Metatarsal Bars – Self-Adhesive Forefoot Support

SoleAid Metatarsal Bars add a shaped support area behind the ball of the foot. The bar format spreads support across a wider area than a small, localized metatarsal pad, making it an option when your fitting plan calls for broader pressure redistribution.

Also known as the SoleAid Met Bar, this insert lets you select the support position within your footwear without replacing the entire footbed. Correct placement and sufficient shoe space matter as much as the size you choose.

SoleAid Met Bar features

Metatarsal bar size chart

Use SoleAid’s published U.S. shoe-size ranges to select your bar size.

The published ranges leave women’s 13.5 and men’s 7.5 unassigned. For either size, ask our team to check the appropriate option. Shoe size is a starting point; the bar must also sit comfortably within the shape of your shoe.

Metatarsal bar vs. metatarsal pad vs. full-length insole

The shape that feels best depends on the foot, shoe, and reason for adding support. A broader bar is not automatically more effective than a smaller pad.

Where to place a SoleAid metatarsal bar

The intended support position is behind the ball of the foot, toward the heel. SoleAid specifies that the narrow end faces the heel. The raised area should support behind the metatarsal heads without creating a painful ridge directly beneath them.

1. Assess the available space. Check forefoot width and depth, including any existing insole contours. Adding a bar should not crowd the toes.
2. Establish the position before securing it. Follow the supplied fitting directions and any clinician instructions. If you wear prescribed orthotics, have the placement checked before modifying their support.
3. Recheck the fit during brief wear. Stop if you notice increased pain, tingling, rubbing, or pressure marks. Reassess the position instead of trying to tolerate an uncomfortable ridge.

Questions about metatarsal bars

Is this an insert or a bar attached to the outside of a shoe?

This SoleAid product is an adhesive insert used inside footwear. An external metatarsal bar is a different type of shoe modification fitted to the sole.

Can a metatarsal bar help with metatarsalgia?

Metatarsal bars are used to redistribute forefoot pressure and may improve comfort for some people with metatarsalgia. They do not treat every cause of ball-of-foot pain. Continuing symptoms, particularly burning or numbness, warrant assessment by a healthcare professional.

Will it work in a dress shoe?

Check the shoe’s interior before adding support. A shallow or narrow shoe may have too little space even for a compact insert. For a painful forefoot, prioritize room for the toes and a low heel.

Can I move the adhesive bars between shoes?

Plan the placement for the footwear you intend to use. Repeated removal and reattachment is not a verified feature, and a position that suits one shoe may not suit another.

Order with shipping included.

We provide free standard U.S. shipping with no minimum purchase. Select your size and compare the total cost for the same product and package quantity, including any delivery charges.

If you have diabetes, reduced feeling in your feet, poor circulation, or an open sore, seek professional fitting advice before using pressure-changing inserts.

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