How Long Do Orthotics Last? | Expert Guide from MyoDynamic Health
If you’ve ever wondered how long orthotics last, the real answer is: it depends on the foot, the materials, and the person who made them. At MyoDynamic Health, we design and manufacture custom milled CAD orthotics and handcrafted devices using EVA, carbon fibre, polypropylene, and a variety of functional and accommodative materials—each selected specifically for your biomechanics.
Our clinic uses both laser scanning CAD software and bio-foam impression casting to ensure the highest degree of accuracy when creating orthotics. This level of precision leads to longer-lasting devices and fewer replacements.
Quick Answer: How Long Do Orthotics Last?
At MyoDynamic Health:
- Orthotic shell lifespan: 3–4 years
- Recommended replacement interval: Every 2–3 years
- Complimentary adjustments/refurbishing: Free for 2 years
- Annual check-ups recommended: Yes
- Top covers/cushions: May wear down earlier in active individuals—easy same-day fix in our onsite lab
Why Orthotics Wear Out
Even the highest-quality custom orthotics naturally wear down over time. The most common reasons we see:
1. Top covers wearing down
Soft top layers compress and smooth out from everyday use, especially for nurses, construction workers, athletes, and high-impact individuals.
2. Cushioning layers compress
For active patients, cushioning material (EVA, poron, etc.) compresses faster.
These are easy, quick fixes.
3. Foot mechanics evolve
Your feet change over time from weight changes, injury, pregnancy, age, or new activities.
4. New conditions develop or old ones resolve
A heel lift or aggressive posting may not be necessary forever.
The good news: All of these issues are fixable in minutes with our on-site orthotic lab.
Free Adjustments & Refurbishing (First 2 Years)
Every orthotic we make includes a 2-year complimentary modification guarantee.
This includes:
- Posting changes
- Shell modifications
- Padding additions
- Top-cover replacements
- Forefoot and heel adjustments
- Re-alignment corrections
Because we manufacture everything in-house using CAD milling and handcrafted bio-foam techniques, your orthotics can be updated quickly and precisely.
Frequently Asked Questions — How Long Do Orthotics Last?
Quick answers from the MyoDynamic Health orthotics team. Includes lifespan, refurbishment, warranty and when to replace your orthotics.
At MyoDynamic Health, custom milled and handcrafted orthotics typically last 3–4 years. We recommend updating them every 2–3 years because feet and biomechanics can change over time.
Top covers can last anywhere from 6 months to 18 months depending on activity level. For active patients they often wear faster. Our clinic replaces top covers free of charge for the first 2 years.
Yes. Most orthotics can be refurbished — top cover replacement, re-padding, and minor shell adjustments are routine. At MyoDynamic Health these services are free for the first 2 years.
Look for new or recurring pain, visible top-cover wear, cracks or flattening of the shell, or observable changes in gait. We recommend annual check-ups to detect these changes early.
Yes — MyoDynamic Health provides a 2-year complimentary modification guarantee. Adjustments and minor refurbishing for qualifying orthotics are provided at no charge during that period.
If your question isn't listed here, or you'd like a quick orthotic check-up, book an appointment or contact your local MyoDynamic Health Clinic in Barrie, Newmarket, or Innisfil
Why Our Orthotics Last Longer: Technology Matters
At MyoDynamic Health, your orthotics are created using:
✓ Laser 3D Scanning (CAD Software)
Captures the exact shape of your foot with pinpoint accuracy.
✓ Bio-Foam Impression Casting
Ideal for handcrafted orthotics where contour and pressure mapping matter most.
✓ Computer-Milled Manufacturing
Ensures consistent precision and shell durability.
✓ On-Site Lab Adjustments
Repairs and modifications happen immediately—no 3-week waiting, no sending orthotics out.
This technology + craftsmanship = longer-lasting orthotics.
Why We Recommend Annual Orthotic Check-Ups
Even if your orthotics feel fine, yearly assessments help us:
- Monitor wear patterns
- Catch emerging foot changes
- Prevent future injuries
- Determine if updated orthotics are needed
- Rebuild or refurbish them when appropriate
Case Studies: Real Patients, Real Longevity
Case Study 1: J.M. – Aggressive Support, Simple Fix
Issue: After 6 months of use, J.M. felt his orthotics were “too aggressive.”
Why: His foot mechanics responded better than expected.
Our solution:
- Adjusted the posting to reduce corrective force
- Added arch padding for comfort
- Maintained proper alignment
Impact:
- Comfort improved immediately
- No replacement needed
- Lifespan extended through a minor modification
Case Study 2: J.S. – Achilles Tendonitis Resolved
Issue: J.S. had significant Achilles tendon pain.
Orthotic plan:
- Posted the rearfoot to neutral
- Added heel elevation to reduce Achilles tension
Outcome:
Her condition resolved within a couple of months.
Follow-up:
- We removed the heel lift and updated the orthotic so her Achilles regained normal range of motion
- Orthotics continued to work long-term for general support
Impact:
- Condition fully resolved
- No need for new devices
- Orthotics adjusted to match her improved biomechanics
| Type | Typical Lifespan | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Custom milled CAD orthotics (ours) | 3–4 years | Durable, precise, fully adjustable |
| EVA accommodative custom | 2–3 years | Softer, compresses earlier |
| Handcrafted bio-foam orthotics | 2–4 years | Highly accurate, depends on activities |
| Over-the-counter inserts | 3–12 months | Minimal support, non-custom |
| Carbon fibre orthotics | 4+ years | Rigid and long-lasting |
Why MyoDynamic Health Orthotics Last Longer
Serving Barrie, Innisfil, and Newmarket, we provide:
- Laser CAD scanning
- Bio-foam impressions
- On-site orthotic lab
- Same-day adjustments
- High-grade materials (carbon fibre, polypropylene, EVA)
- 2-year modification guarantee
This makes our orthotics more durable, more accurate, and longer lasting than typical custom or retail devices.
Think your orthotics might be wearing out?
Book a free orthotic check-up at MyoDynamic Health.
We’ll check:
- Wear patterns
- Gait changes
- Balance and alignment
- Whether you need refurbishing or a new pair