Types of lift
- Heel wedges (half insoles): sit under the heel only. Thin and easy to hide, but can slide forward.
- Full-length height insoles: run the whole foot and rise towards the heel. More stable and comfortable, but take more room in the shoe.
- Adjustable stacked lifts: layers you add or remove, handy for building up gradually.
- Gel or air-cushioned lifts: softer underfoot; compress a little, so the real gain is slightly lower.
- Elevator shoes: the lift is built into the shoe, so a taller lift stays hidden and your heel stays secure.
How much height is realistic
The advertised figure is the height at the heel. What you can hide depends on the shoe: about 1–3 cm in low shoes and sneakers, more in high-tops, boots and elevator shoes. Past that, the heel lifts out of the shoe or you end up walking as if in high heels.
Shoes that hide lifts well
- High-top sneakers, boots and anything laced above the ankle.
- A deep, firm heel cup that holds the foot.
- Removable original insoles, so the lift replaces them rather than stacking on top.
- Half a size up if the fit becomes tight.
Getting used to them
Start with a low lift for a few hours a day and increase gradually over a couple of weeks. Taller lifts tip you forward like a heel, putting more pressure on the ball of the foot and more work on the calves. Pain under the forefoot, at the heel or around the ankle means the lift is too tall or the shoe does not fit.
Measure the result
Measure yourself against a wall barefoot and then in your lifted shoes. The difference is your real gain. Put both numbers into the height comparison tool, or read shoe lifts vs limb lengthening if you are weighing a permanent change.