I am so cheery. After considering them for a while, I finally ordered the Ecco Soft 7 sneaker recommended by Angie and many of you. I also got a pair of Cole Haans that went back immediately.
I had some Eccos in the far distant past, but when my feet got bad they weren't adequate. This morning as soon as the UPS guy came I put the Eccos on and couldn't believe it. They fit perfectly, are comfortable, have lots of room for my misshapen toes, arch support is good, metatarsal good, and I only need a small heel pad. Even though they are lace ups, they caused almost no discomfort for my arthritic instep.
I wore them around the house (didn't bother with socks so far) ran some errands, had them on four hours before I took them off. I'm going to take them on my upcoming vacation.
I got the Fired Brick color, a dark red that blends with most of my clothes. These were on sale for $99.98 and I think I got the last pair in my size.
If they continue to be fabulous I will buy them in other colors.
Thank you Fabulous folks.