When Should You Replace Your Insoles? 5 Signs It’s Time

Most people don’t think about their insoles until something starts hurting. And by then, the damage is usually already done. Insoles take a beating every single day—especially if you skate, run, hike, or spend long hours on your feet—and stock insoles simply aren’t built to last. They compress, lose shape, and quietly stop doing their job. Facts are facts.

Not sure whether it’s time to replace yours? Here are five signs your insoles are officially past their prime. 

1. Your Shoes Still Look Fine, But Your Feet Don’t Feel Great

This one catches people off guard. The outside of your shoes might still be holding strong, but the inside tells a different story. If your feet feel sore, fatigued, or irritated after sessions that used to feel normal, your insoles are likely the issue.

Stock insoles tend to break down much faster than the rest of the shoe. Once they lose support, your feet start absorbing more impact and strain, even if you don’t notice it right away. That discomfort adds up over time and can creep into your arches, heels, knees, or lower back.

Upgrading to a supportive insole like Remind brings structure back underfoot, helping your shoes feel “alive” again without needing a full replacement.

2. Everything Feels Harsher Than It Used To

Landings feel heavier. Standing feels less forgiving. Walking on concrete feels louder than it should. Sound familiar?

That’s what happens when insole cushioning packs out. Foam compresses permanently, meaning it no longer rebounds or absorbs impact the way it once did. When that cushion is gone, every step sends more force straight into your body.

Remind Insoles are designed to maintain their cushioning and structure over time, so you don’t get that sudden drop-off in comfort. Whether you’re skating gaps or logging long days on your feet, consistent shock absorption makes a real difference.

3. You’re Dealing With Ongoing Foot Pain (That Wasn’t There Before)

Foot pain doesn’t usually come out of nowhere. Heel soreness, arch pain, or pressure in the ball of your foot are often signs that your insoles are no longer supporting your foot properly.

Worn-out insoles allow your foot to collapse or shift in ways that create unnecessary strain. Over time, that can lead to common issues like plantar fasciitis or chronic soreness that sticks around long after you’re done skating or working.

Remind Insoles are built to promote proper alignment, support your arch, and stabilize your heel—helping reduce pressure points and prevent pain from becoming a long-term problem.

4. Your Balance, Stability, or Confidence Feels Off

This one is subtle, but important. If you feel less stable than usual—whether you’re skating, running, or just moving through your day—your insoles could be playing a role.

Good insoles help keep your foot centered and supported. Bad ones let things slide around. That lack of stability can affect your balance, reaction time, and overall confidence, especially during quick movements or impact-heavy activities.

Remind Insoles provide a stable platform underfoot, helping you stay locked in and controlled. Better support doesn’t just feel good—it helps you move better.

5. They’re Smelly, Flattened, or Just Plain Cooked

Sometimes the signs are impossible to ignore. If your insoles are visibly flattened, cracked, warped, or permanently smelly, they’re done. No amount of airing them out is bringing them back.

Old insoles trap sweat and bacteria, which leads to lingering odor and hygiene issues. Beyond that, once materials break down, they stop providing meaningful support altogether.

Remind Insoles use durable, antimicrobial materials that resist odor and hold their shape longer than stock insoles, making them a smarter long-term solution for anyone who actually uses their shoes.

The Bottom Line

Insoles aren’t meant to last forever—especially stock ones. If your feet are uncomfortable, your performance feels off, or your shoes just don’t feel the way they used to, replacing your insoles is one of the simplest upgrades you can make.

High-quality options like Remind Insoles—whether it’s the Cush, Medic, Destin, Rede, or Remedy—offer real support, real comfort, and real durability where it matters most. Your feet take enough abuse as it is. They deserve better than a flimsy piece of foam.

Check your insoles. Listen to your feet. And when it’s time, make the switch. We promise you'll be stoked. 

Not sure which Remind insole is right for you? Take the Insole Finder Quiz and get matched with the perfect fit.