7 Tips To Know When To Replace Your Shoe Insoles

Like most people, you probably take your shoes for granted. But have you ever taken the time to think about how important your shoes are to your overall health? With these tips to know when to replace your shoe insoles, you will get a step closer to better foot health. 

You are more affected than you may know by worn-out, broken, and damaged shoe insoles. The continual pressure of walking daily has eliminated the support you once valued and cherished.  Your knees are beginning to misalign, your hips are tight, and you’re starting to feel a dull ache in your lower back and mild pain in the arch of your foot.

In addition to keeping your feet in perfect shape, shoe insoles cushion your steps and help support your arches. That’s why it’s vital to ensure that your shoes are in good condition, including replacing your shoe insoles when they start to wear out. 

But, how do you know when it’s time to replace them? This blog post will discuss the signs that indicate when to replace your shoe insoles. So, read on to learn more!

1. They’ve Lost Their Color

It may be time for new shoe insoles if the general appearance is noticeably different from when you first purchased them. This can entail leaving a noticeable mark from your foot on the insole or wearing the logo off the heel. 

Like an old rusty car, there may simply be the surface that appears to be aged, but there is generally more going on underneath. Visible wear on your insole’s surface indicates that the foam padding and internal support systems are starting to break down.

 2. There Is Visible Wear Or Damage

You’ll notice a few things when you look at your shoe insoles, some of which are purely aesthetic and others structural. The damage to the structure is what we’re searching for in this second tip.

First, the top layer will experience cosmetic wear and tear. The integrity of the rig is at risk if you observe that the pattern has begun to rub or wear off. 

Second, when the pressure from your heel or ball of foot centralizes on the bottom of the insole, you might observe that the color has started to fade. This is also acceptable and to be expected with daily use. 

But you should be searching for cracks, broken parts, or if the arch is becoming more flexible (I.e., not giving the same level of support). You will know when to replace your insoles if you discover any cracking.

3. They Produce An Unpleasant Odor

Your feet will inevitably perspire if you lead an active lifestyle or play high-impact sports. However, you will know when to replace your shoe insoles if they continue to smell bad after removing your shoes; this may indicate that moisture has become trapped inside the insole. Unpleasant smells may also indicate bacteria or fungus, which raises your risk of infection or other foot issues.

4. Your Foot Or Knee Pain Has Returned

You will know when to replace your shoe insoles if you’re experiencing back, foot, ankles, or knee pain. The purpose of custom insoles is to relieve discomfort rather than induce it, which is the exact opposite of what they accomplish. Standing, running, or even jumping should not cause you pain. Calluses and corns, indicators that your feet have been rubbing inside your shoe, should not hurt your feet.

5. They’ve Become Flat

How else do you know when to replace your shoe insoles? It’s time to change your insoles when they become compressed after prolonged use and no longer maintain their original density or form.  Compression is the most subtle indication that your insoles need to be replaced. 

Before your insoles become flat, you’ll probably notice some additional signs, such as the insoles appearing old and misalignment of your shoe soles. This is what happens when your shoes no longer provide adequate support for your feet. The best way to avoid this is to change your insoles every six months or as needed.

6. You Have Used The Insoles For A Long Time

For what reason do you wear your insoles? Is the answer to running long distances every other day as part of your half-marathon training, or are you wearing them for everyday activities like walking around during your lunch break at work? 

Simply put, if you use them for daily tasks instead of preparing to be the next Usain Bolt, they won’t wear out nearly as quickly. Running, for instance, degrades your insoles more rapidly than wearing them all day at work. 

7. There Has Been A Change In Your Lifestyle

Last but not least, have you made any notable adjustments to your lifestyle? For instance, new shoe insoles can be required if you underwent knee surgery or got pregnant to account for the changes to your body.  Your biomechanics may change due to these medical concerns, possibly making your insoles obsolete.

Also, if you’ve suddenly changed your activity level, this is another sign to know when to replace your shoe insoles. For example, going from a sedentary lifestyle to running every day will put different demands on your feet than what they’re used to. In this case, supportive shoe insoles can make all the difference between enjoying your new workout routine or dealing with constant pain.

Find the Perfect Insoles with NetStep™!

When it comes to your health, you can never be too careful. We hope our tips have helped you learn more about when to replace shoe insoles. We want you to feel confident and comfortable in your shoes, so finding the perfect pair of insoles is key! Luckily, NetStep™ has got you covered. 

They say that all orthotics are not created equal. But at NetStep™, we believe you should be able to customize your shoes with our 3D printing or CNC technologies and designs based on the most advanced digital programs for them to fit just right!

We manufacture orthotics for various applications, from sports and athletics to everyday activities. The orthotics ease lower-body pain and encourage healthy movement.

NetStep™’s orthotics are certified by the FDA (US Food & Drug Administration) and CE (European Standards for Safety, Health, and Quality). This guarantees that you get quality shoe insoles that medical authorities have approved.

With an extensive selection of men’s and women’s insoles, we are confident that you will find the right fit for your needs. NetStep™ is here to help you achieve optimal foot health!