Unequal leg length - shims?

Custom made orthotics? As well as biblically flat feet, I have one leg 1cm longer than the other and this is what I have - not specifically for cycling, I have them in my shoes/running shoes/rugby boots and had some made to fit my cycling shoes.

1 cm is quite a bit, do you use any type of compensation in your regular 'street' shoes for walking?
If not, then I suggest you first do some 'test walking' in a shopping plaza that has space for a long walk on a flat surface. Walk normally, but pay attention to how the heal of your shoes contact the floor, and any unbalanced 'rocking' of your hips, or unusual leg movements.

If the leg length imbalance is small, it might be corrected by a simple foam or leather insole in one of the shoes.

Then try simple pedaling tests such as using the shoe heal on the pedal, and being aware of hip rocking, or need to reach further with 1 leg.

If needed, a shim (plastic?) can be used between the cleat and bottom of the cycling shoe - perhaps using slightly longer mounting screws.

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

Best explain where I'm coming from. Broke my hip a few years ago, when they got me out of plaster et cetera, measured my legs and told me that the broken one was 1cm. shorter.
On their advice put pads under my heels in my shoes for walking and cycling.
Just could not get on with them.......... Reverted to normal and it felt right straight away.
I guess that all my life my legs have not been of equal length......
As it was the first time my legs had there relative lengths compared can't guarantee that.
So ask yourself the question do I need anything in my shoes.............

I would suggest not overthinking it too much to begin with. Most people have leg length differences anyway so it may not cause you any trouble at all.

A friend of mine had a 4 cm difference following an accident and simply put his saddle down.

I would seriously recommend a decent bike fit. A custom insole sorted my leg length difference (also due to hip issues).

Firstly, if it isn't broke don't fix it. If your discrepancy is not causing you pain or discomfort on the bike then I'd leave it alone.
If you are getting pain in the knee from the shorter leg, you could adjust your saddle height to ensure the shorter leg isn't over stretching - prob best to see a good fitter for this as they may well shim your shoe properly.
I suffered from a pain on the inside facing part of my knee. Discovered I had a leg length discrepancy and now have 3mm shim infer my cleat. Pain gone, both knees track the same path and, whilst my cycling hasn't noticeable improved, it's good to be able to feel both legs working in harmony and one not clearly over stretching.
Every case is different but there is mine. Good luck with sorting the issue out.