8 Best Heel Cups (Review) In 2022

- The Best Heel Cup
- 1. Dr Scholl's Pain Relief Orthotics
- 2. Heel That Pain Plantar Fasciitis Insoles
- 3. Dr Scholl's Heel Cushion
- 4. Heel That Pain Heel Seat Wraps and Heel Spurs
- 5. Vivesole Silicone Gel Heel Cups
- 6. Tuli's Heavy Duty Gel Heel Cup
- 7. Tuli’s Heavy Duty Green Heel Cups
- 8. Kidsole Sport Traction Shock Absorbing Heel Cups
Plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and Sever’s disease are just a handful of ailments that can cause heel pain. Whether you have developed one or more of these conditions recently, or the struggle is ongoing, no doubt you are looking for ways to alleviate the pain and discomfort. Heel cups are a great investment to make if you need something to support you in your everyday life. They have a range of benefits that are not only limited to pain relief in the heel and arch of the foot. These include relief from pain in the: shins, calf muscles, lower back, upper back, thighs, and Achilles tendon to name but a few.
One important thing to remember is that heel cups take time to be truly effective, and again it depends on the source and severity of your foot pain as to the level of comfort you can expect to achieve. Some people will find that after an hour, it’s like they never had Sever’s disease to begin with, while others will only notice a difference after a week or two. The key to efficient, lasting pain relief is consistency. As long as you keep your heel cup on, and in place, you will notice a difference. So without further ado, let’s take a look at some of our top recommendations when it comes to the best heel cups around.
The Best Heel Cup
The Best Heel Cup
1. Dr Scholl’s Pain Relief Orthotics

Shock Guard technology
Created especially for anyone suffering from heel pain
Compliments the heel’s natural padding
Fits into any shoe, regardless of make and style
Helps to relieve pain from sudden shock
Let’s begin with our best choice, a brand that is known and loved by everyone who has ever had to use a heel cup, or any of their other foot care products. We are of course talking about Dr Scholl’s Pain Relief Orthotics. Heel pain is, unfortunately, a common ailment, and this heel cup has been designed for people who experience it regularly. Those who suffer from plantar fasciitis might benefit from this model, especially since it has built-in Shock Guard technology, which helps to immediately relieve pain from the sudden shock.
If you, unfortunately, suffer from heel spurs or indeed other heel pain, Dr. Scholl’s heel cup would also be a good investment for the same shock absorption. On a ‘good day’ when the discomfort is at its lowest, and you accidentally stub your foot on something, that sudden flare-up of pain is reduced significantly as the heel cup supports you and absorbs the shock, while at the same time complimenting the heel’s natural padding. We’re all too aware of that unsupported feeling when walking down the street to the nearest shop. Whether you are wearing casual baseball shoes, or sneakers, work boots, or dance shoes, this heel cup will fit neatly into just about all of them. Plus, as a bonus, there’s no need to trim it to size, like some other brands.
2. Heel That Pain Plantar Fasciitis Insoles

Designed for use by experienced users, or users who need a little extra firmness
Developed for a wider variety of heel afflictions, including plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and many more
Anti-slip surface repels sweat and moisture to maximize comfort
Comes in four sizes, suitable for all sizes and ages
Can take up to a week to feel relief, but many report a difference after a day or two
This next selection is for people who are looking for a heel cup which will last for an extended period of time and stand up to consistent use. Developed for a wide variety of heel afflictions (such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bone spur, flat feet, high arch, shin splints, and tendonitis, to name a few) Heel That Pain Plantar Fasciitis Insoles make the ideal treatment for whatever ails your poor aching feet. It applies therapeutic acupressure to the heel, which naturally alleviates pain. While this heel cup promises quick pain relief, it is important to note that it can be up to a week before any significant difference is experienced. This depends on a variety of factors, such as the ailment in question and the severity of your pain.
One factor which makes this heel cup stand out is that it was designed by doctors and has been trialed clinically for its effectiveness. The plantar fascia ligament is supported and realigned into a healthy position. This heel cup is deep, supports the foot all-around, and has 360-degree motion control which can improve your posture, whether you are walking, standing, or running. One of the best things about these heel cups is how firm they are. For maximum results, these are made from a proprietary blend of specially formulated rubbers to provide maximum pressure on your afflicted heels. This model is ideal for more experienced users who are looking for a firmer grip to alleviate their heel pain. Still, if you are inexperienced with heel cups and have feet that are not too sensitive, these would definitely be worth a shot.
There is a handy chart included, so your daily wear will not feel uncomfortable. While you may have heard of the term ‘one size fits all,’ and its various applications, it is worth noting that the heel cups do not adhere to this convention. It comes in four sizes, for men and women of all ages and sizes, and will fit any shoe. Simply consult the chart before you buy to determine which size will be right for you. The anti-slip surface repels sweat and moisture, so there is little chance of it falling off or feeling uncomfortable during use.
3. Dr Scholl’s Heel Cushion

Built with all-day shock absorption
Additional gel massaging technology for relief
Designed for users who need more cushioning than firmness
No trimming required; they will fit into your shoes as-is
Designed for day-long use
Dr Scholl’s Heel Cushion is targeted towards users who need more cushioning than acupressure. If you struggle with heel pain or other afflictions of the foot, then you are already aware of the discomfort that comes with it. While a firm heel cup or support might be your go-to to alleviate this discomfort, it is not always the best course of action. Cushioning your heel, especially in cases of plantar fasciitis and sprains, might be the best thing you can do.
This model of heel cushion by Dr. Scholl comes with all-day shock absorption, which helps to relieve the pain of accidental stubs and scrapes, and additional cushioning works to alleviate further discomfort. These heel cups also benefit from enjoying in-built massaging gel technology to not only provide further cushioning but also slight acupressure relief on the most afflicted areas of the heel. There is absolutely no trimming required on these heel cushions, as they are designed so you can slip them into whichever shoes you intend to wear. They are so comfortable that you will hardly notice you are wearing them, although it may take a few hours for the effects to be fully experienced.
4. Heel That Pain Heel Seat Wraps and Heel Spurs

Ideal for use on its own, or to hold heel cups in place
You can wear the wraps as they come, or in any shoe of your choice
Utilizes Heel That Pain’s patented Fascia-Bar technology
Users experience relief after 1-8 days of consistent, regular use
Alleviates pain from a wide variety of ailments
Heel Seat Wraps for Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs are another installment by Heel That Pain. This is more of a neoprene fabric wrap designed specifically to combat the stresses and discomfort of plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and heel spurs. You can use it on its own, or to keep a heel cup in place if that proves to be a challenge. It’s a multi-functional therapeutic acupressure wrap that can also be used for general, and specific, heel pain in an all-natural way.
If you prefer, you can wear them with shoes, but the effects are best felt when going barefoot. It fastens quickly and securely; the Velcro fasteners keep everything in place, which helps the bottoms to remain stable, regardless of the floor or surface you are standing on. This works by gently lifting and realigning the plantar fascia ligament, while also cushioning the fatty pad of the heel, to reduce the impact of standing and walking, which prevents pain and discomfort.
Heel That pain have also utilized their unique, patented, Fascia-Bar technology which has been clinically trialed and developed by podiatrists to increase effectiveness. Keep in mind that you may not experience instant relief – that can vary depending on the ailment and severity of your heel pain – as it can take up to eight days of consistent, regular use to be effective.
5. Vivesole Silicone Gel Heel Cups

Gel insole contour to the heel to maximize comfort
Shock absorption factor which helps reduce pain and stress
Useful for people who struggle with plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, or even if you spend all day on your feet
Can be worn with a wide variety of shoes
Set includes one pair; they last for a few months before they start to wear out
These Silicone Gel Heel Cups form ViveSole, has a focus on support as a method of pain relief from common ailments. By providing soothing comfort to the heel and ankle, these gel cups are effective in reducing foot pain. This would be ideal for people who are on their feet all day, or those who suffer from bone spurs, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, or tendonitis. These heel cups elevate the heel to minimize fatigue in the feet and legs, which can also help relieve back pain.
If you order these heel cups, the set comes with one pair of heel cups which can be conveniently worn with most shoe styles, including athletic shoes, dress shoes, orthopedic shoes, and work boots. They have a self-adhering base which ensures that they stay firmly in place for however long you need to wear them. What’s most significant about these heel cups is that they are made from gel, as I mentioned before. This is no ordinary gel: it helps to evenly distribute the pressure you feel in each step, and support your feet as you walk, run, or exercise. They help to relieve the pain at pressure points, as well as reduce tension and stress on the heel and ankle. This is further supplemented by the shock absorption factor, which increases comfort and support. An added benefit of these gel insoles is that they contour to the heel.
6. Tuli’s Heavy Duty Gel Heel Cup

Patented waffle construction for better shock absorption
Designed with a softer gel for added comfort
Provides quick, effective relief
Suitable for people who are on their feet all-day
Suitable for physical exercise
This next product promises the ‘ultimate heel pain relief’. Tuli’s Gel Heel Cups do live up to expectations, as relief is usually felt immediately by cushioning your heel as well as elevating it to relieve pressure on affected areas. This helps to not only treat common heel problems but also aids in prevention, as well as maximize your posture and activity.
Like other products featured on this list, Tuli’s gel heel cups absorb the shock from walking, running, or even standing, which alleviates ache and provides comfort. You might be struggling with plantar fasciitis, or tendonitis in your Achilles tendon, or any other of a number of heel pain afflictions. A shock absorption factor is something you should always keep an eye out for when shopping for a heel cup.
Tuli’s is actually one of a small selection to promise, and deliver, instant relief. While not obvious from the second you slip it on, you could notice the difference in about an hour. Depending on the source and severity of your pain, it might take a few more hours to feel results. These heel cups are exclusively developed to be lighter, softer, and more resilient than the next leading brand, as they have been designed with the help of doctors. A more elastic gel means that shock is absorbed better, and they will be comfortable even without socks. This has resulted in a patented ‘waffle’ construction which helps to spread the stress on your feet and provide support.
7. Tuli’s Heavy Duty Green Heel Cups

Ideal for use in athletic footwear
Waffle construction to maximize efficiency
Elevates the heel and supports the arch of the foot
Increases comfort
Can help reduce back pain
Another product by Tuli, you can already tell that this will probably be just as good as, if not better than, the previous installment. Again, and like all Tuli products, Heavy Duty Heel Cup is one of a small handful that can deliver immediate and comforting relief. By cushioning the area and also elevating the heel area, all manner of heel problems can be treated and prevented.
As you might have guessed from the name of the product, these heel cups are best suited for athletic use. So athletic shoes such as cleats, work boots, and running shoes would be ideal for maximizing their efficiency. These heavy-duty heel cups provide relief and comfort to aching, tired, and sore feet. Depending on the source of your pain, as well as the severity of it, you might feel relief not only in your feet, but the following areas as well: legs, back, shins, and knees. Discomfort will turn into comfort, or at least relief, with the shock absorption factor. Much like the previous product, these heel cups are doctor-recommended and have been designed with a patented waffle construction to maximize comfort, relief, and efficiency.
8. Kidsole Sport Traction Shock Absorbing Heel Cups

Comes in a variety of sizes, suitable for children and toddlers
Revolutionary traction grip provides maximum comfort
Stays in place while the child moves
Safe, secure, comfortable
Ideal for children who are on sports teams
Our final product is one you should consider if you have children, or if you are an adult with smaller sized feet. It’s fair to say that we forget that young people and children can be affected by plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and even Sever’s disease. If your child is a member of a sports team, it is likely they will develop discomfort in the heel at some point during their young lives. Kidsole Sport Traction Shock Absorbing Heel Cups are designed with these users in mind.
A relatively new product, the KidSole traction heel cup is primarily comfortable, and then supportive. The revolutionary traction layer on the bottom of the heel pad provides maximum comfort and grip while kids move, run, and play. Safe, secure, and comfortable. It stays in place while supporting the heel and surrounding area. These also come in a variety of sizes, so teenagers and toddlers can also benefit from them. Before you make your purchase, consult the size guide to determine which will be the best fit for your child.
Heel Cup FAQ
Q: Will heel cups help plantar fasciitis?
A: This is something of a loaded question. Plantar fasciitis is a relatively common disorder of the connective tissue, or damage to the plantar fascia, of the foot; this can cause moderate to severe pain and discomfort from the heel to the arch of the foot, and treatment varies. It can take anywhere between six weeks to three months for the pain and discomfort to subside, and a further three months for the plantar fascia or connective tissue to heal completely.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis is usually a mix of rest, stimulation, acupressure, and additional support. For every person who swears by heel cups, you will find a few for whom heel cups do not work. Heel cups are an excellent investment if you are active or need alleviation for a quick walk to the shops. A great deal of efficiency can depend on the source, and severity, of your pain. You might need more firmness, or more cushioning, and that is why it is essential to consider these things when investing in a heel cup or support.
Heel cups work to alleviate the pain through three fundamental factors: elevation of the heel, spreading the stress around the base of the foot, and absorption of shock. These are all things you should be thinking of when you embark on treatment for plantar fasciitis to begin with. A perfect addition to these heel cups are insoles for plantar fasciitis. However, as with anything which claims to help with pain relief and support, you must consult your doctor or podiatrist before investing in a heel cup.