Emsold Ultra Thin Orthotic with Metatarsal Pad and Deep Heel Cup – Semi-Rigid Arch Support Insole for Men and Women – Relieves Pain from Plantar Fasciitis, Morton’s Neuroma and Metatarsalgia

Not particularly recommended, but after some research I self-diagnosed myself with Metatarsalgia when I started to have some very uncomfortable pain in my middle toe on my left foot when walking. I took a shot at these insoles as a resolution before resorting to a podiatrist. They fixed the pain! They are comfortable, sturdy and easily placed from one pair of shoes (enclosed of course) to another. I'm very happy that I gave them a chance.

I started walking 10,000 steps a day last year and after 6 months or so, started experiencing horrible metatarsal pain. It got to the point, that I gave up the walking because the pain was unbearable. I've purchased numerous high dollar walking shoes as well as different types of insoles and nothing helped. I came across this item when I was looking for yet another insole to try. I was surprised when I received them as they aren't the soft and squishy I soles like I've been trying. They feel strange when you first start wearing them, as you can feel that metatarsal pad, but then something incredible happens. The pain is just gone. I am so happy I found this product and you can't beat the price. I have one pair that I've been just putting into whatever shoe I'm wearing. I highly recommend trying them!

I plan to update this review when I've worn these longer, but I thought an early review would also be helpful.They seem well made. They come with detailed instructions. There is a recommended period of adjustment; wear them for short periods and gradually increase the time.When I put them in my uncomfortable business loafers, and put the shoes on, my first thought is, "I don't like that." "That's not comfortable."So, I decide to do an experiment. I put in just one, then a different insert (I also bought 3 Dr. S to try cause I just started teaching in middle school and I am on my feet ALL day) in the other shoe. I wear them for a hour. Another day, I do the same thing but switch feet. I'm not sure I notice a difference in an hour.I try again, but for a longer time...2-3 hours (I forgot to keep track), but at home and mostly sitting. I still don't think these are comfortable. But when I take the shoes off, the foot with this insert feels fine...and the other foot is pins and needles and quite uncomfortable for some time (and I did not notice this happening while I was wearing the shoe, only when I took it off). Interesting.Today I am trying these with both inserts for a couple of hours, again at home. I'll report back how my testing goes. But I'm starting to think that maybe they will relieve the crippling foot pain (I literally cannot walk after I get home and stop moving) I've been experiencing. Only time will tell.Oh, I have been to the podiatrist...he wasn't interested in helping me solve the problem, he just wanted to write me a pain prescription. So, no.UPDATE:Well, I worked my way up and wore them for a full day in boots with a 3/4" heel to work. Overall, I would say they did the job of reducing the pain across the ball of my foot, even though it felt like they raised my heel even more, causing more pressure on my toes.The issue I had: they caused new problems for me. The edge of this hard insert rubs under the toe joints...giving me blisters. And the additional pressure caused my toe joints to swell...so I was still hobbled by the end of the day.I cannot even get myself to try wearing them again.I do think they are excellently made and may help others. While they felt weird, they certainly did relieve the metatarsal pain. But I find that they need to extend under the twos to prevent rubbing and pressure.

I've used these for about one week now after developing metarsalgia from steep uphill treadmill runs. In under one week of regular wear, I have experienced exceptional relief and have returned to running without incident. I'm impressed with the quality and overall effectiveness. Since they are rigid, follow the breaking instructions and you likely will be pleasantly surprised as was I.

My original review below. After four months of wearing these in my work boots, 3-4 days per week, the metatarsal pad has pretty much collapsed and no longer provides the level of support that it did when they were new. My suggestion to the manufacturer would be to use a better grade of foam for the metatarsal pad, and to potentially make a version with a larger pad for metatarsal support.Because I purchased these for metatarsalitis pain, I'm reducing my rating to three stars. In all fairness, I haven't contacted the seller, who has been very responsive in the past, but without a change in design, a new pair would only work for a couple of months for me.Original Review:I have metatarsalgia caused by bunions. I've tried a few different adhesive felt pads, but these were mostly unsatisfactory because they were either too high or compressed after a week or two. These inserts are really well made. I thought that they would need an adhesive strip to keep them in place, but so far they're staying in the right place. I can feel the front end of the insert because it doesn't completely taper, but I'll probably get used to this. I wear these inside of a pair of Drew's workboots and my footpain has been significantly reduced.Also, these fit true to size. If you order too largea size, the metatarsal pad will be too far forward. Make sure that the pad sits behind the metatarsal heads, not under them, if that makes sense.I re-ordered the correct size on Thursday and they arrived on Saturday (cross country)! The USPS rocks!Thank you