RE GIFT OF SHOES THAT DON'T FIT

I received a gift of a pair of skip on that have an elastic insert which I can not get on without much difficulty as I have a high instep. I would like to exchange them for a pair with laces. The box reads OPTIMUMS white/ltgray leather. I live in East Hartford, Ct and tried to exchange them at J.Penney and Macy but they would not do it.I have several pair of Easy Spirit which I like very much but can't find where to do it. I think they came from N.H. as my grand daughter,(who sent them to me) lives in Vt. My e-mail is Email User I hope you can help. Thank You, Dorothy Doiron, 26 Primrose Dr., East Hartford, Ct. 06118 Size 7 1/2 medium