Has anyone here ever had before custom orthotics? If so, how they work?

Orthotics come in several types. If they are rigid and cover the full foot, I find them uncomfortable.

I have worn custom cast BIrkenstocks for a good many years. They are basically like an orthotic. Here is my objection to orthotics. They are molded from your foot and they hold the foot in the same position it is in when it is hurting.

It is very helpful to have shoes that allow the foot to get feedback from the walking surface. Uneven terrain causes the foot and the brain to work together and it will change the gait, which can be very healthy. On the other hand I believe and so do many others, for example some physical therapists from south africa, practitioners of the Feldenkrais method and some researchers on walking injuries — that it is much safer to feel where you are walking.

So if I were to wear orthotics I would also not wear them and wear a variety of shoes. Injuries are said to be more frequent with excessively padded shoes where the foot does not feel where it is in regard to the ground.

My opinion is not the mainstream medical practice. I am not a medical person but one with experience and some knowledge from classes and various practitioners.