Educational Articles

Strutz Foot Pads Instruction Guide

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Disclaimer:

The above content is for educational or informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or augment professional medical instruction, diagnosis, or treatment. Read full disclaimer here.

Related articles:

The Best Foot Pads

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

The best foot pads

The very best foot pads are the ones that nature gave us (i.e., the ones already built into our feet), such... Read more

Metatarsal Pad Benefits

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Metatarsal pad benefits

Metatarsal pads are one of the unsung heroes of natural foot health, and they represent a noninvasive and economical way to address... Read more

Comments
April 28, 2015
Joanne

I was just wondering what the difference is between the pro and rx? Thank you

May 08, 2015
Natural Footgear

Hi, Joanne,

Thank you for your comment. The main difference is in the type of materials used. The materials that make up the Rx are slightly more durable than the materials that make up the Pro. Both options are great, however.

Kind regards,
Marty Hughes, DC

June 17, 2016
Frank

Hi,

I am wondering what the difference is between this and a metatarsal pad? Is this like a reusable metatarsal pad? Seems like it’s marketed as an arch support of some kind?

Moreover, if it truly functions like a metatarsal pad, it looks like the pad sits way below the ball of the feet to give the benefit for the transverse arch. Thank you for your help.

June 17, 2016
Natural Footgear

Hi, Frank,

Thank you for your questions. There are two main types of metatarsal pads: Stationary and mobile. Stationary metatarsal pads, such as Pedag metatarsal pads (www.naturalfootgear.com/collections/foot-pads/products/pedag-metatarsal-pads), have an adhesive backing and are permanently fixed inside your shoes, whereas mobile metatarsal pads can be worn on your bare feet, over your socks, or within any of your shoes or boots.

Both types of metatarsal pads are positioned just behind the ball of your foot and function in the same way to help spread your transverse arch. The type of metatarsal pad you use is simply a matter of personal preference.

Though the Strutz packaging and literature talks about the product offering medial longitudinal “arch support,” we believe that this product, by its very nature, functions best as a metatarsal pad. It does “support” the foot’s transverse arch in that it helps spread out the bones that make up that arch, creating more space for the nerves and blood vessels that pass through this very sensitive part of the foot.

I recommend checking out this article to learn more about foot pads:

www.naturalfootgear.com/blogs/education/17914936-the-best-foot-pads

Also, this article discusses natural arch support and why conventional arch support is largely unnecessary for most people:

www.naturalfootgear.com/blogs/education/17920972-what-is-natural-arch-support

Here’s wishing you the best in foot health! Please let us know if you have any further questions.

Kind regards,
Laura Trentman

January 25, 2018
Mike

Hey! I was just wondering, do the Strutz foot pads help build back your arch if you’ve lost it?

January 25, 2018
Natural Footgear

Hey, Mike! In our experience, the best way to develop the inherent strength of your medial longitudinal arch is to return your big toe to its normal anatomical position (that is, in line with its corresponding metatarsal bone). This can be achieved through gentle stretching of your big toe, the use of Correct Toes toe spacers, and the use of footwear that’s widest at the ends of your toes.

Strutz foot pads help rehabilitate your foot by spreading your transverse foot arch, promoting proper forefoot foot pad positioning, and encouraging a healthy balance between your toe flexor and extensor tendons. Strutz foot pads can be used in combination with Correct Toes and foot-healthy footwear for synergistic foot health benefits.

This article offers a more comprehensive explanation of flat feet, including causes, symptoms, and possible solutions:

www.naturalfootgear.com/blogs/education/17882320-flat-feet

I hope this information has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please do let us know!

Kind regards,
Andrew Potter

February 13, 2018
Chris

Do the pads actually create an arch while wearing them in addition to Correct Toes?

February 13, 2018
Natural Footgear

Hi, Chris,

Thank you for your question! The purpose of the pads is not to create an arch, but rather, to help spread out the transverse foot arch to give the structures (e.g., nerves, blood vessels, etc.) passing between the metatarsal heads a bit more space in which to operate. Strutz pads also help bring the toes back down toward the ground, which can be helpful in addressing crooked toe problems such as hammertoe and mallet toe. Strutz foot pads also help reposition the forefoot fat pad to a position that cradles and supports the heads of the metatarsal bones.

It’s really the combination of Correct Toes and flat-soled, flexible footwear that helps build the main foot arch. I recommend checking out this article, which discusses the concept of natural arch support in greater detail:

www.naturalfootgear.com/blogs/education/17888744-natural-arch-support

I hope this info helps!

Kind regards,
Marty Hughes, DC

February 22, 2021
Michael Crochetiere

Hello. I’m a 68-year-old male in good health. I’ve had bunionette issues on both feet, to some extent, for two years. My left leg is 1/4" shorter than the right due to breaking my left tibia as a teenager. My left foot bunionette is much less severe, but it is there. The right foot is the main problem. I’ve been to two podiatrists and had two cortisone injections. Now surgery is recommended: breaking the bone and adding a screw. Not something I look forward to.

So I’m looking at alternatives. At this point, I cannot move my little toe on the right foot independently, and it bends inward towards my fourth toe. I’ve been wearing well-padded (Hoka) running shoes, at least in the summer. They have helped some. I’ve been wearing Correct Toes with toe socks for a couple weeks, and I’ve been working my foot muscles hard (trying to move my toes independently) as well. The pain (over and under the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint) was originally diagnosed as bursitis. I’ve been told by one podiatrist that I have some minimal arthritis there as well. I’ve had X-rays and an MRI. I may look into the low-rise shoes that you recommend. Would Strutz foot pads help? I realize that you are unable to offer medical advice, but I would appreciate any help you could offer.

February 22, 2021
Natural Footgear

Hi, Michael,

I’m sorry to hear about the foot issues you’ve been grappling with. It’s certainly possible that you’ll experience some good foot health gains by incorporating Strutz foot pads into your daily foot care routine, as they can help to realign a variety of crooked toes and just generally improve foot comfort. But, without being able to see your feet and assess them in person, it’s impossible to make any definitive statements on this front, and your best bet is to find a good local foot care provider who can offer you more nuanced and personalized care. You might consider checking out this article to get a sense of what questions to be asking prospective foot care practitioners:

www.naturalfootgear.com/blogs/popular-q-a/what-questions-should-i-be-asking-a-prospective-foot-care-provider

We’re here if any additional questions arise, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us again!

Kind regards,
Marty Hughes, DC

June 08, 2021
Ana

Hello, I was wondering how long these are meant to be used? You mention in the article that it might take up to a month to get used to the pads, but once one gets used to them, how long are they meant to be worn?

June 08, 2021
Natural Footgear

Hi, Ana,

Thank you for your question. For most people, and for most sets of feet, there are compelling reasons to simply incorporate the pads into an ongoing daily foot care regimen. Many people who have worn conventional shoes for decades require years of rehabilitative foot therapy—part of which the pads provide—to restore optimal foot form and function. It’s certainly possible to use the pads for a shorter period (say, to help you reduce or eliminate ball of foot pain or problems), but the best long-term results come from using the pads on a consistent basis over the span of months and years.

I hope this helps answer your question!

Kind regards,
Marty Hughes, DC

June 08, 2021
Haitham

Hi. I have an issue with just my left foot. Do I need to wear the Strutz Pro pads on both feet, or can I just use it on my left foot?

June 08, 2021
Natural Footgear

Greetings, Haitham,

That’s a great question! Thank you for posting it. We recommend that you wear Strutz foot pads on both feet, even if you currently have an issue on just one side. In general, it’s best for posture, balance, and overall musculoskeletal health to use the pads on both feet simultaneously, and there are other compelling reasons to use Strutz foot pads on the “uninvolved” foot as well, all of which are outlined in this blog post:

www.naturalfootgear.com/blogs/educational-articles/metatarsal-pad-benefits

Please let me know if you have any follow-up questions!

Kind regards,
Marty Hughes, DC

Join The Discussion

Please note that we do not provide medical advice or comment on specific health problems.

Comments need to be approved before showing up.