Heel Grips

Heel Grips Buying Guide

Heel grips, also known as heel liners or heel cushions, attach to the inside back of a shoe to create a closer, more comfortable fit. They help prevent the heel from lifting while walking and create a soft barrier that reduces rubbing, helping protect against blisters and sore heels.

They are most useful when a shoe fits comfortably through the toes and forefoot but feels slightly loose or firm around the heel. This guide explains the main designs available and how to choose and position them correctly.

Which Heel Grip Is Right for Me?

Heel grips vary in material, thickness and shape. The right choice depends on how loose the footwear feels, whether your main concern is slippage or rubbing, and how much space is available inside the shoe.

Foam and Cushioned Heel Grips

Foam heel grips provide soft, lightweight cushioning around the back of the shoe. They compress slightly during wear, helping create a closer fit without feeling excessively firm against the heel.

Thin foam grips are suitable for minor slippage or rubbing, while thicker cushioned designs fill more space when footwear feels noticeably loose. However, an overly thick grip may push the foot forwards and create pressure around the toes.

Best suited to:

• Slightly loose shoes
• Mild to moderate heel slippage
• Everyday shoes and trainers
• People who prefer soft cushioning

Gel and Silicone Heel Grips

Gel and silicone heel grips provide flexible cushioning against a firm or uncomfortable heel counter. Their soft surface helps reduce pressure and friction, making them particularly useful for sensitive heels or footwear that causes repeated rubbing.

They are generally more substantial than slim fabric liners, so check that there is enough room inside the shoe before fitting them.

Best suited to:

• Sensitive or easily irritated heels
• Firm shoe backs
• Reducing pressure and rubbing
• People who prefer flexible cushioning

Slim Heel Liners

Slim heel liners create a protective barrier without significantly changing the internal fit of the shoe. They are a good option when the footwear already fits securely but the upper edge or heel counter rubs against the skin. Their discreet design makes them particularly suitable for formal footwear and shoes with limited space.

Best suited to:

• Preventing friction and blisters
• Minor fit adjustments
• Formal or close-fitting shoes
• Footwear that does not need thick padding

Choosing the Right Thickness

Choose a slim liner when the shoe fits well but causes rubbing. A medium or thicker grip may be more suitable when the heel lifts noticeably while walking.

After fitting the grip, check that your toes are not pushed against the front of the shoe and that the footwear still feels stable. Heel grips can improve a small fit issue, but they cannot make substantially oversized shoes fit correctly.

Benefits of Heel Grips

Heel grips provide a simple way to improve shoe comfort and make small adjustments around the back of the heel.

• Reduce Heel Slippage – By filling excess space between the heel and the shoe, heel grips can reduce lifting and movement with each step. This may make slightly loose footwear feel more secure.
• Help Prevent Blisters and Sore Heels – Foam, gel or fabric cushioning creates a protective barrier between the skin and the footwear. Reducing friction can help protect against rubbing, soreness and blisters around the back of the heel.
• Improve the Fit of Slightly Loose Shoes – Heel grips can make footwear feel closer and more comfortable when it is only loose around the heel. They are particularly useful when the forefoot and toe area already fit correctly.

How to Use Heel Grips

Follow these simple steps to position your heel grips securely and achieve a comfortable fit.

• Clean and Dry the Shoe – Wipe the inside back of the shoe to remove dust, moisture and loose fibres. Allow the surface to dry fully before applying the grip, as adhesive may not bond properly to a damp or dirty lining.
• Check the Position – Before removing the adhesive backing, hold the grip against the inside back of the shoe. It should sit centrally where your heel makes contact without extending above the edge of the footwear.
• Press It Securely into Place – Remove the protective backing and apply the grip carefully. Press firmly across the centre and edges to help the adhesive attach evenly. Whenever possible, allow the adhesive to settle before wearing the shoes.
• Test the Fit Indoors – Walk around indoors to check that the grip reduces movement without pushing your foot forwards. It should not cause pressure around the toes, make the shoe feel excessively tight or create a raised edge against the skin.
• Replace It When Worn – Replace the heel grip when the cushioning becomes flattened, the covering begins to peel or the adhesive no longer holds it securely in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are heel grips used for?

Heel grips are used to reduce heel slippage, improve the fit of slightly loose footwear and protect the back of the heel from rubbing, friction and pressure.

Do heel grips stop shoes from slipping?

Heel grips can help when a shoe fits correctly through the forefoot but feels slightly loose around the heel. They may not provide enough adjustment if the footwear is considerably too large or wide.

Can heel grips prevent blisters?

Heel grips create a soft barrier between the skin and the shoe, helping reduce the friction that can contribute to blisters and sore heels. The footwear should still fit securely and should not place excessive pressure on the foot.

Are foam or gel heel grips better?

Foam heel grips provide lightweight cushioning and are often less noticeable inside the shoe. Gel and silicone designs tend to feel softer and may provide greater protection against pressure and persistent rubbing.The best option depends on the available space inside your footwear and the amount of cushioning you prefer.

Do heel grips work in every type of shoe?

Heel grips work best in enclosed footwear with a defined heel counter, including trainers, formal shoes and many everyday styles. They are generally unsuitable for sandals, backless footwear or shoes with a very soft or irregular lining.

Related Products

Heel grips are designed specifically to improve fit and comfort around the back of the shoe. For broader cushioning or support, explore our insoles and arch support inserts, or heel cups and heel cushions.