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🐝 Honeycombing External Shoe Lifts: Lightweight Support Without Compromise
Honeycombing is a technique used in custom external shoe lifts where small holes are strategically created within the lift material—similar in pattern to a bee’s honeycomb. This design reduces weight and bulk while maintaining the lift’s strength and functionality.
🔧 What Is Honeycombing?
In simple terms, honeycombing involves drilling holes into the shoe lift material during construction. These holes:
Reduce overall weight
Improve shock absorption
Add some flexibility, especially useful for active individuals
This is particularly helpful for taller lifts, where the added bulk can become heavy or uncomfortable.
🦵 When Is Honeycombing Recommended?
We typically recommend honeycombing for lifts 1” or higher, especially when:
The weight of the lift becomes noticeable
The shoe’s flexibility is already limited by the height of the lift
The user is active and would benefit from added shock absorption
However, it’s important to note that higher lifts are naturally less flexible—the shoe won’t bend as much due to the thickness of the sole, regardless of honeycombing.
⚠️ Considerations for Runners & Special Conditions
For running shoes, honeycombing offers more flexibility and cushioning—but may slightly reduce long-term durability.
Interestingly, a rigid sole isn’t always a bad thing. Reduced foot bending can be beneficial for people with:
Arthritis
Hallux rigidus (stiff big toe)
Severe bunions
In these cases, a Rigid Rocker Sole may be the best solution, and honeycombing can help reduce weight without affecting stability.
➡️ For Smaller Corrections…
If your lift needs are ¼” or less, we recommend exploring an internal heel lift, which fits inside the shoe and maintains a more natural look and feel.
✅ Benefits of Honeycombing a Shoe Lift
✔️ Weight Reduction:
Less material = lighter, more comfortable shoes.
✔️ Shock Absorption:
Honeycombed areas can absorb impact more effectively, especially helpful for those on their feet all day or participating in light activity.
✔️ Flexibility:
While taller lifts limit overall bending, honeycombing still adds slight give and comfort in motion.
🛠 How the Process Works
Our certified pedorthist evaluates your shoe type and the height of the lift needed. If appropriate, honeycombing is applied during the lift construction to ensure you get a lighter, more wearable result—without compromising support.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Honeycombing is a smart solution for patients who need higher external lifts but don’t want to be weighed down. Whether you’re correcting a significant leg length discrepancy or looking for added comfort and flexibility, honeycombing helps create a more functional, wearable, and comfortable shoe lift.
👉 [Learn more about our External Shoe Lift process] or [Give us a call in you still have questions 770-921-4480] to see if honeycombing is right for you.
