What Shoe Materials and Soles Mean for Lift Durability

Step Rite Shoe Lifts

A lift bonds best to a rubber outsole and an EVA or polyurethane midsole, the materials in most walking shoes, boots, and sandals. The lift material is chosen to match the sole's flex and color so the shoe wears evenly.

Rubber and EVA

The standard walking shoe. Splits cleanly, bonds well, wears at the same rate as the lift.

Polyurethane

Birkenstock, Dansko, and most work boots. Dense and durable. Takes a lift well and outlasts most uppers.

Leather soles

Dress shoes with a leather sole get a rubber lift and, usually, a thin rubber half sole to protect it. The lab quotes these after seeing the shoe.

Care

Keep lifted shoes away from heat: a car trunk in July or a radiator can soften the adhesive. Ordinary shoe cleaners are fine. If a lift ever separates, send the shoe back and the lab rebonds it.