We love wearing stylish footwear while walking errands. However, most of us may experience discomfort and pain in our feet during the journey. A few possible reasons could be wearing ill-fitted shoes or foot conditions like plantar fasciitis. But the good part is you can say goodbye to pain with the best heel cups. 

Our contributor Dr. Allen Conrad, Doctor of Chiropractic at Montgomery County Chiropractic Center, says, “Heel cups are orthotic devices that can be added to the inside of your shoe. It provides additional support and cushions the bottom of the heel when your foot hits the ground walking. They are commonly used for people with a heel spur or plantar fasciitis to help reduce pain and inflammation.”

Your heels play a vital role in determining the overall body posture, especially while standing, walking, or running. They balance your body and help in coordinated movements. However, a thick band of tissues at the bottom of the foot (plantar fascia ligament) connecting the heel bone and toe gets inflamed, causing plantar fasciitis characterized by heel pain (1). 

According to Kenneth Jung, a certified foot and ankle surgeon, custom-fitted orthotics, including heel cups and pads, can support the foot arch to reduce tension or stress, thereby relieving pain and soothing inflammation (2). 

We researched and evaluated plenty of orthotic heel cups based on various factors, such as materials, effectiveness, etc., to enlist the best options available on the market. Based on our first-hand experience, we have mentioned some great products that help relieve heel load and pressure to minimize pain and discomfort. 

• 1
  Best Overall

  Dr. Scholl's Comfort Heel Cushions

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Designed with advanced massaging gel technology, Dr. Scholl's heel cups absorb shock and decrease discomfort. They offer maximum comfort and keep irritation and pain at bay. These feature a slim design with tapered ends that let you fit them in all shoes. Just place them on the top of the insoles, and they will provide the ultimate protection on each step. The elevated back ridge raises the heel and helps distribute body weight evenly for better-controlled movements. 

2

Pnrskter Heel Cups

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These soft and comfortable heel cups for plantar fasciitis by Pnrskter are made with high-quality and durable silicone and gel. The six-piece set not only relieves plantar fasciitis but protects cracked heels and reduces pain due to heel spurs. Interestingly, the cups have a unique cellular design which helps transfer them to any shoe without worrying about the size. Wearing these while walking or running reduces soreness, treats tingling, and manages swelling and discomfort for coordinated motion. 

3

Best Professionally-tested

Heel That Pain Heel Seats

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Here is your at-home treatment for most of your foot woes. These orthotic inserts are perfect for those suffering from high arch, flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and heel pain. The rubber cum gel heel cups apply the required therapeutic pressure on the heels to naturally reduce pain. Crafted with a clinically proven design, the cushions are more effective than regular insoles. The design includes a fat pad that supports the heel bone during locomotion, and the heel stabilizer creates pressure around the heel to minimize pain and increase the fat pad density. The patented fascia bar puts optimum therapeutic acupressure on the plantar fasciitis ligament when you walk or run. 

4

Best for Everyday Tasks

ViveSole Silicone Gel Heel Cups

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You can walk or run around the countryside without fearing your heel pain. The ViveSole silicone heel cups are meant to stabilize your heel and ankle and deliver the maximum support you need for performing your daily life activities. The pair contours heels for better support and comfort and soothes pain caused by heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and bone spurs tendonitis. It minimizes pressure on the legs, back, and feet to release fatigue and tension. The added self-adhesive base keeps cups in place and limits their displacement. 

5

Best Unisex

Armstrong Amerika Plantar Fasciitis Heel Cups

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You'll love this 3-pair heel cup set as it's super versatile and manages various foot pain conditions. The heel cups for heel spurs also relieve pain from overworked feet, edema, and Achilles tendonitis (inflammation of the Achilles tendon that connects the heel bone and calf muscles). These lightweight shock-absorbing shoe inserts reduce stress on joints and muscles to kick off pain and energize you to improve your performance (3). Wear them in shoes, or boots, and go painless throughout the day. 

6

Best Moisture-proof

Jumpow Heel Protectors

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Get back to life and stay active all day with Jumpow heel supporters. The heel cups for Achilles tendonitis absorb intense force and stop the pain. The pair also reduce discomfort due to bone spur, injured tendon, stress fracture, cracked sole heel pain, and other common heel conditions. Designed with skin-friendly materials, the pads feel soft and lightweight, while the filled gel protects heels from trauma and provides extra cushioning. Each piece features small holes that allow ventilation to let your feet breathe and keep them cozy. 

7

Best Heel Cups for Gymnastics

Tuli’s Cheetah Heel Cup

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Tuli's Cheetah heel cup is designed for specific conditions like Sever's disease. It's a common reason for heel pain in growing children who play sports like gymnastics or exercise consistently. These best heel cups for Sever's disease are also apt for gymnasts and dancers prone to injuries (4). The multi-cell, multi-layer mesh design at the bottom gives additional cushioning and support. What's more, is- the protecting insert supports barefoot activities and elevates the heel while offering evenly distributed compression to minimize discomfort. 

8

Best for Active Children

KidSole Sport Traction Gel Heel Cups

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Help your loved ones relieve pain with KidSole's heel cups. The shoe inserts are made for kids with sensitive heels, plantar fasciitis, Sever's disease, and other unidentified heel pain problems. Let your kids run and play freely, and don't worry, they won't experience pain as the heel pads will defend feet from shocks and injuries. The sport grip design keeps insoles in place no matter how roughly your child plays. You can be least assured of his/her safety. 

9

Best Breathable

Dr. Pedi Heel Protectors

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Dr. Pedi's silicone socks are so soft that you'll feel like walking on clouds at every step. Besides reducing discomfort due to heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis, the pair does more than your expectations. It heals cracked feet by moisturizing the skin and eliminating dryness. The wraparound comes with a supportive advantage to facilitate movement or allow pain-free standing. Whether it's flats, heels, or athletic shoes, you can wear the wraps in any shoe, even while working or sleeping. 

10

Best Anti-slip

Koxmak TPE Gel Heel Cup

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Constructed with TPE (thermoplastic elastomers), the Koxmak TPE heel protectors are cozy and snuggly to wear in any shoe with backing, including sports, casual or working footwear. The boot's heel cups are elastic and maintain shape during physical activity. These keep your heels stable and comfortable and absorb traumatic pressure or force to minimize the risk of injury. The velvet fabric on the top soaks sweat and keeps feet dry, while the base has U-shaped heel stabilizers and gel circles to offer the required floor gripping and avoid slipping.

11

Figly Gel Heel Cups

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Don't let the pain ruin your morning walk or trek. Insert these best heel cups for heel pain, and stay ready to get back on track. Figly's insoles give instant pain relief from achy feet, heel spurs, and more. Each piece has a thick gel padding that presses the pressure points at your heels to release stress. It molds itself to accommodate the heel shape for better coverage and protection. Built with medical-grade silicone, the cups are incredibly durable and withstand stress without compromising on heel comfort and control. 

12

Heel Defender Heel Cups

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As the name suggests, the Heel Defender decreases impact force by 94.7%, thanks to Absorbium’s patented shock-absorbing technology. The heel pads give 60X more pressure relief and comfort when worn with or without socks. Whether you're struggling with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, diabetic foot ulcer, or have a child with Sever's disease, the Heel Defender is perfect for all. Our analysis of the product shows that the added low-friction top cover and high-density padded arch decrease heel pressure and pain. 

13

Conffill Thicker Heel Cushion Cups

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Infused with medical gel, the Conffill heel support sleeves are your go-to-go partner for foot stress fractures, sprains, and most orthotic pain. The upgraded pad thickness acts as a shock absorber and resists injuries and damage due to intensive forces. Adjustable hooks and loops ensure a snug fit and prevent the heel brace from falling during walking, running, or performing other lower extremity physical activities. In addition, the cups are easily washable, just drop them in warm soapy water and follow with air drying. No more extra effort is needed!!

Wearing the best heel cups is one of the most effective ways to tackle foot aches. We hope our top recommendations for the same will help you reduce pain. Now let's check out our user guide below to know how to find the right option. 

Here are a few tips you can consider while beginning your shopping quest for the best heel orthotic inserts. 

Sizing 

The statement one size fits all is not true always. Knowing your size can help you find a comfortable fit that sits well on heels and restricts slipping or cramping when transferred to shoes. A perfectly sized pair feels non-irritating and assists with locomotion while decreasing pain. Since heel inserts are available in different sizes, shapes, thicknesses, and lengths, choose an option that matches your needs depending on your current foot condition and aligns your shoe size. 

Sharing the importance of proper sizing, our contributor Dr. Allen Conrad, says, “If you don’t have the right size, it can actually make your pain worse. So, measure your foot and heel before trying any type of heel cup or foot insole.”

Materials And Shock Absorption 

Discover picks made with shock-absorbing materials. Silicone, rubber, gels, and combinations are some of the preferred materials known for their shock-absorbing abilities. These maintain the insoles' elasticity and combat tension or intensive forces to maximize the chances of injuries. Also, they proportionate the distribution of weight for improved and pain-free locomotion. 

Flexibility 

Firm and rigid insoles increase arch and heel support. They provide optimum stability and prevent collapsing while running or walking. However, highly flexible and soft insoles work well in shoes with backing. It's better to avoid such insoles in footwear without rigid back support. 

Conclusion 

Consistent use of the best heel cups and pads helps reduce pain. They minimize pressure on heels and protect them from intensive forces to reduce the injury risk. Not just that, the wearables offer the required cushioning and disperse body weight all over the foot for maximum stability while standing, running, or walking. Whether you're experiencing pain due to tired and achy feet or heel-related problems, such as Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, etc., the pain relievers are an effective solution to your heel woes. While shopping for a heel cup pair, determine a few factors, including size, materials, flexibility, etc., to get the most appropriate pick. 

Contributor: Dr. Allen Conrad, BS, DC, CSCS, and Owner of Montgomery County Chiropractic Center