Heel inserts

Heel inserts provide extra cushioning and a relieving feel with every step. They are placed in the shoe and are used, among other things, for sore heels, heel spurs, and when you stand or walk a lot. The inserts in the range are selected with a focus on stability, fit, and comfort.

There are models for different shoes and situations - walking, running, working on hard floors, and everyday use. Choose based on how much cushioning and support you want.

Different types of heel inserts

Heel inserts is a general term for inserts that provide support and cushioning under the heel. They come in three main forms:

• soft heel pads
• stable heel cups
• heel wedges that raise the heel

What they have in common is that they distribute pressure under the heel and provide a softer landing.

When are heel inserts used?

Some people use heel inserts for discomfort, while others use them for increased comfort in everyday life. Common situations include:

• heel spurs (plantar fasciitis)
• heels that feel tired or sore
• a heel pad that has become thinner
• soreness from standing or walking for long periods
• high strain during exercise
• different leg lengths, where a heel wedge can be used

With a heel spur, the tendon plate under the foot is irritated near its attachment to the heel bone. A heel insert then provides cushioning and a relieving feel under the sore area.

How heel inserts work

A heel insert works in several ways at the same time:

• pressure is spread over a larger area
• the impact when the heel strikes the ground is cushioned
• the heel bone gets a softer surface
• the heel is kept in a stable position

For example, a heel cup gathers the heel's own fat pad beneath the heel bone, providing more cushioning with every step.

What a heel insert can provide

• a relieving feel under the heel
• cushioning with every step
• increased comfort in everyday and athletic shoes
• a more stable heel landing
• an easy way to adjust the shoe

Because the insert lies directly under the heel, the difference in cushioning is noticeable from the very first step.

Heel pad, heel cup, or heel wedge?

• Heel pad - soft and shock-absorbing, for people with sore heels
• Heel cup - surrounds the heel and provides stability, often used for heel spurs
• Heel wedge - raises the heel slightly and changes the load on the Achilles tendon and arch

Tips for choosing

• If you want softness - choose a shock-absorbing model
• If you want stability - choose a heel cup
• If you want to raise the heel - choose a heel wedge
• For everyday shoes - choose a thin and flexible model

There are also heel inserts with a special relief zone in the middle of the heel, where pressure is often felt the most. Regardless of the model, the insert should feel comfortable in the shoe and not create new pressure points. If you want support for the entire foot, orthopedic insoles may be an alternative.

Questions and answers about heel inserts

Can you notice the heel insert immediately?

The cushioning and softer landing are usually noticeable as soon as the insert is placed in the shoe.

Can heel inserts be used every day?

Yes, they are designed for daily use.

Are heel inserts suitable for heel spurs?

Many people with heel spurs use heel inserts for cushioning and a relieving feel under the heel.

Do heel inserts fit in all shoes?

Most models fit both everyday shoes and athletic shoes.

Summary

Heel inserts are an easy way to give your shoes more cushioning under the heel and make walking and standing more comfortable. If you have had heel pain for a long time, or if the discomfort is getting worse, you should contact a healthcare provider for an assessment. More information about heel pain is available from 1177 Vårdguiden.