This is actually where I should say that I think footwear is so specific to feet that it's hard to buy for someone else! My last sneakers before my Allbirds were Taos, I think based on recommendations here, and they kill my feet. I think the arch support is too much, maybe? They make my arches painful. I can't wear them for much walking at all.
On the same trip to Italy I mentioned, my H wore Sketchers. We had to take many breaks for him to sit because his feet were killing him, while my feet in my Allbirds were fine.
So... I'd check return policies on whatever you get!
My mom has the WORST feet and I think I've inherited them When we travel, 90% of her luggage is different types of athletic shoes. She will switch them out 2-3x a day. Walking on cobbled streets in London and Edinburgh with her was rough. Now with the knee issue plus going back to class after sitting on zoom for a year. Oof!
I’d have her go to a specialty shoe shop where they can help her figure out the right shoes. Something like walking company on the franchise end might be able to help, but there are probably also some local small shoe stores that could help. Is she in CO with you? There is a store in Littleton called Murray’s that sells a bunch of the supportive brands and often does consultations (the guy who owns it specifically, but daughters know what they’re doing too). Next door to it is one of the running shoe stores and redwing, so lots of other options too.
My mom has the WORST feet and I think I've inherited them When we travel, 90% of her luggage is different types of athletic shoes. She will switch them out 2-3x a day. Walking on cobbled streets in London and Edinburgh with her was rough. Now with the knee issue plus going back to class after sitting on zoom for a year. Oof!
I’d have her go to a specialty shoe shop where they can help her figure out the right shoes. Something like walking company on the franchise end might be able to help, but there are probably also some local small shoe stores that could help. Is she in CO with you? There is a store in Littleton called Murray’s that sells a bunch of the supportive brands and often does consultations (the guy who owns it specifically, but daughters know what they’re doing too). Next door to it is one of the running shoe stores and redwing, so lots of other options too.
She's not but she'll be here in a few weeks I'll look into Murray's!