This morning I met with my podiatrist (also a runner, so he’s legit) to get fitted for orthodics. My right foot continues to ache dully after my long runs, and I just have no interest in playing the wait-and-see game, for fear that the wait will result in me seeing more injury.
[We also had a laugh over my black toenail–only podiatrists and runners could find a black toenail humorous, I suppose. The BT is only now starting to show signs of ever growing out–this is since mid-January, mind you. Knowing my luck, it will grow back and heal just in time for me to run New York, and generate another BT.]
I gathered as much anecdotal information as I could about orthodics before I plunked down my nearly $600 for a pair, which I’ll only use in my running shoes. Most everyone who had them said, “Get them!” I’m in this runnin thing for the long haul, so I didn’t second-guess them. But I’m wondering: has anyone had a bad experience with orthodics? Or gotten them but ot really needed them? As with anything new, I approach them with an open mind, but not expecting miracles. Would love to know other’s experiences with the custom insole.
Pigtails Flying 
I had a pair of Orthotics made while battling plantar fasciitis a few years ago. While I was waiting for the orthotics to arrive, my Podiatrist recommended firm arch supports (Superfeet or Powerstep) to put in my shoes.
The arch supports – along with a lot of stretching and icing – helped my PF problem before the orthotics ever arrived!
The orthotics that I got were very hard and I found them uncomfortable, so I went back to the Superfeet supports and the PF still has not returned.
I have stayed injury free with $30 arch supports (and $300 orthotics that are collecting dust).
I know people who swear by their orthotics (hopefully you will be one of them given the investment!), but I never got used to them.