Shoe Conundrum

A few weeks ago, I bought the Asics Kayano 22s for the first time. I've been in my 21s for awhile, and the 20s before that. I've never had a problem, and I seriously thought the Kayano was my sole-mate. Unfortunately, as I've written here recently, the 22s are weirdly long and narrow in the toe-box.

After some run tests and returns, I've been in the Kayano 22 (wide) for a couple weeks now. I have about 20 miles on the shoe, and it's officially going back to the store. I think the extra width makes my forefoot slip around too much, which is creating hot spots on balls of my feet. Also, I have to lace them too snuggly and that ends up hurting the top of my foot.

I wish it weren't so, but it's back to the store for you pretties.

I've been changing my gait to deal with the discomfort, so now my calves and shins have been tight. I feel clunky during my runs.

All this means I'm officially on the hunt for new running shoes. I overpronate as I tire out on long runs, so I need a little stability and I like a soft, cushioned shoe, but lately I've also wanted to try something more responsive and bouncier.

I used the Brooks shoe-finder after I already kind of knew which shoes I was interested in, and it confirmed my thought process...but depending on if I chose "cushion" or "energize", it gives me both options I'm interested in! So now I'm still stuck!

I've narrowed my search down to the Brooks Ravenna and the Brooks Transcend. These shoes are both support shoes; the main difference is in how they offer support and in the amount of cushion.

My "energize" option.

The Ravenna is more responsive (bouncier), which I want to try out, but the Transcend is definitely softer and more cushiony. Once I eventually go back to marathon training, I think I'll want that cushion, but do I need it for distances up to the half marathon?

My "cushion" option.

The other sticking point is that the Transcend sounds ideal - it has the cushion I prefer and slightly stronger support - but I've read it's a bit wide. I don't want to deal with the same sliding/rubbing issue I'm having with the wide Kayano 22s!

The Transcend's specs.

To further confuse me, the Ravenna's heel-toe offset is more similar to the Kayano 21; I'm not a big fan of low-drop shoes (not that the Transcend is low).

The Ravenna's specs.

I know running shoes come down to personal preference, but I wish someone could just pick for me! And I wish my local stores had these two shoes in stock so I could try them on, but I'll have to order them first and then return what I don't want.

Shoe hunting is so frustrating. I hate that it takes a few runs before you really know if a shoe is working for you or not. If only there were an easier way. Wouldn't it be nice if running shoe manufacturers would stop drastically updating shoes that are perfectly awesome the way they are?

Any advice on picking between these two shoes?
What are your thoughts on cushion vs. responsiveness?

ABK