Written and maintained by CASRAI Editorial Board
Last updated
This page describes products and general use; it is not medical advice.
A heel lift is a small insert that sits inside a shoe under the heel to raise it. Manufacturers sell fixed-height versions and versions built from removable layers, in a few size bands matched to shoe size. This guide sets out how those two designs differ, the heights and sizes two manufacturers publish, and what the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) says about heel lifts. It is written for clinic staff, buyers and students who need a vendor-neutral reference for the product class.
What a heel lift is
A heel lift is a shoe insert that adds height under the heel. Manufacturer pages describe several purposes: AliMed lists its leg-length lift as a heel lift insert for leg length discrepancies, and PowerStep lists leg length discrepancies, heel pain, added heel height, and cushioning of the impact at heel strike. The AAOS notes that heel lifts are one option for Achilles tendinitis, where they can decrease the strain on the tendon.
Who uses it: people whose clinician or the product’s instructions point to added heel height, and the clinic staff and buyers who stock these inserts.
How it is built
Two manufacturer designs show the two common constructions. The AliMed Leg-Length Lift is a single piece of flexible, molded polyurethane, made for the left or right shoe. The PowerStep Adjustable Heel Lift has a firm natural sponge base with a polyester top cover, built from removable layers, with tapered edges.
Types and variants
| Type | Example product | Height | Key difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-height molded lift | AliMed Leg-Length Lift | 1/2 inch (the page contrasts it with products at 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch) | Single molded polyurethane piece; sold for left or right |
| Layered, adjustable lift | PowerStep Adjustable Heel Lift | Up to 3/8 inch; layers peel down to 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch | Height is changed by removing layers; one lift per package, not a pair |
Sizes that matter
| Product | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| AliMed Leg-Length Lift | Women’s 5-6.5 | Women’s 7-11; men’s 6-10 | Women’s 12+; men’s 10.5+ |
| PowerStep Adjustable Heel Lift | Men’s 4-5; women’s 5-6 | Men’s 6-9; women’s 7-11 | Men’s 10-13 |
Size bands are set by shoe size and differ between manufacturers, so the table cannot be read across brands.
How to choose
The points below come from the manufacturers’ product pages and the AAOS:
- Size band: each manufacturer publishes its own shoe-size bands (see the table above).
- Fixed or layered height: AliMed’s lift is a fixed 1/2 inch; PowerStep’s is adjustable by peeling layers, from up to 3/8 inch down to 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch.
- One or both shoes: AliMed says to use its lift bilaterally for plantar heel pain or Achilles tendon problems. PowerStep supplies one lift per package, so check whether a listing is a single or a pair.
- Height for a particular person: neither manufacturer nor the AAOS statement gives a rule for choosing a height. That is a decision for the treating clinician.
Safe use and handling basics
- PowerStep’s instructions are to slip the lift into the shoe and check the comfort level, and to peel off layers if it is too high. Customer service for that product says it may go under or over the insole.
- Care for the PowerStep lift: spot clean with mild detergent, air dry, and do not immerse it.
- AliMed’s page carries a California Proposition 65 notice that the product can expose users to DEHP.
- The AAOS notes that insertional Achilles tendinitis is often relieved by certain shoes and orthotic devices; a persistent heel or tendon problem is a matter for a clinician.
Common mistakes
- Treating a single-lift package as a pair. PowerStep sells one lift per package.
- Comparing size bands across brands. A medium in one range does not cover the same shoe sizes as a medium in another.
- Leaving a layered lift too tall. The manufacturer’s instruction is to peel layers when it is too high.
- Choosing a height without clinical input. None of the cited sources sets a height rule.
Related reading
For other mobility and foot-support products, see mobility aid buying guide: crutches, canes, and ankle braces, what is a cane, and what is a walker.
Frequently asked questions
What is a heel lift?
A heel lift is an insert that sits under the heel inside a shoe and raises it. Manufacturers sell fixed-height molded versions and versions made of removable layers.
What heights do heel lifts come in?
Heights depend on the product. AliMed lists a 1/2 inch lift; PowerStep lists up to 3/8 inch, with layers that peel down to 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch.
Are heel lifts sold singly or as a pair?
It varies. PowerStep’s Adjustable Heel Lift is one lift per package, and AliMed’s lift is made for the left or right shoe, so check the listing.
What does the AAOS say about heel lifts?
The AAOS OrthoInfo page on Achilles tendinitis says heel lifts are another option and can decrease the amount of strain on the tendon. For a heel or tendon problem, a clinician decides what is appropriate.
How do I clean a layered heel lift?
PowerStep’s instructions for its lift are to spot clean with mild detergent, air dry, and not immerse it.
Sources
- AAOS OrthoInfo, Achilles Tendinitis: https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases–conditions/achilles-tendinitis/ (checked 2026-10-30)
- AliMed, Leg-Length Lift (manufacturer product page): https://www.alimed.com/products/alimed-leg-length-lift (checked 2026-10-30)
- PowerStep, Adjustable Heel Lift (manufacturer product page): https://powerstep.com/products/adjustable-heel-lift (checked 2026-10-30)
