A pair of heels that fits everywhere except the back is a common frustration: the foot slides, the heel rubs, and a short walk becomes an exercise in endurance. Heel grips and liners address this without replacing the shoe, adding a thin layer of grip or cushioning at the heel counter to hold the foot in place.
How we choose
The eight options below range from barely-there gel strips to thicker foam pads and combination sets that include forefoot cushions. They span $4.97 to $9.99, come in pack sizes from one pair to six pairs, and use materials including clear gel, suede leather, microsuede, and silicone. Each is designed for a slightly different shoe type and fit problem.
Our 8 Picks
Dr. Scholl's Stylish Step Gel Heel Liners, 1 Pair - One Size fits All
What it is
A self-adhesive gel heel liner that sits inside the heel collar of a shoe to reduce slipping.
Why it's worth it
Because the gel pad is slim and self-adhesive, it is well suited to low-cut pumps where visible padding or extra bulk is a problem. The one-size-fits-all liner adds grip at the back of the shoe without changing the fit. This is a straightforward option for a single go-to pair of heels.
Caveat
The pack contains one pair, so it covers one pair of shoes at a time.
Kaps Heel Grips 3 Pairs - Gel Heel Cushions for Men & Women, Anti-Slip Shoe Inserts for High Heels, Dress Shoes & Flats, Prevents Blisters, European Quality (3 Gel Heel Grips)
What it is
A pack of three clear gel heel grips with self-adhesive backing.
Why it's worth it
At 2.25mm, the clear gel pad is thin enough to stay visually discreet, making it a good fit for dress shoes where liner edges would show. The three-pair pack covers several shoes, and the flexible gel follows the curve of the heel to reduce slipping. It suits high heels, flats, and loafers that need a small amount of extra grip.
Caveat
The slim pad is more about adding grip than filling a noticeably oversized shoe.
pedag Stop Suede Leather Heel Grips, Vegetable Tanned German Design, Soft Cushioning Prevents Blisters, Helps Shoes Fit Perfectly, 3 Pair
What it is
A pack of three self-adhesive suede leather heel grips that pad the inside back of a shoe.
Why it's worth it
The vegetable-tanned suede gives the grip a soft, fabric-like contact point, which is well suited to pumps and heeled boots where the foot tends to slide. The self-adhesive backing holds it against the heel counter, and the German-designed shape helps shoes that are slightly too loose fit more securely. This is a leather option for women who prefer a natural material over gel or foam.
Caveat
The adhesive is strong, so position the grip carefully before pressing it into place.
PROFOOT Heel Snugs - 1 Pair
What it is
A pair of extra-padded foam heel grips with adhesive backing.
Why it's worth it
The extra-padded foam makes this a good fit for shoes that feel loose at the back and need more fill than a slim liner can provide. The adhesive backing keeps the pad positioned inside the heel, and the thicker foam adds cushioning while reducing rub. It works for a favorite pair of heels or boots that are slightly oversized.
Caveat
The thicker foam is best for shoes with extra room; it may crowd a snug-fitting heel.
Heel Grips Liner Cushions Inserts for Loose Shoes, Heel Pads Snugs for Shoe Too Big Men Women, Filler Improved Shoe Fit and Comfort, Stop Heel Slip and Blister (4 Pairs) (Pale Apricot+Black)
What it is
A four-pair set of adhesive suede heel grip liners for loose shoes.
Why it's worth it
The set includes both Pale Apricot and Black liners, making it a good fit for women who want to match heel pads to different shoe interiors. The suede pads have self-adhesive backs and are made to fill the gap that causes heel slip. With four pairs in one box, it offers enough liners for several problem shoes.
Caveat
Color choices are limited to the two included shades, so an exact interior match is not guaranteed.
Dr.Foot Heel Grips for Men and Women, Self-Adhesive Heel Cushion Inserts Prevent Heel Slipping, Rubbing, Blisters, Foot Pain, and Improve Shoe Fit - 2pairs+ Extra 1pair (Beige)
What it is
A pack of self-adhesive heel grips that includes two pairs plus one extra pair.
Why it's worth it
The contoured microsuede pad is designed to follow the shape of the heel, which makes it well suited to shoes that slip despite regular liners. The strong double-sided tape backing is a specific feature that helps the pad stay in place during movement. It is a practical choice for heeled shoes that get repeated wear and need a secure grip at the back.
Caveat
The extra-strong adhesive is meant for one placement rather than repeated removal and reuse.
6 Pairs Heel Pads for Shoes, Anti Slip Heel Inserts & Grips | Cushion heel inserts prevent blisters & rubbing in loose too big shoes; durable protectors stop slipping
What it is
A six-pair set of adhesive heel pads with a microsuede top and foam cushion.
Why it's worth it
The six-pair pack offers the most heel-pad coverage in this roundup, making it a good fit for someone who wants heel pads ready for multiple pairs of shoes. The microsuede surface sits against the foot while the foam core cushions the heel, and the non-slip surface is designed to keep the heel from sliding in loose shoes. This is a practical, budget-friendly liner for everyday heels and flats.
Caveat
The foam padding is soft rather than rigid, so it does not provide structural arch support.
ONUEMP Heel Cushion Inserts and Metatarsal Pads for Women, 3 Pairs Heel Grips and 3 Pairs Ball of Foot Cushions, Silicone Shoe Pads Insoles for High Heels, Blister Prevention for Too Big Shoes
What it is
A set that includes three pairs of silicone heel grips and three pairs of ball-of-foot cushions.
Why it's worth it
This set is well suited to women who get both heel slip and forward sliding in the same pair of heels. The silicone heel grips hold the back of the foot in place while the matching ball-of-foot cushions add cushioning at the front. The self-adhesive pads are described by the brand as reusable, so they can be moved between shoes.
Caveat
The forefoot cushions add material under the ball of the foot, so very snug shoes may feel tighter.
How to choose
How to choose the right heel grips and liners that help high heels fit more securely
Takeaway
The right heel grip depends on what your specific shoe lacks: grip, fill, cushioning, or a combination of these. These eight options cover the common scenarios without requiring a new pair of heels. Start with the thinnest option that addresses your fit problem and adjust from there.
