If you’ve ever felt like you’re standing crooked, noticed one pant leg dragging, or developed hip or back pain that nobody can quite explain, you may have a leg length discrepancy (LLD) — when one leg is shorter than the other. It’s far more common than most people think, especially after hip or knee replacement surgery. This page helps you answer two questions: do I actually need a lift? and who should I see to confirm it?
Quick answer: You likely need a shoe lift if one leg is at least 1/4 inch (6 mm) shorter and you notice symptoms such as a limp, uneven hips or shoulders, one-sided shoe wear, or hip and lower-back pain when standing. A doctor, podiatrist, or physical therapist can confirm the exact amount — use the ZIP code search on this page to find one near you.
Please note: We are shoe lift craftsmen, not medical professionals. We are not qualified to diagnose leg length discrepancy or give medical advice. For a diagnosis and your exact measurement, please consult a doctor — you can find a doctor near you with the ZIP code search below.
The Two Types of Leg Length Discrepancy
Structural
The bone itself (femur or tibia) is physically shorter. Common causes: hip or knee replacement, a healed fracture, childhood growth differences, or being born that way. A shoe lift on the shorter side is the standard way to compensate.
Functional
Both legs measure the same, but pelvic tilt, scoliosis, muscle tightness, or severe pronation on one side makes one leg act shorter. A lift can still relieve symptoms, but treating the underlying cause matters too — which is why a professional diagnosis helps.
Not sure which one you have? Start with our plain-English overview of what causes leg length discrepancy.
Common Signs You Might Need a Lift
- You walk with a slight limp or feel like you “drop” onto one side with each step
- Lower back, hip, or knee pain that gets worse the longer you stand or walk
- One shoulder or hip sits visibly higher in the mirror, or one pant leg hangs longer
- One shoe’s heel or sole wears out much faster than the other
- A new “uneven” feeling after hip or knee replacement surgery — one of the most common reasons customers come to us. We wrote a full guide on leg length discrepancy after hip replacement surgery.
How Much Difference Actually Matters?
Small differences are normal — most people’s legs aren’t perfectly identical. As a rule of thumb, symptoms tend to appear once the difference reaches about 1/4 inch (6 mm), and differences approaching or over 3/4 inch almost always feel better with correction. The only way to know your number is to measure: see how to measure at home for your shoe lift, or read the full step-by-step guide on how to measure leg length discrepancy at home.
Find a Specialist Near You
We highly recommend having a specialist confirm your leg length discrepancy before ordering — an orthopedic doctor, podiatrist, or physical therapist can verify the cause and the exact amount, so your lift is built to the correct height the first time. Enter your ZIP code below to search providers in your area:
Search for a:
Opens a Google Maps search in a new tab so you can compare nearby providers and reviews. CNET Orthopedic is not affiliated with any listed provider.
What to Ask at Your Appointment
- Is my discrepancy structural or functional?
- Exactly how much shorter is my leg, in inches or millimeters?
- How much of that difference should my lift correct to start with? (Many specialists recommend starting at one-half to two-thirds — our guide to choosing the correct shoe lift height explains why.)
- Should the lift go inside the shoe or be built into the sole?
Already Have Your Measurement?
Then you’re one step from walking level again. Mail us any shoe you already love — sneakers, boots, dress shoes, sandals — and we bond a precision lift from 1/8″ up to 4″ directly into the sole, contoured to look factory-made. See how our shoe lift process works, check our transparent pricing (from $64.99), or place your order. Work is completed in 1–3 business days once your shoes arrive, with free two-way USPS shipping.
Not measured yet? Request our free measurement kit on the homepage — free shipping both ways, zero obligation, ships the next business day. Questions? Call us at (347) 853-2995.
Medical disclaimer: CNET Orthopedic modifies shoes — we are not medical professionals and are not qualified to diagnose conditions or give medical advice. This page is general information only. If you have pain, a discrepancy over 1 inch, or a recent surgery, please consult your doctor or physical therapist — use our search to find a doctor near you.