Metatarsalgia: running shoe recomendation?

[drjhill]

I have an on/off niggling problem with pain under my 4th left metatarsal head for about 3 years now. Day to day it is OK but sometimes it plays up, so I do everything I can not to provoke it including being very fussy about what shoes I wear

I am a road cyclist and generally don't have a problem on my bike (stiff soles and less flex seems to be better). I have been doing a bit of running (I'm talking about steady 5k jog here, no ambitions beyond this) as this is supposed to be good cross training for cyclists.

My current running shoes are just some old Nikes that I have barely used over the last few years. I run off pavement whenever I can

So my priority for replacing them is maximum shock absorption under my forefoot. I'm not bothered about the latest tech features and marginal gains chasing PBs (I can do that with carbon / titanium bits for my bikes). This is about comfort first and last.

I will have a browse in some mags and maybe get myself to a proper running shoe seller and I know there is only one way to find out what works and what doesn't, but can anyone give me a recommendation if you have had a similar problem??

Thanks in advance

[sawman]

Brookes ghost would be a safe starting point

[Piginapoke]

Any of the Asics gel range would also do the job. Look online to find discounts on last year's models, just like bikes

[millen]

Are you sure it's not Morton's Neuroma - aka trapped nerve between the metatarsals? Was a sharp very localised burning pain in my case.

I had 6 months of pain, and useless but expensive orthotics and arch supports, before the problem was fixed. If treated early an injection (formaldehyde?) can kill off the nerve. If it festers too long, I was told that excision was the only cure. That was all 10 years ago so maybe there's more options now.

Good luck anyway!

[drjhill]

Update:

Have waded in with some Ghost 12s direct from Brooks in their sale. Couple of steady runs so far and all seems well

Should get a few years use out of them at my current mileage

Many thanks again