Lift insoles are the cheap way to test the idea in shoes you already own. Elevator shoes are the better choice for everyday wear, because the shoe is shaped around the lift, so the fit and proportions stay normal. VAHL sneakers have a 6 cm built-in lift and the Venice loafer 5 cm, with no removable insole.
Side by side
| Lift insoles | Elevator shoes | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low | The price of a pair (VAHL: 1 900 to 2 100 SEK) |
| Works in shoes you own | Yes | No |
| Fit | Takes room inside the shoe | Shoe is made around the lift |
| Can shift while walking | Yes | No, it is built in |
| Can show at the heel | Yes, especially in low shoes | No |
Where insoles struggle
An insole raises your foot inside a shoe that was not shaped for it. The heel can lose its grip and slip, the toes get less room, and the insert can move as you walk. Loafers and low shoes have the least space to spare.
When insoles are the right choice
If you love the shoes you own and only want to try a small lift, start with insoles. They also suit boots with room inside. We would rather you test the idea cheaply than buy a pair you are unsure about.
What a built-in lift changes
In a pair of elevator shoes, the lift is part of the design. On VAHL sneakers, 3.4 cm of the 6 cm is visible outsole and the rest sits inside the shoe. On the Venice loafer, 2.2 cm of the 5 cm is visible outsole. Nothing can slide, and the outside looks like a regular suede shoe. Read more in do elevator shoes look obvious?
If you go for shoes
- Stockholm: deep navy suede sneaker, 6 cm, 1 900 SEK
- Oslo: black suede sneaker, 6 cm, 1 900 SEK
- Venice: deep navy suede loafer, 5 cm, 2 100 SEK
Size exchanges are free within 14 days of delivery. Returns are accepted within 14 days with a return fee deducted. Full terms: returns and exchanges. More in our guide to elevator shoes for men.
Common questions
Are elevator shoes better than lift insoles?
For everyday wear, usually yes, because the shoe is shaped around the lift. Insoles are better if you want to test the idea cheaply in shoes you already own.
Can I put lift insoles in VAHL shoes?
We advise against it. The lift is already built in, and an extra insert would take room from a shoe made to fit without one.
Can I remove the lift from VAHL shoes?
No. The lift is part of the shoe and there is no removable insole.
How much height do VAHL shoes add?
The sneakers have a 6 cm lift and the Venice loafer has a 5 cm lift.