Blogs
When to Replace Insoles and How to Choose the Right Size
The insole is the part of your shoe you look at least, but the one that works hardest. It absorbs every step, soaks up sweat for months and wears out much faster than the rest of the shoe. A worn insole makes a good shoe less comfortable and is often the reason shoes start to smell. In this blog you will read when to replace insoles, how to choose the right size and color and how to keep them fresh for longer.
In short
- Replace your insoles when the cushioning feels flat, the fabric at the heel wears through or the smell won’t go away.
- With shoes you wear every day, that happens sooner than you think.
- Choose your normal shoe size and lay the old insole next to the new one to compare length and shape.
- Choose a color that suits the shoe: black for dark shoes, white for white sneakers, grey as the neutral choice.
- A replacement insole is not an orthotic. If you have problems with your feet, see a podiatrist.
When to replace insoles: the signs
There’s no fixed interval, because it depends on how often and how hard you wear your shoes. Look out for these signs:
| Sign | What it means |
|---|---|
| The cushioning feels flat and hard | The foam is compressed and no longer absorbs your step |
| The fabric at the heel or ball of the foot is wearing | The top layer is worn out |
| You can see an imprint of your foot in the insole | The material no longer springs back |
| The shoe keeps smelling, even after airing | The smell is in the insole |
| The insole slides or curls up in the shoe | The insole has lost its shape or the adhesive is letting go |
If you recognise one or more of these, it’s time for a new insole. A new insole is also a good start if you’ve lost one or bought second-hand shoes.
Do new insoles help against smelly shoes?
Often, yes. An insole soaks up sweat for months, which makes it one of the biggest sources of odour in your shoe. Bacteria break down that sweat, and that’s where the smell comes from. A new insole removes that source in one go. Let your shoes dry well between wears afterwards and it will stay that way. More tips are in our blog on smelly shoes.
What size insole do you need?
Choose your normal shoe size. The replacement insoles come in EU sizes 36 to 48.5. If in doubt, lay the old insole on the new one and compare the length and shape. Especially with shoes that run small or large, you’ll see straight away whether the size is right.
How to fit a new insole
- Pull out the old insole. If it’s glued in, carefully peel it loose from the heel.
- Lay the old insole on the new one to compare length and shape.
- Slide the new insole in, toe first.
- Press it down firmly at the heel and smooth it out, so it doesn’t wrinkle anywhere.
Which color insole should you choose?
- Black: for dark shoes. Dirt and wear show the least.
- White: for white sneakers and shoes with a light lining.
- Grey: the neutral choice. Grey comes as standard in many sneakers and fits almost any shoe.
Not sure? Look at the insole that’s in there now. Chances are it’s grey. If you have several pairs, the 5-packs are better value per pair.
Insole or orthotic?
That’s an important difference. A replacement insole replaces the standard insole that came in your shoe, with soft cushioning for when you walk a lot. An orthotic is a corrective insole that adjusts your posture or gait, often custom-made. If you have pain in your feet, knees or back when walking, get advice from a podiatrist.
How do you keep insoles fresh for longer?
- Take them out regularly after wearing, so both the insole and the shoe can dry.
- Give a pair of shoes a day’s rest after wearing.
- Use an odour-neutralising spray, such as the Collonil Carbon MaxX Fresh. Spray over the footbed and the lining.
- Put cedar shoe trees in your shoes. They absorb moisture and give off a fresh scent.
Read on: how to refresh old shoes in 6 steps and lacing for a high instep.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you replace insoles?
As soon as the cushioning feels flat, the fabric wears or the smell won’t go away. With shoes you wear every day, that can be after a few months.
Do these insoles fit every shoe?
They fit most sneakers and shoes with a removable insole. If in doubt, compare the old insole with the new one.
Can I wash insoles?
You can usually freshen them up by hand in lukewarm water with a little soap. Then let them air-dry, not on a radiator. If the smell keeps coming back, replace them.
Should I get new laces too?
You don’t have to, but it’s a good moment. With new insoles and new laces, an old pair feels like new again. See all laces by type.
All colors and sizes are in insoles.
