My 87 years old mother needs new walking shoes. I have been trying many stores and online but nothing fits her. She doesn’t care how they look just as long as they are very wide and soft. She also doesn’t like shoes with fur inside because we are in hot climate . Any thoughts?
Try LEMS shoes (on-line) from Boulder Colorado. They make shoes that are good for your feet at a reasonable price. They have shoes that are very minimalist and models that provide a bit more support as well.
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Altra shoes have a wide toe box. I have been happy with Skechers myself, but they might not be as wide as she would like. Look at the Skechers GoWalks. One thing to note is she probably needs lightweight shoes and shoes that are not too wide in the base as that can be a tripping hazard.
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Thank you for suggestions. Just want to clarify that “walking shoes “ for her are for walking around the block not walking big distance so it can be something like Mary Jane or similar
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Costco often offers Sketchers with a memory foam insole, lightweight and soft, it just depends if they are too sticky. By sticky I mean that as my mother aged I noticed the shoes I got with sort of rubberized soles, thinking not too slippery, all of a sudden became too sticky, she was no longer lifting her feet, but scuffing them along and the formerly helpful not slippery soles became a fall risk as her feet would catch.
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Try SAS shoes
Roomy round toe box, come in widths from narrow to extra, extra wide (3W).
Made in the USA. Athletic styles and casual leather lace-ups and Mary Janes for walking.
Available on-line as well from selected local stores.
(If you buy them from Zappos, you can return for a full refund so long as they haven’t been worn–other than to try on-- for 365 days.)
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I’m not elderly but I seem to have been born with elderly feet - I like the Propet brand, especially the wide. Can get them through Zappos or other places.
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While my mother would not wear SAS, my grandmother would wear them as well as others I know. Granndma and I have feet that I would describe as square-short and wide, but I can not wear a wide size; I just need a shoe that is roomy.
Do try Zappos as their return is so easy and free. You could order several pairs at a time and try a bit in the house. Their website is huge, but you are able to narrow down with the filters by size, color, style, price, etc…
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I second the suggestion for SAS shoes. Have a look at their “Free Time” shoe. It has an extra depth toe box and removable/replaceable insoles. I’ve worn this shoe, and their “Duo” sandal for decades now.
My mother wore “Free Time” and also “Take Time” when she was in her 80s.
My daughter wears “Liberty” at work; it’s the same as “Free Time” but has a non-slip sole, and only comes in black.
The shoes are made in Texas and are durable and comfortable.
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Yes to Zappos. When I was buying shoes for my mom, I’d buy up to a dozen and bring them all over to her house for her to try on and then just return all the many, many she rejected. It was the most painless way of getting her shoes that she could try on in comfort at her leisure. We did find a few pairs of shoes.
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My elderly mother loves Arcopedico’s knit lace-up sneakers. They come in every color of the rainbow and they easily accommodate her bunions. She says they’re the most comfortable shoes she has ever worn.
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Orthofeet Proven Plantar Fasciitis, Foot and Heel Pain Relief. Extended Widths. Orthopedic Walking Shoes Diabetic Bunions Women’s Sneakers, Coral
I bought these for myself when I had issues. It really fits an older person well I think. I can walk 4 miles with no problems. There is nice orthotics that comes with them that are optional to put in. I used them all.
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I like Merrell shoes. Supportive, wide toe box, easy slip on.
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My mom loved Grasshoppers. These are the last ones I bought her.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EITQS0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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My mother loved her Grasshoppers also, but as she declined I had to get rid of them because the soles were not fully flat; the slight curve made for a rocker-like effect that put her at risk of falls.
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Me too, me too! A third of the cost of SAS and great return policy.
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My BIL is SF loves orthofeet too, so it’s not only for females. Sadly, no free exchange and postage to HI and a few other states. 
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Yet another vote for SAS. I also like Arcopedico and have owned several pairs of their slip-on shoes for around the house.
A company in England called Hotter Shoes has a wide range of widths in some very comfortable styles. They offer (or did when I last ordered) free returns and exchanges, too.
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Another vote for SAS. I bought a pair of sandals for myself and they felt wonderful-- like walking on marshmallows! I bought some for my mom and she loves them. The have support and are insanely comfortable!
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