Managing metatarsal fracture is not the most natural thing in the world, and it can get worse, a lot worse, if you do not have the right tools for managing it as painlessly as possible.
Of course, the best course of action is still, and always will protect the foot from further injury, and wearing the right kind of shoe will go a long way in helping you achieve that. That’s why we’ve reviewed this list of the ten best shoes for the 5th metatarsal fracture.
How does a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Occur?
This kind of fracture can happen as a result of wear and tear in the feet. If you’re involved in sports or other intensive physical activity, stress factors can set in to cause this foot problem. Also, when something heavy drops on the feet, this problem can occur. The foot may roll or twist during movement and cause a fracture.
It usually comes with a lot of pain but after diagnosis in the hospital, the doctor will prescribe the most suitable treatment. Treatment can range from surgery to wearing stiff-soled shoes or straightening by a nurse. You may also be required to wear a cast. It is important that during treatment and even after, you wear suitable shoes to avoid worsening the condition.
How to Choose Best Shoes for Metatarsal Stress Fracture in Foot
When buying the shoes to manage the broken foot recovery or stress fracture in your foot you need to consider the following key things:-
1) Material: The quality of the material used to make the shoe is an important factor to consider. This is because recovery from a 5th metatarsal fracture will last for several weeks, and your shoe must last for the duration.
2) Fit: Your shoe must also fit you properly, as there is no margin for error when it comes to stress fractures. You want to avoid slipping or wobbling as these can and will cause a great deal of immense pain. Ensure that whatever shoe you pick doesn’t move your foot around when walking
3) Breathability: This is keenly related to the material used to make the shoe, particularly the uppers. If the material is not breathable enough, your feet will be hot and uncomfortable, and this might lead to slipping and other stability issues.
4) Arch Support: Having a shoe that provides adequate arch support is pretty non-negotiable, as these shoes are beneficial during broken foot recovery and a fractured foot.
Review of Ten Best Shoes for 5th Metatarsal Fracture
Here is the full list of all the shoes that we reviewed:
1. Brooks Men’s Ghost 11 Running Shoe – Best Shoes after Jones Fracture
Brooks Mens Ghost 11 Running Shoe - Black/Silver/Orange - D - 13.0
Features
- SHOE SIZE: "D" = Medium width, "EE" = Wide width
- FOOT SUPPORT: Ideal for runners with a medium to high arch looking for neutral support.
- BALANCED, SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning work together to provide a just-right softness underfoot without losing responsiveness and durability—yet it feels lighter than ever.
- SMOOTH, STABLE RIDE: The Segmented Crash Pad is designed to adapt to each foot fall, so no matter how your foot lands, you’ll enjoy the smoothest ride possible.
- SOFT, SECURE FIT: The newly engineered mesh upper practically disappears on foot with strategically placed stretch and structure where you need it most.
This shoe is made with breathable synthetic mesh materials, and it has a stiff rubber sole. The arch support of the shoe is also excellent, and the Segmented Crash Pad is designed to adapt to each foot fall’s stress, so even if you have to walk while you’re healing from a 5th metatarsal stress fracture, you’re very well covered.
This shoe provides a lot of balance for you, with the DNA LOFT and BioMoGo DNA that provides a high level of softness underfoot, while also improving durability.
The upper of the shoe is strategically stretched and structured to be comfortable where you need it the most.
Pros
- The shoes are very lightweight
- The shoes are very well priced.
Cons
- Some customers complain about the shoe wearing out a bit too quickly.
Fit as Expected: 85%
Durability: The shoe is durable because of a combination of factors; the DNA LOFT sole, BioMoGo DNA, and the sturdy rubber sole.
2. Lightweight Medical Walking Shoes by Vive with Adjustable Strap
Vive Post Op Shoe - Lightweight Medical Walking Boot with Adjustable Strap - Orthopedic Recovery Cast Shoe for Post Surgery, Fractured Foot, Injured Toes, Stress Fracture, Sprains - Left or Right Foot
$24.99 in stock
Features
- BEFORE YOU BUY: Please refer to the sizing chart if unsure of fit. Note: extra space between your toes and shoe is ideal (this design protects your toes). Size: US Men’s 8.5 - 10, Women’s 10 - 11.5
- ADJUSTABLE SHOE FOR RIGHT OR LEFT FOOT: Providing a safe and secure fit, two adjustable straps allow the surgical walking boot to easily accommodate casts or bandages. Protective square toe design can be used on the left or right foot.
- SUPPORTIVE PROTECTION AFTER SURGERY OR INJURY: Keeping a cast or bandages dry and dirt-free, the Vive post op shoe provides exceptional support and protection following injury or surgery on the toes, foot, ankle or leg. The universal surgical walking boot can be used by men or women on either foot.
- NONSKID ROCKER SOLE: Non-skid tread provides extra stability while walking following surgery. The rigid rocker sole supports the arch and relieves pain and pressure on the forefoot and heel.
- LIGHTWEIGHT SQUARE TOE DESIGN: Lightweight post op shoe has a comfortable, wide square toe box to act as a bumper to protect your toes and provide additional room for bandages.
This surgical-grade walking shoe provides good arch support and a thread in the outsole that prevents skidding. It is lightweight, and it can be used either in conjunction with a bandage or alone. Either way, it is a perfect choice for you.
The shoe’s weight also ensures that it doesn’t put any pressure on your ankle, and the shoe has a wide toe area that adequately protects your foot. A large number of medical healthcare workers using these shoes who stand all day.
Pros
- The shoe can be worn with or without bandaging and casts.
- The shoe provides outstanding arch support.
- The shoe has a dedicated toe area for optimum protection.
Cons
- The shoe rubs around the ankle and might cause some irritation.
Fit as Expected: 83%
Durability: The shoe is quite durable, primarily because of the anti-skid thread on the outsole.
3. ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6 Shoe
ASICS Men's Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe, Black/Phantom/Mid Grey, 8.5 Medium US
Features
- Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System: Attenuates shock during impact phase and allows for a smooth transition to midstance.
- Removable Sockliner: A sockliner which can be removed to accommodate a medical orthotic.
- Removable Sockliner: A sockliner which can be removed to accommodate a medical orthotic.
- Trail Specific Outsole: Reversed lugs provide uphill and downhill traction on all types of terrain.
- AHAR Outsole: Acronym for ASICS High Abrasion Rubber. Placed in critical areas of the outsole for exceptional durability.
The integrated Rearfoot GEL Technology Cushioning System for this shoe ensures that your feet are wrapped in comfort all day long.
The shoe’s incredible gripping effect ensures that you walk with maximum safety if you have to. It also has a removable sock liner that helps even more when it comes to comfort.
Pros
- The shoes are very affordable.
- The shoes are available in multiple colors.
Cons
- The shoe’s design might not be very attractive for some customers.
Fit as Expected: 89%
Durability: The high abrasion rubber used to make the outsole of this shoe ensures your long-lasting use of the shoe.
4. Saucony Men’s Cohesion 10 Running Shoe: Shoes for Fractured Foot
Saucony Men's Cohesion 10 Running Shoe, Royal/Black, 9 M US
Features
- GRID, Injection EVA,
One of the best features of this shoe is that it provides great support for the feet using the EVA midsole that helps provide arch support. There is also the GRID cushioning technology that ensures efficient shock absorption on impact, reducing the risk of injuries.
The shoe is lightweight and very easy to wear, and this also helps in either preventing stress fractures or helping to manage them. The shoe’s upper is breathable, as it’s made of mesh fabric. This helps to keep your feet cool and dry, reducing the chances of slipping from moisture buildup.
Pros
- The shoe provides great stability and support
- The shoe is made of very breathable materials.
- The shoe is very lightweight and comfortable.
Cons
- The shoe can sometimes run narrow.
Fit as Expected: 88%
Durability: The shoe is quite durable, thanks to the injected EVA midsole.
5. ALEADER Lightweight Mesh Sport Running Shoes
ALEADER Women's Lightweight Mesh Sport Running Shoes Light Blue 10 D(M) US
Features
- Double mesh upper,allow your foot to breathe and enough durable
- 5 claws side design with strong lace up,give your full support for your foot,add extra comfort and protect.
- Cushioned insole with breathable lining
- it is with hydro-grip outsole provide excellent traction and stability for all surfaces and terrains.
- Lightweight shoes provides feelings of walking barefooted for a more natual walk
This has stiff rubber outsoles that help with stability, and the streamlined make of the shoe ensures that transitioning from heel to toe is very smooth. The shoe’s outsoles are slip-resistant, which is another bonus for you if you were to pick them.
The shoe is made of breathable materials that do a good job of keeping your feet from getting sweaty and irritating. You’ll get high arch support, and the five claws lace-up wrapping around the midsection of your feet helps to maximize stability.
Pros
- The shoe is very lightweight and comes in 4 colors.
- The shoe provides a very high level of support.
Cons
- Size can sometimes run small.
Fit as Expected: 73%
Durability: The rubber outsoles are very sturdy and tough, and this helps with the shoe’s durability.
6. ASICS Mens Gel Nimbus 20 Trail Running Shoe
ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 20 Running Shoe, Carbon/Black/Silver, 11 Medium US
Features
- FLYTEFOAM MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY Our FlyteFoam technology provides exceptional bounce back and responsiveness no matter the distance, utilizing organic super fibers to help reduce packing out that traditionally happens with softer, low density foams.
- FLUIDRIDE MIDSOLE: ASICS FluidRide midsole provides the ultimate combination of bounce back and cushioning properties with reduced weight and exceptional durability.
The heel construction of the GEL-Nimbus 20 Running Shoes is such a unique exoskeleton counter design that helps boost support around the vulnerable heel region, reducing pain in your feet from stress fracture injuries.
The upper of the shoe has the FLUIDFIT technology that features a flexible mesh fabric that fits your feet like gloves. The shoe also provides high arch support and is available in several colors.
Pros
- The shoe’s upper has a glove-like fit.
- The shoe’s heel has reinforced heel support that helps instability
Cons
- The shoe is a bit pricey
Fit as Expected: 81%
Durability: The shoe’s reinforced heel counter helps in durability.
7. Mars Wellness Premium Post Op Walking Shoe
Mars Wellness Premium Post Op Broken Toe/Foot Fracture Square Toe Walking Shoe - Mens - Large
Features
- Allows the dressing to be kept clean and toes dry, providing stable protection following post-operative procedures and forefoot trauma
- Square toe feature acts as a bumper and gives added protection at the toe area
- Adjustable ankle strap and padded heel minimize heel slippage and allows for proper foot positioning
- Rigid Rocker sole and traction soul allows for ease of ambulation and pressure reduction
- Our broken toe or foot / Post Op boot can be worn on either the right or left foot. And comes with a removable insole
This has foot-fracture features that help to provide protection after Jones fracture. The shoe’s sole is stiff and it has adjustable velcro strips. The rigid rocker helps in reducing pain as much as possible when walking.
The shoe has a square toe area that protects exposed areas of the foot. The ankle straps help to ensure that there’s no chance of slipping when walking. The sole is very rigid and this helps with balance and reduction of pressure.
Pros
- The shoe has a square toe bumper for added comfort for your toes.
- The velcro straps at the ankle are adjustable, allowing for a greater degree of fit.
- The heel is padded and this helps with stability.
- The sole of the shoe has a high level of traction.
Cons
- Some customers complained that the shoe wore out too quickly
Fit as Expected: 75%
Durability: The stiff outsole of the shoe helps to increase its durability.
8. Aircast SP (Short Pneumatic) Walker Brace Boot
Aircast SP (Short Pneumatic) Walker Brace / Walking Boot, Small - AC141FB04-S , Grey
Features
- Specifically designed to provide mobility, protection and pneumatic support for day-to-day activities while recovering from injury
- Intended for stable fractures of the foot and ankle, severe ankle sprains, soft tissue injuries, forefoot and midfoot injuries, bunionectomies and post-operative use
- Low rocker sole promotes a natural ambulation (gait) for improved mobility; Provides ample room for dressings without sacrificing comfort
- Includes a hand bulb air pump which allows you to customize the level of support needed
- Universal fit allows the Aircast SP Walker Brace / Walking Boot to be worn on either the left or right leg.Lightweight, trimmable, semi-rigid shell protection.Low profile for a natural gait
This walker was specially designed to provide protection and pneumatic support after surgery, but it also works really well to prevent an escalation of pain from the 5th metatarsal stress fracture or jones’s fracture.
The walker has an air pump that helps in customizing the fit and support the walker provides. Also, the walker has a low rocker sole that helps to promote easy mobility during broken foot recovery/healing of the feet from stress fractures.
The foot base of the walker has a lot of room and casts and dressings can be tended and fixed on without affecting the comfort of the wearer.
Pros
- The walker has a universal fit that allows it to be worn on any feet affected.
Cons
- Some customers complained about the velcro noise the top piece made.
- Some customers didn’t like the weight of the walker.
Fit as Expected: 81%
Durability: The outer shell of the walker is made with very durable plastic.
9. United Ortho Short Air Cam Walker
United Ortho Short Air Cam Walker Fracture Boot, Fits Left or Right, Medium, Black
Features
- BEFORE PURCHASING please view our newest sizing chart (second image). Size Medium fits Men’s 7.5-11 and Women’s 8.5-12 shoe size. Size Medium weighs 2.2 pounds and can be worn on the left or right foot.
- USER GUIDE included in each boot for proper application. Please follow the steps provided for ideal fit and comfort
- PROMOTES NATURAL WALKING with rocker sole and shock-absorbing insole promote more natural walking during use
- STURDY plastic molded uprights with steel reinforcement provides increased durability
- CAM WALKER BOOT can be used for acute ankle sprains, soft tissue injuries, stable lower leg, foot and ankle fractures and post-operative use
The popularity of this walker is well documented, as it is the leading walker for sales on Amazon and other e-commerce sites.
Useful for prevention or administering help in the healing process, the walker promotes natural walking through its rocker sole and its shock-absorbing insole.
The air bladder of the walker helps with easy customization of comfort and support.
Pros
- Customers with stress fracture highly endorsed the boot.
- The walker offers excellent ankle support.
Cons
- Some customers complained about the air valve getting stuck either with their feet in it or their feet out, unable to go in.
- The walker sometimes runs large.
Fit as Expected: 80%
Durability: The plastic outer shell of the walker has steel reinforcement that helps greatly with the durability.
10. ProCare XcelTrax Air Ankle Walker Brace
ProCare XcelTrax Air Ankle Walker Brace/Walking Boot, X-Small
Features
- Provides support and comfort following moderate to severe foot and ankle sprains, stable foot fractures or post-operative procedures
- Lightweight design and unique pre-shaped ergonomic frame help to modify the level of pressure on the injury at both the malleoli and lower leg
- Soft nylon and foam liner provides additional cushioning and absorbs shock from walking
- Features an integrated pump design that allows the pneumatic liner to inflate and adjust easily
- Universal fit allows the ProCare XcelTrax Air Ankle Walker Brace / Walking Boot to be worn on either the left or right foot
The ProCare ankle walker is lightweight. This helps in keeping pressure off the lower leg after foot and ankle spraise, stress fractures, or post-op.
The walker also has a nylon and foam liner that provide cushioning and a lot of support for your feet when walking. The liner can be inflated and deflated at will, according to your preferences through the walker’s integrated pump.
The walker’s universal fit means it can be worn on either foot.
Pros
- It is very well priced.
- The walker is very lightweight and comfortable to wear.
- The air pump ensures that adjusting tightness and comfort is very easy.
Cons
- Some customers complained about the bottom heel wearing out too easily.
- The deflate mechanism of the walker gave some customers issues as it wasn’t working properly.
- The walker might run large.
Fit as Expected: 79%
Durability: The walker is quite durable, mainly because of the bottom rocker.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we have given answers to the questions that are often asked by people about the 5th Metatarsal Fracture, so let’s go!
Is it advisable to walk with a stress fracture in the foot?
The short answer is no. Our reason is simple; stress fractures happen because of excessive and repetitive stress on the feet, typically resulting from activities like long-distance running, etc. The fractures get worse if you put weight on the feet, which is why we do not advise that you do so.
Put your feet up, preferably in one of the shoes we’ve recommended for you as this will help in the healing of the fracture. It takes between 6 to 9 weeks for complete healing from a fifth metatarsal stress fracture, so it’s very recommended that you focus more on activities that won’t stress your legs.
How do I know I have a stress fracture?
The general symptom of a fifth metatarsal fracture is pain in the feet. Lots of it. If you start an activity such as running or jumping and you feel pain in your feet, that’s a likely sign that you might be developing a stress fracture.
Sometimes the pain might even come when you’re resting, or it might come with swelling or aching at the point of the fracture. If the stress fracture is not treated early, it can develop into something more serious.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Having injuries in your feet can be really tough, as walking is a key part of human life. The only thing you can do is to let the healing run its course, and a walking shoe will help a lot in that respect.
That’s why we reviewed this list of the best shoes for the 5th metatarsal fracture for you, so you have an abundant number of choices to pick from. Cheers to your feet’ health!
