A plantar fibroma is a noncancerous (benign) growth on the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs from your heel to your toes. Cleveland Clinic says plantar fibromas are usually less than an inch across, grow in the arch of the foot, and can cause pain, especially when you wear shoes.[1]
This guide covers what to look for in a shoe and fourteen pairs for men and women that are in stock on the web US.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical advice. If you notice a new growth or pain in your foot, see a doctor or podiatrist before choosing footwear. Cleveland Clinic says never to assume a mass on your foot is harmless.
Plantar fibroma shoe basics
- Cleveland Clinic says the most common symptom is pain on the bottom of the foot, usually in the arch, and that you may first notice it when wearing shoes that press on the fibroma.[1]
- It lists orthotics (shoe inserts) and offloading pads, such as a donut- or horseshoe-shaped pad placed in the shoe to take pressure away, among the most common treatments.[1]
- Treatment almost always focuses on relieving symptoms. Cleveland Clinic suggests asking your provider whether you need orthotics or different shoes.[1]
- See a healthcare provider if you notice a new growth, a change in the shape of your foot, new pain, or if you cannot walk on your foot.[1]
What Is a Plantar Fibroma?
Cleveland Clinic describes a plantar fibroma as a rare, noncancerous growth on the plantar fascia. You might not notice one at first. Later, it can feel like there is a stone in your shoe, and the skin of the arch can bulge around a lump that looks like a tiny marble.[1] Fibromas in the foot are always benign, but a doctor should check any new growth.[1]
Treatments for Plantar Fibroma
Cleveland Clinic lists these common treatments:[1]
- Pain Relievers – Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as aspirin or ibuprofen reduce pain and inflammation.
- Orthotics – Shoe inserts that support the foot.
- Offloading Pads – Donut- or horseshoe-shaped pads placed in the shoe to take pressure away from the fibroma.
- Stretching and Physical Therapy – Exercises a provider can teach you.
- Medication – Verapamil cream, applied to the bottom of the foot, or cortisone injections, which a provider prescribes.
- Surgery – Rarely needed, and an option if symptoms do not clear up or cannot be managed with nonsurgical treatment.
How Shoes Fit In
Because pressure on the fibroma is what causes the pain, the shoe should not press on the arch.[1] A removable insole leaves room for an orthotic or an offloading pad, which Cleveland Clinic lists among the common treatments.[1] Cushioned midsoles spread the load under the foot. If you walk long distances, our walking shoes vs running shoes guide explains the differences.
Characteristics of a Good Shoe for Plantar Fibroma
- Removable Insole – Room for an orthotic or an offloading pad.[1]
- Cushioned Midsole – Foam that absorbs impact under the arch.
- Smooth Interior – A footbed with no ridges that press on the arch.
- Fit – A secure, roomy fit. Shoes that press on the fibroma are what bring on the pain.[1]
How We Chose These Shoes
We do not test shoes ourselves. We compared each model’s cushioning, insole and fit using the makers’ descriptions and The web product pages, and we kept only pairs that are in stock on the web US. Brands do not pay to be included, but we may earn a commission from purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Shoes for Plantar Fibroma
- What is a plantar fibroma?
It is a rare, noncancerous growth on the plantar fascia, usually less than an inch across and in the arch of the foot.[1] - Do shoes help with a plantar fibroma?
Cleveland Clinic says treatment almost always focuses on relieving symptoms, and lists orthotics and offloading pads placed in the shoe among the most common treatments. It suggests asking your provider whether you need orthotics or different shoes.[1] - Is a plantar fibroma cancer?
No. Cleveland Clinic says fibromas in your foot are always benign and never a symptom or cause of cancer. It still says to see your provider about any new or painful growth.[1] - When should I see a doctor?
Cleveland Clinic says to make an appointment if you notice new growths or changes in the shape of your foot, have new pain, or cannot walk on your foot.[1]
Key Specs
| No. | Shoe | Type | Closure | Width options | Drop / Cushion | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vionic Sage RX | Walking | Slip-on | Medium | – | – |
| 2 | Skechers Glide Step Sole | Walking | Slip-on | Medium, Wide | Memory Foam | – |
| 3 | Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 | Dress/casual | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | 10.2 oz |
| 4 | Saucony Guide 19 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | 6 mm drop / PWRRUN | – |
| 5 | Asics Gel Kayano 33 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | PureGEL | – |
| 6 | Asics Gel Cumulus 28 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | FF BLAST MAX | – |
| 7 | New Balance 860V15 | Running | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | Fresh Foam X | – |
| 8 | Asics Gel Excite 11 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | PureGEL | – |
| 9 | New Balance 608 V5 | Casual sneaker | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | ABZORB | – |
| 10 | New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V9 | Running | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | Fresh Foam | 9.7 oz |
| 11 | Under Armour Charged Assert 10 | Walking | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | 10 mm drop / Charged Cushioning | 9.5 oz |
| 12 | Gravity Defyer Mighty Walk | Walking | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | VersoShock | – |
| 13 | Z-Coil Freedom | Walking | – | Medium | – | – |
| 14 | Dr. Comfort Performance-X / Refresh-X (women's) | Walking | Toggle laces | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | – |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
Reviews: Shoes for Plantar Fibroma
Here are our picks. Each pair is in stock on the web US. We may earn a commission if you buy through the links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Slip-On Sneakers for Plantar Fibroma
1Knit Slip-On Sneaker
Vionic Sage RX - Men
Currently unavailable
Vionic Sage RX - Women
Currently unavailable
The Vionic Sage RX is a slip-on sneaker with a stretch knit upper. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The stretch knit upper has a cushioned foam footbed and a 1.25-inch heel.
- Vionic’s VioMotion dual-density footbed is engineered to keep its shape and support under pressure. Vionic suggests wearing a new pair for a few hours at first.
- A durable cushioned outsole holds up to everyday wear.
2
Skechers® Men's Glide Step Sole Hands-Free Slip-In Sneaker
Currently unavailable
The Skechers Glide-Step Sole is a slip-in sneaker you put on without using your hands.
- Heel Pillow technology and a molded heel panel let your foot slide in, and a bungee closure with stretch laces holds it in place.
- The Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole and Glide-Step midsole cushion each step.
- The engineered mesh upper is breathable, and the flexible outsole grips various surfaces.
Running Shoes for Plantar Fibroma
3Breathable Running Shoe
Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 - Men
Currently unavailable
Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 is a neutral trainer that balances cushioning and flexibility. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The mesh upper has leather overlays that add midfoot support, and at least 30% of the upper is recycled content.
- Charged+ midsole cushioning is soft, and the rubber outsole has flex grooves for toe-off.
- It weighs about 10.2 oz and comes in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
4
Saucony® Women's Guide 19 Stability Running Shoe
Currently unavailable
The Saucony Guide 19 is a stability running shoe that also works well for walking.
- Softer, more responsive PWRRUN foam gives cushioning in every step.
- Centerpath Technology uses a broad base with higher sidewalls that hug the foot and guide it through each step.
- The engineered mesh upper is breathable and stretchy, and it has a 6 mm offset. The women’s pair comes in a wide width.
5
Plush Stability Trainer
Asics Gel Kayano 33 - Men
Currently unavailable
Asics Gel Kayano 33 - Women
Currently unavailable
The ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 is a stability trainer with a plush feel. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- FluidSupport technology adapts to your changing biomechanics through each stride and guides the foot.
- Rearfoot PureGEL and FF Blast Max and Plus foams cushion the landing and give a lively toe-off.
- The engineered mesh upper is light and breathable, and an OrthoLite sockliner manages moisture.
6
Neutral Cushioned Trainer
Asics Gel Cumulus 28 - Men
Currently unavailable
Asics Gel Cumulus 28 - Women
Currently unavailable
The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 is a neutral daily trainer with a soft, energetic ride. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- FF Blast Max foam and rearfoot PureGEL cushion each landing and return energy at toe-off.
- The engineered mesh upper is light and breathable, and the Fluidride outsole blends EVA and rubber for traction without extra weight.
- An OrthoLite X-30 sockliner cushions and manages moisture, and reflective details help you stay visible in low light.
7
Stability Running Shoe
New Balance 860V15 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance 860V15 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v15 is a stability running shoe. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- Fresh Foam X is New Balance’s most cushioned Fresh Foam, and the Stability Plane adds stability support.
- The lightweight synthetic upper is breathable.
- New Balance describes the 860 as its go-to stability shoe for long distances.
8
Everyday Neutral Trainer
Asics Gel Excite 11 - Men
Currently unavailable
Asics Gel Excite 11 - Women
Currently unavailable
The ASICS Gel-Excite 11 is a neutral everyday trainer at a lower price than the brand’s flagship models. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- Rearfoot PureGEL and Amplifoam Plus cushioning give a soft, comfortable ride.
- The engineered mesh upper is light and breathable, and a knit heel tab makes the shoe easy to pull on.
- An OrthoLite X-30 sockliner manages moisture, and reflective details add visibility.
Walking Shoes for Plantar Fibroma
9Casual Cross Trainer
New Balance 608 V5 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance 608 V5 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance 608 v5 is a casual cross trainer that works as an everyday walking shoe. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- An Abzorb heel crash pad absorbs impact, and a molded insert adds cushioning underfoot.
- The suede upper breaks in to your foot, and dual-density collar foam steadies the ankle.
- A Phantom Liner interior has few seams to rub, and the EVA midsole has an internal shank for midfoot stability.
10
Cushioned Walking Shoe
New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V9 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V9 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v9 is a light, cushioned daily trainer. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- A Fresh Foam midsole with bio-based content gives a soft, responsive ride.
- The molded engineered mesh upper breathes well, and the integrated rubber outsole grips on roads, sidewalks and gym floors.
- It weighs about 9.7 oz, and the lace-up closure lets you adjust the fit.
11
Cushioned Athletic Shoe
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 - Men
Currently unavailable
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 is a light everyday trainer. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The breathable mesh upper has synthetic overlays for durability and support.
- An EVA sockliner adds soft step-in comfort, and the Charged Cushioning midsole uses compression-molded foam.
- The solid rubber outsole covers high-wear zones, the offset is 10 mm and the shoe weighs about 9.5 oz.
Orthopedic and Therapeutic Shoes for Plantar Fibroma
12Orthopedic Walking Shoe
Gravity Defyer Mighty Walk - Men
Currently unavailable
Gravity Defyer Mighty Walk - Women
Currently unavailable
The G-Defy Mighty Walk is a walking shoe with VersoShock cushioning. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- VersoShock cushioning absorbs impact as you walk or stand.
- Three insoles come in the box (Perfect Fit, Comfort Fit and Corrective Fit) for low, medium and high arches.
- The shoe has a wide toe box and comes in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
13
Spring Heel Walking Shoe
Z-Coil Freedom - Men
Currently unavailable
Z-Coil Freedom - Women
Currently unavailable
The Z-Coil Freedom is a walking shoe with a spring-coil heel and a rocker forefoot. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The spring heel and rocker forefoot are built to absorb impact and roll the foot forward, and the built-in orthotic supports the arch.
- The breathable mesh upper has room for the toes.
- The coils are replaceable, and each pair comes with an extra half-size insert.
14
Double Depth Athletic Shoe
Dr. Comfort Performance-X - Men
Currently unavailable
Dr. Comfort Refresh-X - Women
Currently unavailable
The Dr. Comfort Performance-X (men) and Refresh-X (women) are double-depth athletic shoes sold as diabetic shoes.
- The shoes are built a quarter inch deeper than standard styles, with room for swelling, internal braces and AFOs.
- A toggle closure with elastic laces means no tying, and the seamless interior reduces rubbing. The mesh upper is breathable.
- Removable insoles make room for your own insert or orthotic. The men’s pair comes in sizes 6 to 15 and in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
Index Table: Top Rated Shoes for Plantar Fibroma
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vionic® - Knit Slip-On Sneaker |  |  |
| Vionic |
| 3 | Under Armour® - Breathable Running Shoe |  |  |
| Under Armour |
| 5 | Asics® - Plush Stability Trainer |  |  |
| Asics |
| 6 | Asics® - Neutral Cushioned Trainer |  |  |
| Asics |
| 7 | New Balance® - Stability Running Shoe |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 8 | Asics® - Everyday Neutral Trainer |  |  |
| Asics |
| 9 | New Balance® - Casual Cross Trainer |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 10 | New Balance® - Cushioned Walking Shoe |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 11 | Under Armour® - Cushioned Athletic Shoe |  |  |
| Under Armour |
| 12 | Gravity Defyer® - Orthopedic Walking Shoe |  |  |
| Gravity Defyer |
| 13 | Z-Coil® - Spring Heel Walking Shoe |  |  |
| Z-Coil |
| 14 | Dr. Comfort® - Double Depth Athletic Shoe |  |  |
| Dr. Comfort |
Conclusion
Choose a cushioned shoe with a removable insole so you can add an orthotic or an offloading pad, and make sure nothing presses on the arch.[1] See a doctor or podiatrist about any new growth or pain in the foot.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. Plantar Fibroma. Accessed October 27, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around Cleveland Clinic’s plantar fibroma guidance, added a disclaimer, takeaways, How We Chose section and FAQ, removed unsourced cause and treatment claims and the plantar fasciitis sources, and regrouped the shoes under correct headings
- Oct 2026: Replaced Vionic Albert with Vionic Sage RX; replaced Orthofeet Broadway with Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11; updated Saucony Guide 14 to Guide 19; replaced Z-Coil Freedom with Z-Coil Freedom; updated Asics Gel Kayano 29 to Gel Kayano 33; replaced Orthofeet Sprint with New Balance 608 V5; replaced New Balance MM990V5 with New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V9; replaced Skechers Go Walk Evolution with Skechers Glide Step Sole; updated Asics Gel Cumulus 24 to Gel Cumulus 28; updated New Balance 860V12 to 860V15; replaced Hoka One Bondi 7 with Under Armour Charged Assert 10; updated Asics Gel Excite 8 to Gel Excite 11
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs table and a Sources section; checked availability of every product
- May 2019: Published
