Heel Lifts for Leg Length Discrepancy: A Certified Shoe Fitter’s Guide
Last updated: September 14, 2026 · Written by Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter
Has your child been diagnosed with a leg length discrepancy, and a therapist recommended heel lifts — without specifying which kind, or which shoes to pair them with? The diagnosis can sound alarming, but the fix is often simple. The right heel lift, paired with the right shoe, can meaningfully improve alignment, posture, and comfort. Below, I’ll walk through how heel lifts work, which shoes actually accommodate them well, and why early action matters more than most parents realize.
Note: I’m a shoe fitter, not a doctor. This guide covers footwear and lift selection — always follow your child’s pediatrician or physical therapist’s specific treatment plan.
What Is Leg Length Discrepancy?
Leg length discrepancy happens when one leg is measurably shorter than the other. It can affect a child’s gait, contribute to back pain, and make certain physical activities harder — and generally, the larger the discrepancy, the more noticeable the impact.
Why a Shoe Fitter Weighs In on This
It’s a fair question — what does a shoe fitter know about leg length discrepancy? In my case, plenty. I’ve worked hands-on with many families who came into the shoe store specifically looking for help pairing the right heel lift with the right shoe. Doctors sometimes recommend a specific lift, but often that decision falls to parents — and with so many options out there, it’s easy to end up confused about what actually fits and works.
How Much Discrepancy Actually Needs Treatment?
I’m not a doctor, so your pediatrician should make the final call here — but in my experience, a discrepancy under 2 centimeters (about 0.8 inches) at full height generally doesn’t require treatment. Above 2 centimeters, doctors sometimes discuss surgical options to shorten the longer leg or lengthen the shorter one. A heel lift is almost always the more convenient, less invasive, and less expensive option worth trying first — often the right shoe plus the right lift is genuinely all a child needs.
Heel Lifts for Leg Length Discrepancy
Heel lifts are a non-invasive way to compensate for the length difference and help even out posture and alignment.
- Oder the Dr. Foot Heel Lifts on Amazon
- Firm, incompressible heel lifts tend to work best for correcting leg length discrepancy in kids
- Choose the smaller size, then select a half-inch or one-inch increase depending on the discrepancy
- Disclosure: this is an affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you
Always loop in your child’s healthcare provider before choosing a specific lift height. They can tailor the recommendation to your child’s exact measurements.
Don’t Take a “Wait and See” Approach
I always encourage parents to be proactive here. Left untreated, a leg length discrepancy can lead to knee, hip, or lower back pain as a child grows. Acting early tends to make a real difference in comfort and long-term development.
What Causes Leg Length Discrepancy in Kids?
A handful of things commonly lead to it:
- Injuries or infections that slow the growth of one leg bone
- Damage to a growth plate that disrupts normal development
- Fractures that trigger bone overgrowth during healing
- Genetic or hereditary conditions affecting bone structure
- Neuromuscular disorders (like polio) that affect muscle and nerve function
Why the Right Shoe Matters as Much as the Lift
Even the best heel lift won’t work as intended in the wrong shoe. Without proper support, a lift can shift out of position or leave a child feeling like their foot is slipping inside the shoe. Two features matter most:
Extra depth — to comfortably accommodate the lift without crowding the foot. A firm heel counter — to keep the foot stable and properly aligned once the lift changes the foot’s position inside the shoe.
Best Shoes for Heel Lifts (2026 Picks)
990v6 by New Balance
These are the best shoes for heel lifts and parents consistently praise the 990v6 for its durability, comfort, and support, noting improvements in their children’s posture and gait. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Velcro version also available on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
- Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
- Removable insoles
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Gabi and Alvin by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)
These orthopedic shoes for heel lifts are specifically designed to improve foot posture. The higher price point is a common complaint parents have but the investment in orthopedic shoes is often justified by their specialized design and effectiveness in addressing foot conditions.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the model Gabi or Alvin on Amazon
- Also available in a Mary Jane style and a version for older kids called Memo Polo
- Accommodates medium and wide feet
- Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
- High-top design with stiff heel counters
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size. Refer to Memo sizing chart
Elliott by Stride Rite
These high-top booties by Stride Rite offer excellent support and a comfortable fit, making them a top choice for kids who wear heel lifts.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- 100% leather construction
- High-top design provides extra ankle support
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
574 by New Balance
This New Balance shoe combines style with functionality and it offers solid support and cushioning, making it suitable for kids who wear heel lifts The shoe is offered at a lower price point.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- Firm heel counters
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Tracks by Timberland
The sturdy design ensures that children can enjoy outdoor activities without compromising on foot stability or comfort, but this style is slightly heavier than my other shoe recommendations.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- High-top design for extra ankle support
- Water-friendly construction
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Cohesion by Saucony
These shoes for heel lifts offer excellent cushioning and stability. The affordable pricing also makes them accessible to a wide range of families.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order on Amazon
- Also available with laces on Amazon
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- Firm heel counters and stable base of support
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
This is a versatile shoe that provides a soft and comfortable fit while accommodating your child’s heel lifts. Families appreciate how this shoe is offered at a very reasonable price.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Also available with laces on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- Semi-firm heel counters
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
2002/1906 by New Balance
The 2002 model by New Balance is another great option for kids who wear heel lifts at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the 2002 or 1906 on the New Balance website
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
- Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Cross Em Up by Adidas
These high-top shoes for heel lifts provide great support and are suitable for both sports and everyday wear, adding value for parents looking for multi-functional footwear.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- High-top design for additional ankle support
- Versatile — suitable for sports and everyday wear
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance
These deep shoes feature a wide toe box and plush cushioning, making them perfect for everyday wear. Parents often highlight the shoe’s ability to maintain its shape and support even after prolonged use, underscoring its durability.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Fresh foam midsole cushioning provides an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Padded collar and tongue
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Keeping the Lift in Place: Lacing Matters
If your child wears lace-up shoes, snug (not tight) laces matter more than usual once a heel lift is added — a lift raises the foot inside the shoe, and loose laces invite heel slippage. This proper lacing guide walks through how to lock the heel in place so the lift actually does its job.
What About Slippers and Summer Shoes?
Heel lifts don’t have to live only in sneakers. For around the house, supportive slippers built for kids with foot conditions can hold a lift without your child needing to wear a full shoe all day. For warmer months, Keen sandals have a firm, sturdy sole that works well for kids who need consistent support even in open-toe footwear.
Reach Out with Questions
If you’re not sure which lift or shoe combination fits your child’s specific situation, reach out directly — if you share your child’s exact leg length discrepancy, I can give you a more tailored recommendation.
The Bottom Line
A leg length discrepancy diagnosis doesn’t mean your child’s activity level has to change. With the right heel lift and a properly fitted, supportive shoe, most kids adjust quickly and keep doing everything they were doing before. The main risk is waiting too long on a discrepancy over 2 cm — early action is what prevents the downstream hip, back, and knee issues down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. As a general guideline, discrepancies under 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) often don’t require treatment, especially if your child isn’t in pain. Above that, a heel lift is usually the first thing worth trying before more invasive options are considered — but this is ultimately your pediatrician’s call.
This varies by child and is something to confirm with whoever diagnosed the discrepancy. Growth also matters — kids can outgrow a specific lift size within several months, so periodic reassessment is normal.
Yes — this is one of the most common issues. A heel lift needs a shoe with a firm heel counter and properly snug lacing to stay in place; otherwise the foot can slide and the lift stops doing its job.
My daughter is 6 currently appointed to a specialist recently got a 1 cm shoe raise what best shoe and shoe raise could you recommend an how do I go about a house hold foot raise
Hi Vanessa,
I am going to need further information in order to help you find the correct pair of shoes. I am going to need your daughter’s foot size, and whether she has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet.
I suggest that you send me that information via email: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com and then I would be able to send you specific shoe recommendations. If you can I also recommend that you include a picture of the shoe raise.
Hi. My son was involved in an accident and was on a spica cast for 2 and a hslf months… Doc did not do sufficient follow-up. His femur fracture was set skew and he now has a 3cm leg discrepancy. We received our shoe with the heel lift stuck on the shoes. How long does he wear it for and how do we monitor growth… No instructions have been given to us. My son is 4 years old
Hi Seema,
I believe that the condition is not going to get corrected on its own. You can treat it by keep wearing the shoes with the lift and monitor your son for any foot or leg pain.
This is a situation in which you would have to consult with your doctor. Because your son’s difference is more than 1 inch (2.5 cm), you should consult with your doctor is surgery might help.
For my toddler who is 1.5 years old with a shoe size of EU 27 and who has a leg length discrepancy of 3 cm, which shoe can accommodate a 3 cm heel lift inside?
Hello San,
We need to look for a shoe that provides extra depth. If your child has medium, wide, or extra wide feet, you can find below my recommendations:
Option 1
Option 2
If your child happens to have narrow feet please let me know and I will send you different recommendations.
I hope this helps!
Hello juan,my son had a hip infussion about 3 months ago.and the leg discrepancy is 3 1/4 inches.And they want us to get a heel lift for him.but is so expensive plus how many shoes are you gonna do the lift on.is just too much money and heart breaking dont know what to do.can we get an over the counter shoe lift for him.plus can it work.he is 12 years old and so miserable right now.
Hello Ifunanya,
That is a question you should have asked the doctor. I always recommend trying the least expensive option first and monitoring how it works. Maybe a heel lift with a good supportive shoe is all what your child needs but we won’t know until you try it. Ask the doctor if you can start with a heel lift first. They definitely do work, but it varies from child to child.
Please follow up with me and let me know what they tell you.
Hello Juan,
Thank you for the article. My 5 years daughter has this discrepancy 0.5 cm. The first doctor which we visited, told us that is ok and she have only to wear sandals with height and hard heel, the second doctor told us to put the lift 0.5 cm in the left shoe (left leg is shorter). As I read, discrepancy less than 2 cm no need a treatment. I am confused now. I don’t know how to proceed. If we will buy this lift for one shoe, have she wear this all day? Thank you in advance.
Hello Elena,
I am not a doctor, so you should do what they recommend. Is she experiencing any type of foot or leg pain? If she is not, I wouldn’t worry about it too much since the difference is so little.
If she is having foot or leg pain then definitely try a lift in her shoes. If you do buy a lift for her shoe the more she wears it the better.
When it comes to sandals, try Keen sandals, they have a very hard and sturdy sole. You can learn more about them here:
Keen Sandals For Children – The Best Summer Sandal
My daughter has a 31mm difference and we’ve been recommended to have special lifts made on the outside of the shoe (very costly and noticeable). Would you recommend a lift fitting on the inside of a shoe for this much of a discrepancy? And any recommendations for summer shoes as well?
Hello Hallie,
In this particular case the discrepancy is more than 2 centimeters, and that’s when doctors might require either surgery or a heel lift. Obviously the heel lift option is the most convenient and economical one, and it is not nearly as invasive.
You should have asked the doctor if you could start with an over the counter heel lift and see how your daughter reacts to it instead of investing right away in a pair of special lifts.
great post ! thank you.
can i fit a one-inch feet lift inside the shoes you are recommending above?
also, what would be the best to wear inside the house e.g. slippers.
regards
Hatim,
Yes, but don´t forget to remove the inner sole and choose one of the New Balance styles, since they are deeper than the Saucony ones. You need to speak to whoever recommended the heel lifts and ask if your child can wear something else besides his/her sneakers around the house. If they say yes, take a look at this psot where I describe the best slippers for kids:
Supportive Slippers for Kids – These are the Best Slippers for Kids with Foot Problems
The link you included takes me to adult sided inserts which will not fit my child’s shoes. Also, the fact that this company only offers one size (2cm) lift is concerning since anyone underwing this serious issue will understand how individual the lift should be
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for your feedback. Please carefully review the heel lifts recommended as a woman’s shoe size 4 translates to a child’s shoe size 2. If your child wears a shoe size smaller than a size 2 do not hesitate to contact me directly and I will find you an alternative: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Leg length discrepancy is not necessarily a serious issue as long as the discrepancy is less than 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) at full height. In this case no treatment is required, but if your child is experiencing foot or leg pain due to the discrepancy, then surgeons often recommend a heel lift as an alternative to a surgical approach.
Unfortunately there are no many heel lifts available for children. One alternative is to buy your child a shoe lift, which will allow you to choose a more precise size, but it can cost you around $100. I usually don’t recommend this alternative as children can outgrow their shoes anywhere between 4 to 6 months (depending on their age).
I can see that its so important to act quickly and appropriately if your child has a leg length discrepancy to prevent too much pressure causing damage which may stay with the child for life if it isn’t dealt with quickly.
Its amazing really that just from using heel lifts a lot of pain and issues can be avoided. Thank you for this information. Very informative.
Jen,
Taking immediate action is key in order to prevent future injuries and pain. A simple and inexpensive thing WILL prevent problems when the child gets older!
Hi Juan
But isn’t it better to buy heel lifts at some physical stores? I think it would be the best to physically place the lift inside the shoe to see if it fits the shoe. In order to solve the problem, the lift has to fit the shoe perfectly, hasn’t it? I checked few of the review on Amazon for these heel lifts and while some customers find these heel lifts perfect, some others state that these appear to be too narrow for the certain shoe. So ordering online is a bit risky, isn’t it? As this is very serious problem for kids so we cannot do something wrong. At least, this is my point of view.
Arta,
I always recommend to parents to take their children to their local children’s shoe store to have their feet properly measured. The same applies to when they are looking for heel lifts. However, not every parent has a local kids’ shoe store that they trust. I have received hundreds of emails from parents asking me to review a certain shoe or to show which shoes are better than others.
Big retail stores such as Stride Rite or Nordstrom’s don’t qualify as fitting stores. They don’t even carry heel lifts. I always advise to parents to stay away from these stores since in order to make a sale, they will put your child in the wrong pair of shoes. I wrote a post about it that you might find interesting, it’s called: The Best Place To Buy Kids Shoes – Avoid Stride Rite, Nordstrom, Payless…
I didn’t know this was such an issue.I know my child has leg length discrepancy but the doctor told us he was okay for now and we shouldn’t worry about it. We are worried because he is walking funny lately. Is this something that kids can grow out of? Will one leg catch up to the other?
I can certainly see the problems this can create, with balance, and how it can effect other parts of the body. Our bodies are designed to be aligned a certain way. I am afraid my kids’ feet and legs are hurting him and he is not saying anything.
You should definitely provide your child with a heel lift or an orthotic to compensate for the discrepancy. I recommend that you get a second opinion immediately, to make sure your kids’ feet and legs are doing okay. I have fitted several children with heel lifts and they make a tremendous difference in the way they walk!
My daughter sometimes complains about her feet hurting, but she’s two so I really didn’t pay it any attention at first. I mentioned it to her pediatrician, and nothing came of it. And it doesn’t appear that she has leg length discrepancy at this time. I will continue to monitor the situation as she grows, and should she need something, I now know where to find it!
Christian,
Keep an eye on your daughter’s foot and leg pain. It is NEVER normal for children to experience foot or leg pain. If the pain persists, definitely take her to another pediatrician and get a second opinion! Also, please make sure she is wearing the correct pair of shoes. By this, I mean shoes that are good and supprtive, and they must be the correct size for her feet.
My child’s friend has leg length discrepancy and she had no idea what to do about it. Her doctor told her to leave it alone since the discrepancy was not enough to worry. However, her child is complaining about leg pain now. I will show her this article. Great review and great list of products to help with this issue.
If the child is experiencing pain, something must be done as soon as possible. Good shoes and lift will take care of the pain issue. Please let her know that the pain can be removed by wearing the correct pair of shoes with a pair of heel lifts.