How often do you change your footwear? – OrthoSole (2024)

FAQs

How often do you change your footwear? – OrthoSole? ›

How Long Should These Insoles Last? OrthoSole insoles typically last for an average of 12 months.

Our podiatrists recommend having your orthotics evaluated yearly, to check on wear, and replaced every 3 years. For pediatric orthotics, patients should follow up every 6 months, to monitor their development, and have their orthotics replaced after they grow 2 shoe sizes.

Many of us wear shoes past their “expiration” date simply because we don't know what to look for! As a general rule of thumb, shoes should be replaced every 8-12 months for most people or every 500-700 kilometres for running shoes. Some shoes will last longer, and some will wear out more quickly.

According to podiatrists, everyday shoes need to be replaced every 8 to 12 months – or when they start showing signs of wear and tear.

How long a pair of custom orthotics will last depends, not surprisingly, on the amount of usage. The more often they are used and the more actively, the quicker they will wear out. Typically, orthotics will last anywhere from one to five years.

Generally, you should wear custom orthotics whenever possible, but there are times when it matters more than others. It is more important to wear your insoles when your feet will be working hard, standing for long periods, or exercising.

Foot Health: Wearing the same shoes daily can lead to the accumulation of moisture and sweat inside the shoes, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.

As a general guideline, most athletic shoes and walking shoes will last between 300 to 500 miles (480 to 800 kilometers) of walking. For someone who walks an average of 3 to 4 miles (4.8 to 6.4 kilometers) per day, this means that walking shoes may need to be replaced approximately every 4 to 6 months.

With the Hoka Clifton, depending on how well you take care of them and what terrain you're using them on during your runs, you can expect around 300-500 miles (we've seen some clocking 400 miles easily before any reported serious physical damage). But remember, these shoes are not designed to last forever.

How do I know if my shoes need to be replaced? ›

It is ideal to replace sneakers or casual shoes that you use frequently every 6 to 12 months. High-quality leather dress shoes with premium materials and sturdy rubber outsole can last between 3 to 5 years.

Inspect the Insides of Each Shoe

Excessive wear, especially on the inside edges and in the toes area, can show that's happening. Worn-out padding in the ball of the foot could indicate a number of foot problems including falling arches. Check the back of the shoe that wraps around your ankle.

If you keep track of the miles you run in each pair, most high-quality running shoes should last between 300 and 500 miles—about four to six months for someone who runs 20 miles per week.

Altogether, this makes five or six pairs of shoes. That may not be the right number for everyone and, depending on your lifestyle, you may well need either more or fewer. But, at least for the everyday challenges of life, you should be armed with this standard kit.

The main warning sign that you need to be most concerned about is pain. If your orthotics had previously been working great, but recently you've started to notice your feet are developing aches and pains more frequently, that should be a huge, flashing red light that something needs to change.

Podiatrists are trained to recognize the biomechanics of the entire body and, together, you can determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Signs your orthotics are not working: Worsening foot pain or pain that is not improving. Tightness or strain in other parts of the body (e.g. muscles, joint pain)

Transition yourself gradually out of orthotics.

You may initially continue wearing them only for sporting activities. Then as your feet continue to strengthen start weaning yourself off them during sport. Therefore, it may take about 3 months before you stop wearing orthotics.

Custom Orthotics Are Built to Last

They will wear out eventually, or you may even outgrow them if your activities or body mechanics change enough over time.