Abstract Group IVA elements have aroused attention in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their Na-storage capability. Among them, Pb is less explored perhaps due to its perceived risks, but its long-standing success in Pb-acid batteries should not be neglected. Together with the well-established recycling procedures, the merits of Pb warrant further investigations as a practical SIB anode. In this work, four intermetallic phases are detected during electrochemical sodiation of Pb, which yields a capacity of ~460 mAh·g-1 (~1167 mAh·L-1) upon the formation of Na15Pb4. When pursuing full capacities, the electrode stops functioning after only 3-4 cycles largely due to electrode physical damage. The reversibility of each phase transformation pair is then assessed to explore the origins of capacity fading. The NaPb/Na9Pb4 transformation shows the worst stability, consistent with the observed structural damage (e.g., cracks and voids). Through bypassing the problematic phase transformations using a partial cycling protocol, the stability of Pb foil anodes is improved, giving 20 cycles with 85% capacity retention. Considering other factors are unoptimized, it is suggested that the Pb-based anodes should not be fully eliminated from the future roadmap of SIBs, as the prospective merits can create value to ensure the management of such materials of concern.