The Ball Of The Foot Explained

In brief: The ball of the foot is the padded area on the sole just behind the toes, formed by the heads of the metatarsal bones. It bears much of your weight at push-off, so cushioning and a well-shaped forefoot here are central to running comfort.

What is the ball of the foot?

The ball of the foot is the cushioned part of the sole just behind the toes, sitting under the rounded heads of the metatarsal bones. It is the area you naturally push off from at the end of each stride.

Why it matters

A large share of running load passes through the ball of the foot at toe-off. Because it is a small area taking high pressure, comfort, cushioning and forefoot shape in a shoe matter a great deal here.

How it works

As the heel lifts, weight rolls forward onto the ball of the foot before transferring to the toes for push-off. The natural fat padding under the metatarsal heads helps spread this pressure across the forefoot.

What to look for

Forefoot cushioning and a toe box that does not pinch help the ball of the foot stay comfortable over distance. Worn or thin forefoot cushioning is often felt here first.

The ball of the foot and your running kit at OD's

Forefoot cushioning and fit drive comfort at the ball of the foot. The team in St Helens can help you compare shoes by forefoot feel, and we offer next-day delivery and free click and collect.