[Robbos]

So I'm growing a little tired of the inconvenient side of SPD-SL shoes, in particular for the areas I ride, and I'm moving towards a good stiff SPD shoe. The model I've been eyeing is the Shimano XC-7's which seem to strike a good balance of stiffness, weight, stability off the bike, etc. I've heard the gravel versions run a little narrower, so they're out.
I just tried a bunch of shoes on at the local LBS and was surprised not by any issues about width- I don't have particularly narrow fit and didn't have problems like I though I might with Shimano's reputedly slight narrower fit now (in regular sizes) and a pair of XC5's fit fine. What I did notice was how much heel slippage I had with Shimano's, Specialized (less), and Fizik's. Anyone else experience this? Any thoughts as to the fit of the newer XC7(02)'s? Width? Heel?
Bit of a rambling post! Feedback on fit would be appreciated.