Best Heel Cushions
Heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles’ tendinitis. If I’m talking your language, then you already know how painful these conditions can be if left untreated. And they can be caused by everything from running on hard surfaces, to poorly fitting shoes, excess weight, diabetes, or even working a job that sees you on your feet all day. In short, these types of afflictions can happen to anyone at any time, and when they hit, the pain can seriously compromise your quality of life. But there is relief in sight, and it comes in the form of a simple heel cushion.
What Are the Benefits to Using Heel Cushions?
While resting your aching feet can provide temporary relief, for those suffering from spurs and fasciitis, for most, this isn’t a practical or desirable option. And that’s where a well-fitted heel cushion can help get you back up and moving relatively free of discomfort. Designed to slip into most shoes, the extra padding that comes from a well-designed heel cushion is typically sufficient to not only buffer the impact your foot takes with each step but to help support the base of your heel where spurs begin. And its this type of support that can also help to reduce the painful inflammation in surrounding tissue – also known as plantar fasciitis.
What to Look for When Buying a Heel Cushion
Targeted Support
Whether you’re struggling with heel spurs, stressed ligaments including plantar fasciitis, or even leg and back fatigue caused by standing on your feet all day, getting the right type of support – starting from the ground up – can instantly alleviate pain and even help to heal injuries. From cushioning that offers a little bit of angled height to relieve back pain to contouring gel designs that specifically target the fascia ligaments, once you understand the root cause of your pain, you can start exploring the heel supports available to you.
Material
For ideal support, look for a gel-based material that can comfortably conform to the shape of your foot, without losing the support you need. Breathable, and non-slip finishes can help prevent odors and ensure your foot remains in place to continually benefit from the support features of the cushion. For hard-wearing, heavier support, a latex-free rubber with proper aeration is a great option because it not only delivers a firmer feel but is perfect for those dealing with skin sensitivities.
Top 6 Heel Cushions
Dr. Scholl’s 1-Pair Aerated Heel Cushions with Shock Guard Technology
Best for Fuller Foot Support
If foot pain is cramping your style, it may be time to pick up a little extra support when it comes to your footgear. And this contouring heel cushion with Shock Guard Technology may just be what you’re looking for. Designed specifically to tackle the discomfort of plantar fasciitis and spurs, the contoured design of this cushion gently cradles your heel while the shock-absorbing base pad provides immediate relief each time you step down and put pressure on the heel. But there’s more because this support not only buffers your heel from the pain of aggravated injury, but it also extends ¾ into your shoe, acting as a padded, aerated insole to deliver cushioning support to your arch and vulnerable plantar fascia. Devised for use in sneakers, casual shoes, or even work boots, you’ll never leave home without them.
Who Should Buy These Heel Cushions?
When you require less support than a full orthotic, but a little more buffering than a standard padded insole, this heel cushion is the perfect compromise and will provide immediate comforting relief from the pain of heel spurs and tendonitis.
Pros:
- Shock Guard technology
- Provides immediate relief
- Elongated support along the insole
- Contoured heel cup
Cons:
- Can cause shoes to fit more tightly
Specs for Comparison:
Material: Latex-free rubber
Pairs: 1
Suited to: Sneakers, casual shoes, work boots
ViveSole 1-Pair Non-latex Gel Heel Cushions with Gentle Lift for Back Pain
Best for Heel, Leg, and Back Relief
When it’s time to move from light support to a heel cushion that can deliver serious pain relief, you want an option that won’t shift or bunch and can offer thick, effective padding. And this is the one. Designed to gently cradle and elevate your heel, these latex-free gel cushions not only help to buffer your heel against the continual impact of walking or running, but they also angle your foot slightly to help reduce fatigue on your back, legs, and feet. Which makes them an ideal option for workers required to stand for long periods. And while the self-adhesive backing securely anchors to the insole of your favorite sneakers, dress shoes, casual shoes, or boots, these cushions can still be easily removed from one pair and reinserted into another set of footwear without compromising their shape, support and pain relief capabilities.
Who Should Buy These Heel Cushions?
Extra cushioning and the angled heel make these pads ideal for those who require a shock- absorbent buffer from the pain of heel spurs and tendonitis as well as relief from leg and back fatigue due to standing.
Pros:
- Shock-absorbing, gel foam construction
- Slight angle relieves back and leg fatigue
- Fits into any shoe
- Adhesive backing prevents movement
Cons:
- Not suited for high heels
Specs for Comparison:
Pairs/Pack: 1
Material: Non-latex gel
Suited to: Dress shoes, casual shoes, sneakers, boots
Heel That Pain 1-Pair Gel/Rubber Heel Cushion with Patented Accu-Pressure Fascia Bar
Best for Targeted Support
Why just relieve the discomfort of tendinitis, heel spurs, and shin splints when you can use a product that will actually help repair the damage? With this innovative gel/rubber heel pad, you get not only a cushioning shock-absorber that can alleviate the pain caused by spurs, but you also get targeted support that tackles improper heel and arch positioning. The deeper heel cup is designed to deliver all-around support with 360-degrees of motion control to help realign the fascia ligaments and reduce pain. And a strategically placed, slightly raised, and fully patented fascia-bar feature delivers therapeutic Accu-pressure across the entire fascia region of your foot for gentle, gradual healing. A non-slip surface keeps these pads in place and prevents your feet from slipping out of position. And because they’re machine-washing, you never need to worry about sweat, dirt, or odors.
Who Should Buy These Heel Cushions?
The targeted fascia support of these cushioned, gel insoles makes them the ideal option for those who are dealing with pulled ligaments or tendonitis.
Pros:
- Gel/rubber construction
- Accu-pressure fascia support
- Deeper heel cup guides 360-degrees of motion
- 120-day warranty
Cons:
- Not aerated
Specs for Comparison:
Pairs/Pack: 1
Material: Gel/rubber
Suited to: Dress shoes, casual shoes, sneakers, boots
UrChoice 6-Pairs Reusable Heel Cushions with Self-adhesive backing
Best for Discreet Support
If you struggle with foot pain including heel spurs, pulled tendons and even blisters, you’ll want to check out this 6-pack of self-adhesive heel cushions. Not only do these pads provide an effective buffer running from the heel to arch to diffuse shock and alleviate pressure as you walk, but they also help to prevent blisters and calluses caused by improperly fitted shoes. The unique design of this cushion firmly adheres to the shoe interior, hugging the entire back and base of your heel. And it’s this coverage that not only improves shoe fit but eliminates the friction that can result in painful blisters. These reusable heel cushions are soft, durable, and ideal for use in sneakers, casual shoes, and even high heels. Each pack includes 3 sets of heel cushion liners and 3 sets of heel cushion pads for your ideal fit.
Who Should Buy These Heel Cushions?
These adhesive pads are the ideal option for those who require just a little extra cushioning support but prefer it in a discreet design that works with both dressy and casual shoes.
Pros:
- Multi-set pack
- Soft and durable finish
- Self-adhesive design
- Black, tan, and clear materials
Cons:
- Light support
Specs for Comparison:
Pairs/Pack: 3 heel liners / 3 heel pads
Suited to: High heels, casual shoes, sneakers
Envelop 1-Pair Customizable Gel Heel Cushions with Non-Slip Cups
Best for Customizable Support
For those busy times when just running errands, commuting to work, or keeping up with your fitness regimen seems to have you on your feet all day, a great pair of comfortable shoes is crucial. But if you suffer from tendinitis, shin splints, heel spurs or plantar fasciitis, you need more than comfy shoes, you need these gel-foam heel cushions. Not only do these pads offer shock absorption for when you’re in motion but they also feature a slight elevation that can provide fatigue relief to legs and backs when standing for long periods. And because these flexible, non-slip heel cups instantly adapt to cradle the shape of your foot and can be trimmed to snugly fit into any shoe, you’re guaranteed customized pain relief. Best of all, they not only eliminate stale foot odors but can be removed for hand washing.
Who Should Buy These Heel Cushions?
For those on their feet all day, that need the shock absorbent benefits of a heel pad but a little extra relief for their back and legs, this customizable gel heel cushion is a perfect choice.
Pros:
- Adaptable gel construction
- Elevated for fatigue relief of legs and back
- Trimmable for a custom fit
- Removable for hand-washing
Cons:
- Doesn’t extend beyond the heel
Specs for Comparison:
Pairs/Pack: 1
Material: Medical-grade PU gel
Suited to: Sneakers, casual shoes, dress shoes, boots
Heel That Pain 1-Pair Full Foot Heel Cushions with Adjustable Neoprene Wraps
Best for Barefoot Support
For targeted relief that also helps to heal painful plantar fasciitis, these adjustable heel cushions may be just what you’re looking for. Doctor designed and constructed using a soft, silicone heel cup and patented fascia support, these sandal-style pads feature adjustable neoprene wraps that hug the top and sides of your feet to maintain the strategic positioning of the support bar. By gently lifting and realigning the ligament area you enjoy immediate relief and encourage the natural healing process through the clinically proven benefits of therapeutic acupressure. The slightly raised heel cup further helps to reduce pain by increasing pressure around the heel base. And because these non-slip cushions extend from your heel to your toes, they can be worn with or without shoes which means you enjoy barefoot freedom while still knowing that you’re continuing to heal and protect your feet.
Who Should Buy These Heel Cushions?
These foot-wrap style heel cushions are a great choice for those who want to wear sandals, slippers, or go barefoot without having to sacrifice the support needed for pain relief.
Pros:
- Adjustable neoprene wrap
- Soft, silicone heel cup
- Patented fascia bar support
- Wear with or without shoes
Cons:
- Not suitable for fitted shoes
Specs for Comparison:
Pairs/Pack: 1
Material: Silicone and neoprene
Suited to: Sandals or barefoot
Bottom Line
Why would you choose to endure the many painful conditions caused by heel spurs, inflamed ligaments, and leg fatigue when there is such a wide array of easy, affordable solutions? Today’s heel cushions offer not only quick relief, but come in shapes, sizes, and materials that are easily adaptable to any shoe and designed to meet today’s busy lifestyle.
Photo credit: Angelika Smile/Shutterstock