Best Shoes for WDW??

[MommyBuzz909]

I'm from Southern California and live in flip flops year-round. Would any of you recommend wearing flip flops around the parks? Or should I bring my tennies along? I own Crocs flip flops but I find my Old Navy ones to be MUCH more comfortable. Any good sandals? Any recommendations??

[Rora]

Oh gosh, I feel your pain. I'm from South Florida and wear flip flops 24/7. BUT as weird as your feet will feel trapped inside tennies, wear them to the parks. There's nothing worse than having wet/cold/stepped on feet. Give your flip flops a break and wear tennies. Sandals are okay for places like Downtown Disney but I wouldn't suggest wearing them to the parks. Good luck and have a great trip!

[MommyBuzz909]

Farmer tan here I come!!!

[hvivona]

You're definatley gonna want your tennis shoes in the parks. Last year I tried flip flops for just half a day. Later that night my legs had the most wicked cramps because they were not supported. I agree with the other poster: flip flops ok for DTD but not the parks. Have fun!

[atpatt]

As another year 'round critter flip flop wearer, I feel your pain. Oh the heat, the enclosed shoes, the claustrophobic toes longing to be set free!

The first time we went, I did wear my running shoes in the parks, but I hated it. Sure my feet were free from pain, but I just hated being so confined! I did learn that Berki's were a bad idea as I wore those to SW and my poor little piggies felt strained all day.

Last trip I bought Croc Athens, and while they weren't quite as comfy as the running shoes, my feet felt happy and free!

My current issue is what to do when we go in April b/c I know my feet will be cold in the mornings and at night. I'm thinking maybe Converse Jack Purcell low tops since they aren't as heavy and clunky as running shoes and will still look cute with capris.

But then I was thinking about Vineyard Vines' critter flops...they have arch support and feel totally different from other flops. I think I might try them on a half park day and see what happens.

People have mentioned various styles of Clark's being comfy in the parks, but I can't find any I like.

Can you tell I have put a lot of thought into this? I have an un-natural aversion to my running shoes if there is no treadmill involved, lol.

[MommyBuzz909]

I'm probably going to do my Converse Low All-Stars. And there's always my DC's too...... I just have to remember to buy low low low socks because I am not down with the farmer tan......

no offense to those farmers on here :o)

but yes, HATE having my feet be restricted......

maybe just bring my flip flops along in my purse to the park just in case :o)

[breezy1077]

Has anyone ever heard of Naot's. I think it's a brand name. They were the best thing since sliced bread for my feet at the parks.
They come in different sandle styles, offer great support (they feel like there's nothing on your feet), and felt like they offered the same comfort as a tennis shoe.
They also look good enough to wear with more "dressed up" outfits or casual enough to wear with cotton shorts. They are a bit pricey but your feet will luv ya!

[bluefairy21]

I can't stand the hot feet feeling of tennis shoes in Florida but I brought them along last trip anyway. I ended up changing back to my flip flops after only 2 hours.

I wear Teva Kena flip flops and they are so comfortable. First trip that my feet did not kill every night.

[jenn-n-okla]

Definately bring the tennis shoes. I went last year and wore them during the morning hours then around 1-2pm went to the locker and changed into my crocs. I don't recommend flip flops as too many people might step on you or run over you with a stroller.

[texusc]

I would definitely wear tennis shoes to the parks. But, there are a few wet rides here and there so I would pack some light, old, flipflops that can get wet just for those rides where you can don't want your socks to get all nasty and uncomfortable. That's what I do anyway. Especially for Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom. I get drenched on that one every time.

[mousescrapper]

I vote no on the tennis shoes...I think I'm in the lower majority here. But not a big tennis shoe fan anyhow, I figured on our last trip I better wear them. Got a new pair (old ones were like 10 yrs old see I don't wear them) many months in advance broke them in the house and everywhere I went for months in advance, and then down there, UGH ow...I wore them twice during our 10 day stay and flip-flopped my way thru the rest. I did have some blisters on the tops of my feet, which I covered w/ mole skin but I was megga more comfortable and didn't have any pain.

This time I'm going my crocs flip-flops or cleos all the way. I just know that's the right choice for me.

Here's hoping for happy feet!;)

[Echie]

I usually do a sports sandal (teva etc) and a running shoe. Usually I'll do the sandal for the daytime and then switch to the runner in the evening. Or I'll alternate wearing the sandal one day, and runner the next. It seems to work well for me anyway :)

I could never do a flip flop for lots of walking - my calves cramp up because of the lack of support.

[hannah03]

I wore my croc flops last year and plan to again :)

[MommyBuzz909]

For some reason, I find my $3 Old Navy flip flip 10 times for comfortable that my Crocs flip flops....

I will be bringing both with me, but in the meantime, will figure out the perfect "covering my toes" shoes to buy and bring!!

[aubriee]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, my Teva Mush flip flops for WDW. I've carried tennis shoes, Crocs, and sports sandals down there, but always wind up wearing my Teva Mush flip flops. I also like my Montrail Molokini's. The Montrails are a little more expensive, but sooo worth it. When you get them you bake them in the oven for a few minutes to get them warm, then wear them for a little while, and they mold perfectly to your feet (you can see every little print from each toe). Both Teva Mush and Montrail Molokini flip flops have really good arch support. I can wear them all day at WDW without getting a blister or sore tired feet. Go to Zappos.com and read the reviews on the Montrail Molokinis.

As far as baking the Montrail Molokinis, no I am not kidding:rotfl: . The instructions that come with these shoes say to bake them. I loved my first pair so much my mom wanted a pair. I ordered her a pair from Zappos and when they came in they were so comfortable she didn't want to bake them. I assured her that they would be even more comfortable after baking. As I put them in the oven she warned me I had better not burn her shoes:rotfl2: :rotfl2: .

[Kaye]

Love any Earth shoes--you can find them in a lot of different styles. My feet and back thank me. I have a pair of slip on sandals that I can wear forever. I don't like my toes touching--but in NW Indiana, it gets a little chilly, so I do have to cover them. The toe box on Earth shoes is big, so my toes stay happy.:goodvibes

[Millie12591]

For some reason, I find my $3 Old Navy flip flip 10 times for comfortable that my Crocs flip flops....

I will be bringing both with me, but in the meantime, will figure out the perfect "covering my toes" shoes to buy and bring!!

I think it really all boils down to support for most people. If your one that doesn't need a lot of support and your body doesn't hurt when you walk a lot without proper support then by all means wear your flip-flops. It sounds like you don't really have body issues because of lack of proper arch support, lucky girl! ;) Most people can't get away with that, me being one of them, I will however check out the flip-flops from Old Navy, got a picture of them so I know what I'm looking for?!?:)
I'm all about flip-flops for about town wear, I could never do it for long walking. I tried wearing my pricey Merrells just from our preferred room (meaning not as far away as you could be) to the bus stop at the PoP and I thought I was gonna die, :eek: had to go back to the room and change to tenni's and take the Merrells with me to change into. Oh well, that's just the way things were back then for me (May 2007), I'm hoping that will all change the next time I'm in The World (WDW) because my goal in two years time is to have lost 100 lb., and I think with that out of the way I pretty sure I can expect some amazing changes for myself concerning how my body responds to lots of things. :banana::woohoo: :yay:

[audrey2580]

After reading this I decided to buy the Montrail Molokini's for DH - found them on rei outlet for $31.93 for men and women - that's $18.07 off !!

lots of sizes and color available! They also have the Teva Mush for $14 !!!

[GinCar]

I've always wanted to try the Montrail's, but I haven't, yet.
So, my vote is for the Teva's if you find some on sale, and especially since you wear flip-flops year round.
I used to be a tennis shoe girl, However, my last trip sold me on Teva Mush.
Good Luck.;)

Since this topic comes up so often, I think the answer is everyone's feet are so different that it is good to discuss all of the options.
I would have NEVER considered the Teva's for all day Disney before my last trip if I wouldn't have read the testimonies on the Dis. Thanks to all of you that post what you wear, carry, etc.:thumbsup2
I am a much better Disney commando because of you.

[Millie12591]

After reading this I decided to buy the Montrail Molokini's for DH - found them on rei outlet for $31.93 for men and women - that's $18.07 off !!

lots of sizes and color available! They also have the Teva Mush for $14 !!!

OK! you have seriously gotten me in trouble with this information, about 90 dollars worth! LOL :cool1:
;)

Although I didn't find to many colors to choose from with the molokini's, :sad2: Oh well, I only need one pair to figure out if I'm going to like them, if I fall in love with them, then it's worth it to pay full price for the color I REALLY want. :) Thank you, thank you, thank you for the great information! I was just thinking yesterday that I would love to find the molokini's cheaper, and presto! You Rock Audrey! And Audrey's Husband! :laughing:

[airhead]

I swear by Skecher's sneakers! They are the most comfortable sneaker I have ever worn!:goofy:

[pakhowe]

Just remembered I have a pair of Clarks sandals. They were a hand me down, not the prettiest style, but I'm all about the comfort when walking about 10,000 miles a day.

I'm looking at getting Lands End River Trekkers for DH and self. Anyone got any reviews on those? Tried some on last week and they were comfortable in the store but not sure for the parks. Just checked out a pic of the Montrails, Don't like anything between my toes. Gonna get the kids Tevas I think. The Dozer style looks like a sandal with a covered toe. Anyone have kids with that style?

[Chedstro]

Just a note for anyone with bunions - like me. There is a brand of shoes called "Pedors" that have stretchy places for your bunions. I wear them to the parks and some days that is the only way I can get through the entire park. We live locally.

They have a website - www.pedors.com

[mykidsintow]

I really don't like my feet in sneakers at Disney. I don't like hot, wet, sweaty toes. I wear my birks. Never worn anything else to Disney. I don't have covered toes and I have never had a problem. I wear slip on birks. Mine cover over the arch and then have a strap over my foot to between big toe and one little strap over big toe (flip flopish, but more). I love my birks at Dis and would never wear anything else!

Wear whats comfortable for you.... I am not sure flip flops would make your feet happy after 4-10 miles of walking, but if they do then go for it! :) I leave my sneakers at home, none of our family wears sneakers... well at least not at Disney.

[Utfootballdiva]

I bought these for our first trip to WDW (we leave Monday 5/26!!!!). I'll let you know how these work out for me. I liked them because they feel VERY supportive, have a sturdy sole like a sneaker, toes are protected and they dry fast if your feet get wet.

http://www.keenfootwear.com/product_detail.aspx?sku=5211

[Millie12591]

I bought these for our first trip to WDW (we leave Monday 5/26!!!!). I'll let you know how these work out for me. I liked them because they feel VERY supportive, have a sturdy sole like a sneaker, toes are protected and they dry fast if your feet get wet.

http://www.keenfootwear.com/product_detail.aspx?sku=5211

Curious to know, thanks for the information! ;) Does your name mean your a UT fan as in Univ. of Texas? If not, I'm sorry if I offended. :upsidedow

[LSU]

what about the crocs scutes? I was going to buy caymans for the trip...THIS FRIDAY :banana: , but I tried on the scutes and they felt way comfortable and the caymans seem too loose on my feet.

anybody had success with the scutes at disney?

[Flyin2MCO]

Sort of repeating a reply I just posted on a different thread, but I'm a fan of Nike Free 5.0 running shoes for WDW touring...these are extremely comfortable, can be worn without socks and are very lightweight (but I'd highly recommend an acclimation period since they are much different from the typical sneaker).

I'm also going with Columbia Aquatooths for MK and AK, where the likelihood of wet feet is high. These are water shoes and are very comfortable.

It's amazing how many people underestimate the impact of a WDW vacation on the feet.

[santa's surpriz]

Has anyone ever heard of Naot's. I think it's a brand name. They were the best thing since sliced bread for my feet at the parks.
They come in different sandle styles, offer great support (they feel like there's nothing on your feet), and felt like they offered the same comfort as a tennis shoe.
They also look good enough to wear with more "dressed up" outfits or casual enough to wear with cotton shorts. They are a bit pricey but your feet will luv ya!

OMG! These are the best shoes ever! Haven't been able to find then in years. They are more feminine and narrower, as well as dressier than the Birks.

[Utfootballdiva]

Curious to know, thanks for the information! ;) Does your name mean your a UT fan as in Univ. of Texas? If not, I'm sorry if I offended. :upsidedow

Ha ha ha! No, I'm a REAL UT fan. University of Tennessee! Go Vols!!! :)

I'll let you know how it goes with the shoes when I return.

[mistymouse5001]

:banana: Ha ha ha! No, I'm a REAL UT fan. University of Tennessee! Go Vols!!! :)

I'll let you know how it goes with the shoes when I return.

[MNDisneyFan]

I usually bring plain old tennis shoes, but we almost always go in November and it is so dry when we have gone. The one day it did rain, they were soaked and it took a few days to dry out (not to mention that squishy feeling - yuck!). I have been trying to find just the right shoe to bring next time, and bought the men's Crocs Tikali shoe last night at our Crocs store in the mall. They seem so comfortable, with three different straps.

I just want something that will dry out from the water rides and the near-daily thunderstorm activity when we go this August.

Anyone have any experience with these at WDW?

I thought maybe I could buy a pair of waterproof running shoes just in case? Maybe the Montrail Hurricane Ridge Men's?

[Millie12591]

MNDisneyFan~

Check the REIoutlet.com for the mens shoes, they have good shoes to choose from, look at the sandals for men, I think you might find something that would be great for your feet and body, not to mention nice and cool.
I think you should look at the Montrail molokinin's and the Merrells for men. :thumbsup2

[goofygrl4]

I used to wear tennis shoes, but now I just wear my baur hockey sandals. They are the most comfortable "shoes" I have. They are really meant for the locker room shower's. But they are the best, they have arch support and my feet aren't confined in shoes. I live in Wisconsin and I wear sandals year round, even in 12ft of snow! My frined's think im nuts but i HATE shoes. I've worn croc's in WDW and they are comfy but I prefer my sandals! I've also worn my flip flops from Old Navy and my feet do just fine. This is my theory, you need to wear what your going to be comfortable in, I may be good in sandals, but you may need to wear croc's and the next person may need to wear tennis shoes. IT's up to your feet's discretion. I've seen people in heels and hey if they are comfortable then so be it!

oh yeah, I'd rather have wet sandals than wet tennis shoes cuz sandals dry faster!

[little1kry]

Throwing my two cents in...I switch between Teva Mush and Merrell Siren Sport (discovered the Merrells through this board not too long ago. Thank you, thank you thank you! Only shoes where my back doesn't hurt after a really long day).

On a side note, I try the shoes on in the store and then order from shoebuy.com, (related to bagsbuy.com where many get the bagallini). No tax, no shipping, a discount for being a member and very often additional discount codes available. I saved over $20 on the Merrells. :)

[moonpie85]

If you're used to flip flops, stick with them. I wore my Croc flip flops around the entire resort for 7 days last December. No problems because thats what I'm used too. If I wore tennies I think I would have been uncomfortable.:thumbsup2