I loved my 3.0's to death, literally.
I ran in them until the sole wore all the way through on the toe end.
My best summer of mileage ever was all done in 3.0's
I've gone through 4 pairs.
I found them to be great for everything off the track: regular runs, long runs, tempos, hills, mile reps, road, trails, whatever. I even did some road races in them. They're light!
Roxnmud, I decided to follow all the reccommendations and ease into using them, went out for an easy 3 mile jog and ended up doing a steady 6 as the heel pain was vastly reduced. It took a couple of months to go completely, and even now if I wear a shoe with a heel counter for more than a couple of days I can feel it again. I would definitely give it a try as I too had been down the orthotics, structured shoe approach. Now I can't wear a normal trainer or anything with plastic bridges etc as my arch rebels.
thanx much for the info. I know it's different feet, etc., but it's the same injury, and your experience has me psyched. I pulled them out this p.m.(still in the box) - they are like slippers, but I'm going for 3-4 in them tomorrow. I'm doing the regular trainer thing right now, (Precisions) but the insertion-thing is still there in the background. It's been a year - I'm getting flabby. thanx for the info
Anyone have any experience with the Free Everdays? I have had a pair for several months and wear them a couple of times a week. They are light and responsive, but a little more supportive than the Frees. I believe they also have a bit more of a heel on them.