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Whether paired with an upscale ensemble or casual outfit, trendy yet comfortable shoes have become an integral part of today's fashion world. However, sometimes you find that perfect-looking pair of shoes that go great with your favorite outfits, but offer little heel support and comfort. This dilemma is especially problematic for people who suffer from painful conditions, such as runners gait correction, Achilles' tendinitis and lower back pain. Rather than passing over those trendy new shoes or tossing out old shoes in need of a heel lift, fix the heel problem yourself. Adding heel lifts to your shoes can keep you in comfort without having to sacrifice style.

Place each shoe in need of repair on top of a sheet of paper. Use the pencil to trace the heel shape of each shoe onto the paper. Your shape should extend well forward under the arch, toward the ball of the foot.

Cut the two shapes you traced. Place each cutout shape over the smooth and thickest part of each flip flop.

Use the pencil to trace each paper shape on each flip flop, respectively. These are your heel lift patterns.

Cut each flip flop along the line you drew. These flip flop cutouts are your heel lifts.

Round out the heel lifts with foam to create a constant slope. Cut the foam along the pattern you drew so it extends from the ball of the foot to the tip of the shoe. Place each foam cutout at the top end of each heel lift so the edges overlap about 2 inches. Glue the overlapping part of the foam to each heel lift. Allow the glue to dry.

Spread strong, fast-drying glue on the bottom part of each heel lift and foam. Insert a heel lift with foam in each shoe, glue side down, on top of the sole, and press down firmly. Allow the glue to dry.

Tape the heel lifts to the inside of the shoes. Cut four strips of duct tape so they extend 2 inches past the width of each heel lift. Cover each heel lift, going across, with two strips of duct tape and press down firmly.

Tip

The longer the heel lift, the better. A well-designed in-shoe lift should have a long constant slope from the back all the way to the front edge.

Warning

Be careful when working with fast-drying adhesives as they can quickly bond to your skin.