What are Shoe Lifts?
Shoe lifts are lifts or inserts put into a shoe for various purposes. Essentially, one of the main reasons why shoe lifts are used is for a person to look taller. There are also some people who make use of shoe lifts for medical purposes, such as to aid in leg discrepancies and sooth back pain.
More Than Just Height-Boosting Insoles
Shoe lifts can be placed in any type of shoes. These inserts are generally tucked under the insole, which originally come with most modern pairs of shoes. This is done to hide the inserted shoe lifts. When you make use of shoe lifts you will basically gain height. While this might seem superficial, increasing one’s height temporarily can boost confidence and even help with self-esteem issues.
In addition to this benefit, shoe lifts are also believed to ease pain in the arch and heel of your foot. They do this by absorbing the shock when you place your foot on the ground with each step. Because of these benefits, they are used for orthopedic purposes.
With the help of shoe lifts, spinal shrinkage and foot pain can be significantly reduced. As a matter of fact, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons found out that a person who suffers from leg discrepancies will be lifted with shoe lifts. This addition hopefully also helps in walking, running and easing back pain.
Materials of Shoe Lifts
Shoe lifts are also popularly known as heel lifts, shoe insoles, or shoe inserts. They are typically made of plastic or foam to provide the most comfort and support to the wearer. . You can order many ranges of shoe lifts from different online stores like the Shoelift.com. Shoe lifts can be inserted into almost any kind of shoes including athletic shoes and even flip-flops. They are available in different heights ranging from .25 inches up to 2 inches. You will definitely find shoe lifts that fit your needs and preferences in the market somewhere.
When you purchase a shoe lift, make sure it’s from a material that is just between hard and soft. If it’s too soft, it won’t give the impression of height to the wearer. If it’s too hard, it might be uncomfortable and difficult to wear for long periods of time. The material should also be flexible enough to mold itself to the shape of your foot. Finally, look for a material that’s resistant to odors. This will keep your feet dry and free from odor or fungus.
Why Men Use Shoe Lifts
While men have worn high heels in the past, most of them scorn to do so now. In fact, we might find many men and women complaining about heels. Since the problem of a short height could apply to both genders, having a pair of shoe lifts could help deal with the situation. They provide the impression of time, but without the dangers of falling in stiletto heels.
There are also several more seasons why shoe lifts are so common among the young, athletic crowd. Some may differ according to individual needs, but the more general reasons include more self-confidence, helping to fit in, and generally appear more appealing to everyone.
Benefits of Wearing Shoe Lifts
The benefits of shoe lifts are many, but not everyone might think of their function much beyond the height factor. The increased height makes it easier for you to communicate with your friends, enjoy memorable occasions like a wedding or graduation ceremony, etc. Such lifts are also very useful for job interviews, in aiding with leg issues, and to give you an advantage while playing height-related sports like basketball. If you’re playing in a league or a serious game, make sure this isn’t against the rules.
For women, though, the popularity of shoe lifts is based on something much more basic. Women want high heels for a slimmer, taller, and hence more effective. A lack of social gatherings, gym workouts, leg discrepancy, and other side effects would surely last a long time.
Heel Lifts
Heel lifts serve the same purpose as shoe lifts in general, but are a bit different. Heel lifts are typically put under the heel, as compared to shoe lifts that are placed underneath your entire foot. The use of heel lifts may give you some possible side effects that are quite similar to the side effects caused by wearing high heel shoes.
The use of heel lifts may affect your stride or gait. It may also affect your ankle and entire foot when you make use of excessive addition of height. When you make use of a heel lift, the tendency is for your foot to drop as there is no support for the ball of your foot.
Shoe lifts might be more comfortable and healthier if you really need to increase your height without high heels. However, keep in mind that heel lifts, shoe lists, and high heels might not all be ideal for everyone. You may find one better than the other, so make sure to read online reviews and ask around for the best options.
What Else to Know About Shoe Lifts
There’s a lot to know about shoe lifts, but the internet is full of information on just about any topic. You should know what to expect though, so keep in mind that the average shoe lift might make you around 1.5 inches taller. If you want more, you may have to invest in more half-inch inserts.
There are also different sizes of shoe inserts, which makes perfect sense. After all, the inserts have to go into all types of shoes, and for almost every foot size. However, some companies might offer a one-size-fits-all option, where you can cut out your own comfy fit according to the guide provided.
Conclusion
Shoe lifts are truly beneficial as it helps with your specific needs. However, it is highly advisable to do some research in order to find the best shoe lifts to address your needs. Otherwise, you may find yourself being uncomfortable in your own shoes!