My mom is AAAA also and gets her shoes from Nordie's (Nordstrom's). As others have said - Farragamo is the best bet.

My strategy, which has served me well: Go to any store and try on the style you like in the size closest to yours and note the maker and style.

Then go to the internet and type in the maker and style in a search engine such as Google. Find a site (such as Zappo's) that has your size in stock and that gives free returns, and order. You will probably get them in a couple of days, and if they don't fit, you can simply return them postage free.

Alternatively, you can ask the store if they can order your size so you can try it on, but I have found that very few will do this for me (with a few glowing exceptions).

I have found that retail stores are pretty much useless for having my actual size, but they are helpful for finding styles that I will probably like in my correct size.

I totally agree with likeswords! Not only do you get free shipping in both directions, the prices are much lower!

Why not zappos? Get a half dozen shipped at no cost and no cost to return. It can't be easier. I also do www.endless.com.

The others posters have good ideas. Stuart Weitzman has a full range of sizes. There is a SW store in NY. Ferragamo runs narrow. I think that Ferragamo has the largest selection of dressy flats. Lastly I have had good luck finding Cole Haans in narrows, but not AAAA.

Lastly I have become an expert at making shoes fit. Half insoles that slide in at the ball of the feet provide a cushion and keep me from cramming my toes in the bottom. I have been known to make an extra hole in straps so I can tighten shoes a little more also.

P.S. I know you are eager to get this done, but you might have better luck closer to Labor Day. All I see in stores now is strappy sandals.

This thread is three years old . . .

You are right ellen. It is so odd how it resurfaced. It doesn't look like anyone topped it before I responded and I found it in the recent activity column.

Someone ran an ad for AAAA shoes which is what topped it. I reported the ad which was removed but the thread still comes up.

She must be walking barefoot by now.