Your measurement is the single most important number in the whole shoe lift process — it decides the height we build into your sole. The good news: you don’t need a lab or special equipment. This page gives you the two ways to get a reliable number at home, starting with the easiest one.
Quick answer: The most reliable way to measure for a shoe lift at home is a free measurement kit — CNET Orthopedic mails you precise measuring materials with instructions, free shipping both ways, zero obligation. For a same-day estimate, stand barefoot and stack firm boards under the shorter leg until your hips are level, then measure the stack.
Please note: We are shoe lift craftsmen, not medical professionals. We are not qualified to diagnose leg length discrepancy or give medical advice — home measurement is a starting point, not a diagnosis. Please consult a doctor to confirm your numbers, especially before a first lift. Here’s how to find a doctor near you.
Option 1: Our Free Measurement Kit (Recommended)
We mail you precise measuring materials with simple step-by-step instructions — designed so you can do it alone, at your own pace, with no pressure to buy anything. Here’s how it works:
- Request the kit — fill out the short form on our homepage. It ships the next business day.
- Measure at home — follow the included instructions. Take your time; measure twice.
- Send it back free — shipping is free both ways, and there is zero obligation to order.
- Order when you’re confident — once you have your number, start your order and mail us the shoes you want modified.
Option 2: The 5-Minute DIY Check
Want a ballpark number today? Stand barefoot on a hard floor and have a helper rest their hands flat on the top of each hip bone. Slide thin, firm boards or magazines under the foot on the lower side until both hands look level and you feel balanced — then measure the stack. That height is your starting estimate. For all three DIY methods explained in detail (including the lying-down tape measure method), read our full guide on how to measure leg length discrepancy at home.
Tips for an Accurate Number
- Measure on a hard, level floor — never carpet.
- Use firm materials under the foot (boards, hardcover books), not soft towels.
- Measure twice, on different days if you can, and compare the numbers.
- Plan to correct one-half to two-thirds of the difference at first, not all of it — your body has adapted to the imbalance and gradual correction feels better. Our guide to choosing the correct shoe lift height explains how to pick your starting height.
- If you haven’t been diagnosed yet, a specialist can confirm the cause and exact amount — see our guide on whether you need a shoe lift and how to find a specialist near you.
What Happens After You Measure
Mail us any shoe you already own and love — sneakers, boots, work boots, dress shoes, sandals, golf shoes, even kids’ shoes. We bond a precision lift from 1/8″ up to 4″ directly into the sole (never bolted), contoured so it looks factory-built. Work is completed in 1–3 business days once your shoes arrive, shipping is free both ways, and every job is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. See how our 3-step process works and our transparent pricing (from $64.99).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the measurement kit really free?
Yes — the kit is free, shipping is free in both directions, and there is zero obligation to place an order afterward. It ships the next business day after you request it.
What if my measurement turns out to be wrong?
We stand behind every job with a 100% satisfaction guarantee — if something isn’t right, we’ll make it right. That said, measuring twice and starting at one-half to two-thirds of your difference prevents most issues.
Do I need a prescription or doctor’s note to order?
No prescription is needed. However, if you have pain, a difference over 1 inch, or a recent hip or knee surgery, we recommend confirming your measurement with a doctor or physical therapist first so the lift is built to the right height.
Which shoe gets the lift?
The shoe on your shorter leg — the lift raises that side so your pelvis sits level. If your measurements disagree about which side is shorter, re-measure or use the free kit before ordering.
Medical disclaimer: CNET Orthopedic modifies shoes — we are not medical professionals and are not qualified to diagnose conditions or give medical advice. For pain, large discrepancies (over 1 inch), or measurements for children, please consult your doctor or physical therapist (find a doctor near you). Ready to start? Request your free measurement kit on our homepage or call (347) 853-2995.