How Long Do Children's Orthotics Last?

The lifespan of a children's orthotic depends on the type of device, the child's activity level, and how quickly they are growing. The following table gives typical ranges:

Orthotic Type	Typical Lifespan
Soft foam over-the-counter insoles	3 to 6 months
Semi-rigid custom orthotics	6 to 12 months
Rigid custom orthotics	12 to 18 months
AFOs (ankle-foot orthoses)	12 to 18 months, sometimes less

These are averages. Very active children who run, jump, and play sport frequently will wear through devices faster. Equally, rapid growth may mean a device is outgrown before it wears out physically. In practice, growth is the more common reason for replacing children's orthotics.

There are two main reasons why children's orthotic devices have a shorter lifespan than adult devices:

Growth: a child's foot changes size and shape quickly. An orthotic is fitted to the foot at a specific point in time, and as the foot grows, the device becomes progressively less effective. The arch position shifts, the heel cup becomes too narrow, and the correction angle no longer matches the foot's geometry. A device that was fitted for one shoe size is not positioned correctly at two sizes bigger, and an ill-fitting orthotic actively causes discomfort rather than relieving it.

Activity: children are generally more active than adults. Running, jumping, climbing, and sport place far greater stress on an orthotic device than adult walking and standing. The repeated impact loading during play accelerates compression of foam layers, fatigues rigid materials, and wears through cover materials faster.

Check your child's orthotics regularly for these warning signs:

• Return of original symptoms. This is the most important signal. If the pain, gait issues, fatigue, or instability that the orthotic was prescribed to address begin returning, the device is likely no longer providing adequate correction.
• Visible compression, cracks, or splits. Inspect the device regularly, paying particular attention to the area under the heel and arch where pressure is greatest. Foam devices compress over time, and rigid devices can develop hairline cracks.
• The device no longer fits the foot properly. If the orthotic looks too short, too narrow, or sits at the wrong angle when placed against the sole of your child's foot, it has been outgrown.
• Your child complains of new or worsening pain in the foot, knee, hip, or lower back. An orthotic that no longer fits correctly can create new problems by changing the alignment of the leg and pelvis.
• Your child has grown significantly. Even if the device looks fine physically, significant growth means the correction is no longer positioned correctly relative to the anatomical landmarks of the foot.

If your child's orthotics were provided through the NHS, you do not need a new GP referral to get replacements. The original referral places your child in the orthotics department's system, and you can contact the department directly to request a review.

Do not wait until the device has completely failed or been outgrown to the point of uselessness. Contact the department proactively when you notice the warning signs listed above. Early contact means your child spends less time in a failing device, and it gives the department time to schedule an appointment and produce a new device.

Waiting times for NHS orthotics vary by region and can be several weeks or months. The sooner you make contact, the shorter the gap between the old device failing and the new one arriving.

Yes. A firm orthotic device pressing against the interior of the shoe accelerates the breakdown of the shoe's internal structure. The heel counter softens faster because the orthotic presses against it from the inside. The midsole compresses unevenly under the rigid profile of the device. The insole bed wears through more quickly.

This is an additional reason why children with orthotics need more frequent shoe replacements than children without devices. The shoes are being worn out from the inside as well as the outside.

Read our guide on how quickly children outgrow orthotic shoes for advice on checking shoe condition and managing replacement costs.

There is a long NHS waiting list and my child's orthotics have failed. What can I do while waiting?

A good-quality, supportive over-the-counter insole can serve as a temporary measure while you wait for the new custom device. It will not provide the same level of correction, but it is significantly better than no support at all. Continue to use compatible footwear with the OTC insole in place. When contacting the orthotics department, mention if symptoms are worsening, as this may affect priority.

Can I buy a replacement over-the-counter insole to bridge the gap?

An OTC insole is not the same as a custom device and will not replicate the specific correction your child needs. However, a good-quality OTC insole with firm arch support and a deep heel cup can reduce discomfort while waiting for a replacement custom device. It is a practical short-term measure, not a long-term solution.

Are paediatric orthotics designed to last longer than adult ones?

Some paediatric orthotic devices are designed with adjustable features that can be modified as the child grows, extending the usable life of the device. However, even adjustable devices have limits. Ask your child's orthotist whether an adjustable device is suitable for your child's condition and growth pattern.

My child refuses to wear their orthotics. What should I do?

This is a common challenge, particularly as children get older. First, check whether the device is causing genuine discomfort, as a poorly fitting or outgrown orthotic may be painful rather than simply unwanted. If the fit is fine, the issue may be about appearance, social pressure, or feeling different. Read our guide on helping your child accept their orthotic shoes for practical strategies.

Browse our full Children's Orthotic Shoe Buyer Guide