Similar to podosomes; however, most researchers define podosomes as more dynamic than invadopodia and smaller; one to two micrometers in diameter compared to eight to ten micrometers.

Some researchers have suggested that podosomes form first and then mature into invadopodia, but no consesus exists among cell biologists, yet.

Feetlike structures aid the necessary migrations of immune and other cells, but they also include the deadly wanderings of cancer cells because they exploit the same ambulatory skills to spread.