How long do foot orthoses last and when should they be replaced?

The lifespan of foot orthoses is generally 18 to 24 months, but they can last up to 36 months depending on usage and materials. A number of factors influence this, including how often you wear them, the quality of the materials, how you maintain them and your physical characteristics.

In this article, we’ll look at what affects the longevity of your foot orthoses and provide tips for determining when it’s time to replace them.

What affects how long foot orthoses last?

The lifespan of foot orthoses can vary significantly depending on the materials, how often you wear them, how you maintain them and your physical characteristics. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.

If you have foot pain and want to wear orthoses to reduce discomfort, you have several options. You can buy premade insoles in stores, or you can opt for custom foot orthoses created by orthotists, like those at Médicus.

Premade insoles are generally more affordable but have a shorter lifespan because they’re not tailored to your foot and the materials are lower quality.

Custom orthoses are made from high-quality materials and are designed for your posture and foot condition, making them longer lasting and more effective.

The materials used directly impact how long your foot orthoses last. Custom orthoses made from durable materials can last 18 to 24 months or more, while non-custom, premade insoles usually last 12 to 18 months.

How often you use your foot orthoses and your lifestyle also affect their durability.

If you’re an athlete who wears orthoses for running or high-impact activities, they will wear out faster than if you spend most of your day sitting, because repeated forces and impacts naturally wear down the materials.

During your initial appointment and biomechanical evaluation, your orthotist will ask about your foot pain and how you plan to use your orthoses. There are different types of foot orthoses: rigid, semi-rigid and soft. The orthotist can recommend the right one for your lifestyle and help maximize the lifespan.

Your personal characteristics also influence how long your orthoses last. Your weight, foot shape and any foot conditions affect durability. A flat foot or pronounced cavus foot (high-arch foot), for example, will put more stress on the materials, accelerating wear.

Age is another key factor. Children and adolescents may need new orthoses more frequently because foot growth quickly changes posture and foot structure. Older adults may experience reduced tissue elasticity and chronic conditions that require regular monitoring to maintain comfort and stability.

Medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis or certain postural disorders can also reduce the lifespan of foot orthoses, as they have to work harder to relieve pain and distribute weight.

Proper care is essential to maximize the durability of your foot orthoses.

Cleaning your orthoses regularly with mild soap, allowing them to dry properly and keeping your shoes clean will help them last longer, while poor hygiene or excessive exposure to moisture will make them wear out faster.

Get ongoing support for your foot orthoses

At Médicus, we know every foot is unique. That’s why we offer custom foot orthoses made from high-quality materials and tailored to your specific needs.

Our expert team provides ongoing guidance on care and maintenance to help keep your orthoses effective for as long as possible. With personalized service and recognized expertise, Médicus is your trusted partner in keeping your feet healthy now and in the future.