I went to Dick's at about four months post-op and said "Give me the most supportive tennis shoes you have; I don't care what the price is." They gave me a pair of gel-cushioned Asics. They are good, but I think any kind of tennis shoes with thick support would work. And, yes, I made them put them on and off me. Reminded me of going to the shoe store when I was a kid. You probably could buy some online if you know your size. I might buy a half size up so you can wear nice, thick socks, too.
I also recommend the elastic shoe laces. I ordered 3-4 pairs online and put them in all my lace-up shoes. Then you don't have to bend at all. You can just slide your foot in with a shoe horn and forget about tying. I have them to my 10-year-old, too, since he never ties his shoes.
Best,
Evelyn
age 48
80* thoracolumbar; 40* thoracic
Reduced to ~16* thoracolumbar; ~0* thoracic
Surgery 3/14/12 with Dr. Lenke in St. Louis, T4 to S1 with pelvic fixation
Broken rods 12/1/19; scheduled for revision fusion L1-L3-4 with Dr. Lenke 2/4/2020
Not "confused" anymore, but don't know how to change my username.