Orthodics...

1. How did your podiatrist go about diagnosing your condition? MRI? Standing on your toes test?
2. Have you tried off-the-shelf orthotics (Superfeet, Spenco, Orthoheel - all in the $38-45 range)? Motion control shoes? They would be considerably less expensive than the price you mentioned.

You might want to at least get fitted/try out an off-the-shelf orthotic before committing to a $450 custom orthotic. You have nothing to lose except for the time you spend in the store trying them out. If nothing works, then get the custom orthotic.

Best to try them out with the proper shoe, too. Be methodical - find the right shoe then try different orthotics with that shoe until you've found the right combination.

Dr Sholes is nothing I would recommend. There are much better orthotics available for less than $50.

I don't wear orthotics; my arches hold up pretty good (medium arches). I'm a mostly neutral runner (slight supination in the right foot).

Oops, that's not quite correct. I put a Superfeet Blue orthotic in my cycling shoes; it keeps my foot from sliding forward and prevents my toes from jamming forward in the shoe (this happens only on my right foot). It does this by keeping my heel in the heel cup; the heel doesn't slide forward due to the gentle arch and heel cup in the Blue. It feels perfect in my cycling shoes, but that's not an impact bearing shoe, not like a running shoe. I will not wear orthotics in my running shoes, but I don't have your problems.

Spenco makes one called Total Support. It's soft. Ask for that one, but try to keep an open mind to others. You want one that feels comfortable. Important to fit it in the shoe you will be running in. If your podiatrist wants to limit/control the motion in your heel and arch, you might want to look at motion control shoes in conjunction with the orthotic.

Like I said, be methodical. Take your time. Don't buy/leave until you are satisfied with the result/combination of the two.

I was prescribed orthotics by my podiatrist a few years ago.  I was dealing with some mild bunions that were causing pain and this was the option to surgery.  I told him I was a runner and he prescribed me the full foot ones that were called "athletic" or some thing like that.  They helped a lot and after getting used to them they were fine to run in.  I ran a half marathon in them.  

With that said, I hate running in them barefoot, so I've stopped using them for my runs during tri training.  I wear them during the day at all other times.  I've noticed some pain coming back so they do work if you use them all the time. 

I'm also a big fan of the minimalist concept and vibram five fingers which also cause all pain to go away in my feet.  No need to derail this topic so I'll let you search for that in the numerous other threads if needed.  

I'd suggest making sure that that your podiatrist is also a runner, or even a triathlete.  

Year and a half ago I had Postierer Tibial Tendonitius. Physical therapist recommneded them. I have the full foot one and theya re trhe most comfortable things in the world.

I went to the local wellness center and had them custom fitted. took two visits totaling almost two hours. I have had virtually no pain and my stride has vastly improved. I went from running 3 miles awkwardly to about 11 miles fairly well.

Mine cost about a hundred dollars and I would buy them again in a heartbeat.

I've been using custom orthotics for running for about 15-20 years.  I curently have both a soft and a hard (silicon) pair.  I get achilles pain/tenderness if I run and don't wear them.  I only wear them for running, do not need them for walking, hiking or every day activiities.  Insurance covers most of the cost for me.  I just got both pair refurbished, I could tell it was time because I started to get a little sore in the achilles post run.  If you get them make sure whoever makes them know you are an athlete vs someone who is just on their feet all the time. 

Bottom line: they work great for me!  

Thanks for the responses.... I am going to runner's edge today... I hear they are awesome and very knowledgeable there. I'm going to get new running shoes and see if they have any orthodics or shoe inserts that will help. If this does not help I'll get the custom made ones.

My podiatrist is not an athlete.. he looks well into his 70s... but has been doing this for a very long time. Hes been giving me shots of anti inflammatory every 10 days or so until I have no pain.