No one likes goodbyes. But when it comes to your insoles, knowing when to say goodbye can save you a world of discomfort. You can only hold on to a super stylish pair of shoes for so long; their flair and design will not distract you from an uncomfortable pair of insoles for long.
If you are constantly complaining of foot pain or shoes that give you little to no support, adding orthotic insoles can be a game-changer. When slipped into your favourite pair, insoles can offer you added cushioning, better arch support as well as the fit that you have always wanted but never had.
What’s more, a good set of insoles can help you avoid lower body injuries as well as help you lessen exercise-induced foot aches and pain. But once your insoles wear out, they can lose their usefulness causing you to develop odd pains.
How often should you replace your insoles?
Experts recommend that you replace your insoles every 6 to 12 months if you use them regularly. If you use yours heavily, they should provide you good service for 3 to 6 months before replacement.
If your insoles are no longer providing you with adequate support and cushioning, it is important to change them if you want happier joints and feet. Do your insoles need to be replaced? There are a number of factors that can lengthen or shorten the lifespan of a pair of insoles. These factors include:
The quality of the insole
It comes as no surprise that a high quality, well-made pair of memory foam insoles will last much longer compared to cheap ones. If you want your insoles to provide you the value that you deserve, you need to see them as an investment so you should be willing to spring for a better pair that will pay off in the long run.
The kind of style and materials
Insoles that are made using foam, gel or fabric upper are more likely to last longer than those made using cotton, wool or any other fabric. Those manufactured using a combo of foam and plastic also tend to maintain their shape better than those made from pure foam. Orthotics manufactured from carbon fiber or plastic also hold up better than gel insoles.
Your weight
Sadly, the more you weigh the sooner your insoles are likely to need a replacement. If you are heavier, it helps to invest in high-quality insoles. You should also generally pick plastic insoles over gel or foam ones. If you cannot find a pair that will suit you, it might be necessary to get orthotic insoles.
These ones tend to be a little more resilient compared to your everyday comfort insole. Plus if you opt to go the orthotic route, the insole that you pick can be designed to your specific weight, condition or ailment, which means that they will serve you for longer without needing to be replaced.
The nature use
It stands to reason that if you use your insoles all day, 24/7, they will fall apart a lot faster than if you were only using a few times a week. In addition, if you are using your insoles to carry out rigorous activities such as sports, exercise, construction work and so on, your insoles may not last as long as those ones that are used for casual wear.
So how do you know when it’s time?
The easiest way to tell whether your insoles need to be replaced is to simply investigate how they look and feel. To determine whether your insoles are still effective, you will need to have a close look at them by pulling them out of your shoes. Most insoles come out without any difficulty unless they are glued in. once you take them out, some of the things that you should be on the lookout for are:
- Bad smells and the presence of excessive moisture
- Insoles that are torn, worn out or deteriorated
- Check for extreme compression
- Inspect whether they still have arch support
- Check to determine whether they still fit correctly in the shoe
- If yours are glued in, you can check whether they still offer support by applying pressure with your fingers.
If you cannot tell whether your insole is effective, you can also try comparing it to another insole to see if there are any notable differences. Remember, the original insole that came with the shoes is likely to offer you a better fit than any others that you will buy. As such, you should only replace a pair if it is completely necessary.
Some other things that you should be on the lookout for include:
Discoloration
If the general appearance or colour of your insoles is considerably different from when you purchased them, it could be a clear indicator that you need a new pair. You should also be on the lookout for logos that have worn off or if your heel has left a visible impression on the sole.
Clear damage
When you realize that your sole has cracked or torn, you need to get new ones. Continuing to wear damaged insoles can put you at risk of developing blisters as your insole will no longer be providing you with the cushioning that you need.
Flatness
Once your insoles become flatter than it was when you bought it, it may be due for an upgrade. This is especially important if you are wearing insoles for pain management. Loss of support greatly diminishes the benefits you receive from insoles. High-quality foot foams and supportive materials can offer you the support that you need but they break down over time, ceasing to be effective at preventing foot pain or injury.
Final Thoughts
Insoles and orthotics can be just what you need when you are looking for relief for your back, knees, and feet. Are your shoes feeling too big or loose-fitting? Perhaps they rub slightly and feel uncomfortable after you have had them on for a while. Whether you are looking for insoles for your favourite pair of heels or loafers, replacing your worn-out insoles can help to put the spring back in your step.