Relative Hardness of Heel Lifts and Heel Cushions

Which heel lift or heel cushion is right for you? This post discussed the relative hardness of heel lifts and heel cushions.

Which heel pad is right for me?

Relative firmness of heel cushions and heel lifts

We had a customer contact us this week to ask about the relative hardness of each of our heel lifts and heel cushions.  I thought I'd convey the conversation to you through a blog post.

What is the difference between a heel lift and a heel cushion?  Heel lifts are intentionally firm and are used to raise the heel.  Heel lifts are not intended to compress and are used to raise the heel.  Raising the heel is indicated in:

• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture - partial
• Haglund's deformity
• Leg length discrepancies
• Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
• Posterior shin splints
• Plantar fasciitis

Heel cushions, on the other hand, are intended to compress.  Heel cushions are used to treat;

• Chronic heel pain
• Loss of plantar fat pad (fat pad atrophy)

Let me list the different heel lifts and heel cushions that we sell in order of hardness.  The harder lift or cushion will be first with the softest heel lift or cushion last.

Heel lifts

• Medi-Heel  Lift (hardest)
• Heel Lift for Plantar Fasciitis - Cork
• Adjust-a-heel-lift
• Gel Heel Spur Pad
• Heel Lift for Plantar Fasciitis - Felt
• FELTastic® Flat Heel Pads
• Heel lifts for Plantar Fasciitis - Foam
• Reusable Gel Heel Cushions

Heel Cushions

• Heel Lifts For Plantar Fasciitis - Felt (hardest)
• Gel Heel Spur Pads
• Heel Cushions - PPT
• Heel Wedges PPT
• Heel Cups PQ Gel
• Heel Lifts for Plantar Fasciitis - Foam
• Reusable Gel Heel Cushions

Why are some lifts in the cushion section and some cushions in the lift section?  Some of our lifts and cushions cross over.  Either a lift has to be soft enough to be considered a cushion and a cushion firm enough to be a lift.

Thalia Oster, JD
Founder and COE (Chief of Everything)

Updated 3/23/2021

Helpful Products

Heel Lifts For Plantar Fasciitis - Cork

Heel Lifts For Plantar Fasciitis - Cork are effective, affordable shoe inserts designed to relieve pain caused by plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Achilles tendinitis, and Sever's Disease. Universal right/left. One size. By Myfootshop.com. 1 pair/pkg.

As low as $5.06!

Medi-Heel Lift

The Medi-Heel Lift is an extra-firm shoe wedge designed to correct leg length discrepancy and hip alignment that often causes hip and lower back pain. Fits easily in most shoes. By Myfootshop.com. 2/pkg.

As low as $9.31!

Peel-Away™ Adjustable Heel Lift

The Adjustable Heel Lift offers firm, adjustable pain relief for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and leg length discrepancy. Simply peel away for your desired height. Fits in most shoes. Universal right/left. By PediFix. 1 lift/pkg.

As low as $7.61!

Heel Lifts for Plantar Fasciitis - Foam

Heel Lifts for Plantar Fasciitis-Foam are our softest shoe pads, designed to treat heel spur pain caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and Sever's Disease. Adhesive-backed. Easily trim to fit all shoes. One size. By Myfootshop.com. 1 pair/pkg.

As low as $5.91!

FELTastic® Skived Heel Pads

FELTastic® Skived Heel Pads for Plantar Fasciitis - Felt are durable, adhesive-backed, heel pads designed to cushion and raise the heel, relieving pain caused by plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Sever's Disease, and Achilles tendinitis. Adhesive-backed. Universal right/left. By Myfootshop.com. One size. 4/pkg.

As low as $11.86!