Leg length discrepancy test is a simple way to estimate whether one leg may be shorter and what shoe lift height might feel more balanced for everyday walking. Leg length difference (also called leg length discrepancy) is one of the most searched reasons people look into shoe lifts, because it can quietly affect walking, posture, and everyday comfort. This guide walks through a simple at-home check and explains how to think about shoe lift height in a safe, practical way.
This article is for general education, not a medical diagnosis. If pain is sharp, worsening, or comes with numbness/tingling, it’s smart to get evaluated by a clinician (physical therapist, podiatrist, or orthopedist). This at-home leg length discrepancy test is a quick starting point before deciding whether a shoe lift or professional measurement makes sense.
Common Signs Someone Might Have a Leg Length Discrepancy
Many people don’t search “leg length discrepancy” at first. Instead, they search symptoms like uneven shoe wear, hip or low-back discomfort, or feeling tilted when standing. Others notice one pant leg looks longer even when buying the same size pants, or they see one shoulder sitting slightly higher in photos.
Even small differences can matter, especially for people who stand, walk, or work on their feet all day.
The 9-Step At-Home Leg Length Discrepancy Test
To do this at home, use a hard floor (not carpet), a wall, a book or a few magazines, and a tape measure or ruler. If you have a helper and a phone camera, it can make the hip-level check easier, but it’s optional.
Start by checking your shoe wear. Flip both shoes over and compare the heels and edges. If one shoe is more worn, or if the wear pattern is different side to side, that’s a common clue that your gait may be uneven.
Next, stand naturally. Place your feet about hip-width apart and relax. Don’t try to “fix” your posture—stand how your body naturally stands when you’re not thinking about it.
Now use the “book under one foot” method. Slide a book (or magazines) under the foot that feels lower or shorter. Add thickness slowly, a little at a time, until standing feels more level and centered. A lot of people feel an immediate “that’s more balanced” sensation when they get close.
Once it feels closer to level, do a quick hip-level check. Stand with your back near a wall. If you have a helper, ask them to look at your hip height. If you’re alone, take a straight-on photo and compare how level your hips look.
After that, measure the total height you added. Stack everything neatly and measure the thickness. That gives you a rough lift estimate.
Then do a short walking test. Carefully walk around indoors for 60 to 90 seconds with your temporary lift in place. Pay attention to whether walking feels smoother, whether your body feels less twisted or pulled, and whether anything feels awkward.
If it feels like “too much,” reduce the height slightly and repeat the short walk. The goal isn’t to force symmetry—it’s to find a height that feels stable and natural.
Finally, write down a range instead of one exact number. For example, “feels best around 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch.” That range is usually more useful than chasing a single perfect measurement.
How to Think About Shoe Lift Height (Without Overdoing It)
One of the most common mistakes is jumping to a big lift too quickly. Even if your at-home test suggests a certain number, your body often adapts better when changes are gradual.
A practical approach is to start slightly lower than your “perfect” at-home number and increase only if needed. This helps your gait and muscles adjust without creating new pressure points.
In general, 1/8″ to 1/4″ is often used for mild leveling and comfort. 3/8″ to 1/2″ is a common range when the imbalance feels noticeable. If you think you need 5/8″ to 1″ or more, that’s usually where an external shoe lift modification becomes more stable and comfortable than stacking height inside the shoe.
Internal Shoe Lift vs External Shoe Lift Modification
Internal lifts sit inside the shoe under the heel (or under the insole) and are often best when the lift is small and the shoe has enough room. They can be a quick, removable option, especially for shoes with removable insoles.
The downside is that internal lifts can crowd the shoe, reduce toe-box space, change fit, and sometimes create pressure across the top of the foot. That’s why larger lifts often become uncomfortable when worn inside the shoe.
External shoe lift modifications build height into the outsole, so the inside of the shoe stays comfortable. This option is usually best when the lift is larger, when the shoe is already snug, or when stability matters for walking and daily wear. A well-done external build is typically more stable and looks cleaner than bulky internal stacking.
Best Shoe Types for Lift Modifications
Not every shoe is a good candidate for a lift build. In general, shoes with a solid, stable base give the best results. Sneakers with thicker soles, work boots, and many casual leather shoes tend to work well.
Very thin dress shoes, minimalist flats, and super soft foam soles can be harder. Soft foam can compress unevenly, and thin soles don’t leave much material to work with. When a shoe has a stable outsole and enough structure, it’s usually a much better candidate for a clean modification.
FAQ: Quick Answers People Search For
Leg length discrepancy can contribute to hip or back discomfort, especially when standing or walking for long periods, but pain can have many causes. If discomfort is persistent, it’s worth a professional evaluation.
To figure out which leg is shorter, the book-under-foot test plus a photo check often shows which side levels the hips best. A professional measurement is the best way to confirm.
Many people wear shoe lifts all day without issues, but the lift should feel stable and comfortable. If a lift causes new pain, it’s a sign to reduce the height and reassess.
Most of the time, the lift goes on the shorter side to help level the pelvis, but if you’re unsure, a clinician can confirm the correct side and height.
Next Step
If your at-home test suggests a range like 3/8″ to 1/2″, the next step is choosing the most comfortable method. Smaller lifts can often work inside the shoe if there’s enough room. Larger lifts are usually more stable and comfortable as an external shoe lift modification.
If you want help choosing lift height or checking whether your shoes are good candidates for modification, Exclusive Shoe Lift can guide you on the best option for your footwear and daily use. For most people, the goal of a leg length discrepancy test is not perfection—it’s finding a lift height that feels stable, comfortable, and repeatable.
