What is a heel cup?
A heel cup sits beneath and partly around the heel, providing a cushioned cradle that can absorb impact and reduce direct pressure.
What is a heel cushion?
A heel cushion is a smaller rearfoot insert designed mainly to soften impact beneath the heel.
Some versions include a removable central plug so a particular area can be offloaded.
Which provides broader cushioning?
A cup-shaped design generally surrounds more of the heel and can help contain the heel pad as well as cushion it from below.
Which is more targeted?
A cushion with a removable relief section can create a lower-pressure area beneath a selected point.
This only works if the relief zone corresponds with the sensitive area.
Do they raise the heel?
Any insert adds some thickness, but a simple heel cup is primarily a cushioning device rather than a deliberate heel raise.
A dedicated heel wedge is designed around a specified elevation.
Should they be worn in both shoes?
This depends on the product, the amount of thickness and the reason for use. Many cushioning products are supplied as a pair.
If one-sided use noticeably changes walking or leg length, seek advice.
What footwear works best?
The shoe needs enough depth to keep the heel secure after the device is added. Slip-on shoes with shallow heel counters may become less stable.
Can a heel cup treat the cause of heel pain?
No. It may reduce impact or pressure while worn, but heel pain has several possible causes and may need a broader management plan.
Important: A removable relief plug should not be used to self-treat an unexplained focal lesion in someone with reduced sensation or an at-risk foot.
