it cost a lot, but in the end at a proper evaluation from a pediatrist type place (cyclefit, london), it was an official verdict that I have wide feet. They sized me up, and side mega fit, the wide jobbies were just the ticket. I'd just been through 3 other stes of shoes in as many months and the pain was terrible, but the megafit dominators were a treat. There was no hard sell at cyclefit, so I got the shoes on the bay for around £110 IIRC.
All pain gone.
Now have to do the same with my ski boots. . Arrgh!