The 5 Best Height Insoles – [Reviews & Rankings]

A height insole, also known as a shoe lift, is a shoe insert used to make the wearer appear taller. The best height insole will be easy to insert in your shoes, will help boost blood circulation, will be mildew resistant, and will contain antimicrobials to prevent odor.

Elevator shoes have always been an option for those that wish to appear taller, but these shoes are made with a built-in insole, so there is a limited selection of shoes available to choose from. Height insoles are worn inside your shoes, completely concealed. Using height insoles, you don’t need to buy a new pair of shoes, since you can easily use them with a pair you already have (Source).

Another great thing about height insoles is that they come in different sizes, so you can choose your preferred height. If you’ve got back pain or knee problems, height insoles can actually help reduce discomfort in those areas.

There is a wide range of height insoles. There are cheap wedges, which provide much less arch support than other types, such as gel sleeves, and there are high-end insoles, that are designed primarily as a fashion accessory. (Source)

With so many different types of height insoles available, it can be difficult to decide which one to buy. Before buying a height insole, you should consider its comfortability, ease of insertion, and the height increase that it can provide. It is also important to consider whether the height insole offers protection for your knees, lower back, hips and ankles when standing or walking on hard surfaces.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the top-rated height insoles. All of the height insoles in this review will make you appear taller and provide comfort, whether you are trying to increase your height, or you are just wanting to ease your joint pain.

What is Are Height Insoles?

A height insole is a shoe insert used to make the wearer appear taller. Unlike platform shoes that have an obvious thick sole on the outside of the shoe, height insoles are worn inside shoes, hiding them from observers. This allows the wearer to achieve the appearance of being taller while wearing a larger variety of shoes.

Height insoles are modeled after elevator shoes which have thickened sections of the insole. These shoes are made with a built-in insole, making them less versatile than the removeable height insole.

While elevator and platform shoe heels are made from a variety of materials such as wood, plastic or rubber, height insoles are typically made from a soft, supportive and breathable material such a polyurethane or memory foam.

How Much Does Do Height Insoles Cost?

There is a wide range of height increasing shoe insoles on the market, from cheaper wedges which provide much less arch support than other types to gel sleeves which wrap around the wearers foot to high end insoles designed primarily as a fashion accessory.

However, despite this wide range of styles and adjustable heights, these insoles are all roughly the same price.

Even the most expensive height increasing insole costs only around $30, while the rest, including those with the most added features and adjustable parts, all sit within a range of $8 to $20.

Considering the low price point, the bigger consideration is a balance between orthopedic support and the desired height increase of the wearer, which can easily be purchased for around $20.

Comparing The Best Height Insoles

1. Hydrofeet Dynamic Liquid Massaging Orthotic insoles – Best Height for Tired feet & Poor Circulation

If you are one of those who encounter bad arch pain, these insoles are the best for you. These ones contain FDA approved glycerin to ensure that you are comfortable when walking. You feel like your feet are being massaged as you walk.

In addition, you will never experience the harshness encountered when walking on a concrete surface. This is achieved by equalizing the pressure in the shoe by making your feet feel like they are floating. This also provides a great cushioning feeling and enables the insoles to act like shock absorbers.

Another awesome thing with these insoles is that they come with a 3-year warranty after purchase. They also feature a water-soluble formula which protects your shoe or cloth in case they break. These insoles are also ideal for children and pets.

You can use your hands or a machine when washing them. For those who encounter foot conditions such as poor circulation, heel pain, corns, back pain and others, they will be of great importance to you. They provide a soothing sensation and help to boost blood circulation.  You can use them when running or standing the whole day. The best thing is that they are durable and are suitable for all.

2. Pixnor 3-Layer Air up Height Increase Elevator Shoes Insole – Best for Prevention of Foot Sores

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Pixnor 3-layer Air Up Height increase insoles are made of polyurethane material and are very soft. This material ensures that they last longer as compared to the rest. Unlike others, they have an air-cushioning feature which makes your feet comfortable. One of the reasons why most people like them is because they are excellent in prevention of foot sores.

In addition, they come with an anti-slip technology to make your feet stable. This means you can use them in your shoes when playing your favorite games. They are also oversized but you can trim them easily to fit your shoes. The best thing is that they come with a guide on how to trim so that they can fit in your shoes.

If you are looking for a way to add your height, these insoles will give you an additional of 2.8 inches which is noticeable when you are using them. Are you one of those who suffer from leg problems such as leg pain? These ones are very good in relieving pain and protect your feet from any injuries. They are the best if your day involves running, walking, weight lifting or when you are standing for long hours.

3. Footinsole 1 Inches Up Height Increase Shoe Insoles Comfort Inserts – Best Insoles for Arch Support

These insoles increase your height by 1” when used in any type of shoe as the name suggests. One of the main reasons why most people prefer these insoles is that they remain hidden and it will not be easy for anyone to know the reason behind your increased height. They come with a breathable design to give you the required comfort.

The best thing is that the thickness is limited to ensure that the shoe is not too tight for you, which might cause discomfort. The insoles also has a universal design which enables them to fit easily in men’s footwear and also makes them easy to remove when you do not need them.

In addition, they have a superior quality and are made up of a material that prevents development of bacteria which cause ordor. They are easy to clean to maintain high levels of hygiene.

4. Fuloon New 4 Layer 9 cm (3.54 inch) Height Increase Taller Insole – The Best Insoles For Comfort

These ones are black in color and are made from a PU material which makes them durable. They are suitable for both men and women. The best thing with these insoles is that they are adjustable to fit the demands of the user. They contain natural foam which makes your feet comfortable.

Another thing with these insoles is that they have a great arch support to provide maximum comfort. They contain four layers which makes it easy for you to select the best size according to the occasion. Apart from that, you can crop each insole according to the size of your feet which makes them ideal for everyone.

5. Height Increase Elevator Shoes Insole – For People With Planter Fasciitis

Height Increase Elevator Shoe Insoles come with a unique design which makes them an ideal choice for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis. Unlike others, they have a special cut out design which makes them suitable for use in high profile shoes like high top basketball sneakers or boots.

They are made of high quality memory foam which allows them to take the shape of your feet. This ensures that you are comfortable anytime you are using them. The top layer is perforated to allow your feet to breath and the bottom layer provides the required protection. Short people who would like to boost their height a few inches will find these insoles to be of great use. Despite their quality, they do not work well with elevator shoes.

What types of Shoes Can You Wear With Height Insoles?

Height insoles are designed to be hidden from view inside the wearer’s shoe. This allows them to be worn easily with a wide variety of shoes and boots. Most commonly, height insoles are ideal for work boots.

Because they are removable, they also have the added benefit of switching one pair between many different pairs and types of shoes. The only types of shoes which would not effectively use height increasing insoles would be open sandals are any specialty shoes designed for sports or dance.

Most running shoes, especially those with a flexible, non-rigid sole such as those designed to mimic the barefoot experience would also be less effective.

How Does A Height Insole Work?

Height insoles are inserted into shoes or boots to add thickened sections of insole under the wearer’s heels to make them appear taller.

Height insoles provide an increase in height while maintaining arch support and firmness for comfort, to give the wearer the full functionality and stability of their preferred shoe.

However, while height insoles advertise multiple inches of increased height, they rarely provide the increase that they promise. Insoles are made to slope down at an angle, with the thickest section at the back of the insole. But the human ankle does not pivot at that very back of the heel, so the height increase is more likely to be about half of what the insole advertises.

The amount of lift that an insole can provide is also limited by the space within the shoe itself, as a smaller shoe would only allow the use of a small insole.

Do Height Insoles Hurt?

Height increasing insoles can potentially create foot and ankle problems if the added height is excessive.

The potential side-effects are similar to those created by wearing any sort of shoe designed for fashion over function, such as high-heels, which can cause unintended changes to the wearer’s lower leg, foot, stride or gait.

The most acute short-term side-effects of height insoles are typically caused by those that increase the wearer’s height more than ½”. A safer alternative is to use a shoe with an insole that is designed to be thicker, which raises the full foot rather than just the heel.

Factors to Consider When Buying Height Insoles

Material

The most common materials used in the manufactures of height insoles are leather, gel, foam, and cork. It is good to ensure the material used to make the insole is of height quality and will last longer. This means you do not need to keep replacing the insoles every now and then.

If you are looking for an insole that is comfortable and one which supports your feet, foam is the best for that. It provides the required cushioning and helps to release pressure.

Gel materials are best for shock absorption while cork material provides light cushioning and provides support. Leather is also good at providing cushioning to your feet and it is durable.

Price

If you are looking for high-quality insoles, you do not need to worry about the price. This is because most of the high-quality insoles are made from quality materials which makes them be bit expensive as compared to others.

They are more comfortable and provide better support than the rest. However, there are cheap insoles that are of high quality. It is always good to do your research to ensure that you are purchasing a quality product despite the price.

Support & Cushion

A good height insole should have proper cushioning to provide support to your feet even when used for a long time.  It should also be lightweight and flexible to provide comfort. The material should be firm to provide arch support even when your feet are under great pressure.

Size

It is important to select the best size when buying insoles. A larger size or a small one will make you uncomfortable when walking. Height insoles are usually thicker than normal insoles, it is, therefore, important to make sure the ones you have purchased will fit perfectly in your shoes.

If you need to expand your shoes, top shoe stretchers reviewed on this page can help you.

The best thing with height insoles is that they come in different sizes to fit your preferences. Selecting the correct size will make your feet stable when walking.

Easy to Clean

Ensure the height insoles you intend to buy are easy to clean. There are some which are non-washable which makes them unhygienic. Other materials, like suede, are difficult to clean.

If possible, look for ones which you can easily clean using your hands or even those which are safe to wash in a cleaning machine. Non-washable insoles can enhance the development of bacteria which causes odor and this will make you very uncomfortable when you are with your friends.

How to Take Care of Height Insoles

• How to use – Follow the instruction provided on the label and make sure you are using them in the recommended shoes. Most of the height insoles are made for specific shoes and therefore it is important to consider that before use.
• Ensure the insoles are dry – Most of the insoles especially those made of foam are easily destroyed by water. Even if your insoles are resistant to water, it is always advisable to keep them dry.
• Cleaning – Use lukewarm water and mild soap when cleaning. After cleaning, do not soak them in the water. Place them in a place that is well ventilated and allow them to dry. Never use silicone-based cleaners to prevent damage.
• Cleaning machines – It is not advisable to use cleaning machines when cleaning height insoles if you want them to serve you for a long time.
• If they get wet – Remove the insole immediately. You can use a dry towel or clean cloth.

Ready To Buy The Best Height Insole?

Not all height insoles will give you satisfaction. It is therefore good to ensure the material you choose for the shoe lifts is of high quality. With quality material, you are assured that you will be comfortable and the heel lift inserts will last long.

The height insole you choose should also be flexible for use with different shoes. Most of the height insoles are meant for specific shoes only. You should also ensure that the insole fits well in your shoes perfectly to give you comfort.

Depending with the height you would like to add, it is also good to consider the number of layers in an insole to ensure that it will help you add the desired length.

It is our hope that after reading this guide you will be able to make a good decision on the best height insole you should consider.

Read also our buying guide for top leather fanny packs to pair with your shoes!