I find it extremely difficult to get shoes that fit me! I have narrow heels but need a wide toe box area! I am only a slight overpronator, so could probably get by with stability, neutral or mild motion control shoes.

Depending on what size you are,you could try womens shoes.They are designed to be narrow in the heel and wider in the forefoot compared to mens,as that is the statistical 'norm'!
If you are a slight over-pronator then steer clear of any type of motion control shoe.Go for mild or moderate support shoes such as Nike Air Persues,Structure Triax, Asics 1090 or 2090's,Adidas Supernova Control etc...

saucony Omni have this fit.

I thought you were supposed to wear motion control shoes when you over-pronated? Have I got it wrong?

I'm very flat-footed & over-pronating. Got Brooks DRB S 257 (?) at the moment which I know aren't supportive enough for running (as told to me by Runners Need in Camden)but I only walk in them. Every day. All day.

I think they're Brooks Addiction 5 not DRB. I wish they'd put the name of the shoe on the shoe...

It's a question of terminology.

Stability shoes are for over-pronators.

Motion control shoes are for severe over-pronators.

Different companies and different shops may have their own descriptions.

Perhaps I should try some womens shoes! I'd have to do it by mail order; my old fashioned macho pride wouldn't allow me to but them face to face!I find that shoes for overpronators such as brooks beast and addiction are too wide for me in the heel.

Saucony and Mizuno have a reputation for narrow,good-fitting heels with wide forefeet so I would look at these brands first.

If you like the Nike Air Pegasus, www.nikerunning.com lets you customise it to suit your foot size and needs. You can have a narrow fit and select overpronators (there's a little movie that shows you if you need this or not), plus you can choose a sole depending on the surface you tend to run on. A bit pricier than getting a standard pair in the shops, but might be worth it if it has all the things you need.
You get to pick your own colours. I had hours of fun with this!

Thanks Meep meep and Gefilus, I'll look into the shoes you have suggested.I looked at mail order womens shoes; they only go up to 8 1/2 I am 9 1/2!

runnerbean - you'll struggle to find womens shoes that big. We only ever go up to US 11 which is UK9, and there isn't much call for those ones, although the numbers are growing!

I know I always say this, but you should try to visit your local specialist to try on the shoes and find out the right category for you. The description you give a the top is quite wide ranging (mild motion control through to neutral), so it would be handy to have someone look at your gait and feet to see what happens when you run.

If you are a slight overpronator, from the Saucony range (and it's true, the fit of our shoes is snug heel, braod forefoot) I suggest you have a look at the Trigon. Although it's a neutral shoe, because of the shape of the midsole (it's flared on the medial side - ie wider at the base near the ground and narrower at the top near the foot), it is actually quite supportive.

Obviously I can't let this opportunity pass without mentioning the competition to win a pair (check the link at the top left of this page.)!

Hope this helps.

Of the diffrent brands I've tried so far, the fits seem to be:

Adidas Supernova Control - narrow, with very definite (and to me uncomfortable) arch support.

Fila FGT340 - relatively wide in the forefoot (but could be wider) and the heel (I have to really make sure they're laced up well).

Saucony Grid Trigon 2 - as stated above, narrow in the heel and wide in the forefoot, no obtrusive arch support. And supremely comfortable. In fact, I'm wearing them as I type. They arrived this morning (thank you Mr Saucony!) and I'm off work ill so I haven't tried them out yet but I'll report back (I'm also a mild overpronator). Initial impression from wearing around the house is that they are really well cushioned and certainly my most comfortable running shoes to date.

Hello,
I'm a complete beginner. I need some help choosing shoes. Having done the wet foot test, it appears I have an efficient gait but I am what is described as a heavy(overweight) runner. Can somebody recommend some shoes?
Thanks,
Michael.

you might want to try the asics 2110. They are quite neat around the heel area with more width at the toe. I run in them an must say that I really like them.

Am a beginner myself as well, I initially bought a pair of Asics 2120, ran with them for a few weeks, but they seemed to rub badly on the arch of my foot. Saw a Q&A on ill fitting shoes, which said that if that happened the shoes were wrong for my feet. I went to my local specialised running shop and tried on a pair of Saucony Triumph 3's (Neutral), Oh my god! What a difference!! They are so comfortable and snug.I didn't believe that shoes could be that different, I stand corrected. I have now been running in them for a few days and am loving every minute. I would thoroughly recommend these shoes for anyone looking for a neutral shoe. I am a size 7.5 by the way ( and no the myth is not true). Maybe nov=t the cheapest shoe, but well worth it.
A

I just bought my second pair of running shoes ( first were brooks and now saucony) The guy at the running shop insisted I needed a size 8 when my last shoe was a 7 and my normal size is a 6. I feel like I am wearing boats but he insisted my feet need space especially with high mileage swelling. Does this sound right?

Yes Terry that is normally true but if you feel they are too big take them back and ask for a size 7 or 7 1/2.
We usually suggest 1/2 size to a full size bigger than your normal shoe size. If it is an adidas shoe then some times people do have to go 1 1/2 sizes bigger.
Aslong as you have a bit of room at the front and you havn't suffered from black toe nails then i would say stick to the 7.

Hope this helps

Hello
I have been running 6 months and I heavily overpronate needing a motion control shoe.I have been advised at the running shop fitting wise and first brought the Asics evolution 11 ,this gave me a black toe nail,then I tryed saucony grid regulate and this is not much better. When you walk up and down the shop they feel great its just a different story when you run 10 mile in them. It would apear I need a wide motion control shoe , can anyone please advise , its costing me a fortune especially if iget the next pair wrong

thanks