How fat is too fat...

[KnottedYet]

It takes some experimenting. Everyone is unique, regardless of how much the shoe companies may claim to categorize and match foot to shoe. Sometimes you may be surprised by the results of your experiments.

I find Chaco sandals (Z1 and Z2) to be the best walking and running "shoes" for my body mechanics, whether I'm 145 lbs (triathlon) or 190 lbs (half marathon).

Shoes that work with your particular mechanics will feel good, make you *want* to run, and make running feel like less effort. Much the same as when you first get on a bike whose geometry really matches your body's riding style: suddenly you are flying!

The right shoes should feel as magical as the right bike.

(And assuming a stout person automatically needs cushy shoes is ridiculous, the soft midsole deforms too readily and causes instability, which leads to injury. Salesclerks like you (Roxy) encountered drive me CRAZY.)

[GLC1968]

Blueberry - (feels weird to call you that!) - look into the EVO from Terra Plana for running. I haven't tried them yet, but most of their shoes run quite wide to allow the toes room to spread, so these might be a good option for you. They have very little toe spring, and a low heel. I run in their Aqua 'sneaker' for most of my longer runs because when I bought them, the EVO was not widely available. I have not tried the EVO's myself, but I have heard really good things. They are a minimalist shoe, but they are not quite as minimal as a VFF. Oh, and their customer service is top notch. Ranks right up there with TE in my book!

Terra Plana EVO

My biggest issue isn't necessarily finding the right cushioning or stability, my issue was width. 99% of modern footwear companies don't make shoes that fit my short but wide, flipper-shaped feet! After a summer of huaraches, VFF's and barefoot, my feet are even wider now. Finding shoes is a major pain. Seriously, now my Sanita clogs, my hiking boots and my cycling shoes are ALL too narrow.

[OakLeaf]

At least your feet are short ... my motorcycling boots don't even fit in my locker at the gym any more.