I totally agree with sushipup. I wouldn't like any of those shoes either. It's really hard for me to find a comfortable fit with shoes. Does this person work and stand all day? Run after grandchildren? Shoes are such a personal thing. A gift certificate is the only possibility when you don't even know what a person likes or needs.

I'm with Sushipup--a gift certificate is a better option. Shoes are very personal.

My Easy Spirit suede slides/mules are my go-to shoes. I would imagine something like that would work for anyone.

I agree the Easy Spirit label is a great choice, and I think an everyday sneaker type would be best. Along as there is a gift receipt tucked into the shoe, she should be covered. I think lace-ups rather than a loafter style to accomodate different width's. I have extremely narrow feet and can almost never wear loafer styles. Maybe tuck a nice new pair of socks in? My friend recently introduced me to Lemon brand socks, available at DSW, and I LOVE them!

I agree with everyone. But.... you were told to buy a pair of shoes. I would get something in a place that she can easily exchange. This way you are following protocol and the woman will hopefully get something that fits and that she likes.

Are you near a DSW store? Are you near a Kohls? They have tons of shoes online and can be exchanged at the store. I would buy a pair of comfy Sketchers.

Macy's? Nordstroms? Easy to buy online and easy to bring and exchange.

Sketchers with a gift receipt would be great with some nice socks.

I do not have a choice - we are supposed to buy shoes. This is a charity that they do every year.

Obviously I am NOT overthinking this just based on the variety of responses so far - it is very difficult to buy shoes for someone else, as most of you have noted. That's why I asked here.

Since this is someone who is in need, I was trying to think what they might use most. That's why I was looking at the loafer since it's a pretty generic style and had good reviews. I wasn't looking at something from the perspective of choosing for myself (I have bunions and need arch support). I hadn't thought about the width possibly being a problem but agree, that could also be an issue, so perhaps I should just stick with a laced casual sneaker. It sounds like that would be safest.

I do plan to include a gift receipt but unfortunately, places that are local to me most likely do not have locations near this person. My son goes to a private h.s. in a poor section of the city with no stores nearby - I don't know where the person lives, but the charity is associated with my son's h.s a block away. There is no DSW anywhere nearby (we are 45 mins from the school - I checked online and there are no other locations in the vicinity). There isn't even a Target or similar near his school. Since they have been running this type of donation for years, I assume for the most part, it works or they would not continue.

Thanks for helping me think this through. Laced sneaker is probably best.

I would choose a slip-on, then, given the age of the recipient (lacing of shoes can be difficult for someone with arthritis or other physical limitations). With this said, I liked your very first link above.

Assuming they can exchange is questionable. If this person is in a position of receiving charity, chances are they're not shopping Nordstroms. Unfortunately, if there's not a Target or WalMart of Payless convenient to the location, then I would go with a slip-on in the size.

Well, as someone well over the target 63, I would much prefer a standard lace-up sneaker.

Well, as someone who is well under the age of 63, I'd prefer a slip-on. ;-)

I'm making suggestions based on the limited information provided. Someone who is in the position of needing charitable donations at age 63 clearly has meager financial means. It's a reasonable assumption the person may have physical limitations, too, and have trouble lacing shoes. That's not ageism. That's realism. A slip-on works better in all scenarios.

As another person over the target age, I agree with sushipup on the laceup, but a walking shoe, which is dressier than a sneaker:

Easy Spirit Motion Leather

Throw in a pair of Lock Laces if concerned about shoe tying

Generic lock laces

I was reading a thread in The Kitchen Table last week and a lot of the older women love Skechers.

It could be a velcro closure, rather than laces - or elastic. And I do agree that a good supportive, comfortable and durable walking type shoe would likely get worn more than anything else.

Skechers makes comfortable and stylish slip on walking shoes. Black goes with everything and doesn't show dirt. Something with a stretchy upper that might account for variation in sizing could work.

And FWIW, I think a gift certificate for a specific store could pose a problem to someone w/o transportation.

As a 65 year old female ... I prefer comfortable shoes without backs. Easy on, no laces. It's hard to bend over to do that sometimes. My go to color is black to use anytime anywhere. But colors are fun. Clarks and Sketchers have some very comfortable lightweight options.

Even though we all have different tastes, I would buy shoes you like too. Just because we are old doesn't mean we don't like something that looks nice and is in style. I don't think people that need to wear heels for work wear them at home. Comfort should be the main thing you look for. Try some on yourself and decide.

Even though we all have different tastes, I would buy shoes you like too. Just because we are old doesn't mean we don't like something that looks nice and is in style.

I prefer older, not old. :-)

I am 64 and would respectfully state that I’d never wear those shoes you tagged. (Unless, of course, I had no others.) Those styles seem, uh, mature for a 63-year-old lady. (I assume you have no clue as to her physical condition.)

Purchasing a pair at a local store, being sure to include a return receipt, is the best option. As everyone says, shoes are very personal.

I would be SO frustrated by wanting to participate but having such ridiculous parameters to work within. What are the chances all the shoes being given will be what the recipients would choose or whether they'll fit. Oh, about zero.

I am sure a pair of sneakers will probably work, after all they are a quite popular choice for people of all ages. Someone who needs shoes for Christmas will be more easily pleased than those of us who obsess over design decisions.

Zalco, you are right, of course. I, of all people, should know that as I come from an extremely poor family. There were many Christmases that the child me would have been thrilled with a new pair of shoes!

Instead, I was reacting to the assumption that a 63-year-old woman would not be interested in a more youthful shoe style.

Littlebug, I was not signaling your, or anyone's, comments out. And I really did not want to sound like it did not matter whether the person liked the shoes or not. I am a recovering perfectionist and just wanted to point out that we should not let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

This is just a tough act to follow all around, for the obvious reasons stated (all feet are different, no idea how easily the recipient could make an exchange, etc.). I understand the sentiment that someone needing shoes would be grateful for anything received, and I'm sure that is true; however, if I were spending my time and my money to try to help someone else, I would want to know that my gift was one that they enjoyed using because it suited them well. I'm sure the agency is doing the very best they know how, and bless them for taking an active role to bring volunteers and the needy together, but it seems like it would be worth addressing this issue with the powers-that-be; at least bringing to their attention the difficulties and uncertainties encountered in fulfilling such a request. Might there be any other alternate way of putting people and properly-fitting clothing/shoes together?

Yeah, I’m a good 15 years younger...but the 63 year olds I know would not wear any of those shoes. At all. Get her some of the cute Adidas sneakers (or knock-offs, depending on budget.) I mean...I really don’t consider 63 to be at all ready for frumpy. :)

Ida, I have worked with angel trees in the past, on the organizing end. The problem is few people are as interested in buying gifts for anyone over 10 years old. Add to this problem the fact that a person who needs a necessity, like shoes, really needs that item. And the people filling out the requests are not necessarily as sensitive to the vagaries of fit, style, etc. I would not like it if people in need of shoes were steered toward asking for slippers or robes instead, due to the organizers not having the bandwidth to cope. Hence, I think it is absolutley worthwhile to think through which options have the best chance of suiting the widest possible cross section of possible recipients. It is heart breaking to think the giver is so interested in meeting this person's need and yet, poverty prevents even a gift receipt from being useful.

I don't know if this is true for your son's charity, but a local charity I volunteered for that helped families, had families with wish lists that donors could select and purchase for. However, the families were really just made up generic ones, to ensure the donation of a wide variety of items that families could choose from. So it's possible that the shoes will be put into a group of shoes where the recipients can select style, try on for size, etc. If that's the case (and I think it's a common practice), I would chose something practical and comfortable but also nice looking that would appeal to as broad a group of women as possible.

It is an odd thing to buy as a gift when you don't know the person. It's not much different than having to buy her a 36 B bra.

I'm 64 and have a few foot issues so I have to try on many pairs. I won't buy online.

Yes, that's the sort of scenario I was wondering about, Oly.

slippers aren't shoes ... don't go there. even though they are nice and comfy I don't think that is what the charity is thinking of

Have faith in the organizers that they know what they are doing. Buy one of the shoes you choose. You are doing a nice thing, Thank you for your kindness.

These are too pricey but I'm thinking something like this that has some elastic stretch. If you could find something similar but more reasonable it could be worn with jeans or dressed up a bit and could be worn with socks.

I‘m a few months shy of sixty and would wear something like the below style. It’s a good “in between”shoe look. I never ever wear sneakers unless I’m hiking, biking or working out (which isn’t often lately) . I also would never wear clunky looking shoes.

https://www.amazon.com/Gentle-Souls-Kenneth-Natalie-Elastic/dp/B074CHDBVB/ref=mp_s_a_1_167?dchild=1&keywords=womens+shoes+with+elastic&qid=1574799553&refinements=p_72:2661618011&rnid=2661617011&s=apparel&sr=1-167

1.5“ heel but it looks like a half inch front platform.

I appreciate all the help, but the fact of the matter is....this is a charity that services a specific population in a very poor part of town. The school has a partnership with this organization that provides assistance to them on a daily basis - in all facets, job training, homelessness, providing and staffing meals. While I appreciate that the people posting on this board are obviously in a different SES and have the luxury of finding just the right fit and style, I have to believe that this specific collection works in some capacity or the school, working directly with the organization, would not continue to do it year after year. I see the people that come in to this organization for assistance. They aren't worried about being on trend. I also volunteer on the street with the homeless almost every weekend - they are extremely grateful people who appreciate what is given to them, even if it does not fit perfectly or is not the style they would choose. They want socks, coats, sweatshirts, shoes, blankets - basic necessities. The shoes I linked above I picked out quickly as a general idea - the first pair are Clark's which are usually a comfortable and well made shoe. The sole on that particular shoe was quite "thick" for lack of a better description - something I thought would hold up well for someone who may not have the means to buy shoes often. It is a basic style and had very good reviews. Would I choose it for myself? No. Same with the second pair - a pretty classic, basic look that also got good reviews. This is not an endeavor to find a stylish shoe, but rather one that fits a basic need.

Zalco, thank you for putting into words very much the dilemma of this mission:

"The problem is few people are as interested in buying gifts for anyone over 10 years old. Add to this problem the fact that a person who needs a necessity, like shoes, really needs that item. And the people filling out the requests are not necessarily as sensitive to the vagaries of fit, style, etc. I would not like it if people in need of shoes were steered toward asking for slippers or robes instead, due to the organizers not having the bandwidth to cope. Hence, I think it is absolutley worthwhile to think through which options have the best chance of suiting the widest possible cross section of possible recipients. It is heart breaking to think the giver is so interested in meeting this person's need and yet, poverty prevents even a gift receipt from being useful."

I think what you are doing is wonderful! We do the Salvation Army Angel tree every year and I grossly overthink everything I buy. I want them to be wowed but I can’t help but be a bit practical. I wish the age would go up a few years. I always feel bad for the thirteen and fourteen year olds. They are still kids .

Hellooooo, I am 67 (and a half!) and I love my cute sneakers and Cole Haan loafers that my 30-something daughter-in-law also wears. We are NOT at the point of old lady shoes with the exception of heels which I only wear to parties and sometimes not even then anymore. I love adorable flats (I have a pair of leopard ones that are so cute with black slacks and a turtleneck).

I like the second loafer you posted 4kids, and just about any on your third link would work, I think.

The third link (Sophia loafer) would be a good choice. You can get something fun for the present (“asked to buy shoes as well as a gift”). this organization sounds like a well oiled machine and knows their target audience.

The Sofiah loafer was in the second link and I liked it as well.

I’m 71 and would not wear a loafer or just any old slip on type shoe, especially a ballerina flat. Ugh! No Easy Spirits for this chick!

This is hard, and no wonder you are having trouble. You don’t kn9w if her foot is narrow or wide. I would buy a decent lace up sneaker and let that do. Almost everyone can wear that style. Skechers are pretty good.

I'm 53, but given the criteria, I'd buy a pair of lace up Keds in a floral pattern. I have a pair of super colorful Rifle paper floral ones that DH calls my Granny shoes, but I like them and get a lot of comments from random people (positive).

Is something like this too quirky? They are happy shoes though

https://www.dsw.com/en/us/product/keds-champion-sneaker---womens/471511?activeColor=500&size=7.5

The floral shoes are cute, and would be fine for someone who has lots of shoe options, which is probably not the case here. A shoe that can go with just about anything would be more useful.

Something like these Skechers would be comfortable, and could be worn with jeans or a casual dress.

Those look comfortable and versatile. ^^^^

I actually had those skechers posted by terezosa. I felt they ran big and I was never comfortable in them. I was disappointed because they are a. Ice looking shoe...mine were grey.

Uggs

I dislike those posted, very much so. Truth is, a lace up sneaker is much mroe adjustable and probably more confirtable to most people. I keep an old pair of Reeboks and they are loosely laced so that I can just slip them on. Many slip-ons, like those pictured, are too tight across the top of my foot and not adjustable.

The recipient said "sneakers". I say go that route, keep it simple, don't stress.

I did not see the price range but Dansko clogs are very versatile. They can be worn with jeans or skirts and are never out of style.

I have a pair of Skechers sneakers that are beyond comfy. They make my feet feel amazing and I wear them to work in an ER and am always happy to wear them. I despise closed toe shoes. I am flip flop girl or a no shoes at all girl. These are the ones I have and they are true to size. There are other color options if you search the same shoe.

https://www.zappos.com/p/skechers-flex-appeal-3-0-insiders-black-light-blue/product/9161619/color/12913

Here is a more muted color. I changed out my laces for black.

https://www.zappos.com/p/skechers-flex-appeal-2-0-black-lavendar/product/8741243/color/111168?zlfid=191&ref=pd_detail_ext_sims_cv

I was visualizing a style very similar to what terezosa posted. It's current, popular and also versatile. I have a pair that's somewhat similar, but I think it's been discontinued.

I would stay away from pointy toed shoes as those can be painful for someone with corns or bunions, as well as less likely to fit properly.

(FWIW, my family was in shoe manufacturing, and I learned a lot about shoes.)

IMO, it would be nice to get something that can be worn with dresses or skirts as well as pants & shorts.

https://www.skechers.com/en-us/style/16513/skechers-on-the-go-bliss-empress/bbk

https://www.skechers.com/en-us/style/100026/be-lux-daylights/bbk

I do like Clarks - they have some great comfort styles of good quality.