Replaceable Parts for Longer Life | Generated by AI
Question: What are things like insoles that we can buy separately to extend the usage time of items in daily life?
Answer:
Items like insoles are removable, replaceable parts that wear out faster than the main product. By buying and swapping them separately, you can significantly extend the life of the original item (like shoes) without replacing the whole thing.
Here are common examples of such separately purchasable, replaceable wear parts in everyday items:
Footwear-related
- Replacement insoles / shoe inserts
Many shoes (especially running shoes, work boots, sneakers, and walking shoes) have removable factory insoles that flatten or degrade over time. Buying aftermarket insoles (gel, foam, arch support, etc.) and swapping them can restore comfort and extend shoe life by months or even years. Brands like Dr. Scholl’s, Spenco, Tread Labs (with replaceable top covers), and Sidas are popular for this.
Clothing and accessories
- Shoe soles / resoling
Good leather shoes or boots can be resoled (new sole attached) multiple times, turning a 3–5 year shoe into 10+ years of use. - Shoe laces
Simple and cheap to replace when they fray. - Zippers or buttons on jackets, pants, bags → often replaceable.
Electronics and tech
- Phone / laptop batteries
Many models (especially Fairphone, some iPhones, Framework laptops) allow battery replacement, extending device life 2–5+ years. - Screen protectors and cases
Cheap to replace instead of buying a new phone. - Earphone tips / eartips (for earbuds) → silicone/rubber tips wear out and are easily swapped.
Kitchen and household
- Blender / food processor blades or gaskets
Often sold separately when they dull or crack. - Knife sharpening or replaceable knife blades (some modular knife systems).
- Coffee machine filters / water filters (e.g., Brita, espresso machines).
- Vacuum cleaner bags / filters / brushes → regular replacement keeps the vacuum working like new.
Personal care and hygiene
- Toothbrush heads (electric toothbrushes like Oral-B, Philips Sonicare).
- Razor blades / safety razor heads → metal razor handle lasts forever, only blades are replaced.
- Shaver foils / heads for electric shavers.
Other daily items
- Backpack / bag zippers, straps, or buckles — many brands sell repair parts.
- Bicycle tires, tubes, chains, brake pads → core parts are consumable and replaceable.
- Watch straps / bands (leather, metal, NATO) — easy swap to refresh or repair a watch.
The key idea is choosing products designed with modular or serviceable parts (e.g., removable insoles, screw-together laptops like Framework, repair-friendly brands like Patagonia for clothing). This approach saves money, reduces waste, and makes high-quality items last much longer.
References:
- Replacement Insoles For Running Shoes
- TREAD LABS Ramble Insoles
- Sustainable smartphones? Modular design
- Framework Laptop modular design (commonly referenced in modular tech discussions)