How often do you change your footwear? – OrthoSole (2024)

Winter is upon us, and we’re sure you’ve already swapped your open-toed sandals for thicker, more robust footwear that will keep your feet warm and protect them from the elements.

But the change in seasons has got us thinking: how often do we change our footwear?

And how do we know when it’s time to replace shoes that are showing signs of wear and tear?

According to podiatrists, everyday shoes need to be replaced every 8 to 12 months – or when they start showing signs of wear and tear. But how do we know when it’s time to swap our favourite pumps, trainers or boots for a new pair?

Well, in a nutshell, if your shoes are not as comfortable or as supportive as they once were, it’s a sure sign you’ll soon need to replace them.

Over time, the material will begin to wear down, and will provide less cushioning to your feet as a result.

You may notice that the sole appears thinner than before, or there’s evidence of more excessive wear at the back of the heel or across the ball of the foot. The midsole may be creasing from overuse; the material may be starting to distort or lean in one direction; and holes or tears may be appearing in the seams. All these things are clear indicators that your shoes have been well worn and may not be providing you with the support your feet so desperately crave.

What’s more, damaged shoes can quickly become very uncomfortable. And we all know that discomfort can lead to poor posture and an unbalanced gait, which in turn can cause aches and pains not just in the feet, but all over the body.

It’s especially important to replace your walking or running shoes if they are looking a little worse for wear. These types of shoes are specifically designed to absorb shock during exercise – and if they’re lacking the material or the cushioning to do this, you could be opening yourself up to injury. Most podiatrists will recommend changing sports shoes once they’ve travelled 700 kilometres with you.

The same goes for work boots. Imagine how much strain you’ll be subjecting your feet to if you embark on shift after shift in a pair of well-worn, ill-fitting work shoes! Prevent unnecessary pain and soreness by replacing your work footwear as soon as you start to notice that your feet are getting tired and sore after a day onsite.

Worn high heels are a health hazard, too. Get your favourite stilettos re-heeled if you can’t bear to let them go!

If you’d rather not replace your shoes just yet, you can still make sure they’re delivering the right level of comfort and support by wearing our orthotic insoles.

Our inserts won’t just provide you with plenty of cushioning and a whole host of shock-absorbing benefits – they will also improve the fit of your shoes and stop your feet from slipping around within each shell. OrthoSole insoles have also been proven to improve posture, prevent foot fatigue and help combat the symptoms of foot conditions likeplantar fasciitis.

You can read more about themany benefits of OrthoSole products here.