What is the primary function of a cushion-heel?

• A. Cushions and absorbs forces at heel contact
• B. Supports the longitudinal arch
• C. Corrects flexible pes valgus
• D. Used to relieve pressure under met heads

Answer: (A)

Cushion-heels are designed to cushion and absorb forces at heel contact during gait. When the heel first strikes the ground, the body experiences a high impact that can stress the calcaneus, joints, and plantar fascia. The cushion-heel compresses to soften that impact, helping to reduce peak pressures and improve comfort, especially for people with heel pain or repetitive heel strike loading. This function focuses on shock absorption at the moment of contact rather than supporting the arch, realigning the foot, or unloading the forefoot. For arch support, you’d look to an insert that maintains or elevates the medial longitudinal arch; to relieve forefoot pressure, a pad under the metatarsal heads would be used.