What are the best shoes/sandals to wear?

[IDoDis]

We will be at WDW for 8 days at the end of May. What shoes and or sandals do others wear that have worked well ( without getting blisters)? I also need suggestions for my kids (DS 6 and DD 9). My DS does not like sandals at all, but I'd still like suggestions in case I can talk him into them.

Is it recommended to bring a pair of shoes and a pair of sandals or do most people just stick with sandals? Do they have enough support? I've read that the Crocs are good (DD has a pair), but they don't work for me and DS says he wouldn't be caught dead wearing them.

I need to get the footwear purchased soon so that we can start breaking them in. Any help would be appreciated. :cool1:

[mannasn]

Heard good things about Birkenstocks, although they are pretty pricey!

[Skwinkles]

I have a pair of Teva sandals that I love and DH swears by his Timberlands - basically, just look for a goodwalking sandal.

[wdwlvr629]

I love my Eliza B. flip flops! They're super comfy, by far a most popular vote w/ my feet. Love 'em!!! You can find them at elizab.com.

[beattyfamily]

I used to get blisters with walking sneakers and coolmax socks no matter what I tried...until I switched to Teva Pretty Rugged leather sandals!!! :love:

I also love my Ecco Cosmos. No break in time; like walking on air.

No more blisters in the last 5 trips.

My best advice; take the recommendations here and then go and try them all on and decide for yourself as every foot is different.

[lovmy2girls]

Birkenstocks for me. Love them. They are so comfy and support the arch in my foot. Cool in the summer. Wore socks in the winter when we went and feet stayed warm. Not going to Disney without them. :hippie:

[Janet-TX]

I second the suggestion to try some Ecco shoes. My husband and I both love their shoes! :)

[LISAMWDW]

I don't think Crocs are all that great. They have support that you need for walking. I like to wear waterproof/draining type of sandal/athletic shoe. Such as Tevas, Merrells or Keen's. All shoes will need to be broken in before you go, or you will get blisters. Other than the water rides, your already broken in athletic shoes would be best.
check out www.sierratradingpost.com or www.trackntrail.com

[MinMouse]

I prefer to wear a combo of sneaks and sandals . . . either a pair of Clarks sandals or simple Nike sport sandals. My feet get tired wearing the same thing all day so if we return to the hotel I change for our next venture out. DH loves the Nike sandals and is looking for another pair for our June trip! DDs (8 & 11) both usually get some kind of sport sandals . . . they really like the Lands End ones. They have plenty of colors to choose from. They also always take a good sneaker with them just in case but mostly prefer the sandals!

[Corey127]

if you're a flip flop person, then Reef makes a nice thick, comfy, squishy, blister-free flip flop...
reasonable for women at about $25....but boys/mens are like $50

but i reccommend comfy sneakers for commando days and flip flops for nights/light days

[MEM]

I love my Tevas and alternate them with my Crocs. No sneakers for me at WDW because we usually go in August. DH59, DS11 and DD9 also wear Teva sandals and love them and DH has serious arch support issues.

Best source for our Tevas has been Sierra Trading Post.

[nowellsl]

I have several pairs of Nike straprunners that I love. I also like my sandals from Lands End.

[Disney Girlie-Wirlie]

Agree with above, I also love my BORN Plush sandlas-very very comfy and built specifically for alot of walking. I sware, it's like they made them for us DIS'ers. They should be called "Shoes for people going to WDW"!...Here's how they're described:

Extra comfy single band sandal.

PU midsole and outsole.

Leather upper and sock lining.

360 degree Opanka hand-sewn construction.

Breathable sock lining with shock absorbing footbed.

Lightweight and perfect for any activity.


Also, I have a pair of PRIVO BY CLARKS HERMOSA'S. These shoes are awesome and unbelieveably comfortable! You can wear them for a long time and still be comfortable. Same thing with them, it's like they made them for us DIS'ers! Here's a description for them too:

Funky, urban slip-on sandal with full-grain and silky nappa uppers that are breathable and conform to the foot to keep the feet dry and provide instant comfort.

Low density PU footbed reduces foot and body stress fatigue and rigid TPU shank provides stable support for shoe and foot.

Rubber outsole pads are non-skid and offer long term wearability.


...Aerosoles are usually pretty reliable as well.

[littleladykaty]

Birkenstocks! Birkenstocks! Birkenstocks! I can not say it enough! They are hands down the most comfortable out of the box totally supportive sandal I have ever worn. I LIVE in them. I have tried Crocs and teva and clarks and merril and Dansko...none compare to my birks. They ARE pricey, but if you go to www.baumhouse.com you will find a German website (in English!) you can switch prices to US Dollars and a whole massive selection of birks you never see in the states. And even with the $15.00 airmail shipping they are STILL cheaper than here in the states...under $100...around in the $50-$60 mark give or take. It takes about 2 weeks for them to get to you if you use the airmail option. There is a ground option that cost less but it takes loads longer. IMO the wait is worth huge selection and great prices! Go check them out! Also, Birkenstockcentral.com has a pretty good selection and pretty decent prices. While I LOVE zappos.com and they ship faster than lightening, their prices are way over inflated for most shoes, but especially Birks! OH and you can find really cute birks for decent prices on QVC.com sometimes!

yes I am a shoe addict. But Birks are just addictive!! I'm wearing them with my wedding dress!!! :rotfl:

[kimis]

CROCS! CROCS! CROCS!
I have terribley painful feet but I love Disney so much that the first to trips to WDW I just suffered through. But than I found crocs. They saved my feet! I also used moleskin. I put it where I normally get blisters and no blisters. I wish I would have discovered these things for the first couple of trips! I am looking forward to going again in 2007 without blisters or sore feet.

[hunnypotmama]

littleladykaty, I'm curious which Birkenstocks you like. The 2 strap or the 3? I've never tried them.

[littleladykaty]

Oh my this is one of my favorite subjects!!! ;) First off, you need to know if you need Narrow or Regular birks...it totally effects the fit. The narrow birks have a picture of footprint that is filled in, the regular have a pic of a footprint that is in outline...just so you know!! My first pair were the original two strap Arizonas. I also have the two strap/around the ankle strap Milano...both are great and fabulously comfortable. My favorite by far though are the three strap birks. I have a pair of Floridas and Orlandos (how appropriate!!) It's the nicest fit...I also have a pair of Sydney's which are two strap and those are fabulously comfortable as well!!! (All the two straps pretty much fit the same, it's just the way the straps are cut and positioned) Sydney's look nice and dressier than the Arizonas. When you wear the three strap birks you can really customize the fit depending on how tight you buckle them.I just got a pair of Pisa's....they have a "curved" strap...hard to describe, but they only have one buckle part over the top of my foot and it's much harder to customize the fit...a little loose for my taste. That's the secret to Birkenstocks. They need to stay tight on your feet. If they are flopping around they aren't fitted to your foot right.

I also have the waterproof Haitis in a cute rainbow color. They are great for the beach, but b/c they don't have the cork foot bed they aren't quite as comfy as the originals!!!

I just ordered the one strap platform sole "Oahu" sandal!!! :rotfl: I am SO excited to get this one! It's got a really wide strap that goes across the top of the foot and is said to be very comfy! (but they run wide so I got narrow instead of my Regular b/c you can't tighten them and if they are too wide then forget about it!)

They really are great sandals...I wear the clogs in the winters...the only birks I don't care too much for are the thongs...the toe posts are really stiff and they will rub blisters at first no matter what you do, so I avoid those.

I bet you had no idea what a long response that would be huh? :cheer2: love em love em love em!!! :)

[mickey mommy]

Just bought Teva flip flops (MUSH) http://www.teva.com/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=6109&model=Mush&mnu=womens
They are the most comfy shoes I have ever owned. I am wering them around the house and everywhere I go. I will be picking up another pair before we leave for Disney. I usually wear sneakers to Disney. Not this time, I have been telling all my neighbors and they have to have them also. Picked mine up at DSW for $19.90. Love them, love them, love them. And they are cheap! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[bookworm]

The best shoes I have found for my kids (and even for me when I was a little younger and lighter) are the Nike ****** sandals. They are made out of some kind of stretchy material that dries really fast. That makes them great for any of the wet rides. They don't have a lot of cushion in the soles but it doesn't seem to bother the kids. We have worn these to WDW, Silver Dollar City, and several different Six Flags. They are found in the kids department and I think they are boys sizes because I wear a size 8 1/2 in women's and I can wear the size 6 in these. I also wear mine around the house because it's almost like going barefoot.

darla

[3DisneyKids]

Crocs and Tevas...for all of us. ALl the kids have both. Plus I bring a pack sneakers as well. For the kids, I have them wear what they want, but always bring a second pair in with us. Crocs are my choice for me most often.

[IDoDis]

Wow, thanks for all of the great info! We will be trying on lots of sandals and shoes this weekend!

Someone mentioned Keens -- how do these compare to TEVA? I haven't been able to find the Keens locally so would have to order online and hope they fit and work. Either those or the new TEVA Dozer might work for my DS since they are kind of like shoes.

Which kind of TEVA's are the best? The flatter footed ones or the more rugged (for adults, too)? DH and I both need arch support.

[LISAMWDW]

I own the pretty rugged teva's. They have the arch support. They are great! I wore those the most at WDW. They were comfortable and quick drying. I would not recommend the less expensive flat ones. You need lots of support for all the walking. Pretty much all Keens are supportive and also very comfortable and quick drying/water proof. I own 3 Keen's. I bring one of each and switch. You know, gotta match the colors with my outfit!

[Tenluvsdisney]

What is a good sandal if you need wide width shoes?

[r&t'smom]

I too have been looking for good shoes to wear. I will be in disney the first week of July. My feet swell in the heat, and the are slightly to the wide side, size 8 1/2. I looked at the croc and thought they were ugly (to bulky and rubber looking for me), I also tried on the Keen shoe, but was unsure of the fit. I went up a size and thought my foot looked huge. I'm not sure if I should stick to sneakers, but my feet may be hot. I should also say I have knee problems and need some support.
As for bags I have been thinking of the Ameribag. How is it different from LL Beans bag, or are they the same. My kids ar 4 and 7 so I know I'll have a lot of juke to carry. Also thinking of getting them fanny bags?
A girl's problem I know! :grouphug:

[sameyeyam]

Best shoes I have found for Disney are Walmart Earth Shoes. They are a line of sandals they have carried for several years, different styles. I have the flat sandals, about a 1 inch cushy heel, with elastic to hold them on the back. Have used them for 3 years running, no blisters and they are cheap!

My son also hates sandals, he has 1 pair that he reluctantly wears. But he will wear water shoes and we think they are great for the parks. They are fairly comfy, flexible and don't need a long break in period, and dry quickly. My mother also wore water shoes last year and liked them.

I also take along a second pair of sandals to change into at night. We usually go to parks early in morning, leave in afternoon when it gets busy, then go somewhere for a special dinner. Your feet will appreciate wearing something different after a long day at the parks. Makes a big difference.

We never wear sneakers, it's just too hot, even in April when we go. But the best shoes by far are something from your closet that is comfy & well broken in.

My last piece of shoe advice -- yes I know I look like a dork, but who cares! I don't know anyone and they will never see me again! If your feet start hurting in your sandals, put on a pair of thin socks with them.

Enjoy your trip!

[littleladykaty]

I realize *may* have said this before...but Birkenstocks are wonderful sandals! For those of you who have wide feet... :wave: I have such Fred Flintstone feet and Birks never let me down! They really are worth the price! Acutally I found a pair of black patent leather strap birks for $49.98 online today!!! And FREE shipping at uneedabirkenstock.com!!! I have been looking for a "dressier" pair! :rotfl: It's frustrating b/c so many stores, online and in person, over charge for Birks. In Germany, where they originated and are still made,they cost between $30 and $80 with an average being near $50. I just order them straight from Germany and even with airmail shipping they are still cheaper!! Try www.baumhouse.com, HUGE selection and really good prices!!

happy walking all!!! :cheer2:

[TiggerTails57]

CROCS! CROCS! CROCS!
I have terribley painful feet but I love Disney so much that the first to trips to WDW I just suffered through. But than I found crocs. They saved my feet! I also used moleskin. I put it where I normally get blisters and no blisters. I wish I would have discovered these things for the first couple of trips! I am looking forward to going again in 2007 without blisters or sore feet.

I agree.......I ended up wearing cool-max socks with my Crocs (I usually wear no socks at home) I put on some mole skin, body glide, cool-max socks and did not get one blister! Plus my feet have never felt sooo good, even after all day at Epcot.