Heel Lifts & Heel Raises
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Heel lifts are commonly used to help accommodate leg length differences, reduce strain on the Achilles tendon, improve comfort in footwear and provide additional heel elevation where required. Available in a range of heights including 4mm, 6mm, 8mm and 10mm, heel lifts provide a simple way to adjust heel height inside shoes while maintaining comfort throughout the day.
Our collection includes heel lifts from trusted brands including Interpod, Trekker, Vasyli, Formthotics and Dola, with options suitable for runners, work boots, casual shoes and everyday footwear.
Whether you're looking for a heel lift for a leg length discrepancy, Achilles tendon support, improved shoe fit or additional heel elevation, you'll find a range of options to suit different footwear styles and requirements.
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Heel Lifts Buying Guide
Heel lifts are inserts designed to add a measured amount of height beneath the heel inside your shoes. They are available in different heights, sizes and materials and may be used for a leg length difference, to temporarily reduce load on the Achilles tendon, or when a heel raise has been recommended by a podiatrist, physiotherapist or other health professional.
At The Foot Care Shop, we stock a range of heel lifts for shoes from established podiatry and orthotic brands including Vasyli, Interpod, Formthotics, Trekker and DOLA. With different heights, materials and levels of firmness available, you can choose an option to suit both your footwear and the amount of elevation you require.
What Are Heel Lifts Used For?
The right heel lift depends largely on why you need one. Two common uses are accommodating a leg length difference and temporarily reducing load through the Achilles tendon.
Heel Lifts for Leg Length Difference
A heel lift may be used when one leg is shorter than the other. In this situation, the lift is generally placed inside the shoe on the shorter side to provide a specific amount of additional height.
If you've already been assessed and given a recommended lift height, you can choose the corresponding height from our range.
If you suspect you have a leg length difference but don't know how much correction you require, it's best to have this assessed before choosing a heel lift. The appropriate amount of correction varies from person to person, and a higher lift isn't necessarily better.
Heel Lifts for Achilles Tendinopathy
Heel lifts are also sometimes used as part of the management of Achilles tendinopathy.
Raising the heel slightly changes the position of the ankle and may temporarily reduce load through the Achilles tendon. When heel lifts are being used for this purpose, they are generally worn in both shoes so that one side isn't raised relative to the other.
Heel lifts shouldn't be considered a complete treatment for Achilles tendinopathy. If you have persistent Achilles pain, appropriate assessment and rehabilitation are important.
What Height Heel Lift Should I Choose?
Heel lifts are available in a range of heights, with 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm among the commonly used options.
If your podiatrist, physiotherapist or other health professional has recommended a particular height, this is the best place to start.
If you're replacing an existing heel lift that has worked well for you, check its height before ordering a replacement.
For a leg length difference, avoid choosing a height simply on the basis of what feels right. If you don't know the amount of correction you require, professional assessment is recommended.
It's also important to distinguish between heel lift height and heel lift size. Height refers to how much the lift raises your heel, while size generally relates to your shoe size and how the lift fits beneath your heel.
EVA or Poron Heel Lifts?
The material of a heel lift can affect its cushioning, firmness and how it feels inside your shoe. There isn't one material that's best for everyone.
EVA heel lifts are lightweight and available in different densities. Firmer EVA generally provides a more stable, supportive raise, while softer materials provide more cushioning.
Poron heel lifts provide additional cushioning under the heel and can be useful when comfort and shock absorption are important considerations.
If you need a heel lift to provide a particular amount of elevation, consider both the height and firmness of the lift. Softer materials can compress more under body weight than firmer materials.
Will Heel Lifts Fit in Any Shoe?
Heel lifts work best in footwear with enough depth around the heel to accommodate the additional height.
They are generally easiest to use in:
runners and athletic shoes
walking shoes
work shoes and boots
lace-up casual shoes
other enclosed footwear with a secure heel.
The higher the heel lift, the more space it takes up inside your shoe. If the lift raises your heel too close to the top of the shoe, you may notice your heel slipping or the shoe feeling less secure.
Shallow dress shoes and some low-cut footwear may have less room for a heel lift.
Heel Lifts vs Heel Cups – What's the Difference?
Heel lifts and heel cups can look similar, but they have different primary purposes.
A heel lift is designed primarily to raise the heel by a specific amount.
A heel cup is designed primarily to cup and cushion the heel and doesn't necessarily provide a meaningful amount of elevation.
Some products combine cushioning with a small amount of elevation, so it's worth checking the individual product specifications if you require a particular heel lift height.
What About Larger Leg Length Differences?
Standard heel lifts are convenient because they fit inside the shoe, but there is a limit to how much additional height can comfortably be accommodated beneath the heel.
As the required correction becomes larger, raising only the heel can affect both shoe fit and the position of the foot inside the shoe.
For larger leg length differences, a full-length lift or external shoe modification may be more appropriate. A podiatrist, orthotist or other suitably qualified health professional can advise you on the most appropriate option.
Need Help Choosing a Heel Lift?
If you already know the heel lift height you require but aren't sure which product will best suit your shoes, we're happy to help you compare the different options in our range.
If you have an undiagnosed leg length difference, ongoing Achilles pain or other persistent foot or lower-limb symptoms, we recommend having these assessed by an appropriate health professional before choosing the amount of correction you require.
Helpful Heel Lift Guides
Not sure which heel lift is right for you? Our expert guides explain how heel lifts work, common reasons they are used and how to choose the most suitable option for your needs.
FAQs
Size and height are separate measurements – for example, you might require a Medium heel lift (width of the heel lift) with a height of 6 mm. Check the sizing information on the individual product page before ordering.
Heel lifts are inserts placed beneath the heel inside a shoe to raise the heel by a specific amount. They are available in different heights, sizes and materials including EVA, foam, gel and silicone.
Many heel lifts can be worn in running shoes provided there is enough room and the lift sits securely beneath the heel. Remember that a lift raises your foot within the shoe, so check that your heel remains comfortably and securely positioned.
There isn't one recommended period that suits everyone. It depends on your symptoms, rehabilitation and the reason the heel lifts were recommended. If they have been prescribed by a health professional, follow their advice about how long to use them and when to reduce or discontinue them.
Heel lifts can be used to provide additional height beneath the shorter leg when there is a measured leg length difference. The amount of correction required varies, so if you don't already know your recommended lift height, it's best to have the difference professionally assessed.
The Foot Care Shop stocks a range of heel lifts for shoes in different heights, materials and sizes, including options from Vasyli, Interpod, Formthotics, Trekker and DOLA, with delivery throughout Australia.
Heel lifts are available in different heights, commonly ranging from 4 mm to 10 mm or more. The correct height depends on why you're using the lift and any advice you've received from your podiatrist or healthcare professional. If you're unsure, it's generally best to seek professional advice before choosing a larger lift.
Most heel lifts are designed to be adhered securely inside the shoe and are generally intended to remain in place once fitted. For this reason, many people choose to purchase multiple pairs so they can leave a set in each pair of shoes they wear regularly
In many cases, heel lifts can be used in conjunction with orthotics. The best placement and height will depend on the type of orthotic and the reason the heel lift is being used. If you are unsure, consult your podiatrist or healthcare professional for advice.
EVA foam heel lifts are firm and lightweight and and commonly used for leg length differences and heel elevation. Gel, silicone and poron heel lifts provide additional cushioning and shock absorption however these materials will compress when standing. The most suitable option will depend on your comfort preferences and intended use.
Heel lifts are commonly used to reduce tension through the Achilles tendon by slightly elevating the heel. This may help improve comfort during walking and daily activities. The amount of lift required will vary between individuals.
It depends on why you're using heel lifts. For a confirmed leg length discrepancy, a heel lift may be used on the shorter side only. When heel lifts are being used for Achilles tendinopathy, they are generally worn in both shoes to maintain an even height.
Heel lifts are commonly used to raise one or both heels inside footwear. They may be used for leg length differences, Achilles tendon discomfort, improving shoe fit, or to provide a small amount of additional heel height.
