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A 5th Metatarsal Fracture is a frustrating injury that requires time in a walking boot to recover over 4-6 weeks. Once you remove the walking boot, it is essential to have the best shoes to ensure a smooth return to your previous activity levels. This article will explain the nature of 5th metatarsal fractures and how to choose the best shoes after a 5th metatarsal fracture, including our recommendations.
A 5th Metatarsal Fracture is one of the most common types of fracture to the foot, and there are different types of 5th Metatarsal Fractures depending on the location and shape of the fracture. The most well-known are a Jones Fracture, an avulsion fracture and a 5th Metatarsal Stress Fracture. All of these fractures spend time in a walking boot to allow the bone to heel, and it is essential when a patient transitions from a walking boot to a normal shoe, they wear the correct shoes.
Based on our clinical experience, we have provided recommendations on the best shoes after a 5th Metatarsal Fracture.
Related Article: Signs and Symptoms of a 5th Metatarsal Fracture
Best Shoes After 5th Metatarsal Fracture
The best shoes after 5th metatarsal fracture should have balanced cushioning, a low heel drop and a wide toe box.
The balanced cushioning helps to absorb the impact and vibration of walking and running to reduce the pressure on the foot.
A low heel drop refers to the difference in the height of the shoe from the front to the back. A low heel drop reduces the pressure placed on your forefoot when standing.
A wide toe box reduces compression of the outer foot; this is important as the fracture site can be sensitive post-injury, and a narrow toe box can make your foot uncomfortable.
James McCormack is a Physical Therapist who specialises in knee, foot & ankle injuries. www.james-mccormack.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Earnings from this are used to create free-to-read content.
Best Shoes After 5th Metatarsal Fracture for Flat Feet
We recommend the Asics Gel-Kayano 29 shoes for a 5th Metatarsal Stress Fracture due to their high levels of cushioning, deep heel cup and stable midsole.
One of the main factors that overload the 5th Metatarsal when someone has flat feet is poor control of pronation forces. The deep heel cup and medial arch support in the Asics Gel Kayano help to control pronation moments.
The lightweight cushioned Flytefoam in the Gel-Kayano helps to absorb the impact from walking and running to protect your recovering 5th Metatarsal Fracture
Buy on AmazonBest Shoes After 5th Metatarsal Fracture for Normal Arch Height
We recommend the Saucony Women’s Endorphin Shift 3 if you have normal arch height and you are recovering from a 5th Metatarsal Stress Fracture due to their structured cushioning, 4mm heel drop and Speedroll technology.
The structured cushioning is very lightweight and absorbs impact to protect the site of your metatarsal fracture.
The 4mm heel drop reduces pressure on the forefoot when standing while the speedroll technology ensures that more normalised walking and running gait.
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Best Shoes After 5th Metatarsal Fracture for High Arches
We recommend the Hoka Clifton 8 Shoes if you have high arches and you are recovering from a 5th Metatarsal Stress Fracture due to their neutral sole and cushioned soles.
People with high arches tend to have a two-pronged gait cycle rather than a rolling of the foot. This means higher forces are placed on the heel and the forefoot, including the 5th Metatarsal so having a cushioned sole is imperative.
A neutral sole with a cushioned shoe allows for an even distribution of forces alongside adequate protection from their balanced cushioning.
Buy on AmazonThis is not medical advice and we recommend a consultation with a medical professional such as James McCormack to achieve a diagnosis. He offers Online Physiotherapy Appointments.
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