shoes

[EeyoresBestFriend]

Much to my DH disgust, I take 3 pairs of sandals ~ Teva, Nike and Ecco. All three I have had for years, have great support and I switch between them. The Nikes are great in the waterparks, too!

My podiatrist told me that if you want something comfortable and supportive, it won't come cheap ~ he's been right, but I have never had a problem when we spend days and days on our feet.

We also found that soaking our feet in the hot tub at night before we went to bed went a long way to relaxing our feet and legs

We'll do anything to keep going for two weeks! (Even socks & sandals)

[Daddy Mouse]

Both DW and I have a pair of medium priced walking shoe and we will also take along our running shoes. We taske 2 pair of shoes in case one pair happens to get soaked. they'll have time to dry while we wear our next pair.

When I was a kid I could have gone throught the parks wearing almost anything and it wouldn't have bothered me, but now that I'm older sandals, crocs would put me out for a day. I know this thru experience.

Previous suggestions to waterwicking socks is good. To take this a little higher up the body waterwicking underwear also helps prevent chafing.

[Jodi]

I have the same issue, really hard to find the perfect, comfortable shoe for Disney. I probably spend way too much money experimenting. I typically alternate between sandals and tennis shoes. I buy the tennis shoes either a half size larger or in a wide, that seems to help tremendously. I also bring a pair of flip flops for the rainy day or water park day. This year I purchased a pair of Bass sandles that seem like they will work. (they were on sale). Bring lots of band aids and this year will bring the moleskin. Corn pads are very helpful with blisters.

[merlinmagic4]

I usually wear Tevas and never wear sneakers. I can't stand hot, sweaty feet in a sneaker and it's even worse if they get wet! Yuk!

[Belster]

After many blistering years at WDW(HAHA punn intended) I finally decided to give Crocs a whirl....and wow was I ever impressed!!!! I got the cute mary jane not the ones you always see the smaller looking ones and croc flip flops. I took a risk and only brought those shoes...my feet never hurt once, not once. I used the flip flops more than the mary jane but both were equally good.

BTW our whole party of 11 used crocs even the men and little kids..

[Tigger&Stitch]

On the past couple of trips, I practically lived in my Mary Jane crocs.

However, over the past year, my feet have gotten older! We don't own a car, and so walk to work, around town etc every day. Crocs don't cut it for me anymore, and I'm in search of a new sandal/mary jane to wear on our next trip.

I think I'm going to go with the Naturalizer Mediate and the Keen Calistoga, in addition to my Brooks running shoes.

[casey@bat]

I never thought I would be comfortable in anything but my tennis shoes. My feet and back hurt when I don't wear them. I wear them shopping, etc. with a nice outfit and don't care how funny they look. Comfort is more important than style for me! I even griped at my DD 9 for wanting to wear Adidas flip flops to the parks.

But this time I had a boo boo on the side of my heel and couldn't wear them, even with a bandage. So I had no choice but to try my crocs. They were great! I never had any aches or pains anywhere! That is what I will be wearing to all theme parks from now on! I didn't have to worry about wetness from rain or sweating. My legs and feet actually felt better than they do when I wear tennis shoes to the parks.

[brownie]

Teva makes a good walking sandal that my wife swears by. I prefer light hikers with Gore-Tex for waterproofing and breathability.

[Mom2princesses]

I love Crocs but not at WDW. I got huge blisters from them the last time I wore them at the parks. This time I brought the short socks and wore tennis sneakers. I was comfy and not one single blister!

[joonyer]

Whatever shoes you choose, don't wait until you get to WDW to try them out.
Even if the shoes come with glowing recommendations from others, everybody's feet are different. So find some shoes that are comfortable for you at home and break them (or your feet, if necessary) in before you get to WDW.
Trust me. I learned this lesson the hard way. I took some brand new crocs that I had never worn much before other than trying them on, and got bad blisters on my insteps. The shoes were fine, but my feet needed to get used to them!

[DisneyAggies]

Chacos...flip flops...
I always wear flip flops (of some sort--tevas, reef, etc). NEVER had a problem, but I LIVE in flip flops 250+ days a year.

[Hull-onian]

L.L.Bean has a great sandal with support in it. You should go to their web site and check it out. They have lots and lots of shoes. It will give you some good ideas.

[divinedi]

Usually bring two pairs of sneakers and a pair of crocs. I like the crocs for around the resort, but can't wear them for a long period of time. It helps to switch out the sneakers, at least I find it does, and also if you get one of them wet.

[dog-ears]

This was interesting to read - people seem to be equally in 3 camps: running-type shoes/sneakers, sandals/flip flops and Crocs.

For years I always wore running-type shoes to the parks and usually had tired feet at the end of the day but no blisters. Last trip I wore Crocs and had no problems at all and my feet were not tired.

[pixiesmimi]

I used to wear sneakers, running/walking shoes all the time at the parks. A couple of years ago I bought some backless Sketchers that were supposed to be great for nurses, etc. I wore these and my regular walking sneakers. I had the worst blisters on my heels from the ridge on the back and my ankles swole up with the sneakers. I had several pairs of shoes with me that I tried and no matter what, was miserable with blisters and swollen ankles. I even took my shoes off one night and left the parks barefooted because I couldn't stand it any more. I took moleskin the next time and that helped alot and now carry that and bandaids in my purse at all times. But last year I took my crocs and my FitFlops from Victoria Secret/Bath and Body because they have a lot of support even though they are flip flops. I never had a problem with either or with blisters. DH had to dry out his sneakers every night because they got so wet. I will be taking my crocs again this year along with my FitFlops and Dr. Scholl flip flops. May have talked DH into taking his crocs.

DD wore her Croc flip flops last year and said they were the most comfortable shoe she had worn and DGS (4) wore his crocs the whole time without a complaint.

[Dsnygirl]

I used to think the same thing when I'd see people in flip flops at Disney. That is, until I got my Birki's. They look like flip flops but they do not wear like flip flops. And they do have the support needed for a full day in the parks.

I have a question for you about your Birki's... I went to the website you suggested to look at them, and they look awesome -- but I'm wondering, do you notice the "textured" material on the footpad of the shoe?? I have a pair of Clarks flip-flops that I love, they are so comfy, but they also have that same textured material that you walk on. I can wear them for a certain number of hours, but for long days, they end up really making the ball of my foot sore -- that texturizing tends to really bother my foot rather than "massage" it like they advertise.

Anyone else have this problem? So many of the flip flops and summer shoes these days have this same texturizing that is supposed to massage and help your feet feel better, but I've only found it to get uncomfortable after awhile. Is it just me??

[LVT]

Merrill and other name brands make great summer
sports shoes with net sides. Mine are water proof
and made of open weave mesh for airflow. They
are loose enough for orthotic inserts as needed.

[Familyof4]

I have tried Bass Water shoes--I believe they are called H2O and for kids Skechers water shoes.

[magicofdisney]

I have a question for you about your Birki's... I went to the website you suggested to look at them, and they look awesome -- but I'm wondering, do you notice the "textured" material on the footpad of the shoe?? I have a pair of Clarks flip-flops that I love, they are so comfy, but they also have that same textured material that you walk on. I can wear them for a certain number of hours, but for long days, they end up really making the ball of my foot sore -- that texturizing tends to really bother my foot rather than "massage" it like they advertise.

Anyone else have this problem? So many of the flip flops and summer shoes these days have this same texturizing that is supposed to massage and help your feet feel better, but I've only found it to get uncomfortable after awhile. Is it just me??

I don't notice it at all. I think the pictures may make the texturing look more pronounced than it really is. When I slide my shoes on, it all feels fairly smooth.

[princessat37]

pixiesmimi - the fit flops look perfect except they claim they will tone calves, thighs, abs, etc. they won't make me sore will they?

dsnygirl - i've been concerned about that too. i tried on some croc flip flop w/ the "massaging" bumps and it didn't feel comfortable to me at all.