I really want to reiterate the opinion of other reviewers: This shoe works very well with custom orthotics, especially if you have flat feet and your orthotics are designed to build the arch of your foot. You have no idea how difficult it is to buy running shoes until you are told that you need to start wearing orthotics and are completely overwhelmed by the number of models that good companies like New Balance offer. Pull out the provided insole, put on the orthopedic insoles and you will feel very natural.