Agree that buying online and being able to return (preferably without having to pay postage) is ideal for tough to find sizes. I have used this strategy extensively for myself and loved ones.
Zappos has a nice free shipping both ways policy. I gave shopped for shoes for my loved one in this manner—much better than going from store to store.
My son, being one to order online rather than walk to a store, ordered Blundstone boots last year. He liked his friends boots, so,ordered 2 sizes. These Australian boots are carried by ll bean.
This years his fiancé also wanted boots, not the very warm Uggs. So I sent her various links. She ordered from Cole Hann, 2 sizes, and just varies her socks to match the weather.
Buying footwear for an elder, I ordered about 2 dozen or so different shoes—sometimes two sizes of same style to figure out the best shoes. She was happy with about 3 pairs, which were kept. All the rest went back to Zappos. Trying to get her to all the stores to try on all those shoes would never have happened!
@cardinalfang, you are being a loving and helpful parent!
@“Cardinal Fang”
Could you order a few different boots from Zappos, and have them at your house when DS arrives home for break? If so, he could try them on…and if something works…he can just wear them on the plane…and pack his shoes.
Then return what doesn’t work!
I ordered two different sizes of Timberlands in wide. They have free returns, so I’ll send back the ones that don’t fit. Luckily I can consult with the intended wearer, as students at his school get home for winter break super early and he’s been home for weeks already.
Thanks for everyone’s advice. Hopefully these shoes will fit and I will have no further need for advice on this subject.
Timberlands can be a little “stiff” when new. As long as they fit, that’s what matters.
So for Christmas…good socks in the stocking!
I have very wide feet and the Sorrels are fine for me. Merrells also run wide. Both my boys order nearly everything on line.
I agree. It sux to have wide feet. And I don’t normally like to buy shoes online. But I eventually had to relent to get some decent fitting shoes.
And @“Cardinal Fang” 30 years ago we had to complain via rock tablets and chisels. 
“I have wide feet. And I can attest that while the sales team knows which brands run wide, they are also going to tell you they don’t stock shoes in wide widths, and they will point you to the one pair of shoes in the entire store that will fit your feet. Or they’ll assure you that whatever uncomfortable too-narrow shoe they give you fits just fine, when it doesn’t.”
Once again Zappos to the rescue. You can search for only Wide styles and they carry lots of them. I buy many pairs at a time try em on and return what I don’t need. I do find return are made easier if you stock an easy to use shipping tape in your house as well as these envelope thingies https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IN9KMWU/ref=s9_acsd_top_hd_bw_bXDN3z_c_x_2_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_r=9KRN6JBJ66TAKMKCTQHE&pf_rd_r=9KRN6JBJ66TAKMKCTQHE&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=f8a164d8-137b-5834-b003-fd14d032f45d&pf_rd_p=f8a164d8-137b-5834-b003-fd14d032f45d&pf_rd_i=490806011
My son loves his lined, waterproof Vans hightops for winter at college in western PA.
I have snow boots I can use for shoveling, but they are not great to walk around in. Suggestions on boots that are warm, decent looking enough for the city and yet are comfortable enough to walk in? My friends suggested Merrells Moabswaterproof which may be an option, but any suggestions on something less sneaker/hiking boot in style? I have really “bad” feet so comfort is important! Thanks!