How long do insoles last? Is this question bothering you? Well, they usually last between 6 months to 1 year if you use them regularly.
As we all know, shoe inserts are equally important as your footwear because they align your feet properly.
Without the right type of insoles, you can experience several issues in your feet such as muscle pain, strained legs, ankle injuries, and so on.
However, they have a definite lifespan and you should replace the insoles once they reach their limit.
On that note, let’s explore why insoles wear out over time and how often to replace them. We will also suggest some of the best insoles for your feet.
So, let’s dive in!
How Long Do Insoles Last?
Depending on the quality of the insoles, frequency of use, and your level of activity while wearing them, a pair of insoles usually last from 6 months to 1 year.
However, they can last up to 2 years if you wear them less frequently.
Saying that, let’s break down the five key factors that decide the overall lifespan of a pair of shoe inserts.
Here’s a list what you get the full idea for lasting the insole.
| Type of Insoles | Light Usage (3-4 days/week) | Moderate Usage (5-6 days/week) | Heavy Usage (7 days/week) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foam Insoles | 4-6 months | 3-4 months | 2-3 months |
| Gel Insoles | 6-12 months | 4-8 months | 3-6 months |
| Memory Foam Insoles | 6-12 months | 4-8 months | 3-6 months |
| Leather Insoles | 6-12 months | 4-8 months | 3-6 months |
| Orthotic Insoles | 12-18 months | 8-12 months | 6-9 months |
| Custom-Made Insoles | 12-18 months | 8-12 months | 6-9 months |
| High-Quality Insoles | 18-24 months or longer | 12-18 months | 9-12 months |
Quality
It’s obvious that higher-quality insoles last longer. So, it’s better to spend more for a high-quality pair instead of those made of cheap polymer.
Although they cost way less, they break down much faster. Eventually, you need to replace them frequently which charges you more.
Frequency of Use
The time frame of replacing your insoles also depends on how often you use them.
In the case of regular use, a decent pair of inserts last around a year.
But if you wear them occasionally, they will just be fine even after two years.
So, if you ask, how often should I wear my insoles, just remember that the less you wear, the longer they last.
Level of Activity
Another deciding factor for how often should insoles be replaced is what you do wearing them.
If you wear them for regular activities like walking or running errands, they can last up to 1 year if bought a quality pair.
On the contrary, high-impact activities like running or hiking will make the inserts wear out within 4-6 months.
Types of Insoles
If divided into two basic types, soft and rigid, soft insoles are more comfortable but have a shorter lifespan.
As they are usually made of silicone, cork, or foam, they are more likely to be compressed sooner.
Resultantly, soft insoles flatten way faster than their rigid counterparts.
On the other hand, graphite, plastic, or carbon-made insoles tend to last longer as they are less affected by your body weight.
Weight of the Wearer
The heavier you are, the harder you will be in your shoes.
Naturally, insoles are affected by your body weight and start wearing down.
On the other hand, if you weigh less, you put less pressure on the footbed.
Therefore, the shoe inserts tend to hold their shape much better and last longer.
How Long Do Shoe Inserts Last?
Shoe inserts are interchangeable with insoles and they can last around 6-12 months depending on the quality of the pair.
Of course, it depends on some other factors as well. For example, how you use the insoles, what they are made of, how you take care of them, etc. also determine the lifespan of your inserts.
However, if you invest in a high-quality pair, you need to replace them with your shoes with normal wear and proper care.
How Long Do Insoles Last Running?
Now that’s quite an interesting question. Because if you ask, how long do insoles last running?– that is calculated on miles instead of months/years.
Usually, a pair of insoles in running shoes last between 300-500 miles. That could be around 3-6 months based on your running routine.
The higher the quality, the longer they will last. But majorly, running shoes use supportive and cushioned inserts and you should replace them at the slightest sign of discomfort.
As running is a high-impact activity, your feet must be sufficiently cushioned by your shoes. And the cushioning is majorly provided by high-quality inserts.
That’s why if you notice even the slightest sign of wear and tear, you should go for a new pair of insoles.
Nevertheless, you can definitely make them last a bit longer by taking proper care. Always try to keep them away from extreme heat or moisture.
Moreover, you should clean them after every use following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
How Long Do Insoles Last Dr. Scholl’s?
A pair of Dr. Scoll’s insoles can last from 6-12 months based on several factors.
Two of the major factors to determine their lifespan are the intensity of use and the frequency of use.
With normal wear on a regular basis, Dr. Scoll’s shoe inserts easily support your feet for up to 1 year.
But if you put more stress on the footbed, they can wear and tear within 4-6 months.
Being a reputed brand for manufacturing insoles, orthotics, and shoe inserts, Dr. Scoll’s has a wide range of reliable insoles that offer day-long arch support.
Based on the pair you choose from Dr. Scoll’s, you can use them longer or shorter.
However, to extend the period of using those insoles, there are some precautions.
And the most basic one is to remove the insoles after every use to let them air out.
Besides, always check for cracks and compression in the insoles to be aware of their longevity.
Should You Replace Insoles In Running Shoes?
Oh yes. You should replace the insoles in your running shoes every 300-500 miles.
Because usually, the insoles will run short of arc aid and cushioning within this time frame.
But inserts are very important to keep your feet correctly aligned while running. A good quality insole can reduce the friction between your foot and the ground.
Plus, they offer adequate alleviation while you are on the runs by providing proper foot support.
That definitely improves your running performance to a considerable extent.
That being said, you should regularly check the insoles in your running shoes. If they lack the support they used to offer in the beginning, don’t hesitate to replace them.
Also, if you experience unpleasant odors, any visible cracks, or flattened areas in your insoles, consider them worn out.
Yes, it’s time to buy a new pair!
How Often To Change Insoles In Work Boots
If someone asks how often to change insoles in work boots, it’s usually between 6 months to 1 year.
Actually, how long do work boot insoles last is utterly subjective. It majorly depends on how someone treats the insoles.
As work boots are meant to be used for high-intensive activities, the footbeds tend to wear and tear.
Due to extreme pressure on the insoles, they start wearing out faster.
But a lot depends on the manufacturing materials of the inserts. If they are made of heavy-duty materials, they can easily last for 1 year.
Point to be noted, they can wear out after 6 months as well depending on the frequency of use.
So, you should regularly check the insoles for any signs of wear and tear.
How Long Do Spenco Insoles Last?
Similar to other high-quality insoles like Dr. Scoll’s or Powerstop, the Spenco insoles also last for roughly 6 months to 1 year.
But again, the average lifespan also relies on how often you wear them and what type of insoles you choose.
Basically, Spenco has a vast variety of shoe insoles each of which provides maximum foot support.
Three of their major types are stability insoles, cushioning insoles, and comfort insoles.
Regardless of the type you go for, the most important takeaway is to make them last longer.
To do so, you must treat the insoles with care. Let them air dry after each wear by taking the insoles out of your shoes.
And never expose them to extreme heat or moisture to extend their lifespan.
Most importantly, always stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines while washing the insoles.
How To Put Insoles In Shoes
According to Babafemi Adebajo, a famous physiotherapist, there are certain rules to put insoles in your shoes.
It’s not like you buy a lair of inner soles and place them into your footwear. You must follow the steps below to use them appropriately.
Here we go with the steps-
Step 1
Pull out the existing insoles of your shoes. Then check whether they are glued or not. Because that’s what will determine how you will adjust the new pair.
Step 2
Thoroughly clean the interior of your shoes. There could be a considerable amount of dirt and debris, you know. And they could affect the fitting of the new inserts.
Therefore, wipe out the shoe interior with a damp cloth.
Step 3
Now gently place the new pair into your footwear. Please remember that the heels of the inserts should properly align against the back of your footwear.
Step 4
If they don’t match the shape and edge of the shoe, you probably need to trim them.
Take a pair of scissors and carefully trim the insoles along the edges. Then insert them again.
Hopefully, this time they offer a snug fitting.
Step 5
Finally, it’s time to check the fitting. Put the shoes on with new insoles and start walking. They shouldn’t feel too tight or too free. If any further adjustments are needed, make it happen and reposition the insoles according to your convenience. But some insoles are non removable. You can read this article to clean nonremovable insoles.
That’s it, you are done!
Additionally, you can check this video out to replace insoles appropriately.
How To Remove Insoles From Shoes
If your shoes don’t have built-in and glued-in insoles, you can easily remove them by following the steps below-
- If your shoes have removable insoles, gently pull them out using your hands.
- If the insoles are stuck to the shoes with some glue, you might need to loosen the glue. Use a hairdryer to heat the interior and eventually, the glue will be loosened.
Then you can easily pull the insoles out.
- If the insoles are sewn or tacked to the surface of the shoes, you need to pull the tacks up.
To do so, use a flat screwdriver or a putty knife. Place the tool on the edge of the insoles to pry them up. You must start at the heel area and pull up the stitches individually.
Eventually, you can peel the insoles away from the shake bottom after removing all the tacks.
That’s how you can remove insoles from shoes without much difficulty.
How To Remove Sticky Residue From Shoe Insole
How to deal with sticky insoles? Rely on rubbing alcohol or nail paint remover. Target the residue and wipe it up with a cotton pad or a soft cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.
Alternatively, you can scrape it off with a soft cloth that was dipped into mild soapy water when encountered adhesive or sticky substance on your shoe inserts.
Otherwise, a mild adhesive eraser also works.
How To Keep Insoles In Shoes
To keep your insoles stay put within your shoes, you must buy a pair that precisely fits your shoe size. That means they should be the exact match to your shoe’s length, width, and arch shape.
Nonetheless, if it’s larger than your shoe size, use the old insoles to take the exact measurement and cut the new pair accordingly.
Aside from that, you can glue the insoles, use double-sided tape, Velcro strips, adhesive spray, etc. to keep them in shoes securely.
How Long Do Orthotics And Insoles Last?
As already discussed, a pair of decent-quality shoe insoles last roughly 6-12 months. On the other hand, custom orthotics can last around 2-3 years.
However, the lifespan of orthotics also varies from person to person. If you wear them every day, you need to replace them every year.
But if you wear them occasionally, a single pair can last even for five years.
How Often Should You Replace Your Insoles?
Once they start to wear out. This period varies from person to person based on how much you wear them and how they are treated.
Generally, you need to replace shoe insoles within 6 months to 1 year in case of regular wear. But this could last even shorter, 3-4 months for example, if you use them for high-intensity work such as running.
Inserts, Insoles, Or Orthotics: How To Choose
The takeaway is quite simple. If you don’t have any foot issues, both inserts and insoles would do. They are basically the same thing designed to add comfort and cushioning to your feet.
However, if you have a special foot condition, you might need a custom piece of foot support to alleviate your foot pain. That piece of equipment is called an orthotic solution to match the specific contours of your feet.
If the over-the-counter fixes like inserts/insoles don’t offer adequate foot support, you should head to a podiatrist to be prescribed custom orthotics.
How Long Will Vktry Insoles Last?
A pair of Vktry insoles last for 9-12 months based on your repetition of use, types of insoles, the purpose of the insoles, your body weight, etc.
What Type Of Insole To Choose
You should select shoe inserts/insoles based on what you want from them.
Insoles are basically soft, rigid, or semi-rigid. You should pick the type that suits your needs.
Commonly speaking, shoe inserts use foam, gel, and memory foam as the primary materials.
Now if you prefer adequate arch aid and cushioned footbed, go for foam insoles.
On the contrary, gel insoles offer extreme shock absorption to keep you balanced.
Thirdly, memory foam insoles conform to your foot shape to offer a super snug custom fit.
Therefore, decide on your priority first. Then you can easily understand which type of insoles suit you the best.
How Long Do Gel Insoles Last?
If you are looking for the best insoles for walking all day, gel insoles could be great. They are engineered with advanced shock absorption properties and thus provide extra padding when you walk.
But how long do they last?
Depending on your shoe type, regularity of use, and the activities you do wearing those insoles, a pair of gel insoles last a minimum of 6 months. And they can last for a few years if properly taken care of.
Final Words
Shoe insoles, otherwise known as inner soles or footbeds, are utterly important to keep your feet alleviated, cushioned, and comfortable.
As they come in different types, sizes, and shapes, it’s difficult to determine their actual lifespan.
But if you ask, how long do insoles last, they last for 6 months to 1 year on average.
However, you must invest in the best quality insoles to make the best use of them. Apart from keeping your foot naturally aligned, they also offer extra warmth and cushioning.
Nevertheless, keep a keen eye on your shoe inserts to check for wear and tear. If they don’t offer as good fitting and shock absorption as the beginning anymore, it’s time to replace the pair.
