Need some shoe advice

I do think there's something to be said for going to a specific store/salesperson that knows how to measure your foot for current size. If I were you, I'd go to a running store, not a hiking one, as a start. Most local running store owners are runners and they're pretty obsessed about feet and shoes.

For me, personally, I like road running shoes best for all-around comfort where I'm not worrying about trail conditions like loose scree, traction, etc. I walked into a Running Fit store and the salesperson there did a thorough job measuring carefully (length, heel width, toe width, etc.) and watching me walk (like a duck.) He pulled two shoes and one of them was a Brooks Ghost, 1/2 size bigger than what I "normally" wear. Love them.

My backpacking footwear choices are different from my "walking" choices, usually stiffer to accommodate long hours on rough trails while carrying a pack.

Altra trail runners have a very wide footbox. The heel is zero drop, which you may or may not like.

zeke , good point about a foot flattening out. Although I knew it was happening, I hadn't thought of the effect of it. Sometimes I really miss those narrow, controlled dress shoes (or maybe I just miss working and getting dressed  up...and getting a paycheck!).

jazzmom , I've already found a local running shoe store; I hadn't really thought my feet would be a candidate b/c I haven't run in years, but I see from reading the posts that there are differences in support, and pressure of the feet. There's a Running Fit store not too far from me; and you're right, the owner is a runner!

rebeccad , I think part of the reason my toes feel pinched is poor posture when I'm not paying attention. Arch support...have I had some issues with that! Decades ago my orthopedist prescribed them, but after they were made, I couldn't even walk in them because they caused my feet to roll outward. PT gave the same advice, but I couldn't wear that pair either.  I never understood how they could be of help when they caused me to walk bow legged.

Rolling ankles are a problem; I thought it was weak ankles and didn't realize it was shoes that could  be wearing out on the outside edges.

driftwoody , being a novice at this, I had to look up "zero drop." I think that might be an issue for me b/c for years I wore shoes with higher heels, and I was comfortable in them.   I find when I wear shoes with flatter heels that I feel lopsided and don't walk straight. That might be something I'll have to address with a podiatrist; I found a really good one for my father and know I could get advice from her. In fact, one of her colleagues recommended New Balance shoes.

trinity , good summation and suggestions for the issues, especially for the weight. One of the pair I have now feel like they're Clementine's "boxes w/o topses"; I eventually realized they're probably too heavy; they definitely are NOT lightweight.

The Running Fit store I located is conveniently located, so I'll plan on visiting when I can confirm they're actually open. Many of the stores are still open only for drive-by service but not in-store service.

Sometimes it's overwhelming to make a choice between so many shoes and styles. I grew up wearing "tennis shoes", and they always worked well for whatever we did, whether walking, bike riding, playing baseball, or whatever. It's interesting how footwear has become so specialized.

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to help me give my feet some tender loving care.

trinity , I think I've experienced the same problem with shoes that once fit well but don't now. The dress shoes I once loved won't even fit on my feet now. It's kind of sad; I remember the jobs I had when I wore some of them, and I become a bit nostalgic for a portion of a life already past.

I enjoyed your description of physical challenges! I bet we all have some at our individual and collective ages. My left foot has a toe damaged from tripping on a tree stump, another from tripping over a wheelchair leg support which wasn't properly secured by a therapist who was anxious to get out of the room; back pain from what I call hospital bed lean over posture, and, well, just sometimes plain laziness when I'd rather sit around and read than exercise.

But it could always be worse; I'm thankful it's not. At least my mind works....most of the time, but not always.

Sometimes it pays to remind myself of how much worse it could be.   When I took the bus to downtown Detroit, there were two women who I admired.  One was a younger woman who had some type of palsy, and struggled to get up to and into the bus, especially when the lines were long.  The other was blind, carried her white stick, and rode to the bus to the New Center area, an area North of the CBD.   I always admired her tenacity, but I also was thankful I wasn't faced with a challenge like that.   I don't know if I could cope as well as either of these two admirable women.

New Balance

One of my former roommates had bad back and knee problems. Orthopedists and others couldn't help. He eventually tried a podiatrist and got inserts. Within about 3 months his issues went away. Looking at his feet it looked to me like he had no arch at all.

I have always had a high arch and still do. I am lucky. I think that has helped me to not have much trouble with my feet. I was actually paid once for my high arches. It was to step in paint over and over and leave a trail. My footprint is very classic (not my actual footprints depicted).