Heel counter at a glance
- Where
- Back of the upper, around the heel
- Job
- Holds the heel in place
- Most rigid on
- Stability and durability footwear
- Lighter, faster shoes use softer uppers
What does a heel counter do?
It holds your heel still. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons describes the heel counter as the back of the shoe that holds the heel in place, and its advice for buying any athletic shoe is to make sure the counter grips your heel well enough to keep you stable.
A heel that can move inside the shoe causes two problems. It shifts sideways on uneven ground, so the shoe stops feeling planted, and it rubs up and down with every step. REI's insole guide names that heel slip as a cause of hot spots and blisters.
How stiff should a heel counter be?
Stiffer the more you carry and the rougher the ground. REI's running shoe guide notes that shoes built around stability and durability tend to have a more rigid structure, especially in the heel counter, at the cost of extra weight and less breathability. Hiking boots generally sit toward the firmer end of that range, and light trail shoes toward the softer end.
Neither end is wrong. A softer counter suits a light, fast shoe on good trail, and a firm one earns its weight under a backpacking load on rocky ground, which is the same trade the shank makes lower down in a boot.
How do you check a heel counter when trying on shoes?
Lace the shoe properly and walk up a slope or a flight of stairs. Your heel should stay seated rather than lifting out of the back. A heel that slides freely points at a shoe that is too big or too roomy at the back for your foot.
Before blaming the counter, rule out the easy fixes. A heel lock tied with a surgeon's knot often stops the lift, and REI notes that a supportive mid to high volume insole can take up excess room at the back of the shoe and steady the heel.
What this means when you're choosing
- A counter that keeps its shape with the shoe laced, rather than folding in
- A heel that stays seated when you walk uphill or up stairs in the shop
- A firmer counter for heavy loads and rough ground, a softer one for light, fast hiking
The common mistake
Expecting a stiff counter to fix a boot that is too big
A firm counter can only hold a heel that fits inside it. If the back of the boot is roomier than your heel, the counter stays rigid while your heel moves around within it, and the blister arrives anyway. Get the length and volume right first, because the counter only works on top of a good fit.
Common questions
Is a stiffer heel counter always better?
No. REI's running shoe guide ties a rigid heel counter to shoes built for stability and durability, and notes the cost in weight and breathability. For light loads on smooth trail a softer counter is fine; under a heavy pack on rough ground, the firmer one earns its place.
What causes heel slip in hiking boots?
Usually a boot that is too roomy at the back for your heel, or laces that are not locking the heel down. Try a heel lock with a surgeon's knot and a supportive insole first. If the heel still lifts, the boot's shape does not match your foot.
Where this is defined
- Athletic Shoes, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, OrthoInfo
- How to Choose Running Shoes, REI Co-op
- How to Choose Insoles or Shoe Inserts, REI Co-op
See it labeled