Foot pain can be enough to stop many from enjoying an active, healthy lifestyle. Fortunately, orthotic insoles can help relieve causes of foot pain, as well as aches in the lower body, hips, and back. They redistribute pressure around the foot and can enhance your ability to engage in everyday activities such as standing, walking, and jumping.
In terms of how long it takes to break in a new pair of orthotics, it generally depends on the type of orthotic you opt for. We can break them down into two general groups:
- Custom orthotics
- Off-the-shelf inserts.
Custom Orthotics
If your orthotic insoles are custom-made, we recommend wearing them for about an hour on the first day and increasing the wear-time by an additional hour each day. They may feel a little strange for the first few days as you become accustomed to wearing them. At this stage, it is normal to feel like the insole is placing pressure on the arch of your foot.
After approximately a week, you should notice a significant improvement in comfort as your feet have adapted to the insoles. After two weeks, you should no longer be able to feel the orthotic. With a properly made orthotic, you should not experience any slipping of the heel or irritation of the arch.
Off-the-shelf Orthotics
Off-the-shelf orthotics also require time to get used to, but their wear-in periods are twice as quick. Like custom orthotics, once you start using them, they will feel a bit unfamiliar for the first day or two. Your arch may experience some pressure, and the heel may feel as if it is positioned too far back.
By the third or fourth day, the orthotics should feel entirely comfortable, and, after about a week, you should be fully acclimatized to them.
Please comment below with any questions you may have regarding orthotic inserts!