So I went to fleet feet and the girl there says that brooks 8 wide and brooks regular size 8.5 are “sister…

CapableLizard7234, the size of the shoe to try is dependent on the style of the shoe. If you were trying a Brooks Ghost, then I’d pull a size 8B for you to try because that style fits a bit more generously throughout the foot. I’m not ruling out a size 8.5B in this style, but I’d lead with the 8B to try. If it was a Brooks Adrenaline, then I’d pull an 8.5D because that style fits more secure on the foot. Always factor in the thickness of your insert, the swelling of your feet, and having enough space through the toe where it feels like you could play the piano. The width tiles on the scan are closer to the D width, so I’d definitely explore some options in a wide. Hoka Bondi in a D width, but not the Clifton in a D width because those fit so voluminous on the foot anyway! Also, if your shoes are too “squeeze-y” on your feet, that can prolong the PF in your feet. Having the luxury of space in the shoe is beneficial for your feet. Even if you’ve worn a size 8 for a while doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a size 8 in every style out there. The shapes, profiles, volumes, fit, and materials of the shoes update annually, so that can determine which size you are in each style. Just because you’re an 8 in a Ghost doesn’t always mean you’re an 8 in an Adrenaline. Just try on the styles/sizes to explore how they feel on your feet when you move in them. Adjustments can always be made along the way! From my experience over all these decades of medical fittings for shoes and inserts, most people are wearing the wrong size and shape of shoe and that makes the PF/pain more noticeable. Also, most styles of shoes nowadays are being made to fit and feel like direct extensions of your feet underneath you (the exception is Hoka). So the fit of the shoes update might be more enhanced on the foot because of this and that can definitely lead to swelling as well.

CapableLizard7234, this is where I pay attention to the volume (thickness) of your foot because some shoes are leaner throughout the shoe, while others have a “deeper” approach. The heel width tiles are in the middle, so a nice, spacious heel counter would probably match more to your needs. Not like a Mizuno with a leaner, lower volume, encapsulating fit all throughout the shoe, unless it was an 8.5D. What specifically did you end up getting? You don’t seem to have instability through your your ankles either. That can change after being on your feet for a while and when your feet get tired. But looking at your scan, I’d suggest more neutral shoes for you. However, that doesn’t mean you still won’t benefit from a stability shoe, that’s when you just try stuff to see!

, ONs are a very encapsulating feel on the foot. You have heightened awareness of what your feet are doing while wearing them. Hokas are the opposite. Higher volume shaped shoes with a block of foam underneath almost guiding your foot. Glad you found something that works.

thank you

, not necessarily so. Just because you’ve worn a size 8 in some styles doesn’t mean you’re a size 8 across the board in every brand and every style. The styles vary in shape, volume, materials, etc. From my decades worth of dedication working at a Fleet Feet, 65% of the customers were initially wearing the wrong size shoe and the adjustment of the size helped make all the difference in the world for most people! Especially with PF or other foot related injuries. Having less pressure on the foot and making allowance for the natural splay through the toe helps provide more comfort and relief to a lot of people! FF isn’t like most shoe stores. Based on your proximity to them, maybe call them and explain your situation. The customer file should have your purchasing history in case you don’t have your receipt. If it’s been within 60 days of your purchase, then you should be good to send them back to them for a return. If not, see if they’ll work with you. Our franchise helped meet people’s needs when things like this happened. FF is in the business of “telling” their guests and less of the “selling” to them. Call them and see if they can help meet your needs.