What does a heel lift do?
A heel lift raises the heel inside the shoe.
This changes the position of the ankle and can reduce the amount of upward ankle movement required during standing and walking. It can also change tension through the calf and Achilles tendon and provide additional cushioning beneath the heel.
Heel lifts may also be used as part of the management of a measured leg-length difference, but one-sided correction should normally follow appropriate assessment.
What are heel lifts commonly used for?
Depending on the individual, heel lifts may be used to:
- temporarily reduce load through the Achilles tendon;
- provide gentle heel elevation for comfort;
- alter ankle position where flat footwear aggravates symptoms;
- provide additional cushioning beneath the heel;
- compensate for a professionally assessed leg-length difference.
Heel lift vs heel pad: what is the difference?
A heel pad is mainly designed to cushion and soften pressure beneath the heel.
A heel lift deliberately raises the heel and therefore changes ankle position as well as providing some cushioning.
Some products combine both functions, but the amount of elevation is the key difference.
How much heel lift should you use?
There is no single heel-lift height that is appropriate for everyone.
The amount should be based on why the lift is being used, how the shoe accommodates it and how comfortable and stable the foot feels.
More height is not automatically better. Excessive elevation can alter shoe fit, reduce heel containment and create a feeling of instability.
Should you start with the maximum height?
Not necessarily.
With an adjustable or peel-away lift, it is often sensible to use only the amount required rather than automatically starting at the maximum available height.
If the purpose is symptom management rather than correction of a measured discrepancy, a smaller elevation may be sufficient.
How much lift is used for Achilles symptoms?
Heel elevation may temporarily reduce ankle dorsiflexion and therefore reduce strain through the Achilles tendon during walking.
The appropriate amount depends on symptoms, footwear and the rehabilitation plan. A heel lift should normally complement rather than replace progressive rehabilitation where Achilles tendinopathy is being managed.
How much lift is used for plantar fasciitis?
Some people find a small amount of heel elevation comfortable because it changes tension through the calf and sole of the foot and can soften pressure beneath a sensitive heel.
However, plantar fasciitis has multiple contributing factors, so heel elevation is not automatically the best option for everyone.
Should heel lifts be worn in both shoes?
When heel lifts are being used for general heel elevation, Achilles loading or comfort, they are commonly worn in both shoes so that an unintended leg-length difference is not created.
This can also help maintain a more symmetrical walking pattern.
When is a heel lift used in only one shoe?
One-sided use is more appropriate when a genuine leg-length difference has been assessed and unilateral correction has been recommended.
It is difficult to judge which leg is shorter, or how much correction is appropriate, simply by looking in a mirror or comparing trouser lengths.
If asymmetry is significant enough to require correction, professional assessment is advisable.
Can the whole leg-length difference be corrected inside the shoe?
Not always.
A larger lift can make the shoe unstable or cause the heel to sit too high at the back of the shoe. Larger corrections may therefore need a different footwear solution or external shoe modification rather than a thick internal lift.
What footwear works best with heel lifts?
Use footwear with enough internal depth and a secure heel counter.
The heel should remain comfortably contained after the lift is inserted, and the shoe should not feel as though it is slipping off or pushing the foot forwards.
How should a heel lift feel?
A heel lift should feel stable and should not create a sharp pressure point beneath the heel.
Stop and reassess if it causes new pain, marked imbalance, rubbing, numbness or a feeling that the heel is no longer secure inside the shoe.
Key point: Use the minimum amount of elevation that achieves the intended purpose while keeping the shoe comfortable and stable. Bilateral use is generally more appropriate unless a measured leg-length difference specifically requires one-sided correction.
When should you seek professional advice?
Professional assessment is sensible if you suspect a leg-length difference, require a substantial one-sided lift, have persistent Achilles or heel symptoms, or are using heel elevation as part of rehabilitation following injury or surgery.
