Solder-pinning metal pads for electronic components and techniques for use thereof to mitigate de-wetting are provided. In one aspect, a structure includes: a substrate; and a solder pad on the substrate, wherein the solder pad has sidewalls extending up from a surface thereof. For instance, the sidewalls can be present at edges of the solder pad, or inset from the edges of the solder pad. The sidewalls can be vertical or extend up from the solder pad at an angle. The sidewalls can be formed from the same material or a different material as the solder pad. A method is also provided that includes forming a solder pad on a substrate, the solder pad comprising sidewalls extending up from a surface thereof.