Leg Length Discrepancy Lifts for Sneakers: How I Got Them Made
/I have a 2 cm structural leg length discrepancy (LLD), so finding shoes that keep me comfortable has been difficult. I predominantly wear sneakers and boots in order to have enough space to include a lift under my right (shorter) leg.
Out of curiosity, I bought several pairs of shoes to take to a nearby shoe repair shop. This post details the process of getting a lift made for my shoes.
I bought a pair of black Under Armour running shoes from Amazon to see what the process was like to get them adjusted. When I went to the shoe repair shop and explained the situation, they were very helpful and understood what I needed.
They said many people with LLD were older and their condition was the result of surgery or joint damage. Though that isn’t my case, it was clear that I am not alone in needing this service and shoe repair is a viable option for LLD sufferers.
When I showed the cobbler (do we still use that term nowadays?) the shoes, he said that though he could add to the shoe itself he suggested customizing a lift that fit inside the shoe that has a more gradual incline than the shorter-length lifts that I already use. Instead of about 5 inches of support under the foot he could make it 7 inches. He would also fit the lift inside the shoe to make it more stable. The conventional lifts can shift around in your shoes because they can be pulled out and are interchangeable among a lot of pairs of shoes.
The customized lift is removable, so I can use it in other shoes. I tested it in one other pair and it seems to fit well enough. The shape is not exact to the other pair but it still supports my foot.
In addition to improved stability and support for my foot, I feel more comfortable with the lift inside the shoe and being less visible. Though I try not to care what people think, if I can appear more normal and purchase mainstream shoes and wear them easily, it gives me flexibility and more options.
I currently use a half inch rubber lift in my shoe and it has lasted years and fits in most of my shoes (not ones with a low clearance behind the heel). My biggest concerns with this customized lift are that it was made to fit these shoes and may not fit in others, and it was made out of a foam. My rubber lift will outlast my shoes and it doesn’t lose its shape with my weight over time like the foam one will.
The cost of the customized lift was $25 and the shoes themselves were $75. This is one-third the cost of the shoes. If the lift lasts well enough to get into another pair of shoes, the cost may be worth it to me to have lifts made more regularly. Though this can be an expensive option and you will need to trust the skills of the shop, it could be a more stable option than the one-size-fits-all lift you can buy. I can’t say that I am convinced this lift is worth the effort or money over my current rubber lift. I have to see how it holds up over time.
If you are in the search of LLD footwear, check out my experience getting sandals altered and my review of Jacked Up sandals.