I have a specific need that requires me to actually try on the shoes and not just trust online reviews to order untested.  Over the last year I've undergone surgery on both achilles and heel bones. The entire area of my achilles and ankle will continue to be tender for at least the next year according to the doctor.

I'm switching away from clipless pedals that I'm used to in order to protect that area from being locked in during an eventual mishap on the trail. Jumping to flats also means new shoes but I need something that does not cut into my ankle or achilles area. I really need to try them on first.

I'd like a shoe with grip but also not be hard to re-position. I did a bunch of reading on the five ten freerider vxi, but ran across a few reviews that specifically called out some rubbing in exactly the wrong places.

Anyway, who locally has a good selection of flat friendly shoes that I can actually go try out?

Target has some comfortable skate shoes for $25.  They only last 8 mos or so because of the soft rubber, but they actually fit (me).  Or consider doing amazon with free returns, lots of variability in 510's I learned.  The adidas slack cruiser uses stealth rubber from 510, I think they bought 510.  Good grip, but not really comfortable.