12 Best Heel Cups And Pads Of 2024: Orthopedician-Approved
Top selection of heel cups and pads that support your heels and help alleviate pain.
Dr. Christopher R. Sforzo is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 25 years of experience in hand and upper extremity surgery. He specializes in minimally invasive procedures and has appointments and admitting privileges at various medical facilities.
Read full bio of Dr. Christopher R. Sforzo
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
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Most of us suffer from foot pain because of ill-fitting shoes that put a lot of strain on our heels while standing and walking. An ideal remedy to bid goodbye to this persistent pain is to use the best heel cups. Your heels help balance and in postural correction of the body. However, the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes can get inflamed, causing foot pain. Heel cups and pads are a simple and easy fix for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis. They can help alleviate achy feet and also aid post-injury recovery and subsequent injury prevention. In this article, we have reviewed the 12 best heel cups. Read on!
In This Article
12 Best Heel Cups And Pads To Buy In 2024 (Buying Guide)
1.Best Clinically Proven: Heel That Pain Heel Seats
Heel That Pain Heel Seats is ideal for people with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, heel inserts, bone spurs, flat feet, tendonitis, and other heel conditions. They apply therapeutic acupressure on the targeted areas and provide instant relief from pain. This product claims to deliver 100% pain relief within 8 days of regular use by realigning the plantar ligament into a healthy position. The best thing about this heel cup is that it provides 360-degree motion control. More importantly, its hybrid blend of gel offers a cushiony feel to your heels.
“I highly recommend the HTP Heel Seats for anyone looking for an effective and affordable solution for foot pain and discomfort associated with various foot conditions. These heel seats provide targeted support and cushioning to the heel area of the foot, which can alleviate pain and discomfort and improve overall foot function without invasive treatments.” says Dr. Christopher R. Sforzo.
Pros
- Clinically proven
- Fits into most shoes easily
- Available in 4 sizes
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 3,850 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
2. Best Breathable:Dr. Pedi Silicone Heel Protectors
The heel protectors from Dr. Pedi help get relief from blisters and cracked feet. They are made from a silicone gel cushion that relieves heel spurs and Achilles tendonitis by ensuring impact reduction in each step. They are also supportive while walking, running, or standing throughout the day and can be worn while sleeping. The flexibility of the ergonomic design makes them more comfortable and convenient to wear. Designed to offer a superior user experience, the cups are highly elastic and can be worn under your socks and hosiery or over them. These comfortable heel cups are easy to clean and wash as well.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Quick-drying
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- High elasticity
- BPA-free
- Latex-free
- Excellent for cracked heels
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable
Cons
- May not stay in place
Quick Tip3. Best For Daily Use: Ballotte Silicone Heel Protectors
The Ballotte Premium Grade Silicone Heel Protectors are equipped with hit-and-absorb foot technology that minimizes shock and impact. They prevent your feet from sliding away from your shoes while walking. The T-shaped design is made with supportive, high-quality materials including polyurethane, silicone, leather, and gel. These heel cups hug the contours of your shoes, making the shoes feel lighter on your feet. The inserts prevent blisters and help you break into a new pair of shoes effortlessly. This doctor-developed medical-grade product offers relief from foot pain. These heel protectors are reusable and suitable for every shoe size. The online reviews are all in praise for the comfort and quality of these silicone heel cups. They are available in transparent, black, and nude colors.
Pros
- Durable
- Flexible design
- Invisible finish
- Shock-absorbing design
- Chafing-free
- Easy to clean
- Reusable
Cons
- The adhesive may ruin the shoes.
| Heel That Pain Heel Seats Best Clinically Proven | Dr. Pedi Silicone Heel Protectors Best Breathable | Ballotte Silicone Heel Protectors Best For Daily Use | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Rubber | Silicone | - |
| Color | Light Blue Rubber/Gel Hybrid | - | - |
| Skin Type | - | Dry | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 3,850 | 98 | - |
| Price | $29.95 | $12.73 | $13.9 |
4.Best Doctor-Developed:Ballotte Heel Grips
The Ballotte Heel Grips are designed with the brand’s GentleFoamTM cushion that features a 0.3” bubble structure. These butterfly-shaped inserts with anatomical design align perfectly with the contours of your heels. The strong adhesive backings help you stick them securely inside your shoes. Each insert comes with side and back protectors that prevent excessive rubbing of your heel against the shoe surface. These doctor-developed heel pads add volume to your shoes, absorb excess shock, and prevent blisters. They are soft and made with a breathable outer fabric layer, ensuring optimum comfort. These inserts are designed to fit all kinds of shoes and heels and are even suitable for men’s shoes.
Pros
- Easy to put on
- Breathable fabric
- Strong adhesive backing
- Reusable
- Unisex
Cons
- Thin inserts
5. Best For Long Wear: ViveSole Silicone Gel Heel Cups
These gel heel cups provide support to your heels and ankles. They cushion your heels while walking, running, and standing and absorb the shock to relieve the tension and pressure on your heels. This gel heel inserts product is the perfect pick for people who are on their feet all day or who have heel spurs, bone spurs, and plantar fasciitis.
Pros
- Comfortable for long wear
- Can be worn with or without socks
- Available in 2 sizes
Cons
- Don’t stay in place.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 1,539 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
6. Best Shock Absorbing:Tuli’s Cheetah Heel Cup
Tuli’s Cheetah Heel Cup is a 2-part heel support product. It is a combination of a heel cup and a sleeve that provides remarkable shock absorption and pain reduction while ensuring 100% comfort. This product is ideal for gymnasts and dancers who want to protect their heels from possible wounds. It also provides immediate relief from heel pain by cushioning the targeted pain area. These are the best heel inserts that cushion your heels and provide optimum comfort.
Pros
- Elevates the heel bone
- Stays in place
- Supports your feet while walking
- Delivers noticeable results in just one use
Cons
- Mediocre quality
Quick Tip7. Best For Sensitive Heels: KidSole Sport Traction Shock Absorbing Lightweight Gel Heel Cups
The KidSole’s Gel Sport Traction Heel Cup/Pad is the perfect solution for active kids experiencing heel sensitivity due to conditions like severs disease and plantar fasciitis. With a sport grip design and maximum grip provided by a revolutionary traction layer, this heel pad stays in place during movement and play. KidSole’s heel cup/pad fits US Toddlers (0-3) to US Teen (7.5-9), so everyone can get the comfort and friction prevention they need without slipping or sliding.
Pros
- Amazing support
- Easy to use
- Comfortable to wear
- Value for money
- Pain relief
Cons
- None
8.Best Comfortable:Dr. Scholl’s Comfort Heel Cushions
Dr. Scholl’s Comfort Heel Cushion absorbs shock and relieves discomfort instantly. Its tapered design is built with massaging gel technology to provide cushioning to your heel. It can be transferred easily from shoe to shoe. This affordable option is tried and tested by users online and is ideal for relieving heel sensitivity. “As an orthopedic surgeon, I know many patients suffering from conditions such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis who have found relief using heel cushions like these. They are an affordable and non-invasive way to provide added support and cushioning to the feet, making a significant difference in overall foot comfort,” says Dr. Christopher R. Sforzo.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Reasonably priced
- Durable
Cons
- Very slippery
9. Best Cushioning:ARMSTRONG AMERIKA Gel Heel Cups
Relieve heel pain and discomfort with the Armstrong Amerika Gel Heel Cups. These soft gel cups relieve sore feet, heels, and provide relief from bone spurs, plantar fasciitis, edema, and sprains. They are durable and make you feel comfortable while walking and playing sports. They also work amazingly inside your running shoes. These gel pads won’t slip in your shoes or boots and fit perfectly with all types of men’s and women’s footwear. They reduce the impact on joints and muscles while providing you the ideal cushioning to go about your day.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fits all shoe types
- Comfortable for long wear
- Silicone gel
Cons
- Weak adhesion
10. Best Non-Slip: Zalik Heel Protectors, Heel Cups for Heel Pains
The Zalik Heel Protectors feature a breathable design and venting holes to help keep your feet dry and comfortable all day long. They are made with durable and flexible SEBS material, making them non-toxic and reusable. For further relief and comfort, the heel cups are designed with shock-absorbing anti-skid technology that provides reliable heel and arch support. Get relief from pain and increase your stability without having to worry about any uncomfortable side effects with these heel cups.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Soft
- Comfortable to wear
- Value for money
- Durable
Cons
- None
11. Best Versatile Fit:Heel Defender Foot Orthotics
The patented design of these heel pads absorbs 94.7% of the impact of shock produced while walking. They protect your feet from the force exerted on them while walking or running. They disperse the pain quickly by distributing the pressure across the feet. Their extra cushioning provides comfortable bedding for your heels, ensuring the prevention of injuries and fatigue prevention. These heel pads provide relief from a number of common heel conditions like Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs. The Heel Defender Foot Orthotics is the best shoe pads for heels and is designed by a healthcare specialist.
Pros
- Provide lasting comfort
- Versatile fit
- Durable and comfortable material
Cons
- Expensive
12. Best For High-Impact Activities:Sof Sole Gel Heel Cup
This soft and lightweight polymer gel heel cup is designed to provide outrageous comfort to your heel during high-impact activities like running, jumping, and exercising. It is built to provide pressure relief at your heels. Its flexible edges allow it to fit seamlessly into any shoe. The best thing about this product is that the dual-density cushioning adds extra support and stability to your heel. It is the best cushioning heel cup for heel pain.
Pros
- Durable
- Very flexible
- Stays in place
Cons
- The texture is a bit slimy.
Most heel cups and pads may look quite similar, but they all have a ton of different features that may or may not work for your heels. Here are some important features to consider before purchasing a heel cup.
Features To Look For In A Heel Cup
- Comfort
Not all heel cups offer the same comfort or support. Some common features to look out for in terms of comfort are cushioning and material. It must have adequate thickness to provide stability, which will not be possible if it is very thin.
- Fit
Look for a heel cup that can easily mold to your heel. A few products are meant to fit most shoes, and these come with soft, flexible, and elastic edges.
- Non-Slip
A heel cup is of no use if it moves around inside your shoe. Hence, look for a product that supports your heel with every step. Some heel cups feature a waffle traction design on the bottom that adds stability and grip to the cup.
Infographic: Quick Tips For Care And Maintenance Of Heel Cups And Pads
Heel cups and pads help provide support, cushioning, and pain relief from heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. However, they require proper care and maintenance to ensure optimal effectiveness and durability. Check out the infographic below for a list of easy tips to take care of your heel cups and pads and make them last longer.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
The best heel cups and pads provide all-day comfort by reducing the impact on your favorite shoes and heels. They offer the right amount of cushioning to help with conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, heel spurs, or other heel-related problems. For example, the Heel That Pain Heel Seats provide instant pain relief and targeted support, while the ViveSole Silicone Gel Heel Cups are great for shock absorption and tension relief. Similarly, the Tuli’s Cheetah Heel Cup provides 100% comfort with its cushioning and is perfect for gymnasts. The ergonomic construction of these pads keeps you comfortably on your feet and is soft enough for wearing all day. These are available in various designs and sizes. Some of the listed products are extremely lightweight and thin but offer great support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are heel cups used for?
Heel cups provide balance improvement, aid fatigue prevention, and pain reduction at the heels, making them perfect for plantar fasciitis or bursitis relief.
Do plantar fasciitis heel cups work?
Yes, by wearing heel cups, you can reduce the tension from your ankles and get relief from the painful symptoms of plantar fasciitis. They will also prevent bone spurs caused by plantar fasciitis.
Do heel cups help flat feet?
Yes, heel cups can help flat feet by providing the correct balance and support to the feet.
How long do heel cups last?
Heel cups can last for around 6 months, depending on the frequency of use.
Can you run wearing heel cups?
Yes, wearing a heel cup will reduce your foot pain and help you perform better on your legs while standing, walking, and running.
How long should you wear heel cups?
You can wear heel cups all day long when walking or just going about your daily activities.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Aditi Naskar has a health and wellness diploma, making her an expert in finding the right products for pain relief. She has explored hundreds of reviews online to curate this list of the top-rated heel cups. Additionally, she consulted with physiotherapists and physicians to verify the authenticity of these products.
Read full bio of Dr. Christopher R. Sforzo
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Read full bio of Rajeshwari Das
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