I recently got custom nsoles from my Podiatrist for plantar fasciitis. The inserts are very hard like a cast and have minimal padding on the top of them. The strange thing is that they are only have the length of my shoe. In other words, they go under my foot from my heel to just past my arch. In the front of the shoe, I do not have anything. I have to take my insoles out to put the custom ones in.

Is that normal? Or do custom insoles usually go the entire length of the shoe?

I have them too. If they go the length of your shoe, you'll have no room for your toes. Mine are also the hard kind, and while it took a few days to adjust to them, I absolutely LOVE them! I'm able to walk/run around all day, with no pain at all. It's fantastic. Yes, you have to find shoes that have a removable insole, which can be a problem. After a while, your doctor can make you insoles that can fit better into other shoes, like dress shoes, etc.

It's all about the angle of your foot inside the shoe; that's why your toes are just "there".

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the info. I mostly wear my insoles in dress shoes. What is the difference in the insoles for dress shoes snd other shoes?

There are different types of insoles - each physical therapist and doctor likes different types - some are hard like you described some are actually made with a type of compressed foam depending on where your doctor sends you - you can get a different type - I have a pair that I wear with dressier shoes that are the hard kind that they cut a fascia groove in so that the insert didn't put pressure on the fascia itself. Another pair I like better (but they don't fit in dress shoes) is covered with a layer of foamy like material that extends the whole length of my shoe. You can also get a different fit depending on how they made the impression of your foot. Some they depress into a soft block and take that print, some make a cast while you lay on your stomach and they hold your foot in nuetral, some you stand on a computerized imprinter. So it really just depends. If these don't work after several months (yes it takes that long to adjust to them) ask about other types - they are worth every penny and although they haven't completely healed my plantar fasciitis - I NEVER EVER take a step without them! I can tell after 5 minutes if I have tried to sneak around the house barefoot - because my foot starts to ache.

Good luck with the plantar fasciitis!