In reply to JamButty:
> He reckons my injuries are based on leg weakness and overpronation.
When my doctor first referred me to a podiatrist round about the turn of 2007/2008 for another foot problem, the podiatrist discovered Achilles problems and made me custom orthotics. At that time I'd been suffering endless knee problems since my first West Highland Way Race in June 2007, but not since I started running with the orthotics, which I've used ever since.
> Any gait analysis I've had done has said I'm neutral so they're the shoes I've been buying.
I'm not convinced by gait analysis (never had it done in a shop) and just buy the shoes I know to work for me. But do know that I have completely different wear patterns running and walking.
> These have a 6 degree insert to essentially correct my overpronation. Its still £40, there seem to be cheaper ones around but I'm unsure of what is the best approach.
My orthotics are based on Formthotics Red/Blue insoles with added eight-degree wedges built by my podiatrist. Because the wedges are pretty solid and don't crush or deteriorate, I now just buy the new Formthotics when the old ones wear out and glue on the old wedges myself. I've collected four sets over the years, so try to keep a couple of good ones on the go and can share them between several pairs of shoes or boots without constantly needing to change them over. But you might be interested to know that the podiatrist also suggested the six-degree Vasylis as a potential (if not so steeply sloped) off-the-peg alternative. I'd meant to get a pair to try, but struggled to find a supplier who'd sell to non-professionals and, not having been back to the podiatrist for years with things working for me, never got round to following that up again.
> She doesn't approve of overpronation shoes.
I think that's silly. I quite happily use either neutral shoes or ones intended for over-pronators, but always with my orthotics replacing the stock insoles. If I run without my orthotics, I start crushing the inside edges of the midsoles very quickly even on the ones for over-pronators.
> I would greatly appreciate comments from anyone who has any experience or views with this?
If you need orthotics, there's a good chance that getting them will transform your running and, by extension, your life. So I'd say give them a go, but get ones with wedges if you need ones with wedges because that's the main point!