How Long Do Insoles Last? Signs Yours Are Worn Out, and How to Make Them Last

Short answer: months, not years. How many months depends on the insole and on how many hours you spend on your feet. A pair worn for a few errands a week lasts far longer than a pair standing on concrete for 12 hours a day.

So the better question isn't "how old are my insoles?" It's "are they still working?" Here's how to tell, and how to get more out of every pair.

What insole makers say

The big insole brands publish their own advice, and it lands in the same place:

• Dr. Scholl's recommends replacing insoles every 4 to 6 months, or at the first signs of wear.
• PowerStep says most of its insoles should be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on wear, activity and how often you wear them.
• Superfeet says its insoles typically last around 500 miles or 12 months.
• Dr. Comfort says people who walk or stand for long periods should replace them every 6 to 12 months.

If you work long shifts on hard floors, expect to be at the short end of those ranges. And the thin insole your shoes came with usually gives up much sooner: a few weeks of shifts can press it flat.

What wears an insole out

• Hours on your feet. A 12 hour shift puts far more wear on an insole than a day of errands.
• Hard floors. Concrete and tile give nothing back, so the insole takes every hit.
• Heat and sweat. Warm, damp foam breaks down faster.
• One pair doing everything. Moving the same pair between your work shoes and everything else means it never rests.

6 signs your insoles are done

1. The press test fails. Push your thumb into the heel. A working insole pushes back. A worn one stays flat or leaves a dent.

2. You can see your footprint. A dark, pressed in heel and ball of the foot means the foam under them has packed down.

3. One spot is flatter than the rest. Usually the heel. Put the insole on a table and look at it from the side.

4. The top is torn or the foam is coming apart.

5. A smell that won't wash out.

6. Your feet hurt sooner than they used to. If the ache used to start at hour 10 and now starts at hour 4, your insoles are telling you something.

How to make insoles last longer

• One pair for every pair of shoes you wear most. Each pair gets a rest between wears, and you don't wear one pair out twice as fast.
• Let them breathe. After a shift, take them out and let them air dry overnight, away from heaters and sun.
• Clean them gently. Most foam insoles do best with a gentle hand wash and air dry. Never the dryer.
• Take the factory insole out. Stacking two insoles squeezes both and makes your shoe tight.
• Pick the right kind for your feet. Soft foam for feet that are done by the end of the shift; a firm arch and heel cup if your heel or arch hurts from the first step. The wrong kind feels worn out from day one.

What people say after swapping worn insoles

Real words from public reviews and forums. They're about insoles in general, not reviews of SoftInch. Our own reviews show on our product pages as buyers leave them.

"I got two pairs of these to put in my Doc Martens and my Adidas and it definitely helped felt like a brand new shoe!!"

Amazon review of a cloud foam insole

"I'm hoping that I don't have to splurge on new shoes because I love the ones I got! So far very comfy!"

Amazon review of a cloud foam insole

"Has not flattened after a month of use. Recommend"

Amazon review of a cloud foam insole

"Im putting them in all my shoes!"

Amazon review of a cloud foam insole

"3rd time I bought these insoles."

Amazon review of a cloud foam insole

"Powerstep Inserts, worn daily for 4 years."

On Reddit, about a firm support insole

Our promise if they go flat

Every insole wears with use, ours too. So we put it in writing: if your SoftInch Comfort Insoles go flat within 60 days, send us a photo and we send you a new pair, completely free.

Our picks

• For feet that are done by the end of the shift: SoftInch Comfort Insoles. Soft cloud foam that springs back, full length, 8 sizes, and the 60 day flat promise.
• For heels and arches that hurt from the first step: SoftInch Arch Support Insoles. A firm arch shell and a deep heel cup, trim to fit.

Right now, 2 pairs of either come with free compression socks, so each pair of shoes can have its own. Free tracked shipping.

Questions

How often should I replace insoles if I work on my feet all day?

Check them every month or two with the press test and the signs above. Insole makers suggest every 4 to 12 months; long shifts on hard floors wear them out at the faster end.

Do insoles go flat?

All of them do in time. Good foam springs back for longer, and firm support insoles hold their shape longer still. That's why we back our Comfort Insoles for 60 days.

Can I wash my insoles?

Most foam insoles can be gently hand washed and left to air dry. Keep them out of the washing machine and the dryer.

Should I keep my old factory insoles?

Keep them in the box in case you sell or swap the shoes, but don't wear them under new insoles. One insole per shoe.