Where can heel lifts be placed?

• A. Inside the shoe (up to 3/8 inch) or attached to outer sole
• B. Only inside the shoe
• C. Only on the outer sole
• D. Mounted on the heel counter

Answer: (A)

Heel lifts are used to adjust heel height and improve gait by compensating for leg length differences or certain pathologies. They can be placed inside the shoe (under the insole) or attached to the bottom of the shoe (the outer sole). This flexibility lets you choose the placement that best fits the individual’s shoe style and comfort, and many clinicians use both approaches as needed up to a modest thickness (often up to 3/8 inch) to avoid disrupting balance or causing new gait problems. Mounting a lift on the heel counter isn’t appropriate because it alters the back of the shoe and fit in a way that isn’t reliable for elevation or alignment.