Achilles Shield, Heel Blister Prevention & Protection by Vertical Insoles, 1 Pair (Men (8-10.5))

Update: I had previously been using these for slip-ons. Got a pair of Dr. Martin boots and my heels kept slipping up and down. (Note: I have very narrow heels). I got a pair for my boots and they, along with a pair of grippy boot socks, did the trick! Older: These inserts are awesome! Most slip-on shoes rub my achilles heels and leave blisters. I have tried band-aids, heel inserts, moleskin, etc. but most times they do not help when wearing shoes all day. This is the first product that has actually worked and I have not had any blisters, rubbing, etc. when I put them in my shoes. The picture makes the inserts appear to be stiff and rigid (like plastic) - but the actual product is similar to a sturdy foam. Inside the shoe the insert is soft to the base of the heel. The tip of the top of the insert has a slight curve outward, so it does not rub on the achilles heel. They appear to be well made, and I expect that they will last awhile. Highly recommended and I will definitely purchase a 2nd pair!

These work very well but I think they are pricy. If they were less expensive I would own more pairs!

I bought a pair of shoes I loved (and couldn't return) that hurt to wear. And then I bought another pair from a different company that gave me the same problem. The back of my feet were blistered and painful from shoes I wanted to wear but couldn't try on before purchase. So I looked to these shields for a miracle. And while they aren't miraculous if your shoe just doesn't fit, it does allow you to break in shoes that do fit but have a troublesome part that gives you a blister. I've used these on three pairs of shoes. One two of the pairs, wearing the shoes with the shield broke in the shoe after a half dozen wears and I can wear these shoes without the shield. For the third pair of shoes, I just bought them too small and these shields help prevent blisters, but doesn't take away the discomfort. I have recommended these and would buy them again if they were to break down. I've had them a year and worn them 2-3 times a week. They are as good as new.

I tried these because one of my heels was slightly tender - like a blister was about to form - and I wanted to prevent that from happening. The other heel was fine but I wore both inserts to keep things even. Now I have blisters on both heels! Massive fail - I tossed these and would suggest that anyone else considering these to just save their money.

I use them for my lowtop sneakers and loafers that don't offer much heel support; I must say that the Achilles Shield is surprisingly helpful. The great design fits into my size 13s fine (and the soles stay hidden even in my really low shoes), the padding is easy to get used to and increases shoe comfort a bit. All in all, a solid product that does exactly what it advertises!

Saved an otherwise unwearable pair of boots for my son- had a sewn ridge at the heel that was painful, and these protectors nicely covered the pressure points. They are rather expensive for what they are, but IF they’re durable it will be worth it. Cost is just high enough that I wouldn’t buy a backup pair.

UPDATE July 2, 2024: Maybe I jinxed myself raving about this product. Because I wore my sneakers with the shields the other day and I ended up with a raw blister on my back heel. Maybe over time it compresses and it becomes no good? I do wish these were 1/8th of a inch taller in the back. Purchased August 2023. I don't usually rave about products but these saved the back of my heels! I have a horrible time with most shoes giving my blisters in less than 15 minutes of walking. I have these shoes I love and I couldn't break them in. I put these in and no pain. I can't even feel them in my shoes and I don't wear socks. I haven't tried them in my docs yet, that's the next test.

I ordered these to stop a pair of new shoes from rubbing against my heels and causing blisters -- which is the worst. These work great! For the first time, new flats don't give me heel blisters. It's hard to tell from the pictures, but they are made of a very nice cushion material. They are rubbery, yet durable, and stiff enough to hold their shape. I still have mine in my shoes. To see if my flats were broken in yet, I took out these vertical insoles and hot spots started again on both of my heels. Threw these insoles back in and haven't had a problem. They're definitely doing their job - a great buy for $15.