It's such a personal thing. I have never been able to wear New Balance. Saucony has always worked well for me. Seems like Asics get very, very good reviews.

If it's been a number of years since you've bought new shoes be aware of negative-heel shoes (or zero drop shoes). There is nothing wrong with them but they do require a breaking in time period as they stretch the calf muscles and hamstrings.

I've been running for 40 years (and I'm 63) and couldn't break them in.

I run only trails now and have very narrow feet. I try on all shoes before buying them and replace them every 9-10 months. In that time brands can change the shape of the last and with that the hug of the heel can change.

Trailrunner - you're so lucky :)

I just happened to order some trail running shoes today to try out for my looong walk in Spain (El Camino de Santiago). I read quite a few positive things about Asics on the Camino forum - several people really liked them for the walk, and they lasted the entire 500 miles. I have a rather long somewhat narrow foot, and the model that I ordered come in different widths and half sizes up to 12, which is what I ordered. I tried on an 11 in the store, which fit, but I've been told that I should go up a size to account for foot swelling with the long days of walking, ~ 15 miles a day. The shoes that I ordered also have very good reviews on Amazon and Zappos. I think that I would probably order several pairs from Zappos based on recommendations and choose which feel best to you.

This is the style that I ordered

It is very personal, so if Addidas works for you, research their trail shoes online and see if they have one that might work and then go try it on, or order it from Zappos where returns are painless.

My DH loves New Balance, but they are too wide for me, especially in the heel. Tried them, got blisters. My go-to is Asics and can wear them out of the box (with Superfeet inserts to ensure no plantar fascitis) with no problem. Brooks and Saucony would be another couple of brands to try, but nothing like going to a running store who provides a return guarantee to be sure.

Like Terriks said, most running shoes will advise in the ad to order up at least a half size, sometimes more. I normally wear a 9.5 and wear a 10.5 in my Asics running shoes.

...lost one of my running shoes while walking into work.

Were you wearing them at the time?! You must have a heck of a rough commute.

I think you might be expecting too much from one shoe. For working out and general fitness walks I am now wearing Asics. After years of New Balance and the company discontinuing my style, the running store switched me to Asics. I always get my sneakers at a running store because they know what they are doing in fit and performance. And I like to support smaller businesses. Once I bought a pair of NB at Kohl's, I wore them twice and had to give them away because they caused foot pain. I didn't realize it but they were probably designed for an over or under pronater and I'm a neutral so they were not correct for me. Learned my lesson the hard way on that pair.

For walking trails or hiking, I have a pair of Merrell's.

You may very well be right, Hhireno.. in fact, I said the same thing last night. I was not wearing the sneaker when i lost it LOL.. but that would have been a neat trick! I had a longer walk to another building later in the day.. wore my reg shoes from the car to my office.

So today I was walking to my car mid-day-- and a group of 4 people were walking down the sidewalk and showed no signs of moving.. I had just crossed the street (jaywalking!) and stood off to the side to let them pass.. in doing so, I grazed my hand along the fire hydrant and felt something odd. I looked-- and holy crap, there was my sneaker! Upside down on top of the hydrant! Now I need to decide if it is going to skeeve me out to put it on after it sat outside for anyone to touch, fondle or spit in for three days.

I do really like the look and reviews on the Asics trail shoe Terriks listed. My current sneaker is a running shoe but not exactly what I'd think a serious runner would use. It is good for a general workout, jogging, etc. It's not bright or especially attractive.. but it fits me well. I think I am still going to checkout the brands and options I've marked as possibilities based on your recommendations.. but now I can take some time to check them out. Thanks!!

This is very similar to what I have now.. but mine are in a different colorway with orange and navy details on the sole, tongue and heel.