How To Make Sneakers Higher In Back: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Ever wished your sneakers had a bit more oomph in the back? Maybe you want a more secure fit, need extra support, or just love the look of a slightly elevated heel. You’re in the right place! This guide is all about how to make sneakers higher in back, transforming your footwear for improved comfort, style, and even performance. Whether you’re a seasoned sneakerhead or just starting to explore customization, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

We’ll delve into various methods, from simple DIY tricks to more advanced techniques. No matter your skill level, there’s a solution here for you. We’ll explore different materials, tools, and considerations to ensure a successful and satisfying outcome. Get ready to elevate your sneaker game, literally! Let’s get started on this exciting journey to boost your shoe’s back height.

This guide is designed for clarity and ease of understanding. We’ll break down the process step by step, providing helpful tips and insights along the way. Your sneakers are about to get a serious upgrade!

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Understanding Why You Might Want Higher Heels

Before we dive into the ‘how,’ let’s talk about the ‘why.’ There are several compelling reasons to consider making your sneakers higher in the back:

Improved Comfort: A higher heel can provide better arch support and cushioning, especially if you have flat feet or experience foot fatigue.
Enhanced Fit: A slight lift can improve the overall fit, preventing heel slippage and providing a more snug feel.
Style and Aesthetics: A subtly raised heel can give your sneakers a more modern and stylish appearance. It can also make your legs look longer.
Performance Benefits: In certain cases, a higher heel can improve athletic performance by altering your biomechanics. This is particularly relevant in sports like running or weightlifting.
Addressing Leg Length Discrepancies: If you have a slight leg length difference, a heel lift can help compensate for this.

Now that we’ve covered the benefits, let’s explore the various methods you can use to achieve a higher heel.

Methods for Increasing Sneaker Heel Height

Here’s a breakdown of the most popular and effective methods:

1. Using Heel Lifts (easiest Method)

Heel lifts are inserts designed to be placed inside your shoes to raise the heel. They’re a quick, easy, and affordable solution. Here’s how to use them:

Purchase the Right Lifts: Heel lifts come in various materials (gel, foam, silicone) and heights. Choose the material based on comfort and the height based on your needs. Start with a smaller lift and gradually increase the height until you reach your desired level of comfort and support.
Prepare Your Sneakers: Remove the existing insole from your sneakers. This creates space for the heel lift and ensures a better fit.
Insert the Lift: Place the heel lift inside your shoe, ensuring it’s positioned correctly in the heel area. Some lifts have adhesive on the bottom to help keep them in place.
Test and Adjust: Try on your sneakers and walk around. If the lift feels comfortable and provides the desired height, you’re good to go. If not, you might need to adjust the lift’s position or try a different height.

Pros: Easy to use, affordable, readily available, reversible. Cons: Can reduce space inside the shoe, may not be ideal for all shoe types, may require adjusting the laces to accommodate the added height. (See Also: Does New Balance Sneakers Come In Size D Width )

2. Adding a Heel Pad or Wedge (intermediate Method)

This method involves adding a pad or wedge directly to the existing insole or the heel area of the shoe. This can be a more permanent solution and offers greater customization. This method requires some basic crafting skills.

Gather Your Materials: You’ll need heel pads or wedges (available at shoe repair shops or online), adhesive (shoe glue or contact cement), scissors or a utility knife, and potentially sandpaper.
Prepare the Heel Pad/Wedge: If necessary, trim the heel pad or wedge to fit the shape of your shoe’s heel area. Sand the edges for a smoother finish.
Apply the Adhesive: Apply the adhesive to the bottom of the heel pad/wedge and to the corresponding area inside your shoe. Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions for drying time and application.
Attach the Heel Pad/Wedge: Carefully position the heel pad/wedge in the heel area of your shoe and press firmly to ensure it adheres properly.
Allow to Dry: Allow the adhesive to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions before wearing your sneakers.

Pros: More customizable than heel lifts, can be more durable, can provide a more secure fit. Cons: Requires more effort and skill, can be messy, may not be suitable for all shoe types, permanent or semi-permanent.

3. Replacing the Insole with a Thicker One (simple Adjustment)

A simple way to increase the overall height of your shoe, including the heel, is to replace the existing insole with a thicker one. This method is straightforward and can improve comfort at the same time.

Choose a Thick Insole: Select an insole that’s thicker than the original. Consider materials like memory foam, gel, or a combination of materials for added comfort and support.
Remove the Old Insole: Carefully remove the existing insole from your sneakers.
Insert the New Insole: Place the new, thicker insole inside your shoe, ensuring it fits properly. Trim the insole if necessary to match the shape of your shoe.
Test the Fit: Try on your sneakers and walk around to ensure the new insole provides the desired comfort and height.

Pros: Easy to implement, can improve comfort, readily available insoles. Cons: Limited height increase compared to other methods, may affect the overall fit of the shoe, may require adjusting the laces.

4. Professional Shoe Repair (advanced Method)

For more significant heel height adjustments or complex modifications, consider taking your sneakers to a professional shoe repair shop. This is the most reliable method but also the most expensive.

Find a Reputable Shoe Repair Shop: Research local shoe repair shops and read reviews to find a shop with experience in sneaker customization.
Discuss Your Needs: Explain your desired heel height and any specific requirements you have. The shoe repair professional can assess your sneakers and recommend the best approach.
Heel Build-Up: The shoe repair shop can add material to the existing heel or replace it with a higher one. This process involves skilled craftsmanship and specialized equipment.
Custom Insoles: They can create custom insoles to provide optimal support and comfort, taking into account the new heel height.
Cost and Time: Be prepared for a higher cost and a longer turnaround time compared to DIY methods.

Pros: Professional results, significant height adjustments possible, customized to your needs, durable and long-lasting. Cons: Most expensive method, requires professional expertise, longer turnaround time, not all shoe repair shops are experienced in sneaker customization.

5. Modifying the Outsole (expert Level)

This is the most complex and permanent method, typically reserved for experienced shoe customizers or professionals. It involves altering the outsole (the bottom part of the shoe) to increase the heel height. This method requires specialized tools and skills. (See Also: Does New Balance Sneakers Have An Arch Support In It )

Materials and Tools: You’ll need specialized tools like a shoe last, a sole cutter, a grinder, adhesive, and the appropriate materials (rubber, EVA foam, etc.) to build up the heel.
Remove the Outsole: Carefully remove the existing outsole from your sneaker. This can be a challenging process.
Build Up the Heel: Build up the heel area of the midsole using the chosen materials. This involves shaping and adhering the materials to achieve the desired height and contour.
Reattach the Outsole: Once the heel build-up is complete, reattach the original outsole or a new, modified outsole.
Finishing: The final step involves trimming, sanding, and finishing the heel to create a seamless and aesthetically pleasing look.

Pros: Significant and permanent heel height increase, highly customizable, can completely transform the look of your sneakers. Cons: Very difficult and time-consuming, requires specialized tools and skills, permanent alteration, can be expensive if done professionally, risks damaging your sneakers if done incorrectly.

Detailed Instructions for Using Heel Lifts

Let’s focus on the most accessible method: using heel lifts. Here’s a more detailed, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need:

Heel lifts (choose your desired height and material)
Your sneakers
Scissors (optional, for trimming the lift)
Pen or marker (optional, for marking)

Step 2: Remove the Existing Insoles

Carefully remove the original insoles from your sneakers. This creates space for the heel lifts and ensures a better fit. Most insoles can be easily pulled out. If they are glued in, carefully peel them up.

Step 3: Choose Your Heel Lifts

Select the heel lifts that best suit your needs. Consider these factors:

Height: Start with a smaller lift and gradually increase the height until you achieve your desired level of comfort and support. Consider the overall style of your sneakers. A very high lift might look awkward.
Material: Gel lifts offer excellent cushioning and shock absorption. Foam lifts are lightweight and comfortable. Silicone lifts are durable and provide good support.
Shape: Some lifts are full-length, while others are just for the heel. Choose the type that best fits your needs and the design of your sneakers.

Step 4: Test the Fit (optional)

Before inserting the lifts, you can place them inside your sneakers without the insole to get a feel for the height and fit. This helps you assess whether you need to trim the lifts. If the lift is too wide, it may cause discomfort.

Step 5: Insert the Heel Lifts

Place the heel lifts inside your sneakers, ensuring they are positioned correctly in the heel area. Some lifts have adhesive on the bottom to help keep them in place. If your lifts don’t have adhesive, you may need to use a small amount of double-sided tape or shoe glue to keep them from shifting. (See Also: Does Nike Detroit Have Good Sneakers To Flip )

Step 6: Try on Your Sneakers

Put on your sneakers and walk around. Pay attention to how your feet feel. Are the lifts comfortable? Do they provide the desired height and support? Are your heels secure? If the lifts feel uncomfortable or if your heels slip out, you may need to adjust the position of the lifts or try a different height.

Step 7: Adjust If Necessary

If the lifts are too high, remove them and try a shorter pair. If the lifts are too wide, trim them with scissors to fit the shape of your shoe. If the lifts are slipping, consider using double-sided tape or shoe glue.

Step 8: Finalize and Enjoy

Once you’re satisfied with the fit and comfort, you’re ready to wear your sneakers! Enjoy your elevated heel and the added benefits.

Materials and Tools You Might Need

Here’s a breakdown of the materials and tools you might need for the various methods:

Heel Lifts Method

Heel lifts (gel, foam, silicone, etc.)
Scissors (for trimming)
Optional: Double-sided tape or shoe glue

Heel Pad/wedge Method

Heel pads or wedges (various materials)
Shoe glue or contact cement
Scissors or utility knife
Sandpaper (for smoothing edges)

Thicker Insole Method

Thick insoles (memory foam, gel, etc.)
Scissors (for trimming)

Professional Shoe Repair Method

Your sneakers
Money (for the service)

Outsole Modification Method

Shoe last
Sole cutter
Grinder
Adhesive
Rubber or EVA foam (for heel build-up)
Outsole material (if replacing)
Specialized tools (depending on the specific method)

Important Considerations

Before you start, keep these important factors in mind:

Shoe Type: Some shoe types are more suitable for heel lifts or modifications than others. Sneakers with a more rigid construction and a deeper heel cup generally work best. Delicate materials or designs might be more challenging to work with.
Laces: You may need to adjust the lacing of your sneakers to accommodate the added height. Loosen or tighten the laces as needed to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
Comfort: Prioritize comfort. If the added height causes discomfort or pain, stop using the method and try a different approach. Start with smaller lifts or adjustments and gradually increase the height.
Balance: Be mindful of your balance, especially if you’re significantly increasing the heel height. If you feel unstable, reduce the heel height or try a different method.
Walking and Running: If you plan to use the modified sneakers for walking or running, ensure that the added height doesn’t negatively affect your gait or increase the risk of injury. Test the sneakers thoroughly before engaging in any strenuous activity.
Durability: Consider the durability of the materials you use. Heel lifts and adhesive can wear out over time. Choose high-quality materials to ensure your modifications last.
Professional Advice: If you’re unsure about any aspect of the process, consult a shoe repair professional or a podiatrist for advice. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your needs and the type of sneakers you have.
Foot Health: If you have any foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, consult with a podiatrist before making any modifications to your sneakers. They can advise you on the best approach to ensure your foot health.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Here are some common problems and how to solve them:

Heel Slippage: If your heel slips out of the shoe, try using a heel lift that’s the correct size or adding a heel pad. Adjusting the lacing can also help.
Discomfort: If the added height causes discomfort, try a lower lift or a different material. Ensure the lift is positioned correctly in the heel area. Give your feet time to adjust.
Instability: If you feel unstable, reduce the heel height or try a different method. Ensure you are not putting too much pressure on your ankles.
Lift Shifting: If the lift shifts inside the shoe, use double-sided tape or shoe glue to secure it. Make sure the insole is also secured.
Difficulty Walking: If you find it difficult to walk or run in the modified sneakers, try a lower heel height or consult a podiatrist to assess your gait.
Lift Too Thick: If the lift is too thick and makes your foot feel crammed, try a thinner lift or replace the insole with a thinner one.

Caring for Your Modified Sneakers

Proper care will extend the life of your modified sneakers:

Clean Regularly: Clean your sneakers regularly to remove dirt and debris. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Check the Lifts: Periodically check the heel lifts for wear and tear. Replace them if they become compressed or damaged.
Store Properly: Store your sneakers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Rotate Shoes: Rotate between different pairs of shoes to give your modified sneakers a break and extend their lifespan.
Avoid Extreme Conditions: Avoid exposing your sneakers to extreme temperatures or moisture, as this can damage the materials.

Final Verdict

Making your sneakers higher in the back is a fantastic way to customize your footwear for improved comfort, style, and potentially even performance. Whether you opt for simple heel lifts or more advanced modifications, this guide provides the knowledge and steps to achieve your desired results. Remember to prioritize comfort, choose the right materials, and take your time. Enjoy the process of transforming your sneakers and stepping out with confidence!

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By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can confidently elevate your sneaker game. Always remember to consider your individual needs and foot health. Enjoy your personalized sneakers!