Shoe Lifts - Pure Goof or Pure Genius?

The other week, I was browsing a Japanese grocery store, and I caught sight of some gel insoles with a wedge heel. Hrm. Yes, we Asians do like to lengthen our legs (even half-breeds like me). Of course, these were displayed next to a device that is supposed to lift and enhance the chest. Ok, I moved on.

Then today, I was deciding which shoes to wear, and my 80%20 hidden-wedge boots caught my eye - the hidden wedge is basically the same idea as a shoe lift, right?

Lifts always had a negative connotation when I was growing up - like they were only for guys who coulnd't handle being short. Even with girls... it's like it was shameful to be ashamed of your height or something. But for me, with my need for a taller heel, and the occasional love of low-heeled styles (like a certain pair of yellow combat boots I'm ogling for the long term), I think this could be a whole new world I've been missing out on.

What do you think? Are wedge inserts like that okay if they add comfort and give a gal a little help with the leg line? Or are they taboo?

13 years ago

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I've never heard of this. you must try it and report back for us.

rae

Rita, I think I want to! Only... I'm pretty sure I've purged all my flats. D'oh! Maybe I can borrow some from my sister or something.

annagybe

Yeah but won't they affect how the shoe fits, especially around the heel?

Yes, they would make the shaft shorter on any shoe. The ones I saw were specifically marketed for boots... but since I mostly wear boots, anyway...

Diana

So I use 3/4 length Powerstep orthotic inserts for my foot problems, and they actually sort of function as a little heel lift (less than 1/2 inch so not very noticeable but every little bit helps!) because they are rigid. In addition to the little height bonus, they actually make my shoes fit a lot better because I have really really shallow heels and insteps so they take up some of the excess room back there. They also make super flat shoes not super flat, which is much better for my feet.

So... real heel lifts might be a good thing too, especially if you're like me and can't actually wear super flat shoes.
ETA: I'd also be interested in putting them in things like oxfords where the back often comes up too high on the heel and causes chafing., so not for the height per se but more for comfort.

Sarah A

the heel fit will be affected but for boots hopefully it won't be noticed (like you won't be stepping out of them accidentally) as long as the heel cup doesn't dig in the wrong place I'd say go for it! I used to wear prescription orthotics that essentially gave 3/4 in lift and lots of my friends thought I was about 5'7" not the 5'5" I actually am...

Anonymous

I saw an ad on TV about a product like that. I have a high instep, so I'm sure it wouldn't work for me anyway. I guess the only way to know if they'd work for you is to try them. Please report back and let us know if they work for you. I'd love to know

christieanne

I saw the infomercial for something similar. And like your first reaction (because this one was sandwiched between the pajama jean and some kind of slimming garment) I thought it was silly. But it could be worth a shot!

bj1111

finding shoes with a hidden wedge instead of the lifts are the better solution. i've used heel insert in shoes, which function as cushy lifts, but my heel kept slipping out of the shoe.

jayne

Can you post a picture of the insert if you purchase? I also switched to heals about 15 years ago and never look at flats anymore. But some are tempting to I would love a solution!

Emily

I wear heel cushions with flats because they keep my ankles from rubbing against the back of the shoe. Is this the sort of thing you mean?

http://www.amazon.com/ProFoot-.....B000KFWUZS
http://www.amazon.com/Spenco-4.....38;sr=1-11

If so, I can say "genius" from experience. They make a huge difference in the comfort and fit of most of my flats.

HelenInCanada

Rae, I see no shame in insoles at all! I'm actually impressed with what sounds like their stealthy cleverness. Sounds like they'd work best with boots - no harm in trying them out, then assessing what you think!

So much of fashion involves enhancement - Spanx, optical illusion prints and proportions, heels...go forth and partake!

Jayne, I probably wouldn't try them until well after my trip, but they looked something like this, crossed with a regular gel insole.

Emily those are different, but it's good to know those exist!

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Oh man, you were not joking about the lift with those! Seems like they'd be hard to fit in flats or pumps, but might work well in flat boots.... let us know how it goes

RoseandJoan

Oh Rae, my little girl needs these in her boots, she tip toe walks due to sensory issues but she is able to tip toe walk very easily due to her hypermobile joints and her forefoot equiness. Other than the sensory issues these conditions are very common and can make it quite difficult to walk in flats.

For my daughter the insoles giver her confidence to put her foot flat but many people would wear this type of insert for comfort alone.

I would start with a smaller wedge and work your way up

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