Tell me about your shoes.....especially people with foot pain

[dance2874]

I dont want to hear about your crocs though. I have tried them, both the regular crocs, croc sandals and imitations. No go. After a few hours at the mall I could barely walk.

I have bad foot pain, in my heels, and most days after a moderate amount of walking I am in pain. I am dreading how I will feel after a week at Disney :sad2: So tell me about your shoes including specific styles, and any tips you may have for foot pain! I wont have a fridge so the ice packs/frozen water bottle trick is out. What kind of shoes should I be looking for- cross trainers, walking shoes, running shoes? I am clueless.

A good deal is important, but comfort is key here. :sunny: I leave in exaclty 2 weeks, so time is of the essence :cool1:

[msinformation]

I don't know if you need men's or women's shoes, but my mom has bad heel pain and SWEARS by Easy Spirit shoes. Of course, everyone's foot pain is different so you probably just need to try as many pairs as you can!

Good luck. :)

[WHIT1]

I know your pain. I had a heel spur that had to be removed and even after that I was in so much pain. I had to get orthrodics and I also wear crews for shoes. I swear by these shoes. I tried all those expensive shoes they said was good for your feet and $100 is to much to pay for something that doesn't last being on your feet 8 hours. I use to bandage both my feet to be able to work my shift at the hospital. The crews for shoes are great,the insert is even confortable but what is even better the orthrodics fit very well in them. They are even wide enough since I have wide feet. You don't have to worry about falling on wet surfaces which is another plus.You get to wear them for 60 days and if you don't like them send them back. I pay only $50 now for shoes that last years instead months.Hope this helps. whit 1 :thumbsup2

[KelleyGirl]

My podiatrist (and I agree) suggests running shoes that are light in weight. I recently bought a pair of Mizuno and they are very comfortable. I have plantar fasciitis and a heel spur and survived Disney!

[Collette]

I just love my New Balance shoes. I've had them for my last two trips. Feet felt great - no pain and no blisters. The new style number is WW575WT. I have it's predecessor WW574WT. I have found these reasonably priced at Kohl's.

NB advertises Abzorb cushionin - "provides exceptional shock absorption in the heel". Also, I've always had a problem with shoes slipping on my heel and the NB site shows lacing techniques to correct that.

I'm sure everyone has their favorites. Hope you find the pair that is just right for you.

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Not knowing your specific heel problem, I can't tell exactly. I will assume it's is not a rotational problem with your foot. If the latter is the problem, you're going to need a shoe designed for your problem (available at the specialty sporting goods store) an orthotic insert from your doctor. And your turnaround time on doing that is too long. So I'll assume it's just a shock problem with your heel.

1 Select two pairs of good running shoes.
Cross Trainers generally have harder, less cushiony heels, a bit more support along the sides of the heel (due to the constant direction change of the racquet sports,) They have more padding in the toes and more support along the sides of your heel, are thus usually heavier.
Walking shoes aren't as cushiony in the heel when all is said and done, but also last longer and are less expensive on average than running shoes.
2. Don't buy them from Walmart, Target, or Kmart. Those aren't good shoes for this purpose. Of the discount places, Rack Room and Shoe Carnival are both ok. But make sure you stick with solid brands. No Skechers or Pumas or British Knights or the like. Those aren't running shoes. And they both have a buy one get one half off sale going on now.
3. The most important part of the shoe is fit. You need to select a pair of good fitting shoes. But most importantly, make sure when you tie them down there is no heel slippage. That's extremely important. Heel slippage=blisters. Also, try them out on both the carpet, and a hard surface. Ask permission to walk out into the mall once you think you've got the ones you want.
4. Once you find a size, do not assume another style in the same size will fit. Also, if you buy two of exactly the same style, do not assume both paris will fith exactly the same. Every shoe is subtlely different. Make sure you try every shoe you actually buy on, and that's both feet.
5. Once you have the shoes home, make sure you walk a total of about 4 miles in them (you can take more than one trip to do so) to break them in, then shelve them until your trip. This will also give you a final test run to see how your heel handles em.
6. Once at Disney, even if you do not get them wet, alternate the shoes every day. Let the other pair air out. You'd be surprised how this little step improves things.
7. Try the shoes on with the socks you plan to wear.
8. Different brands have different foot shapes. Try a couple see which one fits better.
9. I used to like Brooks, but when they became nearly impossible to find, I now go for Saucony or New Balance. Saucony has a bit more cushion and a better heel catch. They also have a better cushion up front, but they last about half as long and are becoming difficult to find.

Good luck.

A note on socks. Socks can make all the difference in the world too. Make sure they are either acrylic, or one of the new polyester fibers such as cool max, rather than cotton. Cotton loses its effectiveness when it gets wet. The others don't. I like a good pair of acrylic socks. Nice and cushiony.
One note. DO NOT!!! use the old style polyester socks. They are the worst. They are completely inneffective when your feet get wet, which happens in about the first half hour because you're sweating and they don't breathe.

If you try on the shoes and you still aren't feeling right about your heel, get one of those gel heel inserts. They're comfy. You'll need two sets of them also, one for each pair. Make sure you try on the shoes with them and make sure your heel still doesn't slip.

By the way if this doesn't work, see your doctor. You have a problem with your heel that needs to be looked at and resolved medically.

[frndofpooh]

Have you seen a doctor for this? If you have not, then perhaps you could make an appointment to see one before you leave. Depending on the problem, there can be stretches and certain taping techniques and splints that will help you get through Disney.

As for shoes, what you buy should depend on how you walk. This can be evaluated well at most running shoe specialty stores. They can steer you to the proper show after seeing how you walk. Both my husband and I over pronate when walking. He wears a Brooks shoe and I wear an Etonic shoe - both provide more stability and reduce the amount of pronation (which often reduces heel pain).

I feel for you - I have terrible plantar fasciitis in my left foot so walking Disney is a challenge (but one I love to take on :goodvibes !). Good luck!

[ZoZo]

I, too, have had problems with heel pain (had surgery on both my heels when I was 19, and have had ongoing problems since then). I (literally) "feel your pain!"

Here's what I do: Several years ago, I switched exclusively to "backless" shoes. The backs of my heels are where my problems occur (I have huge bunion-like bumps on the backs of my heels, which often get inflamed when I'm on my feet a lot). When I wear shoes that are not "backless", they rub on my heels and make the pain much worse.

When at the parks, I wear athletic "mules" (backless shoes). I have tried several brands that work well, including Nike and Reebok; my most recent were Easy Spirits, and I love them!

In addition to picking the right shoes, I do the following (as recommended by my orthopedic surgeon):

1) I stretch my feet (there's a stretch you can do for your Achilles tendon that helps - gently pull your toes toward your knee and hold several times).

2) Ice works well. Even if you don't have a fridge, bring an ice bag (you can buy them at the drugstore) and fill with ice from your ice machine at the hotel.

3) Give your feet a break and prop them up a few times a day.

Good luck!

[dance2874]

I have no clue why my post got moved when there are at least 2 if not 3 other posts on that board right now about shoes and crocs...guess I should not have dissed crocs in my post! :rotfl2:

Anyways, thanks for all the suggestions. I have heel spurs for sure, maybe plantar fascitis. (I know they are different.) I had heel spurs diagnosed a long time ago and never had them removed. They were never an issue until I went to Vegas and walked the whole stip. OOPS. And as long as I am careful they are not too bad...until recently. I cannot evern walk around my tile floors during the day shoeless anymore. I have not been back to the Dr to be rechecked though, guess I may need to.

Thanks everyone!

[Kirby]

I wear Avia A330WWS. I think that they are cross trainers. They give my feet great support. I second what the others have said. Try on many shoes on both feet. This is my second pair of Avias. When I bought the first pair, I tried on about 10 other pairs of tennis shoes before I found a pair that fit well.

[mjejj]

I have had foot pain for years (I have flat feet and heal spurs) and I have found that Saucony's are the best shoes for me. They are really cushioned in the heal and the upper material is really thin and breathes. You also might want to carry an extra pair of socks and change half way through the day. Even if your socks aren't that wet, my feet seem to feel better in fresh socks. :)

[stina]

I have flat feet which causes alot of problems and I swear by Teva sport sandals. You can buy different styles, I prefer the ones that have more arch support. My key to avoiding general foot pain is to alternate shoes every other day. That way, once my feet get accustomed to one pair I switch it out. It helps lessen pain. There is always pain! Not searing pain or anything, just that achy throbbing feeling you get after a long day of walking. I hear that foot salt baths help as well. Just the basic Dr. Scholls foot bath salts you can buy at Target or the supermarket.

I hope you find your solution!

stina

:wave2:

[mecllap]

Some of the nurses at my Dr's office swear by Nike Shox -- I have been wearing them now for about 3 years and they have been wonderful. But, since you only have two weeks, there might not be time for you to get used to them and for them to start having an effect -- I think it took 3-4 weeks before I noticed significant improvement. It was very hard for me to spend $100+ on a pair of shoes but they have been worth it. My feet just get ordinary tired now at WDW, not the horrible pain I used to have. I stopped doing the stretching exercises a long time ago. They even go through the washer okay -- I've only bought 3 pair by now, and still use the first pair for yard work.
They didn't feel comfortable right away when I tried them on, but after a few weeks I loved them (and still do).
And now you have way too many choices!!!!
Good luck -- I hope you find the right shoes for you!

[lisabelll]

I, too, "feel your pain" I have plantar faciatis and TERRIBLE foot pain. I finally went to the dr and had to get custom orthotics. I have EXTREMELY high arches and a normal width but long foot (size 12) but since my foot is normal width, a mans shoe is too wide.

Since I have a high arch, my foot has never had anything touch the arch of my foot. I had to have all of the support taken out of the orthotic and gradually add it back. I need to have a good shoe to support my foot though and the best has been New Balance. I have even tried Nike Max Air and it just wasn't enough support.

We go to WDW in 9 days and I am a little afraid of the foot pain, but it should be worth it :banana:

[Donald is #1]

I have plantar facitis (spelling?) that rears its head off and on. I have found that New Balance sneakers work best for me. But even with these shoes, I always have inserts in them. I normally wear NB 505 or NB 747 walking shoes with Dr. Scholls tri-comfort othotics. The important thing for me is to wear my sneakers every day. Even when my PF is not acting up, I can only wear other shoes (even with inserts) about once per week without causing a flair up in my pf.

[Grumpy23]

New Balance, and the higher the number on the shoe, the more support there is. For example, a "foot expert" was at a health fair at my place of employment a couple of months ago giving demonstrations on foot issues, etc. Someone standing behind me posed a question regarding the New Balance shoes and the significance of the numbers. He stated that the higher the number, the better support the shoe offers. I said oh great, I just bought these ones, I think they were a 525, and he said take the shoe off and let me see it. He then proceeded to bend the shoe completely in half, which kind of ticked me off at first lol, but it didn't hurt it.

I have since gone out and bought the 856 at Marshall's, paid only $39, Dicks wanted $99 for the same shoe model. My feet feel so much better and I have heel spur on left foot, spur on top of my right foot, tendon issues, never damage, etc. You name it, I got it. :sad2:

You might want to go to one of those places that specialize in foot problems and have them do a analysis of your feet and make recommendations. My husband had knee replacement and he just bought the New Balance men's 900 series and said he has noticed a big difference in support.

[minijeanie]

here is my suggestion:

go to a small foot store and tell them your specific problem

case in point: I was doing the 60 mile walk for avon breast cancer walk aboutg 4 yrs ago.

I have moderate arthritis and wanted a sneaker that I could walk 20 miles a day with.

I got so many tips but the best one was to find a specialty sneaker store and they helped me tremendously.

they determined what type of sneaker I needed and what brand was best for me.

I believe you should do this and find the best suited brand for your type of foot.

Also, if they do not reccommend this I will..Whatever size shoe you normally are be sure to get at least one size bigger.

your feet swell during the day and forces your toes to hit the top of the sneaker ..
this can become most uncomfortable and could cause problems

good luck

[bevtoy]

I have plantar fasciitis in both feet. Crocs are currently the only shoes I can wear with out over whelming pain. I am getting physical therapy two days a week. I went snorkeling last week and found that I can wear Crocs to snorkel in and they stay on my feet! WOW! I was impressed as water shoes are cheap and have no support so they were out of the question. I can only walk about two steps bare footed , its just too painful, but with the Crocs I am managing my self very well and can walk about a mile a day for my usual exercise. I have tried inserts, every brand of tennis shoe I can think of, the Crocs are the only relief I can find. (Not the Crocs sandals, the clog is the one that helps)

[tink4ever]

I too have severe heel pain. I went to the Dr and he told me I have heel spurs. He made form fitting orthodics for my shoes and told me to wear them 24/7 so now I wear slippers with them around the house and I too have found new balance to be the best sneaker. I wear the 800 series with the azorb shock in the heel and roll bar in the shoe. They are great. I no longer have any pain when I walk. It used to be unbearable. The key is to no longer walk barefoot. Always wear your orthodics with good walking shoes and you will be fine. Good luck!! :cheer2:

[TBGOES2DISNEY]

I don't know if they would help you or not, but Hanes makes really cushy, comfy shoes, even in sandals. And they are cheap, so it could be worth a try. :confused3 I bought a pair of sandals today. They aren't ugly exactly (pretty close), but they were so comfy I bought them anyway. I'm going to try them out and see if I can wear them on part of our trip.

[kimis]

I love crocs. Sorry!
However 3 different doctors have told my husband NEW BALANCE with insoles.

[dreaming3]

I have a problem with one foot and ankle. My orthopedist swears by New Balance shoes, so I wear those with custom orthotics. For a lot of physical activity or sports she also recommends having my foot (heel & arch) taped. I'll tell you it feels AMAZING - just like if my foot and ankle were normal again. The medical asst who did it last time said he has regulars that come in because the taping improved their golf game. It usually lasts about 3 days, but will last a day or two longer if you don't get it too wet. I watched very carefully and can now tape up my own foot, but for something like Disney I will go have it done professionally again. Good luck!

[intrep93]

I have a normal arch but have been experiencing arch pain, metatarsil (sp?) pain and knee pain for the last few months. We are heading for WDW next week (yeah!) and I knew it was time to do something about some new shoes and sandals. I ended up with New Balance shoes and Keen sandals. So far I'm happy with both. I tried tevas and Nike shocks and both made me feel like i was rocking back onto the outside edge of my heel. The sales lady said that's because those are extra supportive shoes and if you don't need the extra support, they will push you out. So I ended up with a running shoe instead of the walking shoe I thought I wanted. If you have a runner's shoe store in your area, call and ask if they do a gait analysis. They will actually determine from how you walk naturally which shoe is best for you. BTW, I tried Crocs and hated them! Not at all comfy for me!

[intrep93]

I should mention too that I tried a Nike sandals that felt like heaven. Walking on a cloud. The sales lady actually ended up insisting that i buy a cheaper sandal (the keens were on sale) because she said that shoe has a lot of cushion but no support and after a few days, the cushion would not be enough to keep me feeling good. So you can't always go with what feels cushy and springy at first.

[kaitlin-n-mom]

Redwing makes a insert for shoes. My Brother swears by them. He works in construction and is on his feet all day. I think he said you heat them up in the microwave and then they form to your foot. I have not yet used them myself but I will be getting some for our next trip. My feet were in bad shape after our last trip.

[McKelly]

I too have recently been diagnosed with plantar fascitis. I have switched to New Balance because of a shoe store's recommendation, partly because I needed a shoe to fit the orthotic in. I didn't have custom orthotics made (yet), my doctor told me to get Lynco brand orthotics. And NEVER EVER go barefoot!! Ibuprofen twice a day and ice twice a day. Well, I have for the most part been following those instructions, and dare I say, they are starting to feel a little better. I am hoping the pain is minimal or gone in seven weeks, when I leave for WDW.

[KatieIsSoPR]

I have a high arch so I tend to get arch and heel pain. My favorite shoes for disney are kangaROOs. They are so cute! Their sole is pretty soft and absorbs shock really well. They are the most comfortable sneaker when doing lots of walking. I also love converse Chuck Taylors but they arent the best for doing a lot of walking because they are completely flat. KangaROOs will run you around $50 depending on where you get them, but they are really worth it. They come in so many great colors, too. You can get them On amazon.com, Zappos.com and I think at journeys

[cassie]

I have fibromyalgia and have foot pain that the ortho drs can't help. I find Easy Spirit sneakers are great and for sandals Clarks are the best. No way can I wear cheap shoes again, and the extra money is well spent. They actually last through a few seasons comfortably. :thumbsup2

[wdwprincess03]

I don't have any foot problems, but I worked at WDW outside, and Sketcher's Work shoes are the best for me. They are nice and comfortable, and when I switched shoes my heels start to kill me! They usually come in either black or white, but have some "cool" colors too.

[helenm29]

Just remember WHATEVER you do, break those shoes IN before you go! I usually go with Reebock for Tennis Shoes. I get a "court" style or a "running" shoe that has some support...you can get gel's to go inside your shoes to make them a bit more comfortable too. I have really wide feet..10W which is NOT easy for a women to find so I usually get a couple of pair when I can find them, lucky for me my daughter wears the same size!. Four of us have size 10 feet, oldest boy has 13 1/2! I've also used New Balance too and they seem to give a good amount of support...I'm Pooh sized so I need all the support I can get! ha ha! rotfl2: GOOD LUCK! Helen

[DisFam95]

I've been there done that. I year ago I developed plantar fascitis. I'm a PT so I started my own treatment w/ no luck. I did 2 months of strecthes, ice, exercise etc. I was in excruciating heel pain each morning. I was getting suggestions for podiatrists and ready to have my foot cut open I hurt so bad.

At my local running store (not Foot Locker but a serious runner sstore) It was suggested i try the inserts in my shoe called Superfeet. She told me to wear them all day. I did. I woke up the next day with zero pain. I wore my inserts faithfully until I was healed. I had very minor aches off and on about a week and then nothing. Now I can go without w/ no problems. I've recommended them to 3 other people w/ similar problems and the same result.

I saw them at Nordstroms the other day in the shoe dept but I know you can buy online too..just google Superfeet.

I also love the New Balance shoes. Get a professional fit fom someone. AT a runners store they know what they are doing. They watch me walk bare foot and check my gait. They won't sell me the pair of shoes I think looks 'cute' but rather the shoe that's best for my foot. They actually told me no that they thought I supinated (ankle rolls out) too much in the pair I picked (randomly based on looks). They inspect the bottoms of my existing shoes to see where the 'wear' is and how I walk.

Superfeet!!! :woohoo:

[Donald is #1]

I've been there done that. I year ago I developed plantar fascitis. I'm a PT so I started my own treatment w/ no luck. I did 2 months of strecthes, ice, exercise etc. I was in excruciating heel pain each morning. I was getting suggestions for podiatrists and ready to have my foot cut open I hurt so bad.

At my local running store (not Foot Locker but a serious runner sstore) It was suggested i try the inserts in my shoe called Superfeet. She told me to wear them all day. I did. I woke up the next day with zero pain. I wore my inserts faithfully until I was healed. I had very minor aches off and on about a week and then nothing. Now I can go without w/ no problems. I've recommended them to 3 other people w/ similar problems and the same result.

I saw them at Nordstroms the other day in the shoe dept but I know you can buy online too..just google Superfeet.

I also love the New Balance shoes. Get a professional fit fom someone. AT a runners store they know what they are doing. They watch me walk bare foot and check my gait. They won't sell me the pair of shoes I think looks 'cute' but rather the shoe that's best for my foot. They actually told me no that they thought I supinated (ankle rolls out) too much in the pair I picked (randomly based on looks). They inspect the bottoms of my existing shoes to see where the 'wear' is and how I walk.

Superfeet!!! :woohoo:

Cool! Thanks for the tip. My inserts have been working well for me, but I still need something for the shoes with less support. I will look for Superfeet.

[dopeynme]

Hi! I read about these shoes on this board. I LOVE them! They are the best shoes I have ever worn at Disney. I used moleskin to prevent blisters in a couple of hot spots. I had NO calf aching (my usual problem, esp with all the standing). I highly recommend them. They were pricey ($95) but well worth it, IMHO.

I guess everyone's feet troubles are different. Good luck and have a great trip!

[princess sparkle p]

I like NB, I got the mat Kohl’s. Not sure on the model thought. I have Foot-levelers orthotics. They are a life saver. After 11 years of back and foot pain I am off all meds and no longer have chronic pain. Now I have been dx w/ plantar fascitis . When I was in Disney in April my feet killed me by the end of the day even with the right shoes and orthotics. I alternated w/ Merrell sandals and this made a huge difference. Also when I got back to my hotel room at night I walked around in my Crocs. I bought them since everyone was raving about them ,but after about 30 minutes they kill my and I have muscle spasms. The reverse works though, they make a big difference if wear them after my feet hurt – go figure. GOOD LUCK!!!

[momfor4]

I had terrible foot pain last smmer b/c of lip flops and other bad shoes. I tried the keen sandals this summer and NO PAIN at all!! They are great sandals- they aren't the cutest, but I am all about comfort when chasing my 4 kids all summer. I could sleep in them they are so comfy! My 4 kids all have them and they will be are walking shoes at disney in 30 days! :)

I bet you can find them on line- some cute colors and maybe on sale. Tehy are expensive @ $90. But worth it to me! Kids are cheaper of course.

[DanaHesson]

I dont want to hear about your crocs though. I have tried them, both the regular crocs, croc sandals and imitations. No go. After a few hours at the mall I could barely walk.

I have bad foot pain, in my heels, and most days after a moderate amount of walking I am in pain. I am dreading how I will feel after a week at Disney :sad2: So tell me about your shoes including specific styles, and any tips you may have for foot pain! I wont have a fridge so the ice packs/frozen water bottle trick is out. What kind of shoes should I be looking for- cross trainers, walking shoes, running shoes? I am clueless.

A good deal is important, but comfort is key here. :sunny: I leave in exaclty 2 weeks, so time is of the essence :cool1:


If you arent seeing a podiatrist, get one, QUICK!!! They can inject your heels right before you leave, and you should get at least a month without pain, no matter how much you walk. It sounds horrible, getting a shot in your heels, but it WORKS WONDERS for a temporary fix.

If you just have heel spurs, you may find that they break up with all the extra walking you do at WDW. I have had them several times, but they eventually break up (im a nurse, and on my feet all the time) and stop hurting. When the pain is so bad I cant take it, I go get my heels injected. It usually helps till they start to break up on their own.

[MScott1851]

Another vote for New Balance or Saucony with inserts here.

I have plantar faciitis (heel spurs), high arches, and although I wear a size 10, my heel is extremely narrow, whereas my FOOT is not. It's a nightmare finding shoes to work 12 hours in, since I'm a nurse, much less shoes to run and work out in, or wear to WDW.

I buy a 900 or higher numbered New Balance for the extremely cushioned heel. I then buy the Dr. Scholls inserts that have the heel cup attached to the arch support. Like another poster said, New Balance shoes have extra deeper holes to lace into to prevent heel slippage.

I recently started wearing Saucony's to run in, and so far, so good. They are a little lighterweight than my New Balance. I even bought some socks that have "arch" support built in, and are super padded. It's a little more tightly woven band around the middle of the sock.

I make sure I stretch my feet every morning in bed and after I get up...sounds funny, I know, but it's essential to keep the plantar faciitis at bay. I make sure I stretch my hamstrings and my achilles as well before a day at WDW or at work.

That being said. Your feet and/or legs will probably still hurt some at WDW. Mine do after a long day there, even though I can work a 12 hour shift at the hospital without sitting down. No amount of gel padding, good socks, or insoles can prepare your feet from the constant pounding on concrete, up hills, up stairs, down hills, down stairs, into ride vehicles, standing for long periods of time, then suddenly moving very fast, etc. Add the 6-8 miles you walked per day, and the tootsies just can't take it. I notice that my feet hurt really bad after a waterpark day, when I go barefoot the whole time with no support.

Bring some peppermint foot cream, go dunk your feet in the hot tub, then come back to the room and make your DH rub them. Works for me, anyway!

[dance2874]

Thanks so much for all the tips everyone!! I need to do the stretches more, I know it helps when I remember to do them. I am dreading the walking already though :guilty:

I ordered some new balance that I think are going to really do the trick (I tried them on in store and they felt good, but I got a deal online) I also have some gel inserts to bring and plan to swtich off day to day or even mid day when I can.

[mickeyluv'r]

Have you seen a doctor for this? If you have not, then perhaps you could make an appointment to see one before you leave. Depending on the problem, there can be stretches and certain taping techniques and splints that will help you get through Disney.

As for shoes, what you buy should depend on how you walk. This can be evaluated well at most running shoe specialty stores. They can steer you to the proper show after seeing how you walk. Both my husband and I over pronate when walking. He wears a Brooks shoe and I wear an Etonic shoe - both provide more stability and reduce the amount of pronation (which often reduces heel pain).

I feel for you - I have terrible plantar fasciitis in my left foot so walking Disney is a challenge (but one I love to take on :goodvibes !). Good luck!

I strongly agree! between a podiatrist and a specialist running shoe store, you should be ableto find what you need. Just getting an expensive pair of shoes might be a complete waste.

There is also a place near us that sells special sandals that correct for the way we walk. You have to get used to walking in them, but they help correct multple foot problems. Nearly everyone in the store had been sent their by their podiatrist, so if you start there, a professional can probably give you the best advice.

[lisabelll]

There is also a place near us that sells special sandals that correct for the way we walk. You have to get used to walking in them, but they help correct multple foot problems. Nearly everyone in the store had been sent their by their podiatrist, so if you start there, a professional can probably give you the best advice.

What is the name of this sandal store, I want to try to find one around me :)

TIA

[Paticake]

I love my birkenstocks. I had Morton's neuroma and they were all I could wear pre surgery. I have the clog type for cooler weather. My husband is dealing with stress fracture/tendon issues he is wearing new balance with an insert. Good luck I know how sore feet can make you miserable.

[Captain_Hook]

My vote is for Birkenstocks (or any of the Birkenstock-related companies that use their footbeds). I bought two pairs for my upcoming trip and they are so comfortable and supportive. My Mother even bought a pair (she used to tease me about their looks, but once she tried them on.... She was singing a different tune) They almost ruin me for other shoes. For example, if I wear my Birks all day and then the next day I wear something else -- my feet ache after wearing the other shoes.

My only recommendation about Birks: If you plan on wearing them for park touring, etc and don't wont to get the kind with a heel/ankle strap, get the ones that aren't leather or suede. They have a synthetic type of material that has fun prints on them -- I have found that they don't stretch the way the leather/suede ones. They have remained securely on my feet (while breaking them in) I can't wait to try them in the parks!