Best Running Shoes For Morton’s Neuroma Reviews (2020 Update)

Best Running Shoes for Morton's Neuroma

Today, we’re going to be looking at the best running shoes for Morton’s Neuroma and Morton’s toe.

After the success of the 2017, 2018, and 2019 versions of this article, we’ve decided to update and make this post even bigger in 2020 by reviewing 10 best running shoes for Morton’s Neuroma.

But before we dive right into it, Morton’s neuroma can often be confused with other forefoot pain issues like Metatarsalgia. This is a post that reviews some of the best Metatarsalgia running shoes.

In a hurry?

6 best running shoes for Morton’s Neuroma compared

 

Hoka Bondi

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Altra Escalante

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Morton’s Neuroma (Amazon review)Morton’s Neuroma (Amazon review)
Neutral pronationStability
4mm Drop 0mm Drop 
Comfortable mesh upperReinforced engineered knit
Plush EVA midsoleFull-length balanced cushioning
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Best Running Shoes for Morton’s Neuroma (2020)

  1. Altra Escalante 2.5
  2. Altra Torin 4 Plush
  3. Altra Paradigm 5
  4. Hoka Clifton 6
  5. Asics Glideride
  6. New Balance 1080v10
  7. Nike Vomero 14
  8. Asics Gel Kayano 22
  9. Hoka Cavu
  10. Asics Cumulus 20

1. Altra Escalante 2.5

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altra-escalante-2-5-running-shoes

W: 6.9.oz 〉 M: 8.5.oz 〉 Drop: 0mm 〉 Neutral 〉 Terrain: Road/Treadmill
Morton’s Neuroma, Achilles Tendonitis, Bunions, Regular Feet, Wide Feet, Bad Knees

The Altra Escalante has quickly become a fan-favorite for Altra. It’s definitely a road staple in the Altra line.

 

In short, the Escalante is going to be on the kind of lower cush end of the spectrum. It’s still a cushy shoe with the Altra Ego midsole, but it’s definitely more performance-oriented.

So, lighter weight runners and people that prefer a little more responsive, faster, and poppier feeling shoe, the Ego does such a great balance of being soft yet bouncy.

Also, if you feel like big cushy soft shoes make you feel like you’re running in sand or that they slow you down, this is probably a little bit more up your alley.

Midsole

This is a performance running shoe. It’s got Altra’s EGO midsole which is soft, bouncy, resilient, and cushioned, but it’s also responsive and durable.

So, for Altra fans, you can instantly notice it’s different from the previous Altra midsole materials.

It’s an absolute pleasure to run long distances in this new iteration.

Upper

The upper on the Escalante 2.5 is just a really nice balance of what the original was, which is a really sock-like fit upper, with a little bit more control to just keep the foot centered on the platform a little bit more.

This new upper setup handles speed just a little bit better. The original Escalante was a little bit sloppy for speed, the Escalante 2 is a little bit too much control, and the Escalante 2.5 is the best of both worlds.

 

The Escalante features a knit upper. Lots of other shoe brands are doing this now and lots of them are doing it poorly.

However, the knit upper on the Escalante is awesome and roomy which is also great for runners with wide feet.

It’s actually a thinner upper than most of other knitted uppers. It’s comfortable, stretchy, breathable, looks great casually but feels fantastic on your foot.

It’s also seamless and it never really establishes any hot spots or anything like that.

Though it’s a thin stretchy knit upper, you can still be able to lock down pretty good. The stretchy foot-shaped upper helps in the midfoot/forefoot area to give you a little bit of adaptability if your feet are wide or if they begin to swell over long runs.

Speed

With a minimal outsole and super-tight responsive yet cushioned midsole, you’re going to be able to go pretty fast in this shoe.

It’ll help you to keep a nice high cadence and high turnover without too much fatigue. It’s great for long stretches but also good for speedwork. So, adaptability is key.

Light

The lightweight is due in part to that new EGO midsole and that fresh upper. It’s a very simple shoe and there’s not a lot going on.

So if you take into consideration the foot shape, flexibility, and that simplicity, you get a nice lightweight go-far go-fast shoe.

Zero drop

For those of you who are not familiar with that or not used to that, get used to it or at least slowly adapt to Altra shoes.

Because of this midsole being a little bit bouncy, you get good ground feel in it. So when you’re running those roads, you’re going to want to adapt your feet, ankles, shins, calves, and everything to a zero-drop form.

 

So the Altra Escalante 2.5 is that perfect blend of two worlds. It’s powerfully plush and it’s great for running and around town.

You can run a fast marathon in it, do high mileage, you can take it wherever you want to go, except the trail of course. The Altra Escalante is fashionable, fun, and fast.

Overall, the Altra Escalante 2.5 kind of hits all the marks. It’s light, fast, zero drop, it’s cushioned with a new EGO midsole, stretchy knit upper, flexible. This is a pretty fun shoe.

These runners can’t thank the Escalante enough. Read their reviews on Amazon.

 2. Altra Torin 4 Plush

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altra-torin-4-plush-running-shoe

W: 8.5.oz 〉 M: 10.oz 〉 Drop: 0mm 〉 Neutral 〉 Terrain: Road/Treadmill
Morton’s Neuroma, Plantar Fasciitis, Bunions, High Arches, Bad Knees, Regular Feet

Just like it sounds, the Torin is plush is comfy, it is cozy, it is just a luxurious ride. Underneath your feet is where you’re really going to feel all that plush.

It has 2 additional millimeters of cushion and a premium insole than the Torin 4 regular.

Every Altra shoe has three elements that its founder Golden Harper was very adamant about.

 

Foot-shaped upper and toe box

The upper has a nice engineered knit material which is a nice upgrade from the 3.5 to the 4. Also, the sock liner is all nylon, which is going to feel great on your foot.

Altra’s are a little bit different because they have a wider forefoot-shaped toe box and that’s going to give you more of that natural foot positioning.

Golden believed in a toe box that was shaped like a foot actually is so that when you go to toe-off, the toes can naturally splay and you can get the most amount of power possible.

So, even though the Altra Plush offers plenty of room in the toe box for your toes to splay, you’re still going to be nice and locked down from the lacing system all the way back to the heel counter.

The premium PerfX insole is also shaped like a foot with the heel part being as skinny as your heel and the forefoot matching your forefoot.

The insole is designed so you’ll really be able to feel that cushion and responsiveness within the shoe.

Foot-shaped outsole

altra-torin-4-plush-running-shoe-outsole

The outsole FootPod technology maps the rubber with all of the tendons, bones, and metatarsals in your feet.

Also, the rubber is decoupled to allow the Torin Plush to have some flexibility to it. Since this is Altra’s highest-cushioned shoes, it’s not that flexible as other Altra shoes.

The Torin is known for its grid-like grooves that are going to help a little bit with a lightweight speedy ride.

 

Zero-drop

Every single Altra running shoe has a zero-millimeter heel-to-toe offset. This means that from the heel all the way to the forefoot, you are on basically the same exact height.

The zero-drop feature encourages you as a runner to have a little bit more of a lower impact landing and a proper running form.

Altra actually first introduced the Altra Torin 4 regular and then they gave it a Plush version to reinforce that this is their highest-cushioned running shoe.

The Torin 4 Plush battles with shoes like the Brooks Glycerin, the Nike Vomero below, the Asics Gel Nimbus

In a size 9, the Altra Torin Plush weighs in at 10.1oz, which is not too bad for a higher-cushioned running shoe.

Midsole

The midsole has 28mm stack height in the heel and then 28mm stack height underneath the forefoot.

Altra is calling this midsole the Altra Quantic midsole and when you feel it, it sort of reminds you of the Brooks Glycerin.

When you remove the insole, you can see that TPU material that you see in Saucony’s EVERUN or in shoes like the Adidas Boost.

The Plush is great for long miles and great for any type of impact. Because of that balanced level cushion, the Torin Plush is able to reduce a lot of that impact and take pressure off of your lower legs.

CICI says the Torin Plush alleviated the Morton’s neuroma she has on both feet completely. Read her review on Amazon.

 

Last but not least, the Altra Torin 4 Plush is one of the best running shoes for Morton’s neuroma and Plantar Fasciitis. It’s also a great Achilles Tendonitis running shoe.

Cons

  • Laces are a little too long.

3. Altra Paradigm 5

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The Paradigm is Altra’s max cushion dynamic support shoe. Basically, Altra uses the term “support” to replace “stability”.

It’s going to be a great hybrid stability neutral shoe that provides stability when you need it but not when you don’t.

So, neutral runners who don’t need stability control are going to be fine in the Paradigm.

However, if you are somebody who needs a little bit more support, the Paradigm does have the new GuideRail system as well as their Stabilipod technology to enhance the three natural stability zones of the foot.

 

Stability

Again, the Paradigm 5 is Altra’s high-cushion guidance shoe. It provides stability through two main features.

The first is the GuideRail technology. The GuideRail system has been enhanced, beefed, and risen up a little bit. It works kind of as a proprioceptive response. So, as you start rotating in, that really guides you forward.

It’s not invasive so it won’t guide you unless you need it to. So, when you start to fatigue, the GuideRail system acts like a bumper to keep you lined up.

The second feature is the Stabilipod system. These are firm plastic pieces that push up against the foot when you need it. It’s completely dynamic in its guidance as well.

Midsole

The Paradigm does also come with a 30-millimeter full Ego midsole. Altra tuned the Ego midsole a little bit to make it more stable and make it feel a little bit more poppy.

The Paradigm does have an inner flex midsole along with a decoupled outsole. This shoe is going to flow and move better with your foot.

 

Upper

The Paradigm does feature an updated engineered mesh upper that is going to allow for a little more breathability as well as volume to fit orthotics as well.

The upper has been sleeked out. This is a sleeker, nicer-looking shoe that gives you a little bit more control but feels really comfortable.

Of course, being Altra, the Paradigm has that wide toe box and the zero-millimeter drop feature.

In short,

  • The Paradigm 5 is a balanced cushion just like all Altra shoes.
  • The foot-shaped toe box allows those toes to be able to splay.
  • It is gender-specific in the fit.

Best New Balance shoes for Morton’s neuroma

4. New Balance 1080v10

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New-Balance-fresh-foam-1080v10-running-shoes

W: 8.3.oz 〉 M: 9.9.oz 〉 Drop: 8mm 〉 Neutral 〉 Terrain: Road
Morton’s Neuroma, Plantar Fasciitis, Bunions & Hammertoes, High Arches, Regular Feet, Wide Feet, Bad Knees

When New Balance first introduced the Fresh Foam 1080v1, lots of runners were not that into it.

 

People thought that all the marketing hype around the Fresh Foam midsole material that New Balance has just created was all marketing hype and no actual substance.

Even future versions of this shoe did never quite tickle a lot of runners’ fancy. That is until version 9 that I think New Balance finally got it.

The 1080 series has always been known for people for its highly-cushion design as well as that soft and comfortable upper.

The 1080v10 still retains that general philosophy but with a complete revamped package.

It’s packed with a Fresh Foam X midsole, a Hypoknit upper with this interesting almost skeletal-like design aesthetic on the upper, a Legolas-like heel cup, plenty of bounce, plenty of cushion, and a little bit of flexibility.

The Fresh Foam 1080v10 is a neutral long-distance cushioned springy ride with an 8mm drop from heel to toe.

Stack Height

There’s a lot of stack height in this shoe. This means it’s going to be great for that daily training, those recovery miles, and of course those long days on the roads.

 

Midsole

Starting off with the midsole, there’s a new compound called Fresh Foam X. This is going to b even softer and more cushioned underfoot.

I think the Fresh Foam X midsole material is what the Fresh Foam series has been missing.

This midsole is awesome. It’s resilient, it’s soft, it’s springy, and it gives you plenty of bounce while also cradling your foot, which is great for those long plods out there.

Fresh Foam X is not that kind of foam that sucks your foot in and over long distances, your foot gets sore and you get muscle fatigue because it’s just too soft. It’s a good balance.

Outsole

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Moving down to the outsole, we’ve got some blown rubber in the heel and forefoot to create plenty of durability.

There’s also just a little bit of exposed midsole material in the midfoot to keep weight down.

Upper

Every brand has their version of a knit upper and the Hypoknit from New Balance is right up there with some of the best of them.

The Hypoknit upper is soft, comfortable, and it’s got a bootie-fit design for a seamless fit.

It’s a really well thought out knit upper where there’s plenty of structure and thickness where it needs to be especially across the midfoot for that lacing and proper fit feel.

But across the toe box, it’s a lighter stretchier knit mesh that really accommodates larger feet.

It’s structured where it’s needed, it’s thin, light, and stretchy where it’s also needed.

It also has a pointed heel that’s going to offer a seamless heel cupping as well as reducing that Achilles irritation.

 

Ride

The ride in the Fresh Foam 1080v10 is probably one of its best features. It’s extremely dynamic and gives you plenty of toe-off.

With a soft but nimble midsole, you really get a smooth foot strike all the way through the gait.

I think the 1080v10 has both of the experiences of the Clifton 6 with a bit of Rincon hopes and dreams.

Really, the ride knocks a lot of basic trainers out of the waters. It has a fantastic ride better than previous versions.

So if you are looking to get into long-distance running, or if you’re training for your first marathon with plenty of comfort and some fun dynamics, throw the 1080v10 in the mix with the Hoka Clifton 6 or the Nike Vomero.

Overall, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 is going to continue to be a fantastic highly-cushioned daily trainer.

This customer says the New Balance 1080v10’s wide toe box helped fix his Morton’s Neuroma. Read his review.

Cons

Like other knit stretchy uppers, the fabric folds when you need to tighten the shoes down to get the perfect fit.

  • Fresh Foam X is a bit firmer than previous Fresh Foam.

Best Hoka shoes for Morton’s neuroma

5. Hoka One One Clifton 6

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hoka-one-one-clifton-6-running-shoes

W: 7.4.oz 〉 M: 8.9.oz 〉 Drop: 5mm 〉 Neutral 〉 Terrain: Road
Morton’s Neuroma, Achilles Tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis, Hip & Knee Pain, Bunions, Wide Feet, Flat Feet, Shin Splints

The Clifton 6 is one of the best running shoes for Morton’s Neuroma and wide feet.

 

Upper

The Clifton 6 uses an engineered mesh and some TPU overlays. Your foot will feel just a bit more secure in the Bondi 6 than it did in the previous iterations of the shoe.

The mesh just feels more structured because it feels like a higher quality mesh.

The breathability hasn’t improved much, but the fit is the most part of the Clifton 6. I guess Hoka must have heard the complaints.

With the Clifton 5, a lot of runners had to go to a wide, but with the Clifton 6, the normal size fits very well.

The midfoot is still snug to provide the support needed, but the toe box is definitely wider.

One thing I want to point out about the upper is the attention to detail. The micro ventilation holes, the color fades, the midfoot stitching to help with the lockdown, the updated material in the heel, the pull tab stitching, just everything is so precise and so detailed.

Midsole

The midsole uses an oversized EVA setup that you see in most Hoka shoes. If you’ve ever worn a Hoka, you definitely know that cushioning is the thing here. Yet, their shoes are lighter than they look.

The heel cushioning is great when going on roads. If you tend to avoid concrete jogs, the impact protection with the Clifton 6 is enough to not worry about it.

The forefoot cushioning takes a few runs to break in, but once it does, it’s definitely worth the cush.

 

Hoka says the Clifton 6 is bouncier and more responsive, but I don’t think it’s much more than the Clifton 5.

The Clifton series is not meant to be fast. It’s definitely more in that every-day long-run shoe. It’s not sloppy soft, but there are just too many options to go faster in.

The Early Stage Meta Rocker is still in full effect. This Rocker technology is a love or hate thing. It’s definitely going to rock you forward through your stride, which creates a unique sensation.

Outsole

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The outsole has rubber on the toe and some on the heel. This rubber is a bit tougher than the EVA foam that it protects. Hoka uses less rubber on the Clifton 6 to cut down on the weight.

As far as flexibility, the Clifton 6 is still pretty stiff, but that’s part of the reason why the Meta Rocker is needed. It helps the ride of the shoe be a bit more fluid.

I guess the Clifton 6 is the best Clifton since the One. The Clifton 6 is built for the everyday grind and if you like cushioning, you will definitely like this. Also, if you like the Clifton 5, the Clifton 6 is better in every way possible.

The arch is just a tad less aggressive. If you’ve had fitting issues with the old model, this is might be your new jam.

This buyer says he got the Clifton 6 after the recommendation of his podiatrist. Read her review on Amazon.

Cons

  • Tongue might rub against feet with high instep.

6. Hoka One One Cavu

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hoka-one-one-cavu-running-shoes

W: 6.5.oz 〉 M: 8.1.oz 〉 Drop: 0mm 〉 Neutral 〉 Terrain: Road
Morton’s Neuroma, Plantar Fasciitis, High Arches, Regular Feet, Wide Feet, Bad Knees

This is a lightweight versatile trainer for that person who runs but doesn’t just run. They might take this to the gym and do activities in it.

The Hoka One One Cavu is built to handle anything from daily runs to tempo workouts.

The design is really simple and there’s not a lot to it, but the Cavu runs smooth and quick.

 

Delivering a fantastic weight to cushioning ratio with a slightly firmer feel, the Cavu provides a simple design that can handle a variety of training sessions.

For its price, the Cavu is money in the bank. Hoka nailed the less is more design philosophy with the Cavu.

Upper

The engineered mesh upper is simple, thin, breathable, and stylish. The upper offers a light and adaptive experience.

It does a great job securing wide and narrow feet to the platform without causing any irritation or hot spots.

The upper has some perforations which make it really breathable. The upper is lightweight and very accommodating to the forefoot area in particular, which is going to fit a variety of foot shapes and widths.

You’ll like the seamless simple design on the upper. It wraps your foot nicely and offers a nice and snug midfoot lockdown.

It also features a bootie on the inside for a better and more comfortable fit.

Midsole

The Cavu also features Hoka’s PROFLY midsole that has that softer heel to that firmer forefoot.

Outsole

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Strategic RMAT rubber placement on the outsole creates a little extra pop in your step and also increases the durability of the shoe.

 

Ride

When it comes to the ride, the Cavu is the firmest shoe in the Hola Fly collection.

Even if you’re an overpronator and you prefer slightly softer stability shoes for your daily runs, the Cavu might still work well for you at faster paces.

You can use it for your longer runs, recovery days, faster pace workouts like intervals fartleks, and 200 on the tracks.

One other thing that’s great about the Cavu is you can take it straight for your run and go to the gym for your workout.

Cavus vs Mach

Although the Cavu does weigh in similarly to another shoe in the Fly collection, the Mach, the ride of the shoes is completely different.

The Cavu feels a good amount firmer underfoot and doesn’t seem to have quite as much pop as the Mach.

Overall, the Cavu is a lightweight, sleek, responsive, and extremely versatile shoe that can do it all with plenty of protection. And for the price, you can’t beat the value.

G. Morales says the Hoka Cavu is great for his Morton’s neuroma, Plantar Fasciitis, and bunions. Read her review on Amazon.

Last but not least, the Cavu is one of the best running shoes for Morton’s Neuroma and high arches.

Cons

  • Heel strikers might not like the Profly cushioning midsole material.

Best Brooks shoes for Morton’s Neuroma

7. Brooks Bedlam 2

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brooks-bedlam-2-running-shoe

W: 9.9.oz 〉 M: 11.2.oz 〉 Drop: 8mm 〉 Stability 〉 Terrain: Road
Morton’s Neuroma, Bad Knees, Arthritic ankles

This is the second iteration of this new line from Brooks and it’s doing pretty well.

The first thing you’re going to notice is that this is a sleek-looking road running shoe, especially for the stability genre.

 

Width

One of the things you’d notice right off the bat is the width of the shoe. With the Bedlam’s one-piece upper, it was either flexible enough or they changed the width enough to where it doesn’t bug your feet. Runners feel fine with the medium width where they usually wear a wider width.

GuideRail

Right above the midsole, there’s the GuideRail technology. GuideRail is going to guide your feet into alignment reducing your heel and shin rotation and keeping that excess knee motion under control.

This in itself is going to make sure you don’t inure yourself and to make sure you have the most efficient stride possible.

The GuideRail technology is a firmer material that makes the shoe more torsionally rigid because it’s a support shoe.

So no matter how your foot lands, you’re going to have support, which kind of helps overpronators and underpronators as well.

As far as the side-to-side stability, the Bedlam excels at giving you that kind of stability when running, working out, or jumping.

Upper

You have a soft flat knit upper construction. You’re also going to notice that because of this flat knit construction, you got quite a few things going on for this shoe.

The upper features a dynamic midfoot wrap design that’s going to accommodate your foot as it moves and expands as you run.

The upper is made out of just two pieces of material. There’s an inside piece which is also attached to the tongue and then there’s an outer piece which wraps around. This means there are fewer connection points and seams to get friction.

The Bedlam is great if you like to wear your shoes loose or tight. If your feet tend to swell when you run, the Bedlam has got you covered.

And if you prefer to wear your shoes tight, you can tighten the laces pretty well and you won’t have any tongue slippage because the tongue is attached to the inside piece of the upper.

 

As for the collar, a lot of other shoes have more of a padded collar, but the Bedlam has more of a sock material that feels almost like elastic. So, I guess you’re going to want to wear higher socks.

In this series, Brooks has kind of revamped the way that they’ve done their heel cup which fits runners much better than some of the older models from Brooks.

But if you’re looking for a little bit more stability especially when it comes from your ankles through my knees area, then this might leave you wanting a little bit more stability from the upper section

Midsole

You’re going to have the DNA AMP cushioning system throughout the entirety of the midsole, which is plenty of cushioning even for forefoot runners.

You also have what Brooks is calling the GuideRails technology for that stability sensation.

So, you’re going to put plenty of miles on the Bedlam 2 and your feet will feel pretty good afterward.

Don’t worry about the stability in the midsole because you’re getting plenty of it.

Outsole

Brooks-Bedlam-running-shoe-outsole

It all sits on top of a durable rubber outsole that has this flexible arrow point pattern offering plenty of traction.

Talking about traction, the Bedlam 2 provides plenty of traction especially when it comes to running in the rain, wet, snow, and muck.

 

Then on warm summer days, you’re going to have a wonderful experience with these shoes all around.

Performance-wise, you’re going to get a lot of breathability on the upper half of this upper and the midsole is going to be pretty stiff especially compared to the neutral running shoes.

But for the stability market, the Bedlam 2 is right on par and again offering plenty of reinforcement and stability when it comes to those daily runs.

So if you’re a runner that needs a support shoe and wants something that’s pretty responsive and fun to run in, I would definitely give the Brooks Bedlam a try.

Are you into Brooks? Check out: Best Brooks Shoes For Morton’s Neuroma.

Cons

  • A bit heavy.
  • Traction is not ideal in rain.

Best Asics shoes for Morton’s neuroma

8. Asics GlideRide

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Asics-GlideRide-running-shoes-morton's-neuroma

W: 8.11.oz 〉 M: 9.9.oz 〉 Drop: 5mm 〉 Neutral 〉 Terrain: Road

The GlideRide is an everyday trainer that falls in that neutral cushion category. It is designed with an aggressive rocker bottom to save you energy over the long run.

 

The shoe that preceded the GlideRide and which falls in the same Ride collection is the MetaRide.

The MetaRide was maybe a little over-built and wasn’t super runnable. So, the GlideRide and the Evoride came out as more runnable trainers.

Upper

There’s a really nice breathable engineered mesh on both the lateral and the medium side of the upper.

There are fused on Asics tiger stripes that feel pretty much like the same fusing that they used on the MetaRide.

The ankle collar is nice and plush and the inside almost feels like it has a little bit of memory foam.

The heel does not feature a plastic external heel counter. I guess the heel counter is fused on to probably help reduce the weight.

There’s actually an internal heel counter that gives the shoe some structure and allows for that one-to-one fit as you slip your foot inside.

Max Cushion

All the shoe companies right now are doing this max cushioning philosophy and the GlideRide also looks a little funky. However, I think Asics did a great job in their color blocking to not make it look so obnoxious.

The best thing about the GlideRide is the super cushiness of it. It’s not like marshmallow softness but more springiness.

Midsole

The GlideRide does have a tiny amount of Gel in the heel, which is supposed to help absorb some shock.

I think this is just a nod to who Asics is and what they’ve always done with their gel cushioning.

It’s really the FlyteFoam midsole cushioning that’s doing all the shock absorption and giving you all that springy bounciness in this shoe.

 

Fit

This shoe fits pretty well especially if you like that glove-like snug fit, but if you have a wider forefoot or a really high instep, this may be a little bit too snug of a fit.

Ride

This is a super comfy everyday trainer for distance running and not meant for speed.

Outsole

Asics-GlideRide-running-shoes-outsole

The GlideRide features GlideSole technology. The forefoot is stiffer with an aggressive rocker that helps you transition from the heel to forefoot in your gait cycle.

This is where the GuideSole technology comes to play. It looks like the guidance line you would see in the Asics Cumulus, but at the back, it’s kind of beveled out. It’s soft in the heel and a bit stiffer in the forefoot.

The idea behind this is whether you land on your heel or midfoot, it’s going to feel a soft surface. But when you go to toe-off, it’s going to be nice and hard to get you off the ground faster than a normal shoe.

If you’ve been running in the Hoka Clifton or the Bondi and maybe you’re into another brand that’s moving towards this new rocker philosophy, definitely give this a shot.

Chris W. wrote a beautiful review on Amazon. He says he runs long distances and actually resolved all the issues he has like Morton’s neuroma, calluses, and a burning sensation under the second metatarsal. Read his review.

Cons

  • A bit pricey.

9. Asics Gel Cumulus 22

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asics-gel-cumulus-22-running-shoe

W: 8.3.oz 〉 M: 9.2.oz 〉 Drop: 10mm 〉 Neutral 〉 Terrain: Road/Treadmill
Morton’s Neuroma, Plantar Fasciitis, Flat Feet, High Arches, Knee issues, Shin Splints

This is the Gel Nimbus’ little cousin.

The Asics Gel Cumulus 22 is the newest model in the Asics line-up. It is designed for the neutral runner or the underpronator who needs a high impact, high cushioned shoe.

 

The Asics Gel Cumulus 22 is a reliable daily trainer and it’s been around for 22 versions.

If you’re used to the older Asics where you have a lot of weight with the overlays and rubber on the outsole but you like the comfort of the ride, you’re going to like this one.

It’s still that nice daily trainer with a great feel underfoot, but just a lot of the excessive stuff that past models had is finally gone.

Upper

The upper on the Gel Cumulus 22 is really nice. Asics has always done an awesome job with their uppers. When you slip on any Asics, you’re going to be comfortable and have a great step-in feel.

The Cumulus 22 really hugs down on your heel giving you great support that goes through your run. This is something that the previous model didn’t have.

The upper uses an engineered mesh that does its job well, and straight to the point, this is the best upper compared to any of the previous models in my opinion.

Past models of Asics had just had superfluous materials throughout the upper. The upper on the Cumulus 22 is stripped down and it’s just a piece of 3D engineered mesh. It’s one-piece, breathable, comfortable, and really what you wanted to see from Asics.

The tongue is pretty padded and comfortable. It’s not gusseted, but you won’t have any problems with any movement while you’re on the run.

The toe box feels roomy and the fit is nice. With no rubbing from the tongue or the upper, the Cumulus 20 feels very stable and secure.

 

Midsole

The midsole does feature FlyteFoam EVA based foam. FlytFoam is actually what gave this shoe some life because the Cumulus series was starting to feel a bit out-dated and not really improving much.

FlyteFoam has been around for a couple of years now and it’s reliable, good, and light with no problems on the run. It’s soft and comfortable and it’s really durable.

I would still consider this shoe more of a cushioned model but a bit more versatile. The heel cushioning has a nice give to it while still keeping the shoe stable while going through transition.

Of course, like any Asics, the Cumulus 22 has to have the gel. Luckily, this time around, it’s a little less excessive and just looks nicer, too.

If you’re asking why Asics is still using gel and why they can’t just put foam underfoot, the gel does have some that vibration mitigation so it keeps your legs fresh especially on those longer, which is what this shoe is meant for.

Outsole

The shoe’s articulated outsole features rubber throughout with the Guidance Rail in the middle to help with the transition and stability throughout the stride.

On the lateral side, the forefoot is segmented from the heel and there are some nice flex grooves going through the forefoot.

The Cumulus 22’s outsole provides a really nice ride especially with the kind of accentuate toe. This curved toe feature provides a nice rolling toe-off.

The traction is nice and works well on most surfaces.

Overall, the Cumulus 22 just feels like a nice shoe that you want to pick up and use anytime you’re going out the door. As far as comfort, it’s a lot better than other shoes out there.

 

Comparable shoes to the Cumulus 22 would be the Brooks Ghost, New Balance 880, Nike React Infinity, or the Skechers Max Road.

The Cumulus kind of has that same light underfoot feel but with enough cushion just give you some good miles.

So, the Cumulus is one of the best running shoes for Morton’s Neuroma and shin splints and it’s a shoe that will get the job done without any marketing gimmicks

10. Asics Gel Kayano 22

check-more-info

Asics-Gel-Kayano-22-running-shoe

W: 8.8.oz 〉 M: 11.3.oz 〉 Drop: 10mm 〉 Stability 〉 Terrain: Road
Morton’s Neuroma, Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis, Bunions, Flat Feet, High Arches, Regular Feet, Wide Feet, Shin Splints

Asics is, of course, one of the best running shoe brand, hands down. You can’t actually go running shoe shopping without at least considering Asics.

I think the Gel Kayano series is the best from Asics alongside the Gel Nimbus.

 

With a 10m heel-to-toe drop, the Gel Kayano 22 is a high-end cushioned stability shoe built for moderate to maximum overpronators.

The Kayano 21 was just about perfect and they are still a fantastic choice if you are running long, short, or any distance.

Upper

Asics actually revamped the upper and went seamless.

There’s a stretch mesh layer underneath for an irritation-free fit. There are three internal bands on the lateral and the medial side that kind of wrap around the foot.

To top it off, there’s an engineered mesh layer on top to complete the FluidFit upper for a completely seam-free fit.

So the upper is lighter, it’s more breathable, more flexible, and just feels better on your foot. There’s less overall material holding you down, which is pretty cool.

Also, the Kayano 22 dries faster and it holds less water if you go running in the rain, which is another cool feature.

There’s also a really soft inside sock liner which feels nice on your feet and the heel has been redesigned.

Midsole

Asics didn’t change the midsole much. They kept the same FluidRide 2.0 with what Asics says it provides that 20% bounce back feel and that 15% lighter bottom layer.

The Kayano 22 provides that same great ride that you had before plus some more gel on the lateral side keeping you cushioned from heel all the way to the forefoot to-off.

So the FluidRide midsole paired with the gel cushioning technology provides plenty of shock absorption.

 

Stability

With this being a stability shoe, Asics wanted to keep that foot from rolling inside.

The continued use of the Dynamic DuoMax system provides runners with plenty of pronation control.

Sometimes, you can provide the stability just falling through the upper. So there are internal bands on both sides holding the foot in place as well as improving the heel clutch system.

Also, Asics moved the heel clutching system in and then up as well as extending it a little bit to give you that great heel fit and a more secure wrap.

Outsole

Asics-Gel-Kayano-22-running-shoe-outsole

The outsole is super-cushiony and provides great bounce back. You wouldn’t actually like it if a shoe is super-cushiony and doesn’t really fight back a little bit.

The bottom offers pretty good tread on the streets.

Sizing

It does fit one size small, which is pretty standard with most Asics.

Jallove 7 says his Morton’s neuroma flares up every time he runs more than once a week. However, with the Kayano 22 he does much better. Read his review on Amazon.

Cons

  • A bit pricey compared to other stability running shoes.

Best Nike Shoes for Morton’s neuroma

11. Nike Vomero 14

check-more-info

nike-zoom-vomero-14-running-shoe

W: 8.6.oz 〉 M: 9.9.oz 〉 Drop: 0mm 〉 Neutral 〉 Terrain: Road/Treadmill

The Nike Vomero has been one of runners’ favorite running shoes for years now. But as you can probably see, the 14th iteration has made some drastic changes. Almost everything from top to bottom has been updated.

 

Upper

The upper uses engineered mesh that is a bit more structured compared to other Nike running shoes like the Pegasus.

It has a slightly thicker feel to the touch. The upper does contain your feet pretty well. Combined with the use of the FlyWire technology, getting a secure fit is pretty easy.

Nike carried over a similar silhouette from the Nike Pegasus and gave this shoe that same heel cup that flares outward.

As weird as that may look, it offers a secure heel lock with no issues with rubbing or heel slippage.

The tongue is fairly flat and has just a tad of padding, which just gives the Vomero a sleeker less bulky feel and look. There’s also the right amount of padding in the heel.

Overall, the upper is solid and it is definitely one of the more stable structured upper out of the Nike running shoe line-up.

  Midsole

The midsole is where this shoe made some pretty big changes. In the last two generations of the Vomero, we had two Zoom units, one in the heel and one in the forefoot combined with the softer Lunarlon foam.

That’s no longer the case. In the Vomero 14, Nike replaced the Lunarlon foam with React foam. React foam is what we have in other Nike shoes like the famous Nike Epic React.

The Nike Pegasus got upgraded to a full-length Zoom unit. So Nike decided to combine these two cushioning setups into the Vomero 14. The Vomero 14 is a combination of a full-length Zoom unit and React foam.

How will I describe it? Smooth.

Typically, shoes like this can feel a bit bulky and clunky, but not with the Vomero. The full-length Zoom gives the ride of the Vomero that nice transition and keeps it responsive.

The React does provide a bit more cushioning in a lighter feel, but it doesn’t feel as prominent compared to what we have in the Epic React.

It is not as soft and bouncy, but it’s a much more stable cushion feel. It’s not firm as in hard, but it’s just firm to provide a bit more protection and allows you to keep the momentum going.

 

Outsole

nike-zoom-vomero-14-running-shoe-outsole

The outsole uses some blown rubber throughout the medial side of the shoe. It has a bit more of a squish to it to provide some extra shock absorption. The lateral side has a bit more of a firmer rubber.

Traction-wise, I think it holds up fine. It’s a total design from the previous Vomeros, but it still gets the job done right. I would even say that traction may be a bit tad better.

The Vomero 14 is fairly stiff up into the toe area where you get a bit more flex, which I think keeps the shoe nice and smooth.

How does it compare to the previous Vomero?

It’s a great neutral option that has a bit more structure to it. It still has that all-around workhorse feel.  Taking it out on longer runs is no problem and even going fast is still fine.

Honestly, the Vomero 14 feels more like a beefed-up Nike Pegasus and less of a Vomero, which leads me to wonder where this shoe stands compared to other shoes.

If you love the Nike Pegasus, you will certainly love the Vomero 14.

Cons

  • Forefoot strikers might find the forefoot less cushioned.

End of Article: Best Running Shoes for Morton’s Neuroma

What are the right running shoes for Morton’s neuroma?

Your Morton’s neuroma running shoes should feature a wide toe box to allow your toes and metatarsals to splay out comfortably. They should also have a low heel-to-toe drop to offload the ball of your feet.

 

Morton’s Neuroma FAQ

It was in the late 19th century that an orthopedic surgeon named Thomas Morton described a painful affliction of the forefoot that later became termed Morton’s neuroma.

He and other investigators determined that inflammation of a nerve in the bottom of the foot was the cause of this issue.

It’s interesting many studies have determined that probably the incidence is at least four to 15 times higher in females.

Also, this deformity or inflammation of this nerve usually occurs or peaks in the fourth to sixth decade of life.

Distribution

  • Common but prevalence is unknown.
  • Female to male ratio 10:1.
  • Onset 45 to 50.
  • Both feet equally affected.
  • 90% unilateral.
  • 70% affects the 3rd interdigital space.
  • 30% affects the 4th interdigital space.

What causes Morton’s Neuroma

The reason why people get Morton’s Neuroma is the overloading of the ball of the foot. Accordingly, the metatarsal bones are squeezing on the nerve and this causes it to inflame and swell.

Other causes may include:

  • Flat feet and overpronation
  • High arches
  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • High heels
  • Tight footwear
  • Ill-fitting footwear
  • High impact sports like running or rock climbing
 

What are the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma?

  • Burning pain
  • Aches
  • Tingling
  • Numbness

Can Running Cause Morton’s Neuroma?

Yes. Morton’s neuroma can cause Morton’s neuroma. Why people develop a neuroma has a lot to do with the mechanics of the foot.

During walking or running, your heel and the ball of your foot are the high load-bearing areas of the foot. The heel and the five metatarsal heads take the impact during running.

So direct pressure as you lead your foot into propulsion when you’re lifting your heels off the ground can increase pressure causing issues.

Side to side pressure or narrowness of the shoes can create pinching of the metatarsals. The intrinsic or the shearing motion that occurs between the metatarsals is the third potential source of irritation and trauma to the nerve.

Can I run With Morton’s Neuroma?

Yes, you can. If you’re running or starting a new running program, get some running shoes that can’t bend in the middle and only bend at the big toe.

Also, make sure your shoes don’t collapse at the heel area or at the sides because you do need that support.

What Are The Best Running Shoes for Morton’s Toe?

Well, the running shoes that are supposed to help with Morton’s neuroma also do help with Morton’s toe because the two conditions are forefoot-related.

 

Are Zero-drop Shoes good for Morton’s neuroma?

Yes. Zero-drop shoes are really helpful for Morton’s neuroma. Why? Zero-drop shoes place the ball of the foot and the heel at the same height from the ground. This way, the ball of your foot doesn’t get loaded with much pressure.

On the contrary, higher-drop shoes put more pressure on the ball of your foot because the heel is high and the forefoot is low. Yet, lots of higher-drop running shoes like the Ghost above have enough cushioning under the ball that the shoe is able to dissipate much of the impact.

Best Morton’s Neuroma Pads for Running

Oftentimes, the pain associated with Morton’s neuroma can be alleviated by really reducing pressure through the ball of the foot.

One of the strategies to do this is to use something called a Neuroma pad or a Metatarsal pad.

What the padding does is displace or reduce pressure through the hall of the foot. The padding itself will actually help separate the metatarsals, which will decrease pressure through the nerve.

Most neuroma pads are durable adhesive made of semi-firm compressed felt. Neuroma pads can be applied directly on the foot, on top of the inner sole, or directly to the bottom of the insole.

Proper Placement

The key to using neuroma pads is proper placement of the pad. To describe proper placement, the terms proximal and distal are used.

When we talk about placing a metatarsal pad, proximal means closer to the arch while distal means closer to the toes.

When applying a neuroma pad directly to the foot, be sure to place the pad immediately proximal to the metatarsal heads.

If there’s no removable insole in your shoe and you need to apply a neuroma pad on the top of the footbed, try to use a marking pen to mark the proximal margin of the wear pattern created by the ball fo your foot. This mark represents the distal margin for placement of the pad.

Ideally though, if the insole is removable, try placing the pad on the bottom of the insole.

best running shoes for mortons neuroma pad metatarsal pad

Neuroma pads can also be helpful with bursitis, capsulitis, Metatarsalgia, and Morton’s Neuroma, of course.

 

In short …

The goal of the pad is to provide a lift to the metatarsal bones. And when it lifts the metatarsal bones, it also spreads them taking the pressure off the nerve.

About Eric Barber

Eric Barber is a happy father of two little angels, a husband, and a runner. He eats, sleeps, and dreams anything foot related: running shoes, walking shoes, sneakers, you name it. It all started when Eric was a shoe store specialist watching and fitting people's feet day in and day out.

17 thoughts on “Best Running Shoes For Morton’s Neuroma Reviews (2020 Update)”

  1. I am 79 years old. Very active, reasonable healthy other than old age aches and pain. I have Morton’s Neuroma, right foot. Miserable. Awful pain that wakes me during night. Only relief is ice. Have had steroid injections and even the alcohol injections which seemed to worsen the pain. Need advice on the shoe that would best help with this problem. Surgery is not an option for me.

    Reply
  2. Im pretty sure I have Morton’s neuroma in my left foot. It just started this January during a 50k where I wore the Brooks Cascadia and has plagued me through another 50k, a full and a 40 miler (that was the worst!). In a road shoe I wear the Brooks Ravenna. Before the Cascadia I wore a Mizuno Wave Kazan on the trails, but blew out of the toes quickly and it didn’t feel very protective against smaller rocks. Today I did a trail run in a pair of Saucony Xodus which has a lot more cushion, but that discomfort was still there unless I was flying down a hill. What trail shoe do you recommend. Help! I don’t want to give up my long trail OR road runs!!!

    Reply
  3. What are the BEST RUNNING AND OR WALKING SHOES for a Woman with very Narrow Feet with a High Arch; who also has Morton’s Toe and tends to get Metatarsal pain?
    * I have found ‘some’ lists of Nice shoes that have recommendations for Either Narrow Shoes OR Morton’s Toe/ Metatarsal Pain but not BOTH.
    **UNDER $100 would be very nice to find 🙂
    Thank you!!

    Reply
  4. hello
    I have mortons neuroma, very high arch and i need a wide toe box. I run 4 times a week and only have comfort in running in sketchers memory foam running shoes. I have tried altra but are not supportive with being a knit fabric and my foot rolls inwards as i overpronate due to high arch. the balls of my feet are now giving me pain since i stopped using sketchers but i would like to buy something more substantial for road running. please could you advise me please. i’d be so very grateful as i dont want to give up running xx

    Reply
    • Hi, Lisa. Thanks for the comment. I’m going to recommend the Brooks Ghost 12. It does have a wide toe box for your toes to splay naturally, it has great underfoot cushioning for the ball of your feet and it’s a great option for high arches.
      I hope that helps.

      Reply
  5. Hello,

    Great extra tip and thank you for sharing 🙂

    I recall experiencing a bout of Morton’s Neuroma when my Rheumatoid Arthritis was active and my shoes were too tight in the forefoot.
    Usually, when this happens you take off your shoe and shake out the offending object. But when you suffer from Morton’s neuroma, the feeling can never go away and cause you extreme pain in your everyday life. However, with certain types of footwear, the neuroma can be lifted to thte point of relieving the pressure and cause the pain to subside, and the nerves to heal. That is why it is imperative for anyone who is or might suffer from Morton’s neuroma to have the proper footwear to help them deal with the pain of having the neuroma.

    Again ,thanks and keep up the good work ,its very helpful.

    Reply
  6. I just found out I have an anterior cavus higher arch, with some midfoot arthritis.
    Morton’s Neuroma (Intermetatarsal Neuroma) and Morton’s toe.

    I’m almost 55, and between the age of 30-53, I’ve run 3 marathons and about 9 half-marathons. Thought I’m done with running full marathon’s, I’d still like to be able to run a half-marathon each year. What would you suggest for a running shoe. I would really appreciate the recommendation with so many options out there.

    Thanks you.

    Reply
    • Glad you’ve checked out our post. So sorry to hear about your foot conditions but at the same time congratulate you on your 3 marathons and 9 half marathons, that’s impressive.

      I think the Altra Torin 4 would be a nice option to consider. This runner from Amazon

      finds these shoes to be so comfortable for high arches and Morton’s neuroma. Plus, the shoe’s zero-drop platform places much less stress on the forefoot, which is great for forefoot issues like arthritis.

      However, if you’ve never run in a zero-drop shoe, I recommend you transition to the Altra slowly. Hope this helps

      Reply
  7. I am a walker, not a runner, with a left foot Morton’s neuroma. I do about 20 miles a week on both trails and sidewalk. Various running shoe stores have recommending running shoes instead of walking shoes and I’ve been wearing Brooks. I’m wondering if a zero drop shoe is also the best choice for walking.

    Reply
    • Hi Terre. Sorry to hear about your condition. Zero drop shoes are great for runners with Morton’s Neuroma and I can’t see why they can’t be great for walking. You just have to transition to them slowly if your feet are not used to walking in zero drop shoes.

      Reply
  8. These are the worst sneakers ever for a neuroma. The soles are very hard, with no cushioning. I could hardly make it half a block. Fortunately, the sneaker store where I bought them is willing to make an exchange, agreeing that it’s not a good sneaker for that condition. They are ordering me the Torin.

    Reply

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