To ask would you prefer heel slippage or less toe room in new shoes?

[pregahes]

I just bought some new trainers and I love them.

A slight dilemma, one is about half inch bigger then the end of the shoe in the toe box which I know is recommended but the shoe has heel slippage even with insoles which is annoying.

The smaller size has minimal heel slippage but there isn't much toe box room. My toe isn't at the end of the shoe (I defo wouldn't keep if that were the case) but I can feel there isn't much room maybe a couple mm.

These are fashion trainers I'm not long running in them.

Which would you keep?

OK, disclaimer, I do run in mine. But I think the same principles apply

I'd never go for tight round the toes, because that will always be uncomfortable. But you can deal with heel slippage by lacing differently - use both top holes and then bunny ears

Sorry but I wouldn’t really compromise on either - surely there’s nice trainers out there that fit well all over?

if I really had to choose, I would choose heel slippage and wear a protective heel plaster, or shove folded kitchen roll down the back. Never, ever squash your toes.

It's an ongoing issue I've always had as a have narrow feet

I've ordered several pairs of trainers online, and tried lots on over the last couple of days - I still haven't found the perfect fit.
I'm not going to run in them at all, but I haven't compromised yet. I'd rather continue using the ultra scruffy nearly 4 years old ones.
If I had to, I'd get the larger ones - one of the shops I was in was promoting their use of insoles, as in "dual fit" - take them out if you have wide feet.
I love Geox trainers, they're the ones I'm trying to replace, but a lot of their styles seem narrower than when I purchased a pair a few years ago.

I bought a fab pair of Fly London boots reduced to £50 from £150 though 😄

Yeah I think it’s more a case of “the search continues”!

I have narrow feet and wear a pair of inexpensive “ASICS” trainers for running if that helps? I also have a “classical foot” (well both feet - my second toes are longer than big toes) so would definitely notice any lack of toe room, and there’s no heal slippage

Are you using all the shoelace holes right up to your ankle? They can help to position your foot towards the back of the shoe and keep it there so your heel doesn't slip.

In a similar position bought some trainers which feel differently on each foot.

Sadly the lack of toe room is a deal breaker so back they go which I'm gutted about as I loved them and they were 1/3 price in the sales

Neither.

I also have narrow feet and heel slippage is a constant issue. Popping in an insole usually fixes the problem because it helps fill in the shoe.

Neither. A lifetime of literally bloody blisters has decided that for me 😵‍💫

I feel like shoes have got bigger and out of proportion. I have narrow feet but used to be able to find shoes. Now my heel always pops out at the back. I would go smaller if your toes aren’t touching the end. I have gone from a size four to a three. My feet haven’t shrunk. Sizing is bigger.

I’d return both and get some which actually fit but if I had to choose I’d go for heel slippage over toe tightness. No bunions for me thanks!

Edited to add: I have quite narrow heels but wide toes thanks to wearing mostly barefoot shoes and have had to accept that I just can’t wear certain styles/brands because of the heels. Took me ages to find nice sandals last year that weren’t too big on the heel.

zero compromise in shoe fit.
search outside the box, fit and performance any day vs appearance.