Originally Published October 3, 2023 | Updated July 3, 2025
Custom orthotics are devices that correct and provide pain relief for biomechanical disorders (e.g., arthritis, bursitis, flat feet, and more). As the name implies, these inserts are custom-made to suit each patient’s needs.
Whether you’re beginning your custom orthotics journey or wonder if you need them, you probably have questions about the longevity of custom orthotics’ wear-and-tear over time, such as: “How long do custom orthotics last?”
Keep reading to learn the answers to this question and more from podiatrist Dr. Linde of the Foot Specialists of Birmingham!
How Long Do Custom Orthotics Last?
While cheap drugstore orthotics may only last for weeks or months, custom orthotics can provide years of relief. Typically, these devices can last 2-3 years; however, this is affected by factors such as materials, frequency of use, and lifestyle.
Some patients may need to replace their orthotics after one year, while others can last up to five, depending on their biomechanical foot condition and the following additional factors:
Factors Affecting Orthotics’ Longevity
Materials
The materials used to construct custom orthotics can affect their lifespan. Rigid orthotics made from carbon fiber or graphite will last longer than soft orthotics made from materials such as foam.
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle can also affect how long your orthotics last. For example, a patient whose job requires constant movement, plays sports, or stays active each day will wear out their orthotics and need to replace them sooner than a sedentary patient.
Frequency of Use
In addition to your lifestyle, how often you wear your orthotics can affect their lifespan. While most people wear orthotics for everyday use, some only wear them for specific activities, like sports.
Body Type
Your body type will also affect how quickly your orthotics wear out. The more weight you put on your orthotics, the quicker they wear down.
Changes in your weight or exercise routine can affect your orthotics. Losing or gaining weight could mean the inserts no longer fit your feet properly and need adjusting or replacing.
Aging
Your orthotics are custom-made to fit your feet and walking patterns; however, it is normal for your body and your gait to change as you age. Aging can lead to misalignment, excess strain or pressure on different parts of the foot, or uneven weight distribution.
Do Orthotics Need Replacing? Or Are They Repairable?
Your orthotics do not always need to be thrown out or replaced. Sometimes, orthotics simply need repairs or adjustments to fit your feet better. The determining factors for whether your orthotics need a replacement, adjustment, or repair depend on:
- The age of your orthotics (how old they are).
- The amount of wear on your orthotics (how much they have worn out),
- How drastically your gait changed.
- The materials your podiatrist crafts your orthotics from.
In general, evaluating your existing orthotics is necessary prior to getting new ones. Schedule an appointment with our team to discuss your options!
When Should You Replace Your Orthotics?
The most common signs that orthotics need replacing are new or recurring foot or ankle pain. Orthotics should provide relief, not gradually increase your pain. If your custom orthotics no longer offer the same relief or proper fit as they did when you first got them, it’s a likely sign they’re wearing down.
The significance of these changes in your experience wearing orthotics is especially true for those undergoing lifestyle changes or major medical events. Medical events like surgery or pregnancy can impact your body, weight, and gait mechanics.
You should also regularly check your orthotics for signs of damage and wear, such as warping, cracking, or buckling. These are common indicators of custom orthotics nearing the end of their lifespan.
Custom Orthotics Experts in Birmingham
There’s no set interval for when your orthotics need replacing; each case is different, but considering the factors in this article can help you closely estimate when you’ll need a replacement pair.
To know for sure when it’s time to replace your orthotics (or whether you need them in the first place), contact the Foot Specialists of Birmingham! Our knowledgeable podiatry staff is here to answer your questions, register you for a new patient consultation, or make a returning patient appointment.
