Transitioning from Brooks Ghosts

Hi,

I’m looking for some suggestions to transition away from my Brooks Ghost 14s. I’ve been running in Brooks Ghosts for the last 4 or 5 years. Before that, I wasn’t into running in any serious way. I originally went with this shoe because it was recommended to me at my local running store and I generally liked the way it fit.

Regarding my feet and gait, they’re on the wider side with above average arch and instep height.

As far as my running goes, my mileage varies greatly from 15 to 40 miles per week depending on my goals. Most of my miles this time of year are road or treadmill, with more trail mixed in during the warmer months (on trails I run in Topos Ultraventures).

A few weeks ago I picked up a pair of Saucony Endorphin Shift 3s with the intention of using them as a long run shoe. However as I’ve been breaking them in I’ve realized how much I prefer them to my Ghosts. I think the added cushion is part of it, but I believe the lower drop might be the main reason. I have had issues with shin splints in the past and despite PT they always seem to come back at random times. I’m wondering (hoping) the issue has been the Ghosts’ high drop all along.

That said, the toe box on the Shifts feel slightly too narrow for my long runs. Any insight or suggestions for other shoes to look into would be greatly appreciated!

And one additional question: do you all generally go to a running store every time you add new shoes to your lineup, or does it get to the point where you know the specs and your preferences well enough to try new brands or models sight unseen?

Thank you to anyone who took the time to read all of that! Happy running :)

TLDR: Have always run in Brooks Ghosts, recently tried Saucony Endorphin Shift 3s and was surprised at how much I prefer them. Looking for suggestions for shoes to add to rotation re: newfound preference. Ideally with a slightly wider toe box.