This thing about sloppy fitting shoes, insoles, orthotics....would there be any power loss because the ill fitting shoes act as a damper to the force applied by the leg?

I would think that Toddorado would benefit with his orthotics. It would seem to me that when he pushes on the down stroke, the arch support prevents the foot's arch from flexing.

This could mean that its not only the bottom of those expensive shoes, but what's inside the shoe too that contribute to flexing.