insoles ovenbird I’m “have to wear orthotic insoles” years old. A few years ago I had pain in my left ankle. A physiotherapist diagnosed a variety of misalignments, using words I’d never heard before. He gave me an embarrassing elastic thingamajig to squeeze my hips into compliance while I walked and directions to procure very specific insoles at a price that made me grit my teeth. I bought the insoles. Now I can’t live without them. No shoe feels right until I remove the factory insoles and replace them with my fancy ones. My feet can’t function without the cushy heel and the moderate arch support. If I was a Neanderthal I would have been eaten by a predator long ago, unable to run on my delicate feet, as translucent and uncallused as two deep sea cucumbers. I feel silly, weak. What’s wrong with me that the insoles native to my shoes are never good enough? A friend once said, “shoes should be comfortable and supportive, like a good partner!” Ain’t that the truth. I went out today and bought two new pairs of insoles. Life’s short and there are so many ways to be let down. Might as well let my feet know what it is to be cherished. 260819 ... nr i also have a left foot problem and have to pick up just-made orthotics next week. cheers to 40something life, foot-style! 260819 what's it to you? who go blather from