe boxes force the ball of the foot into a minimal amount of space. This causes pressure and discomfort and can lead to inhibition of the walking process.

Treatments include properly fitting footwear with high toe boxes and/or rocker bottoms, custom orthoses, metatarsal pads and low heeled shoes.