The purpose of heel lifts, also known as shoe lifts, is to improve balance of the lower body by adding length to the apparent short leg at the point when the heel strikes the ground while walking. Heel lifts may be best described as firm wedge shaped inserts designed to fit in the wearers shoes.
Compensating for Leg Length Discrepancy with heel lifts depends on the severity of the condition and is generally prescribed after thorough medical evaluations. Deciding on this course of action requires just one insert for the shorter leg for optimal correction of LLD, but if the insert adds cushioning in the shoe this can make both shoes fit and feel different. Optimum comfort is derived where the heel lift gives no additional cushioning.