How Long Do Orthotics and Shoes Last?

The lifespan of an orthotic depends on its material, how often you wear it, and what activities you do. Here are typical ranges:

Device Type	Typical Lifespan
Soft foam orthotics	1 to 2 years
Semi-rigid custom orthotics	2 to 3 years
Rigid carbon fibre or polypropylene orthotics	3 to 5 years

These are averages for adults with typical daily use. Runners and people who are on their feet for long hours will see faster wear. The NHS typically reassesses orthotics every 1 to 3 years, depending on the condition and the device.

Do not wait for your orthotic to fall apart before seeking a replacement. Watch for these signs:

• Return of symptoms: if the pain or discomfort your orthotic was treating starts coming back, the device may have lost its corrective properties.
• Visible wear or cracks: check the underside and edges of the device regularly. Cracks, splits, or areas where the material has worn thin are clear indicators.
• Feels thinner or softer than it used to: foam and semi-rigid devices compress over time. If the device feels noticeably flatter than when it was new, it is losing its support.
• Your body weight or foot shape has changed: significant weight gain or loss, pregnancy, or changes related to ageing can mean the device no longer fits correctly.
• The covering is worn through: if the top cover has worn away and exposed the underlying material, the device needs attention at minimum and likely replacement.

Shoes wear out too, and worn-out shoes undermine even a perfectly functioning orthotic. Here are the key signs:

Sign	What It Means
Heel counter collapses when pinched	Structural support is gone; the shoe can no longer hold the heel in place
Uneven sole wear	The orthotic is no longer correcting effectively because the shoe platform is tilted
Midsole compression or wrinkling	Cushioning is used up; the orthotic is sitting on a dead, compressed surface
Upper is deformed or stretched	The shoe has lost its shape and can no longer hold the foot securely over the orthotic

Most daily-wear shoes last 12 to 18 months before these signs become apparent. Running shoes have a shorter lifespan of roughly 6 to 9 months (or 300 to 500 miles) due to the higher impact forces involved.

If your orthotics were provided by the NHS, you do not need a new GP referral to get replacements. Contact the orthotics department directly. Most departments have a telephone number for existing patients, and many accept self-referral for reviews and replacements.

Do not wait until your device has completely failed before making contact. If you are noticing signs of wear or a return of symptoms, call the department and request a review. Early contact avoids the gap between a broken device and a replacement being ready.

For your orthotics:

• Always use them in compatible shoes. Incompatible shoes create abnormal stresses that accelerate wear.
• Air them out overnight by removing them from the shoe and letting both dry separately.
• Do not flex or bend rigid devices. Handle them carefully when transferring between shoes.

For your shoes:

• Rotate between two pairs whenever possible. Wearing the same pair every day compresses the midsole without giving it time to recover.
• Air shoes out between wears. Remove the orthotic and let the shoe dry fully, especially after exercise or wet weather.
• Replace worn laces and insoles. Fresh laces improve the fit, and replacing a worn factory insole (if you use one in a secondary pair) extends the shoe's useful life.

My orthotics are less than a year old but they feel flat. Is that normal?

No. Premature wear can indicate a manufacturing issue, incorrect material choice, or use in incompatible shoes. Contact your orthotics department and explain the timeline. You may be entitled to a replacement or reassessment.

My shoes look fine on the outside but feel different. Do they need replacing?

External appearance is a poor indicator of shoe health. The critical structures are internal: the heel counter and the midsole. Pinch the heel counter and press the midsole with your thumb. If the heel counter collapses or the midsole feels soft and compressed, the shoe needs replacing regardless of how the outside looks.

Can I get my shoes resoled to extend their life?

A cobbler can replace the outer sole, which helps if the tread is worn. However, resoling does not restore a compressed midsole or a collapsed heel counter, which are the structures that matter most for orthotic function. If those are gone, the shoe needs replacing.

My NHS orthotist said I am due for a review. What should I do?

Contact the department proactively and book the appointment. Make a note of any changes in your symptoms, any new pain, and the condition of your current device. Bringing this information to the review helps the orthotist decide whether you need a new device or an adjustment to your existing one.

Browse our full Orthotic Shoe Buyer Guide for more detailed advice on every aspect of buying shoes for orthotics.