Plantar fibroma is a benign tumor that grows on the bottom of the foot. The tumor forms when collagen fibers in the foot become thick and lumpy. Plantar fibroma is more common in people who are overweight or have diabetes, but it can affect anyone.

Plantar Fibroma Symptoms

Plantar fibromas are often painless, but they can cause discomfort and make walking difficult. You may feel a hard lump on your foot when you step on it. In some cases, plantar fibroma causes no symptoms at all and is discovered only when an X-ray is done for another reason.

How to Treat Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma usually doesn’t need treatment unless it gets bigger or causes problems with walking or standing up. If you have a small plantar fibroma, your doctor may recommend rest until the pain goes away or steroid injections into the tumor to reduce inflammation and swelling. You may also be advised to wear shoes with firm heel counters that keep your foot from moving side to side as much as possible during everyday activities like walking and running. If these measures don’t work, surgery may be needed to remove part or all of the tumor

Best Shoes For Plantar Fibromas

There’s no apparent specific cause for plantar fibroma, but having one—or two—can be annoying and hamper your everyday life.

This thick knot of inflamed tissue in your foot can cause pain, discomfort, and an aggravating feeling of having something in your shoe.

While changing your shoes won’t necessarily prevent plantar fibromas from developing, wearing the best shoes for plantar fibroma can alleviate your pain and make everyday life easier.

We recommend the Asics Gel-Cumulus 23 for our top pick. It has soft, shock-absorbing cushioning, Gel cushioning in the heel, and grippy, impact-absorbing rubber on the outsole.

Here are the shoes we recommend for every situation!

BEST OVERALL

1. ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 23

Whether you’re taking a jog around the block or walking to the store, the Asics Gel-Cumulus 23 is a great option.

The superior cushioning and arch support help to support the plantar fascia and reduce pain caused by a plantar fibroma.

WHAT WE LIKE

These neutral shoes are ideal for those with plantar fibroma and can be used in a large range of different activities. They will keep you comfortable all day.

To help cushion your feet, you’ll find Flytefoam in the midsole, which is soft underfoot. This is achieved by their 3D Space Construction technology that uses small honeycomb-shaped pods which compress and bounce back as you walk. It provides a good combination of softness and energy return.

However, this softness doesn’t compromise the arch support, which is still very effective for those with neutral feet.

Gel technology features in the heel, which helps to absorb impact and lower vibration on impact, which helps to protect the plantar fascia.

The outsole gives the shoe even better shock absorbency, made from a blend of carbon rubber and Asics’ AHAR rubber. It’s flexible but also grippy, so you can expect good traction on a number of different surfaces as well.

WHY WE LIKE IT

The Asics Gel-Cumulus 23 is an ideal everyday shoe. It features excellent cushioning and support, especially for the plantar fascia.

WHAT’S NEW

The rubber outsole is a little thicker than it was on the 22 and has a slightly different pattern, but it still covers roughly the same surface area.

There’s slightly tighter-woven mesh in the forefoot of the upper, but it doesn’t change the performance of the shoe very much at all.

PROS:

  • Provides all-day comfort out of the box
  • Soft, supportive midsole cushioning
  • Shock-absorbing GEL technology in the heel
  • Rubber outsole has great grip on various surfaces

CONS:

  • The shoe may run a little warm

TOP RUNNER-UP

2. HOKA BONDI 7

The Hoka Bondi 7 has long been known as one of the most plush, cushioned shoes you can find on the market. This cushioning will help to support and cradle your arch and ease pain.

WHAT WE LIKE

The Hoka Bondi 7 is all about cushioning. With a stack height of 33 mm in the heel and 29 mm in the forefoot, your plantar fascia will be very well-protected from shock when you have these shoes on your feet.

The upper is also very padded, offering a thick tongue and ankle collar. This is not only comfortable, but it helps you to get a great lockdown on your feet, and the Bondi 7 has a noticeably better heel lock than its predecessor.

The EVA foam will mold to your arch as you wear it. There’s also an internal heel counter to keep your rearfoot stable, which works with the arch support to take pressure off the plantar fascia.

Like all Hokas, the Bondi 7 has a wide and very stable base, leaving very little room for twisting could cause pain. A meta rocker base also reduces foot fatigue by decreasing the amount of muscle activation in the arch, lessening pain as well.

WHY WE LIKE IT

The Hoka Bondi 7 offers exceptional cushioning, which is both comfortable and shock-absorbing. It’s a very plush shoe and will guard your plantar fascia from jarring.

WHAT’S NEW

The heel lock has been improved to remove the heel slippage problems experienced by some runners in the 6. Also, the stack height is 3 mm lower, but it doesn’t feel very much different.

A renewed mesh pattern on the upper helps to improve breathability, with larger perforations. The overlays have also been changed to a new pattern, but that’s a purely aesthetic change.

The Bondi 7 also comes in an extra-wide option to cater to more people.

PROS:

  • Generous amount of soft cushioning
  • Ample arch support
  • Meta rocker midsole provides smooth heel-to-toe movement
  • Wide, stable base

CONS:

  • Some people may find the shoe to be bulky

BEST FOR WALKING

3. VIONIC WALKER CLASSIC

If you love to walk or you have a job that requires you to do a lot of walking, the Vionic Walker is a great choice to cushion and protect your plantar fibroma.

It’s available in a variety of colorways, including all-black if you need a supportive walking shoe that can be worn at work.

WHAT WE LIKE

The Vionic Walker is made for walking, and it’s an orthopedic shoe so it’s excellent for people suffering from pain in their feet due to a variety of different things.

It has firm, contoured arch support and a stable heel counter that keeps your foot in its optimal position and takes pressure off of the plantar fascia.

The cushioned orthotic insole that comes with the shoe is removable, so if you do need more arch support, you can insert your own one to provide it.

Your foot will be protected from shock by the EVA midsole foam. The midsole is designed with a 5-degree lift, which helps make the heel-to-toe transition smoother and relieves fatigue on the foot.

A generous amount of thick rubber on the outsole absorbs more impact and reduces jarring on the painful area.

The shoe features a water-resistant leather or suede upper with mesh sections for breathability. Some may find that the shoe feels heavy on their feet, weighing 15 oz.

WHY WE LIKE IT

This shoe is designed to support and cushion the foot while walking. It’s suitable for both athletic and casual use, and it’s APMA-accepted, which means it’s good for foot health.

PROS:

  • Built-in 5-degree elevation provides smooth transitions
  • Contoured arch support
  • Firm heel counter provides added stability
  • Removable, cushioned insole

CONS:

  • These shoe are a little heavy

MOST SUPPORT

4. PROPET STABILITY X

This athletic-looking walking shoe has some stability features that will keep your feet aligned and comfortable no matter where you walk.

Also, if you don’t want a shoe with a traditional lacing system, it comes in the Propet Stability Strap as well.

WHAT WE LIKE

The Propet Stability X has soft and protective cushioning, provided by the unique double-insole system. You can also remove one or both of the insoles if you want to, or add a custom orthotic.

There’s also a gel pad in the heel for shock absorption and a built-in heel counter, which helps to lock the foot in place and prevent movement that could aggravate a plantar fibroma.

A rubber outsole adds more shock absorbency as well as traction on multiple different surfaces and makes the shoe durable.

However, some may find that the tongue is uncomfortably short.

WHY WE LIKE IT

There’s a lot of cushioning and support, and you have multiple options for customizing it to your own needs.

PROS:

  • Soft, protective underfoot cushioning
  • Removable double insoles accommodate for custom orthotics
  • Gel heel pad absorbs shock
  • Built-in heel counter

CONS:

  • The tongue is too short

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT

5. NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM TEMPO

This shoe is unusually light, weighing just 9.35 oz for a men’s size 10.5. If you’re looking for a shoe that’s supportive, comfortable, and doesn’t weigh you down, this is a good choice.

WHAT WE LIKE

As well as being light, the Tempo has breathable, stretchy mesh on the upper that can accommodate most feet easily and comfortably.

A full-length Fresh Foam midsole offers soft, shock-absorbing cushioning, reducing vibration on your painful plantar fascia and keeping your feet strong for longer.

On the outside of the heel, you’ll find a plastic heel counter, which helps to lock the foot in place and prevent unnecessary movement.

The outsole features blown rubber in both the forefoot and the heel, which has exceptional grip and also absorbs impact quite well. There is some exposed midsole in the center.

You should take note that this shoe is a little less durable than others, possibly due to the exposed midsole and thin rubber layer underneath.

WHY WE LIKE IT

The Fresh Foam Tempo is so light that it almost feels like you’re barefoot, except your feet are well protected.

WHAT’S NEW

The Fresh Foam Tempo is a replacement of the Zante Pursuit. They are similar in weight and both have the same 6 mm drop, but they look somewhat different and also have some different features.

The Tempo has an added heel counter and uses an updated Fresh Foam X midsole. Instead of the Zante’s crystal rubber outsole, the Tempo sports blown rubber in the forefoot and heel, with some exposed midsole in the midfoot.

PROS:

  • Versatile and lightweight
  • Stretchy engineered mesh accommodates most feet
  • External TPU cup adds more structure
  • Full-length Fresh Foam midsole provides a soft and smooth ride

CONS:

  • These shoes may be less durable than others

TOP SLIP-ON

6. DREW JUMP (MEN’S)

7. DREW POSY (WOMEN’S)

These slip-on shoes are surprisingly supportive and comfortable. The men’s—Jump—and the women’s—Posy—are both casual styles and easy to wear in a variety of different environments.

WHAT WE LIKE

These two shoes may look different, but their features are almost exactly the same and they’re great for plantar fibroma.

Both of them use Drew’s Plus Fitting System, which means they have two footbeds. This gives you excellent cushioning, which will protect your plantar fibroma from shock.

However, if you wish to remove the footbeds for more space in the shoe or to add your own orthotic, you can.

The included footbeds have anatomical arch support to keep your foot in the right position and lessen tension on the plantar fascia.

For extra shock absorption, there’s more cushioning in the heel. For support, each shoe has a built-in shank and a medial heel stabilizer.

Also, both outsoles are slip-resistant and will keep you stable on multiple different surfaces. You should make sure to get the right size, as these slip-ons are not very adjustable.

WHY WE LIKE IT

These shoes are both casual slip-ons, but they’re more supportive than most shoes of this kind of style. While others might aggravate a plantar fibroma, these ones should ease the pain.

PROS:

  • Spacious, rounded toe box
  • Anatomical arch support cradles your feet
  • Built-in heel cushion absorbs shock
  • Accommodates custom orthotics

CONS:

  • Not adjustable so you need to get the right size

BEST DRESS BOOT

8. ROCKPORT TOTAL MOTION LITE ZIP SNEAKER (MEN’S)

9. COBB HILL PENFIELD RUCHED BOOT (WOMEN’S)

Those who need a supportive, comfortable, but dress shoe for work will appreciate these. For men, we chose the Rockport Total Motion Lite Zip Sneakers, which has a dressy, casual look.

For women, we selected the Cobb Hill Penfield Ruched Boot, which comes in a variety of different colors.

WHAT WE LIKE

Although these shoes are quite different, both of them have a leather upper that gives them a professional look as well as makes them durable.

Both shoes primarily use a zipper closure, but the men’s shoe also has laces for a better fit. The women’s shoe has decorative elastic lacing on one side.

EVA footbeds mold to the arch to relieve pressure on the plantar fascia, as well as absorb shock.

The women’s boot features a steel shank for better stability. Both shoes have lightly textured outsoles for good grip and they also help to increase shock absorption.

WHY WE LIKE IT

These boots are suitable for both smart and casual wear. They cushion and support the foot.

PROS:

  • Soft, supportive leather upper
  • All-day wear is extremely comfortable
  • Padded ankle collar for added comfort
  • Impact-absorbing EVA outsole

CONS:

  • The women’s shoe runs a little narrow and you may have to go wider to get a snug fit

TOP FOR OUTDOORS

10. ORTHOFEET HUNTER (MEN’S)

11.ORTHOFEET DELTA (WOMEN’S)

If you like to hike or spend a lot of time outdoors but your sore feet stop you from doing so, these orthopedic shoes may be your new favorite footwear.

The Orthofeet Hunter for men and Delta for women provide excellent support and comfort, to reduce your pain levels and allow you to spend quality time outdoors.

WHAT WE LIKE

Both of these outdoor hiking shoes feature Ergonomic-Stride technology that uses air cushioning to soften every step and provide exceptional comfort.

The interior lining is also padded for extra comfort and impact absorption, as well as being seam-free to reduce the chance of chafing.

The orthotic insoles offer anatomical arch support to relieve strain on the plantar fascia. They can easily be removed to make space for custom orthotics, and there are also 2 sets of spacers—1/16-inch and ⅛-inc—which can be added or removed to make more space or to fill space for a better fit.

If you find that the arch support isn’t enough for you, then you can make use of the Arch Booster for more support.

Slip-resistant outsoles help to soften impact. You should note that although these shoes can handle the elements, they aren’t waterproof.

WHY WE LIKE IT

These hiking boots offer customizable cushioning and support, so you can walk on rough ground with increased comfort and less pain when you have a plantar fibroma.

PROS:

  • Seam-free, padded interior lining
  • Multiple layers of cushioning increase comfort
  • Adjustable arch support
  • Orthotic-friendly design

CONS:

  • Not waterproof

BEST ROCKER BOTTOM

12. GRAVITY DEFYER GDEFY MIGHTY

A rocker bottom can help to take pressure off the plantar fascia and relieve pain as it helps the foot to move through its gait with less strain.

The Gravity Defyer GDEFY Mighty has an excellent and effective rocker bottom that serves this purpose very well.

WHAT WE LIKE

The GDEFY Mighty’s early-stage meta rocker—known as a Front Rolling Design—helps to roll the foot through its gait with little effort, easing tension in the plantar fascia and reducing muscle fatigue.

They also have a unique cushioning feature in the heel, known as VersoShock technology. This works like a spring, absorbing the shock of impact and reducing pain and damage to the feet.

The wide platform offers extra stability in the midfoot, and it comes with an orthotic insole, which can be removed to add your own if you have a specific one that works for your feet.

The mesh upper is breathable and durable, and can be locked down very well with the classic lacing system.

WHY WE LIKE IT

This shoe’s rocker shape helps to reduce foot fatigue, particularly in the plantar fascia, which will help to lessen pain from plantar fibroma.

PROS:

  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Early-stage meta rocker provides smooth movement
  • Increased midfoot stability
  • Removable cushioned footbed

CONS:

  • These shoes may feel somewhat heavy

BUYERS GUIDE – SHOES FOR PLANTAR FIBROMA

CUSHIONING

Good cushioning will absorb shock every time you take a step. This will help to reduce pain in the plantar fibroma as it reduces the amount of vibration that hits your foot.

A contoured footbed will help to disperse your body weight so that there’s no excessive pressure on your plantar fascia.

Removable insoles are also a good idea as it allows you to customize your arch support and add extra cushioning.

SUPPORT

It’s important to choose the right arch support for your foot in order for the foot to be adequately supported. This will help to reduce strain on the plantar fascia and can ease the pain of plantar fibroma.

If you overpronate or have flat feet, you will need more support on the medial side of the shoe. If you have high arches, you will need strong arch support that prevents your foot from falling over.

SHOCK ABSORBENCY

You should look for a shoe that offers good shock absorbency. Foam or gel in the midsole can make a big difference and help to attenuate shock and protect the plantar fascia from vibration.

OUTSOLE

A thick rubber outsole will help to provide traction on a number of different surfaces, as well offering some more shock absorbency underfoot.

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