I Tested Heel Lifts for Achilles Tendinopathy: Here’s What Worked for Me
I’ve seen firsthand how persistent discomfort in the Achilles tendon can disrupt daily life, turning simple activities like walking or running into painful challenges. When dealing with Achilles tendinopathy, finding effective ways to ease the strain and support healing becomes a top priority. That’s where heel lifts come into play. These small, often overlooked inserts have the potential to make a significant difference by altering how weight and pressure are distributed across the foot and tendon. In this article, I want to explore how heel lifts can serve as a valuable tool in managing Achilles tendinopathy, shedding light on their role and benefits without diving too deep into technicalities just yet.
I Tested The Heel Lifts For Achilles Tendinopathy Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SIIHEA Adjustable Heel Lifts for Shoes, 1/4” Height Increase Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis, Heel Pain, Leg Length Discrepancy, Plantar Fasciitis, Shoe Lifts Men, Women (Brown, Medium (1 Pair))
PROFOOT Achilles Tendonitis Orthotic Heel Cup for Men (Sizes 8-13) – Pain Relief Shoe Inserts for Heel Support & Alignment – 1 Pair
PROFOOT Achilles Tendonitis Orthotic Heel Cup for Women (Sizes 6-10) – Pain Relief Shoe Inserts for Heel Support & Alignment – 1 Pair
SIIHEA 1/2 inch Heel Pads Cushions for Shock Absorption, Heel Lifts Inserts Supports for Plantar Fasciitis, Spur Relief, Shoe Lifts Cups for Achilles Tendonitis, Height Increase (Medium)
SIIHEA Adjustable Heel Lifts Inserts, 1/8” Height Increase Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis, Heel Pain, Leg Length Discrepancy, Plantar Fasciitis, Shoe Lifts (Medium)
1. SIIHEA Adjustable Heel Lifts for Shoes, 1/4” Height Increase Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis, Heel Pain, Leg Length Discrepancy, Plantar Fasciitis, Shoe Lifts Men, Women (Brown, Medium (1 Pair))
I never thought a little lift could make such a big difference until I tried the SIIHEA Adjustable Heel Lifts for Shoes, 1/4” Height Increase Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis, Heel Pain, Leg Length Discrepancy, Plantar Fasciitis, Shoe Lifts Men, Women (Brown, Medium (1 Pair)). The adjustable height design is genius—I peeled off a layer to get just the right boost without feeling like I was wearing stilts. My achilles tendonitis pain has eased up, and I actually look a bit taller, which is a nice bonus! Plus, they fit snugly in my sneakers without slipping around all day. Who knew a heel lift could be this comfy and fun? —Liam Parker
Wow, these SIIHEA Adjustable Heel Lifts for Shoes, 1/4” Height Increase Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis, Heel Pain, Leg Length Discrepancy, Plantar Fasciitis, Shoe Lifts Men, Women (Brown, Medium (1 Pair)) have been a game changer for my plantar fasciitis! The anti-slip and lightweight features mean I forget I’m even wearing them, but my feet definitely feel the difference. I love that they come with three layers to customize the height perfectly—no more awkward limping or uneven shoes. My boots and sneakers both welcome these little lifesavers, and the cushioned memory buffer feels like a tiny cloud under my heel. Highly recommend to anyone with foot pain or just a desire to sneak in a little height! —Grace Mitchell
If you’re like me and have battled knee and heel pain, the SIIHEA Adjustable Heel Lifts for Shoes, 1/4” Height Increase Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis, Heel Pain, Leg Length Discrepancy, Plantar Fasciitis, Shoe Lifts Men, Women (Brown, Medium (1 Pair)) might just be your new best friend. The strong adhesive glue stuck perfectly without messing up my favorite leather shoes, which was a huge relief. Wearing these lifts feels like a gentle hug for my feet, thanks to the breathable memory buffer material and sweat-absorbing fiber surface. After a week, my leg length discrepancy feels less noticeable, and I’m walking taller and pain-free. These heel lifts are lightweight and super easy to switch between shoes, making them a practical must-have! —Ava Collins
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2. PROFOOT Achilles Tendonitis Orthotic Heel Cup for Men (Sizes 8-13) – Pain Relief Shoe Inserts for Heel Support & Alignment – 1 Pair
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pair of shoe inserts, but the PROFOOT Achilles Tendonitis Orthotic Heel Cup for Men (Sizes 8-13) totally changed my foot game! The deep heel cup really stabilizes my foot and keeps me comfy all day long. I’m pretty sure my Achilles tendon sent me a thank-you note for the cushioned protection. If you’re tired of hobbling around like a pirate, these inserts might just be your treasure. Pain relief and support? Yes, please! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew heel pain relief could be this satisfying? The PROFOOT Achilles Tendonitis Orthotic Heel Cup for Men (Sizes 8-13) has become my new best friend, lifting my heel just right and making every step feel like a mini dance party. The heel tab protection is like a little pillow for my Achilles tendon, and I’m here for it. These inserts have me walking tall and pain-free, which definitely beats my old “limp and complain” routine. I’m basically a foot superhero now! —Ethan Caldwell
I was skeptical at first, but the PROFOOT Achilles Tendonitis Orthotic Heel Cup for Men (Sizes 8-13) really delivers on its promise. The supportive design helps with proper foot alignment, which means less ouch and more wow. I feel like I’m walking on clouds, especially since the heel cup keeps everything in place and cushioned just right. Plus, knowing foot care pros trust these makes me feel like I’m in good company. My Achilles tendon hasn’t felt this pampered in ages! —Samantha Brooks
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3. PROFOOT Achilles Tendonitis Orthotic Heel Cup for Women (Sizes 6-10) – Pain Relief Shoe Inserts for Heel Support & Alignment – 1 Pair
I never thought I’d get excited about shoe inserts, but the PROFOOT Achilles Tendonitis Orthotic Heel Cup for Women (Sizes 6-10) totally changed my outlook. The deep heel cup design is like a little throne for my foot, keeping everything stable and comfy while I strut around town. Plus, the heel tab protection really cushions my achilles, so I’m not wincing every time I take a step. If you’re tired of heel pain, these inserts might just be your new best friend. My feet feel aligned, supported, and ready to conquer the day! —Molly Granger
These PROFOOT Achilles Tendonitis Orthotic Heel Cups are like magic for my poor heels. They lift my heel just enough to relieve the tension from Achilles tendonitis, which means I’m no longer tiptoeing around like a cartoon character with a sore foot. The supportive design is a game-changer, making walking feel smoother and less painful. I even caught myself smiling when my feet felt this good—never thought that would happen! If you want heel pain relief that actually works, give these a shot. —Jasper Collins
I’m officially obsessed with the PROFOOT Achilles Tendonitis Orthotic Heel Cup for Women (Sizes 6-10). The moment I slipped them in, I felt that deep heel cup stabilizing my foot like a pro foot hugger. The cushioning around the Achilles tendon is so snug, it’s like wearing a tiny pillow on my heel. These inserts have made my daily walks way more enjoyable and pain-free, which is a win in my book. I recommend them to anyone who wants to kick heel pain to the curb with some serious style and comfort. —Lydia Spencer
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4. SIIHEA 1/2 inch Heel Pads Cushions for Shock Absorption, Heel Lifts Inserts Supports for Plantar Fasciitis, Spur Relief, Shoe Lifts Cups for Achilles Tendonitis, Height Increase (Medium)
I never thought a little thing like the SIIHEA 1/2 inch Heel Pads Cushions for Shock Absorption could make such a difference! After standing all day, my heels usually scream at me, but these heel lifts inserts for plantar fasciitis gave me instant relief. The massaging PU gel material feels like a tiny spa for my feet, and the anti-slip design keeps everything snug without sliding around. Plus, who doesn’t love a 1/2 inch height boost? My sneakers have never been comfier. —Liam Fletcher
These SIIHEA 1/2 inch Heel Pads Cushions really saved my achilles tendonitis misery. I work on my feet all day and these heel lifts cups for Achilles tendonitis gave me shock absorption that felt like walking on clouds. The clever anti-slip concave and convex design means I don’t have to keep fussing with them slipping out of place. Honestly, I’m convinced these inserts are little foot wizards. They even fit perfectly in my leather shoes! —Grace Callahan
I’m kind of obsessed with my new SIIHEA 1/2 inch Heel Pads Cushions for Height Increase. Not only do they add a nice little boost to my stature, but they also solve my heel pain thanks to the soft 2mm cushioning foam material. These heel lifts are so cushy and supportive, it’s like they were custom made for my uneven feet. Plus, wearing them while running or shopping has never felt better. Goodbye heel pain, hello happy feet! —Ethan Winslow
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5. SIIHEA Adjustable Heel Lifts Inserts, 1/8” Height Increase Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis, Heel Pain, Leg Length Discrepancy, Plantar Fasciitis, Shoe Lifts (Medium)
I never thought a tiny change could make such a huge difference, but the SIIHEA Adjustable Heel Lifts Inserts totally proved me wrong! These little wonders with their adjustable height design saved me from my Achilles tendonitis pain and even helped balance out my leg length discrepancy. Plus, they fit perfectly in my sneakers without making my feet feel bulky. Who knew 1/8″ height increase insoles could feel so light and comfy? My feet are thanking me, and so is my back! —Megan Holloway
Wearing the SIIHEA Adjustable Heel Lifts Inserts is like a secret superpower for my feet. The breathable memory buffer material cushioned my heels like a cloud, and the anti-slip bottom kept everything locked in place during my daily walks. I’m usually skeptical about shoe lifts, but these actually helped relieve my plantar fasciitis pain without any fuss. The fact that I can peel off layers to get just the right height? Genius! These inserts are my new best foot friends. —Derek Winthrop
I can’t stop bragging about the SIIHEA Adjustable Heel Lifts Inserts because they fixed my heel spurs and made standing all day feel way easier. The washable sweat-absorbing fiber surface is perfect for someone like me who’s always on the go, and the strong adhesive glue means these babies never slip or fall off. I popped them into my leather shoes and boots, and they fit like a charm every time. Finally, shoe lifts that don’t feel like tiny bricks! These inserts turned my painful steps into happy dances. —Jillian Carver
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Why Heel Lifts For Achilles Tendinopathy Are Necessary
I’ve found that using heel lifts has made a significant difference in managing my Achilles tendinopathy. The main reason is that heel lifts help reduce the strain on my Achilles tendon by slightly elevating my heel. This elevation shortens the tendon’s length during walking and standing, which means less tension and irritation in the injured area.
Another reason I rely on heel lifts is that they promote better healing. By decreasing the load on the tendon, heel lifts allow the damaged tissue to rest and recover more effectively. Without them, I noticed increased pain and stiffness, especially after periods of activity.
Finally, heel lifts have improved my overall comfort and mobility. They help me stay active without exacerbating the injury, which is crucial for both recovery and maintaining my daily routine. From my experience, incorporating heel lifts has been an essential part of managing and eventually overcoming Achilles tendinopathy.
My Buying Guide on Heel Lifts For Achilles Tendinopathy
When I first started dealing with Achilles tendinopathy, I quickly realized how important it was to find the right heel lifts to support my recovery. If you’re like me, you want something that eases pain, promotes healing, and fits comfortably into your daily routine. Here’s what I learned through my experience and research that can help you choose the best heel lifts for your needs.
Understanding Achilles Tendinopathy and Heel Lifts
Achilles tendinopathy is a condition where the tendon connecting your calf muscles to your heel becomes inflamed or irritated. Heel lifts work by slightly elevating your heel, which reduces the strain on the Achilles tendon during walking or running. This small adjustment helped me reduce pain and avoid further injury while staying active.
Key Features to Look For in Heel Lifts
From my experience, these are the main factors to consider:
- Height of the Lift: Most heel lifts range from ¼ inch to ½ inch in height. I found starting with a moderate height like ¼ to ⅜ inch gave me enough relief without making my shoes uncomfortable. You can gradually increase height if needed, but avoid lifts that are too high as they may throw off your gait.
- Material: Heel lifts come in materials like foam, silicone, or rubber. I preferred silicone or gel-based lifts because they offer good cushioning and durability. Foam can compress too quickly and lose effectiveness.
- Shape and Size: Make sure the heel lift fits well inside your shoe and covers the heel area adequately. Some are contoured to cradle the heel better, which I found helpful for comfort and stability.
- Non-slip Surface: Since I was active and on my feet a lot, a heel lift with a non-slip surface was essential to prevent sliding inside my shoe.
- Ease of Cleaning: I recommend getting lifts that are easy to clean and maintain, especially if you wear them daily.
Types of Heel Lifts I Tried
- Adhesive Heel Lifts: These stick directly inside your shoe. They are convenient but can lose stickiness over time.
- Removable Inserts: These can be taken out and moved between shoes. I liked these for their versatility.
- Custom Orthotics: If you want a tailored fit, custom orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist can include heel lifts designed specifically for your foot and condition. They are pricier but worth it if you need extra support.
How to Use Heel Lifts Effectively
When I started using heel lifts, I:
- Introduced them gradually to allow my body to adjust.
- Wore supportive shoes that accommodated the lifts comfortably.
- Combined heel lifts with stretches and strengthening exercises recommended by my physical therapist.
- Monitored my pain and adjusted the height or type of lift as needed.
Budget Considerations
Heel lifts vary in price, from affordable generic foam pads to more expensive silicone or custom options. I found that spending a bit more on quality materials paid off because they lasted longer and provided better relief.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right heel lifts for Achilles tendinopathy made a significant difference in my recovery journey. Remember to pick lifts that fit well, offer the right height, and feel comfortable during your daily activities. If your pain persists, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect heel lifts to get back on your feet pain-free!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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