Hi Trackhead,
We agree on a quite a few things but definitely not on this one. Science and results over time tell us something different. You'd probably get similar, or even more results from correction of core, pelvic and ankle stability than just simply shoes. All these avenues should be explored first the if they don't help then look at orthotics. I am one of the first people to say people rush off to get orthotics too quickly when other methods can be tried successfully first (eg stabiliy, shoes). Correct shoes would no doubt certainly help, make no mistake about that espeically with the wonderful way shoes are designed these days, BUT if the degree of pronation, as shown in the foot print in plaster cast as done by a podriatrist, is more than the natural 5%, then there's a chance you foot could well need artificaial correction. This is a strucural foot problem as distinct from functional and can only be corrected by orthotics as the foot alignment does not align with the rest of the skeleton. When advising others I try to take in all perspectives and leave out "personal bias" as you're playing with someone elses health. Podiatrists are there for a reason.
Anyway, thanks for your imput.