Heel Lifts for Achilles Tendon Discomfort: Benefits, Height Selection and Common Questions

Achilles tendon discomfort is one of the most common conditions affecting the back of the heel and ankle. It can affect runners, walkers, active individuals and people who spend long hours on their feet at work.

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. Every time you walk, run or climb stairs, the Achilles tendon is placed under load. When the tendon becomes irritated or overloaded, everyday activities can become uncomfortable.

As a podiatrist, one of the most common footwear modifications I recommend for Achilles tendon discomfort is a heel lift. By slightly elevating the heel, a heel lift may help reduce tension through the Achilles tendon and improve comfort during daily activities.

How Do Heel Lifts Work?

A heel lift sits underneath the heel inside your shoe, raising the heel slightly higher than the forefoot.

This small change reduces the amount of stretch placed on the Achilles tendon during walking and standing. For many people, reducing tension through the tendon can make everyday activities more comfortable.

Heel lifts are commonly used alongside other management strategies such as:

Supportive footwear

Strengthening exercises

Activity modification

Orthotic therapy

Advice from a podiatrist or healthcare professional

While a heel lift is not designed to treat the underlying cause of Achilles tendon pain, it may help improve comfort by reducing strain on the tendon during activity.

Should Heel Lifts Be Worn in One Shoe or Both?

This is one of the most common questions I am asked in clinic.

When heel lifts are being used to help reduce strain on the Achilles tendon, they are generally worn in both shoes. This helps maintain balance and avoids creating an artificial leg length difference.

The exception is when a heel lift is being used to accommodate a professionally diagnosed leg length discrepancy. In this situation, a heel lift may be worn in one shoe only, following the advice of a healthcare professional.

What Height Heel Lift Should I Choose?

Heel lifts are available in a variety of heights, with the most common options being 4mm, 6mm, 8mm and 10mm.

4mm Heel Lifts

A 4mm heel lift provides a small amount of elevation and is often suitable when only minimal heel elevation is required.

6mm Heel Lifts

A 6mm heel lift provides moderate elevation and is one of the most popular options for everyday use.

8mm Heel Lifts

An 8mm heel lift provides greater heel elevation and may be preferred where additional height is required.

10mm Heel Lifts

A 10mm heel lift provides significant elevation and is typically reserved for situations where a larger amount of lift is needed.

In my experience as a podiatrist, the best heel lift is not always the tallest option. The most appropriate height depends on the individual, their footwear and the reason the heel lift is being used.

What Type of Heel Lift Is Best?

There is no single heel lift that suits everyone. Different materials provide different levels of support and cushioning.

EVA Heel Lifts

EVA heel lifts are lightweight, durable and commonly used for everyday footwear. They provide a firm and supportive feel while maintaining a low profile inside the shoe.

High-Density Heel Lifts

Products such as Vasyli Heel Lifts and Formthotics Heel Raises are manufactured from firmer materials designed to maintain their shape and provide long-lasting support.

These are often a good option when durability and stability are important.

Poron Heel Lifts

Poron heel lifts provide a softer feel under the heel and excellent shock absorption. Many people choose Poron heel lifts when comfort and cushioning are their primary concerns.

Can Heel Lifts Be Worn With Orthotics?

In many cases, yes.

Depending on the design of the orthotic and the available space inside the shoe, a heel lift may be placed underneath the orthotic or positioned directly within the shoe.

If you already wear orthotics, it is worth discussing the most appropriate placement with your podiatrist.

How Long Should Heel Lifts Be Worn?

The answer varies depending on why the heel lift is being used.

Some people use heel lifts temporarily during periods of Achilles tendon discomfort, while others continue to wear them long-term because they find them more comfortable.

If symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to seek professional advice rather than simply increasing the height of the heel lift.

Heel Lifts vs Heel Cups

Although both products sit underneath the heel, they serve different purposes.

Heel lifts are designed to elevate the heel and reduce tension through structures such as the Achilles tendon.

Heel cups are primarily designed to cushion and cradle the heel, helping improve comfort and absorb shock during walking and standing.

As a podiatrist, I often recommend heel lifts when additional heel elevation is required, whereas heel cups are generally chosen when cushioning and shock absorption are the primary goals.

Choosing the Right Heel Lift

When selecting a heel lift, consider:

The amount of elevation required

The type of footwear you wear

Whether you prefer a softer or firmer feel

Whether the heel lift will be worn with orthotics

The amount of space available inside your shoes

Many heel lifts are available in different heights, widths and materials, making it easier to find an option that suits your footwear and comfort preferences.

Shop Heel Lifts

At The Footcare Shop, we stock a range of heel lifts from trusted brands including Interpod, Trekker, Vasyli, Formthotics and Poron. Our range includes multiple heights, widths and material options to suit different footwear styles and comfort requirements.

Whether you are looking for a firm EVA heel lift, a high-density Formthotics or Vasyli heel raise, or a softer Poron heel lift, there are options available to suit a wide range of needs.

Important Information

This article is intended for general information only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have ongoing Achilles tendon pain, worsening symptoms or concerns about your condition, consult a podiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional for an individual assessment and treatment recommendations.