R&J in downtown Bethesda and their secondary (larger) location in Rockville are still old school professionals and fit you, analyze your gait etc. Full service and nice folks.

If your mother has any pain issues when walking, I would strongly recommend Jo's Comfort Zone in Gaithersburg. She is super knowledgeable about foot issues and what the best types of shoes are for your individual situation.

I also had a good experience with Fleet Feet in Gaithersburg.

Don't go to Road Runner Sports. They will upsell "custom" insoles that unnecessary for most people and can exacerbate foot issues in other people.

Thank you! I'll try Pacers.

Seconded on pacers. I got my shoes there for walking and I bought two pairs to rotate. I use the same model now to run on my treadmill, only only use a single pair there since the sole doesn’t wear as much.

Good luck!

Pacers.

I would think a good running shoe store would be the right place but you could always call them up and ask

I would like to get my mother a gift certificate to a store that sells sneakers that are fitted to the user. She's really gotten serious about walking for exercise (walks 6 miles a day), so I'd like to treat her to some new sneakers. Any suggestions for the best place to get a gift certificate? I know there are a bunch of running sneaker stores, but not sure if that's the right place to send her.

TIA!