At Canyon Foot & Ankle Specialists in Twin Falls and Burley, we’re always thrilled when our patients experience much-needed relief from custom orthotics. These insoles have likely become indispensable in your daily routine, offering precise support that cradles your arches, offloads pressure points, and realigns your gait—and eliminating pain you once thought was permanent.
We also understand these medical devices represent a significant investment in your mobility and comfort. Fortunately, with appropriate care and maintenance, that investment can pay dividends for years through sustained pain relief and prevention of secondary complications. So we outline professional insole maintenance recommendations to ensure your custom orthotics continue to provide the same level of exceptional support they delivered on day one.
Daily Insole Maintenance Best Practices for Custom Orthotics
The manufacturing process for prescribed orthotics involves specialized equipment and materials that contribute to their effectiveness and longevity. While this explains their initial higher cost compared to over-the-counter alternatives, the tailored support they provide makes them well worth the investment for many people with chronic foot pain and other conditions.
With proper care, custom orthotics from our Twin Falls and Burley podiatrists can last for years before needing replacement or refurbishment. Understanding their value helps emphasize the importance of following proper maintenance guidelines.
Routine Cleaning Procedures for Orthotics
Establish a weekly cleaning schedule to ensure effective hygiene and prevent material breakdown. Regular cleaning not only extends the life of your custom orthotics but also reduces the risk of foot infections and skin irritations that sometimes develop from wearing soiled inserts.
- For graphite orthotics, use a soft cloth dampened with mild soap and water to gently wipe down the surface. This simple practice removes accumulated dirt, sweat, and bacteria that degrade materials and create odors.
- Never submerge your orthotics completely in water, as this can damage adhesives and compromise structural integrity. Instead, focus on surface cleaning with minimal moisture.
- After cleaning, thoroughly pat your orthotics dry with a clean towel before allowing them to air dry completely away from direct heat sources.
- Pay special attention to the top cover material, which absorbs most of the moisture from your feet. This layer can harbor bacteria if not properly cleaned and dried. For persistent odors, a light application of baking soda left overnight (and thoroughly removed before wearing) can help neutralize unpleasant smells.
- If your orthotics have leather components, consider using a leather conditioner recommended by one of our foot doctors to prevent the material from drying out and cracking. Apply the conditioner sparingly and allow it to absorb completely before wearing the orthotics again.
Proper Handling and Storage of Custom Insoles
Although Canyon Foot & Ankle Specialists design durable graphite orthotics that bear the weight of your body every day, it’s essential to handle and store them with care to preserve their shape and function.
- Hold at the edges. When removing orthotics from your shoes, handle them carefully by the edges to prevent bending or cracking. Develop the habit of gently lifting them out of your shoes rather than pulling forcefully or twisting.
- Keep them cool and dry. Always store your orthotics away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can warp the materials and affect their therapeutic benefits. Don’t leave them by an air vent or in a hot car. Also, avoid storing them in bathrooms, where humidity levels are high and can promote mold growth or material deterioration.
- Use their protective case. If our team provided you with an orthotics case, use it often. It’s designed to maintain the shape of your insoles and protect them from dust, moisture, and accidental damage. If you travel frequently, bring your orthotic storage case along to ensure proper protection during transport. This simple step prevents damage from compressed luggage or exposure to temperature extremes that might be encountered during travel. If you've misplaced the original case, a good alternative is a clean, dry container with a lid.
Extend Custom Orthotics Lifespan Through Rotation
Our Twin Falls and Burley podiatrists often recommend having multiple pairs of custom orthotics for different types of footwear and activities—one pair for sports activities, for example, another set for work shoes, and maybe insoles for casual wear, too. Our team optimizes each pair for the specific activity and shoe type to provide better support and function.
This rotation system significantly extends the life of each pair by reducing daily wear and allowing recovery time between uses. Additionally, when investing in multiple pairs, keep detailed records of when each was obtained and when adjustments were made. This information helps track the age and condition of each pair and anticipate when replacements might be needed.
On average, whether you have accommodative or functional custom orthotics, you should enjoy up to three years of pain-free relief with proper insole maintenance. However, if it’s been more than a year since your last orthotic evaluation, or if you're noticing changes in comfort or function, we encourage you to schedule an appointment. The experienced podiatrists at Canyon Foot & Ankle will assess the condition of your current devices and recommend additional care tips, adjustments, or replacements to keep you moving comfortably.