Searching for Metatarsil Buttons

[Jacki]

Okay.
I have to ask it.
What the heck IS a "metatarsal button"?????

Hi Regina - well i have this really painful metatarsal problem in both of my feet and KnottedYet was kind enough to offer me some helpful solutions, one of them being metatarsal buttons. i've been researching them and from what i understand, they are little foam domes placed on your insoles or sometimes built into them, just behind the ball of your foot and they spread the metatarsal bones so that the nerves aren't getting pinched when your foot is under pressure. Hope that helps - believe me, i had never heard of them before either, but i sure hope they work!! - j.

[Kalidurga]

Hey Knotted, could you offer your expertise? I was very interested in this thread because I frequently get numb toes when I ride. I recently received a catalog from Footsmart and they have a few products for metatarsal issues. Do you think any of them look as if they'd be worth trying inside my cycling shoes?

Forefoot pad w/ metatarsal dome

Silicone metatarsal insoles

Pro-Tec metatarsal lift pads

Thank you for any recommendation you can make!

[KnottedYet]

I have something like the Pro-Tec self-stick pads stuck on my Superfeet in my bike shoes. Those are nice and breathable, and if you have an insole you like already they are a great addition. I did have a shoe-store foot-guru put the pads in for me, so I would be sure they went in the right spot. Putting them in the right spot can be tricky, but not too hard. And if it doesn't feel just right, or if one foot needs the pad in a slighty different place, they can be moved.

The forefoot pad with dome would solve the "where do I stick it?" problem. I'd worry about breathability with that slab of silcone, but I have very sweaty feet.

The larger and more expensive silicone insole just looks like too much silicone to me. Oooh, sweaty stinky feet....

So, I'd go by order of cheapest $$ to most expensive $$. Try the self-stick pads first. (I'll post pics of where they are in my shoes and where they should hit the sole of your foot if you need more info).

If you've got an REI or running shoe store near you, try on a pair of Superfeet Berry with the built-in met pad so you can get a feel for where the pad goes. (and if they feel lovely, maybe just get them!)

[Kalidurga]

I looked at the Superfeet Berry's on-line when you mentioned them before, but I didn't realize that REI sells them. Maybe I'll swing by REI and check them out again before I try anything from Footsmart. Thanks again!

[KnottedYet]

If you still have numb toes after you do insole stuff, let me know. There are more cool tricks you can do with your insoles! (free ones, even!)