How To Tell If Your Custom Insoles Need To Be Replaced

Your custom insoles work hard—just like you. From morning commutes and mid-day walks to workouts and weekend adventures, they absorb shock, support your arches, and keep your body aligned. But over time, like any tool, they wear down.

Broken, torn, or worn-out insoles can impact your comfort more than you think. That subtle ache in your foot, the tightness in your hips, or even that nagging lower back pain might not be from overexertion—it could simply be your insoles telling you they’ve had enough. Knowing when to replace your custom insoles can make all the difference in how you feel throughout the day.

Here’s your complete guide to understanding how long custom insoles typically last, the signs that yours need replacing, and how lifestyle changes might be affecting your fit.

1. Are You Feeling Pain?

Let’s start with the most important indicator: discomfort.
Custom insoles are designed to provide support and relieve pain—not create it. If you're feeling aches in your arches, ankles, knees, hips, or back, it may be time to take a closer look at your insoles.

Watch for:

• Foot fatigue after short periods of standing or walking

• Corns or calluses, which suggest friction and rubbing

• Pain during high-impact activities like jogging, hiking, or jumping

Even the smallest misalignment can throw off your biomechanics, so don’t ignore these early warning signs.

2. How Often Do You Use Them?

Insole longevity isn’t just about time—it’s about usage.
Someone who wears their FitMyFoot Custom Insoles casually to the office will get much more life out of them than someone who wears them on daily 10k runs.

Here’s a general guideline:

If you're logging miles training for a half-marathon or putting in long shifts on your feet, your insoles are taking a beating—and they’ll need replacing sooner.

3. Is There Visible Wear or Damage?

A quick visual inspection can often tell you what your feet already know.

Look for:

• Surface wear – Fading logos or worn fabric on the top layer is normal and doesn’t typically affect function.

• Compression marks – Discoloration or flattening under high-pressure zones like the heel or forefoot is expected, but pay attention if they worsen over time.

• Structural damage – Cracks, tears, or separation between layers are red flags.

• Loss of support – Press down on the arch. If it feels softer or more flexible than it used to, it might not be providing the same level of support your foot needs.

Don’t underestimate small issues—compromised insoles can lead to big biomechanical problems over time.

4. Any Lifestyle or Health Changes?

Your body evolves—and so should your support.
Even if your insoles look fine on the outside, internal or lifestyle changes may mean they’re no longer the right fit.

Consider replacing your insoles if:

• You’ve gained or lost significant weight

• You’re pregnant or have recently given birth

• You’ve undergone surgery or physical therapy (especially in knees, hips, or spine)

• You’ve taken on a new job or activity level that demands more from your body

Even small biomechanical changes can throw off your alignment, so don’t be afraid to reassess if something in your life has shifted.

5. Do They Just Feel Different?

Insoles don’t need to be cracked or torn to lose effectiveness. Over time, the custom shape can compress, the cushioning can flatten, and the support you once relied on might not be what it used to be.

Trust how your body feels:

• Do your shoes feel looser or tighter than they used to?

• Does your posture feel different after long periods of standing?

• Are you unconsciously shifting your weight or favoring one side?

These are subtle signs, but they matter. Your comfort, alignment, and performance start with your foundation—and that begins with your insoles.

When in Doubt, Replace

We know it can be hard to part ways with a product that’s served you well, but wearing outdated or broken-down insoles can do more harm than good. Replacing them regularly ensures your feet—and the rest of your body—stay supported as life moves forward.

At FitMyFoot, we believe your comfort is worth maintaining. Whether you're walking the dog or running your next race, your insoles should keep up with your journey—not hold you back.

Explore New FitMyFoot Custom Insoles

If your current pair is nearing retirement, now is a great time to try our latest generation of FitMyFoot Custom Insoles, tailored to your exact foot shape for the perfect fit and maximum support. Designed for everyday wear, athletic performance, or recovery—there’s a pair for every lifestyle.

👉 Explore Custom Insoles

Let your feet thank you. Because when your foundation feels good, everything else follows.