A shoe lift is a custom modification designed to correct a leg length discrepancy by raising the heel—or the entire foot—inside or outside the shoe. Depending on the height needed, lifts can be either internal heel lifts or external shoe lifts.

🔹 External Shoe Lifts (Full Sole Elevation)

An external lift involves carefully splitting the entire sole of the shoe, then adding the custom lift between layers. This type of lift raises both the heel and the ball of the foot, maintaining proper foot alignment and balance. The original outsole is then reapplied to maintain the shoe’s look and function.

External lifts are typically used when the correction needed exceeds ½ inch or more, offering greater stability and long-term comfort.

🔹 Internal Heel Lifts (In-Shoe Inserts)

An internal lift is placed inside the shoe under the heel only. It raises the heel section of the foot, but not the forefoot. Internal lifts are best for smaller corrections, typically ¼” or less, and are a great option when subtlety and shoe appearance are a priority.

🔄 Combining Both Methods

In some cases, both methods are used together. For example, a customer might have 1¼” lift at the heel and 1″ at the forefoot—a common setup for larger discrepancies that balances the gait while reducing strain on the joints.

💡 Which One Is Right for You?

• If your internal lift is working well, there’s no need to change it.

• But if you’ve used internal heel lifts for years and are now experiencing discomfort or instability, it may be time to switch to a full external lift for better alignment and support.

Not sure what you need? [Contact us] for a free consultation—we’re happy to guide you through the best option for your specific needs.