How Long do Custom Foot Orthotics Last?

By Rehan Iqbal

When you spend a significant amount of money on footwear, one of the most pressing challenges is how to get the maximum life out of said footwear. The same holds true for high-priced medical equipment - most components don't come cheap, and most users must rely on once-in-a-lifetime insurance company approval to obtain these items that enhance their quality of life.

Fitting orthotic insoles Flatfoot treatment

Combine the two - expensive medical-footwear, and you absolutely have a cause for concern regarding the maximum use you'll obtain from your orthopedic shoes. Not only is price an issue, but obtaining a pair that actually works to deliver comfort over a period of time is a challenge in itself. Once you achieve this goal, it's not something you're willing to let go of easily.

Generally custom foot Orthotics can last between 2 - 3 years

But there are many factors that can affect the durability of custom shoe inserts.

Lets jump into more detail and find out if your foot orthotics have a usage expiry date.

Custom Foot Orthotics

Custom foot orthotics, better known as inserts or footwear for your arches, are crafted to provide backup to troublesome areas of the foot. These specialty footwear items can raise your arch, dumb down heel pain, and help provide a solution for any joint deformity, specifically in the toes.

The key word regarding orthotics is customization. Unlike the assembly line, million-produced mass medical footwear insoles you see at WalGreens and RiteAid, these are crafted specifically with your foot in mind. These shoes custom-fit to your build and foot shape to provide support and balance in the specific areas you need most.

Normally, a podiatrist watches you walk and takes notes on your stride and balance. This provides a crystal clear picture of how your feet work and move during your daily routine. No two feet are created equal, so why should any two orthotics products?

How Long Will My Foot Orthotics Last?

So, how long will your pair of foot orthotics last? Did you get your money's worth? This actually weighs heavily on several factors. The most important focus areas include:

Design Materials - Firm, stiffer foot orthotics crafted from graphite or plastic often last much longer than their softer counterparts fashioned from cork or silicone. Sometimes you can't be selective on this front because of your body's preference for one level of firmness or the other.
How Often You Use Them - This is probably the most obvious, but often, the most overlooked, driving factor. Your orthotics are going to suffer directly from the amount you use them. In addition, the number of pairs you have also comes into play. If possible, keep more than one pair so you don't place too much wear and tear on a single set.
How They're Used - Do you use your orthotics just for daily use? Is walking around the only action they see? If you're still a highly-active person and take part in activities like jogging, tennis, and other high impact workouts, your foot orthotics will have a substantially shorter shelf life.
Quality of Life - Let's be honest - the way our body moves at age 60 isn't the same as it moved at age 30. We won't be the same size, the same shape - we won't even grow the same. Our bodies won't even sound the same! If your body has been more forgiving over the years, your orthotics are likely to follow suit. However, if father time hasn't been kind - your orthotics are sure to suffer as a result.

Telltale Signs It's Time for an Upgraded Pair of Orthotics

The key to always having comfortable foot orthotics and avoiding further damage is by quickly finding alternate means if you notice damage or any type of ineffectiveness. This means repairing, upgrading, and refashioning when you notice certain indicators.

The longer you wait to take action after noticing certain signs of damage, the higher your chances of additional pain and further injury complications become. It's always best practice to consult your physician when you expect damage. However, do your part by remaining vigilant of the following signs:

Re-emergence of Pain - Pain is usually your body's way of telling you that something bigger could be looming. If you're experiencing a return to past foot pain, it might not be a passing phase. It could be time to upgrade your footwear.
Visible Damage - This is likely the easiest red flag to identify. After you notice significant damage like creases, large chunks missing, or deep gashes, it's time to repair or replace. Small dents and dings aren't a big deal - but when the damage begins playing a role in how you come down as you walk, it's no longer a minor issue.
Your Treads - Check the treads on the soles of a pair of shoes if you've had them for a while. If the patterns are worn in one spot but in-tact in the other, this is usually a negative sign. It means your feet are coming down unevenly, causing the treads to wear in the same way. This definitely requires intervention.
Life Changes - Going through any significant event like major injury, weight loss, and weight gain, will normally always lead to issues with your foot orthotics. Remember, these are designed with human biology in mind. When physical changes take place, the old pair is no longer optimized for your old body type. It's time to go back to the drawing board.

How Long Will My Orthotics Last: The Bottom Line

The bottom line is this: the number one indicator of a faulty set of orthotics is pain. At the core, these footwear accessories are designed to mitigate pain. When this is no longer accomplished, it's important you rectify the situation to continue getting your money's worth, and more importantly, experience a return to the quality of life you're used to.