I have wide feet with large bunions and a narrowish heel. I need a big toebox, but not heel. I buy Mephistos. They are expensive, but they have what is probably the most absorbent sole made. And what's more, they guarantee their shoes for life. So if you buy a shoe for $250, and it's getting messy looking or worn 5 years later, you can send it back for refurbishing.

I've unfortunately grown a size, so my size 8 mephistos dont all fit me anymore, and I've had to move on to size 9s. But they are well worth it; I wear these shoes exclusively.

Wow! I just found their website!
http://www.mephisto.com/PublishOnlin...0_Introduction

If you find a pair you like, you can then froogle them. I've been given size 9 shoes from a friend who is now a size 10, and they are perfect. These are definitely shoes that can be passed along or bought used.