Heel Lifts

Heel Lifts Buying Guide

Heel lifts – also known as shoe lifts, heel raises or heel elevators – sit beneath the rear of the foot to raise the heel. Depending on the design, they may be used to accommodate a measured leg length difference, temporarily reduce strain on the Achilles tendon or increase height for personal preference.

Choosing the right heel lift depends on why you need it, how much elevation is required and whether you want cushioning beneath the heel or broader support extending into the arch. A suspected leg length discrepancy should ideally be measured by a podiatrist, physiotherapist or orthotist before selecting a lift.

What Are Heel Lifts Used For?

Heel lifts can serve several different purposes. Understanding your main reason for wearing one will help you choose the most appropriate design and height.

Leg Length Discrepancy

A leg length discrepancy occurs when one leg is shorter than the other or when differences in alignment create an uneven standing position. A heel lift worn beneath the shorter leg may help the wearer feel more level and reduce some associated symptoms.

For medical use, the amount of lift should be based on an appropriate assessment rather than guesswork. A lift that is too high or placed beneath the wrong foot could create a new imbalance. Larger differences may require a professionally fitted external shoe raise rather than an insert placed inside the shoe.

Achilles Tendon Support

Raising the heel slightly reduces the angle between the foot and lower leg, which can temporarily decrease the load placed on the Achilles tendon. Heel raises are sometimes used as part of a wider Achilles tendinopathy treatment plan alongside strengthening exercises and activity management.

A heel lift should not be treated as a replacement for rehabilitation or professional assessment when Achilles pain is persistent, severe or associated with an injury.

Increasing Height

Heel lifts and height-increasing insoles can also add discreet height inside boots, trainers and other enclosed footwear. They provide a temporary increase and do not permanently change your natural height.

Lower-profile heel lifts provide a subtle increase, while layered or longer height-increasing insoles can add several centimetres. The available space inside the shoe and your comfort should determine how much height you use.

Which Heel Lift Is Right for Me?

Heel lifts differ in height, material, length and adjustability. Some focus on compact heel elevation, while others extend beneath the arch or most of the foot to provide broader support.

Fixed-Height Gel Heel Lifts

Fixed-height heel lifts use a single piece of gel or silicone to provide a set amount of elevation. They are compact, easy to place inside footwear and usually include cushioning to help absorb impact beneath the heel.

Because their height cannot be altered, check the product measurement carefully before choosing. They may suit people who already know how much elevation they require or want a straightforward option without removable layers.

Best suited to:

• A consistent amount of heel elevation
• Everyday walking and standing
• Shock absorption beneath the heel
• People who prefer a simple one-piece design

Adjustable Layered Heel Lifts

Adjustable heel lifts include removable layers that allow the height to be increased or reduced. This provides greater flexibility than a fixed design and lets you begin with a lower setting before adding more elevation if appropriate.

The layers may attach using interlocking gel, adhesive or hook-and-loop fastenings. Ensure every layer is connected securely before placing the lift inside your footwear.

Best suited to:

• Gradually adjusting the height
• People unsure which level feels most comfortable
• Different footwear with varying internal space
• Those who want more than one height option

Heel Lift Half Insoles

Half-insoles extend from the heel into the arch, providing a more gradual transition than a small heel-only insert. Some include shaped arch support and cushioning beneath a larger area of the foot.

They generally feel more stable than a narrow heel pad and may suit people who also want support beneath the rear arch. However, they take up more space inside the shoe.

Best suited to:

• Supporting both the heel and arch
• Creating a smoother transition beneath the foot
• People who find small lifts unstable
• Boots, trainers and shoes with sufficient depth

Height-Increasing Insoles

Height-increasing insoles are designed primarily to make the wearer appear taller. They may use a half or longer-length construction and often include removable layers to provide several height options.

Longer designs distribute support across more of the foot than a small heel lift, although larger increases require deeper footwear. Boots and high-backed trainers are generally better at accommodating taller inserts without allowing the heel to slip.

Best suited to:

• Adding height for social or personal reasons
• People who want several adjustable levels
• Footwear with a high or enclosed heel
• Those who prefer support extending beyond the heel

Benefits of Heel Lifts

Heel lifts provide a compact way to raise the rear of the foot without necessarily replacing the shoe’s existing insole. Depending on their purpose and design, they may offer the following benefits.

• Accommodate a Leg Length Difference – When the correct height is placed beneath the shorter leg, a heel lift may help the wearer feel more level and improve comfort during standing or walking. Clinical assessment is particularly important where the difference is significant or symptoms affect the hips, knees or back.
• Temporarily Reduce Achilles Strain – A small heel raise may reduce tension on the Achilles tendon by limiting how far the ankle bends upwards. This can provide temporary support during some treatment programmes, although strengthening and rehabilitation usually remain important.
• Add Discreet Height – Heel lifts sit inside footwear, providing a temporary height increase without requiring visibly heeled shoes. Adjustable designs make it possible to select the amount of added height according to the footwear and occasion.
• Cushion the Heel – Gel, silicone, foam and EVA designs may also absorb some impact beneath the heel. However, a heel lift’s primary purpose is elevation; someone seeking cushioning without additional height may be better suited to a heel cup or heel pad.

How to Choose the Right Heel Lift

The most suitable heel lift should provide the required elevation without making your footwear unstable, tight or uncomfortable.

Identify Why You Need It

Your purpose will influence the most appropriate design:

• Leg length discrepancy: a measured, controlled amount of elevation
• Achilles support: usually a modest heel raise used as part of a treatment plan
• Increasing height: matching lifts worn in both shoes
• Heel and arch support: a longer half-insole design

For a medical condition, obtain professional advice about the correct height and whether the lift should be worn beneath one or both feet.

Choose the Appropriate Height

More elevation is not automatically better. A heel lift that is unnecessarily high may alter the fit of the footwear and affect the way you stand or walk.

Adjustable layered designs allow you to begin with a smaller increase. When treating a measured leg length discrepancy, use the height recommended by your healthcare professional rather than selecting it according to appearance or sensation alone.

Decide Between Fixed and Adjustable Designs

A fixed-height lift provides a consistent level of elevation and has fewer parts that can move. An adjustable lift offers greater flexibility and may be easier to adapt to different shoes. Choose a design whose layers remain firmly connected and do not slide beneath the foot.

Consider the Length

A heel-only lift occupies less space and may fit a wider range of shoes. A half-insole creates a more gradual transition beneath the foot and can include arch support, but requires additional room.

Higher lifts are often more comfortable in longer designs because the elevation is distributed across a greater area.

Check Your Footwear

Heel lifts work best inside enclosed shoes with:

• A secure fastening
• A supportive sole
• Sufficient internal depth
• A firm, enclosed heel counter
• Enough room to prevent pressure across the toes

Backless, shallow or loose footwear may allow the lift or heel to move. NHS orthotic guidance similarly recommends secure, well-fitting footwear when using heel lifts or shoe raises.

Choose the Material

Common materials include:

• Gel or silicone: flexible, shock absorbing and usually reusable
• Foam or EVA: lightweight and available in different firmness levels
• Rubber: firmer and supportive, often used in layered designs
• Fabric-covered inserts: provide a softer surface beneath the sock

The best choice depends on whether you prioritise softness, durability, firmness or reduced bulk.

Heel Lifts, Heel Cups or Height-Increasing Insoles?

Although these products can look similar, they have different primary purposes.

• A heel lift raises the rear of the foot and may be used for a measured leg length difference, Achilles support or a modest height increase.
• A heel cup primarily cushions and surrounds the heel. It may raise the foot slightly because of its thickness, but it is not normally designed to provide a precise amount of elevation.
• A height-increasing insole is intended mainly to make the wearer appear taller. It may offer greater elevation and extend farther beneath the foot than a standard heel lift.

Choose according to the product’s stated purpose rather than using the terms interchangeably.

How to Use Heel Lifts

Follow these tips to position and wear your heel lifts safely and comfortably.

• Confirm the Correct Height – Where the lift is intended to accommodate a leg length difference, have the discrepancy assessed properly. Avoid attempting to estimate a substantial difference yourself.
• Position the Lift Securely – Place the raised edge against the back of the shoe with the lift sitting flat beneath the heel. Half-insoles should follow the natural shape of the foot without folding or rocking. Some models have an adhesive or non-slip base to help prevent movement.
• Use Them in the Correct Shoe – For a confirmed leg length discrepancy, the lift is normally placed beneath the shorter leg as advised by a professional. For general height increase, matching lifts should usually be worn in both shoes. Where heel raises are being used for an Achilles condition, follow the instructions provided by your physiotherapist or other healthcare professional.
• Start Gradually – Begin with shorter periods of wear, particularly when using a new or higher lift. Gradually increase the duration as your feet and legs adjust. Adjustable models should normally be introduced at a lower level before extra layers are added, unless you have been prescribed a specific height.
• Make Sure Your Heel Remains Secure – Adding height reduces the amount of the heel held inside the shoe. Check that your foot does not slip at the back and that your toes are not pushed into the front. A deeper shoe or boot may be necessary for taller lifts.
• Keep Them Clean – Clean gel, silicone and fabric-covered lifts according to their individual care instructions. Allow reusable inserts to dry fully before returning them to your shoes.
• Listen to Your Body – Heel lifts may feel unfamiliar initially, but they should not cause new pain, instability, numbness or worsening discomfort. Discontinue use if these symptoms occur and seek advice from a podiatrist, physiotherapist or other qualified healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are heel lifts used for?

Heel lifts raise the heel inside footwear. They may be used to accommodate a measured leg length discrepancy, reduce strain on the Achilles tendon during some treatment programmes or provide a temporary increase in height.

Can heel lifts help a leg length discrepancy?

They may help accommodate some leg length differences when the correct height is placed beneath the shorter side. The discrepancy should be measured professionally, particularly if it causes pain, affects walking or requires more than a small adjustment.

Can heel lifts help Achilles tendinopathy?

A modest heel raise may temporarily reduce the load placed on the Achilles tendon and is sometimes trialled as part of a wider rehabilitation plan. It does not address the underlying strength or capacity of the tendon, so it is usually combined with appropriate exercises and activity management.

Should I wear a heel lift in one shoe or both?

For a confirmed leg length discrepancy, a lift may be worn beneath the shorter leg only. For increasing height, matching lifts should normally be placed in both shoes. Follow professional advice where the lifts are being used for a medical condition.

Can heel lifts make me taller?

Yes. Heel lifts and height-increasing insoles add temporary height while they are being worn. The result depends on the thickness of the insert and how much space the footwear can accommodate. They do not permanently alter your natural height.

How high should a heel lift be?

The appropriate height depends on its purpose. A medical lift should match the measurement or recommendation provided by a professional. For personal height increase, begin with a lower setting and ensure your feet remain secure and comfortable inside the shoes.

Can I wear heel lifts all day?

Some designs are suitable for extended wear once you have adjusted to them. Begin gradually, follow the product instructions and stop if the lift causes pain, instability or excessive pressure.

Do heel lifts fit every shoe?

No. They work best inside enclosed, supportive shoes with sufficient depth. Taller lifts are usually better suited to boots or high-backed trainers, while shallow shoes may only accommodate a slim insert.

What is the difference between a fixed and adjustable heel lift?

A fixed lift provides one set height. An adjustable lift uses removable layers, allowing you to alter the elevation according to your needs and available footwear space.

Can heel lifts cause discomfort?

An incorrectly sized, positioned or excessively high lift can change the way the foot sits and may cause instability or new discomfort. Check the fit carefully and seek professional advice when using heel lifts to manage a medical issue.

Learn More About Heel Lifts and Shoe Inserts

Learn more about how heel lifts work, their possible uses and how they compare with other footwear inserts in our related guides.

Recommended reading:

• Are Heel Lifts Good for You?
• Do Height-Increasing Inserts and Insoles Work?
• What Is the Difference Between Insoles and Inserts?
• 10 Most Likely Causes of Heel Pain
• Why Do I Have Heel Pain When Walking?