Why You Should Get Shoe Lifts for LLD

Alignment

If you have a leg length discrepancy (LLD) of 1/2 inch or more, it may seem minor at first, but over time, that difference can lead to a host of issues. From back pain to hip and knee strain. Even a slight imbalance in leg length can throw off your body’s natural alignment. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution—getting your shoes lifted. Even a LLD of 1/4" could benefit from lifts.

Shoe lifts are a simple yet highly effective way to correct LLD, especially when tailored to your specific needs. By raising the sole of one shoe, a professional lift evens out the discrepancy, allowing your body to realign itself. The benefits go far beyond just comfort.

Over time, correcting your leg length difference with a shoe lift can relieve chronic pain, improve posture, and prevent further musculoskeletal issues. You’ll find that your overall energy improves as your body works more efficiently without the constant strain of imbalance. Did I mention it could end your daily trouble of back pain? It did mine.

Comfort and Support

One of the biggest advantages of having a permanent shoe lift is that it provides consistent, reliable support. Unlike over-the-counter insoles or heel inserts, which may seem like a convenient solution, shoe lifts are customized to your exact measurements and built into your footwear.

Inserts often shift, wear out, and fail to provide the long-term alignment your body needs. Additionally, heel inserts will have you walking all sorts of wonky, as your gait will be massively affected. Your hips will hate you if you use a heel lift. So, simply get a shoe lift.

Shoe Lifts Don't Have To Be Ugly

You may believe a shoe lift will be unfashionable, however there are a couple things you can do to help hide the appearance of lifts. One, is avoiding white midsoles. Instead, pick shoes with a solid black, brown or grey midsole to more easily match the available EVA foam sheets that will be used (that's why I have a big beef with my favorite shoe company, Altra, SO MANY white midsoles, arr!). All black shoes will make a lift seemingly disappear. Also, wearing boot cut jeans will help hide the lifted shoe.

In nearly a decade of wearing lifted shoes, I’ve had less than a handful of people point out my lifted shoe, and I’ve got a few silly looking pairs. It’s not as big of a deal that you may think it is. In fact, you’ll soon be thanking yourself for getting lifted, and wondering what took you so long. I lived with a decade of low back pain before making the switch, and I would never go back to walking imbalanced.

Finding Balance

Imagine walking pain-free, standing taller, and feeling more balanced—all from a simple adjustment to your shoes. Addressing your leg length discrepancy now will not only improve your day-to-day comfort but also set you on a path toward better long-term health. With lifted shoes, you can step confidently into a more aligned, pain-free future.

You may never find total balance. However, a proper shoe lift will make a world of difference in your day to day life of living with a leg length difference.

Visit American Heelers https://orthopedicshoelift.com or Shoe Lift Express https://www.shoeliftexpress.com to have your shoes professionally lifted. I've always used American Heelers and they've done terrific work. Shoe Lift Express looks intriguing in a fashion sense and I may give them a try soon.

Best Shoe to lift

In 2024, the Altra Experience Flow is my top shoe to lift and is my current work, workout, walking and running shoe. The rocker sole makes the step of each foot the most balanced out of any other shoe I’ve tried, ever.

• Men’s Experience Flow

• Women’s Experience Flow