If you’re thinking about buying a new pair of orthotics, you’ll probably have some doubts about how long they’ll last. One of the most commonly asked questions we get from our customers is, “How long will my orthotics last?”

A standard pair of custom foot orthotics will last two to three years on average. Your orthotics’ lifespan, on the other hand, would be decided by their daily wear and tear.

 

Your orthotics can last longer if you only wear them for a few hours per day or if you alternate between several pairs of custom orthotics in different footwear. Similarly, if you live an active lifestyle that involves running, walking, or hiking, your orthotics can need to be replaced earlier.

 

At Applied Biomechanics, we understand that before investing in custom fittings and measurements, our clients want to know how long their orthotics will last. We’ll answer some often asked questions about the lifecycle of foot orthotics in this article.

 

How long does it take for orthotics to break in?

It’s natural to experience some discomfort after being fitted for a new pair of orthotics and trying them out for the first time. And if you’re using orthotics with an existing pair of shoes, breaking them in takes time, just like any other form of footwear.

 

We notice that breaking in a new pair of orthotics takes about two weeks. If you’re still having trouble adapting to your orthotics after two weeks, send us a call and we’ll set up an appointment to see if your orthotics need to be changed for more comfort.

 

When the orthotics be replaced?

On average, your custom orthotics will last two to three years. That does not, however, suggest that you should wait two years before replacing your orthotics. Here are some warning signs that your foot orthotics need to be replaced soon:

 

Return of original symptoms — If you’re having the same symptoms that contributed to the purchase of orthotics in the first place, it’s likely that your foot orthotics need to be replaced. It’s likely that they’re no longer running properly.

Deteriorating cushioning — The top cover cushioning of the orthotics is one of the first places where consumers can notice wear and tear. If your custom orthotics begin to feel hard, you can ask about getting a new pair.

Worn treads — Consider the orthotics to be a set of car tires. Their treads can wear down over time, which is why you should test your orthotics for signs of wear or degradation. If you are unsure, please contact the office to make an appointment for a check-up.

 

Is it possible for me to wear my orthotics in different shoes?

At Ideastep, we aim to develop custom orthotics that can be worn in a variety of shoes.

 

Men, on the other hand, have an easier time wearing orthotics in several shoes. Because of the design of women’s shoes, they often require a different set of custom orthotics for different types of footwear, such as high heels or boots.

 

If you just wear a particular shoe a few times a year (for example, for special occasions like weddings), we don’t think it’s worth the cost to have custom orthotics for it.

 

Related Article:
https://aideastep.com/how-to-fix-insole-of-shoe-that-has-come-loose/

https://aideastep.com/how-to-choose-your-own-insoles-four-simple-categories/

https://aideastep.com/how-to-deodorize-cork-insole/