I would have to say that they are different and I know some places that make them, however I don't agree with how they make them and neither do several of my other PT friends who are quite acitve. One place makes them from an imprint of your foot while you are in a sitting postion. When In this position it does not present/demonstrate the deformity (lack of a better term..sorry) in the foot as most issues are present upon weight bearing activites. I have found a place near where I live and had some made by a pedorthist..he is very knowledgable and trustworthy. He is also highly active. He made imprints of my foot in a standing postion and made adjustments to it in a nonweight bearing position. to accomodate for my issues. Sorry if this is not very clear.