So, WHICH walking shoes are best???

[MissSha]

:confused3

I know that walking shoes, "tennies" are best, but who can tell me which brand they like best for hoofing around the world? Do you all like Skechers, New Balance, or what? I'd love your feedback!

[Tess'smom]

I personally stick with my crocs or Teva Mushes. But I love New Balance for any other purpose. :)

[travelbee1]

i prefer New Balance myself. I walk A LOT for various charities and that's what i wear. Also... avon.com.... they have these great shoes by CURVES... the sandals... they 'rock' - literally! i have two pairs and wore them all over boston last summer.

[OKW Lover]

Best? For me it's Nike Air Pegasus. But unless your feet are exactly like mine you would probably be more comfortable in some other brand/model. Spend some time in one of those athletic footwear stores in a mall near you trying on various brands and models. Shoe comfort varies greatly for every individual, even with the same brand but different models.

Sorry, there really isn't any short-cut to picking the best shoe for your feet - you have to ask your own feet what feels good. Otherwise, you are setting yourself up for a very uncomfortable trip.

[MissSha]

Best? For me it's Nike Air Pegasus. But unless your feet are exactly like mine you would probably be more comfortable in some other brand/model. Spend some time in one of those athletic footwear stores in a mall near you trying on various brands and models. Shoe comfort varies greatly for every individual, even with the same brand but different models.

Sorry, there really isn't any short-cut to picking the best shoe for your feet - you have to ask your own feet what feels good. Otherwise, you are setting yourself up for a very uncomfortable trip.

Oooooh. especially great to hear from you!!!! Thanks for the advice on the feet, and I'd love to hear WHY you're an OKW lover, as we're staying there for the first time this August!!! Thanks, Teacher Sharon

[mommytoone]

For me, since I had to have foot surgery, the best shoes for me is Easty Spirit. The are lightweight and feel like your walking on a cloud. My foot Dr. even told me about these. This is all I wear.

I did try the curves shoes, and did not work for me. But I agree you need to find what works for you.

[LoveTwoTravel]

I love my MBT tennis shoes, but as they are heavy they get hot in the summer. So just ordered the sandals for WDW. I'll let you know--but I'm pretty sure I'm gonna love them as much as I love my tennis MBTs. They are just so comfortable.

[HunnyPots]

I love love love my Air Nike running shoes but I couldn't for the life of me tell you which model they are. They're silver and purple and oh so pretty if that helps! ;).
Before these, I was a die-hard Rebok wearer but they don't feel as good as they once did. DH loves New Balance and my kids both swear by Adidas so it's a pretty personal thing.

One thing I have found is that I dont like the ones they call "walking shoes"; they seem too stiff and heavy. I prefer runners. Of course, I tend to walk almost as fast as a lot of people run so maybe that's why!

[Sandrella]

I like my Teva sandals. Never had a problem with blisters or foot pain when I wear them to the parks.

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I love my MBT tennis shoes, but as they are heavy they get hot in the summer. So just ordered the sandals for WDW. I'll let you know--but I'm pretty sure I'm gonna love them as much as I love my tennis MBTs. They are just so comfortable.

I wear MBT's too and LOVE them. Pricey little suckers, but my feet have never been so happy. That's all I'll wear the past 3 years. Now I just about cry when I have to wear any type of normal shoe.

[srwarden1928]

I prefer Nike or Reebok. DW prefers New Balance.

[DizzDoll]

i prefer New Balance myself. I walk A LOT for various charities and that's what i wear. Also... avon.com.... they have these great shoes by CURVES... the sandals... they 'rock' - literally! i have two pairs and wore them all over boston last summer.

I was thinking about getting the strappy sandals - not the thong kind - are these the ones you wear, and if so, how long did it take you to get used to them? I have the Metatreks which have weights built into the soles of the shoe but I certainly will not be taking them to WDW :lmao: ! From the pictures I've seen the Curves sandals have a sole like the MBTs so my question is...how do you keep from tipping over???

[northriver]

I honestly do not own a pair of sneakers!

My park shoes are Keen and I like the nylon H2 better than the leather because they dry so fast it is amazing. I have a pair of Newports as well as another stye.

I'm a sandal kind of girl, I could not wear sneakers all day. However, I do need good foot and arch support. I love Keens but Teva or Chaco would be on my short list. In Teva, the lower priced pairs have thinner soles, I would NOT do Disney in thin soled Tevas - well, I have actually - and my feet and legs ached and I would not do it again! The thicker soled sandals with good arch support are much better.

What is most important is to find a shoe that fits your foot really well. What works for me, won't work for someone else. So find not just one but TWO pairs of shoes that you really love, then get out and get walking. Get yourself used to walking and break in those shoes. You'll be glad you did!

Before a disney trip, I try to walk outside on pavement a few times a week for at least a mile or two each time, and then also try to do a couple 6+ mile walks. Since I started doing this, I haven't had any problems with my feet or legs hurting at WDW.

[*KeepMovingForward*]

IFrom the pictures I've seen the Curves sandals have a sole like the MBTs so my question is...how do you keep from tipping over???

I can tell you there is a major difference in quality of materials that Curves uses for their rocker bottom sneakers and sandals-basically theirs (Curves) is made of a high density foam and MBT's are made like a normal sneaker-with rubber soles. I tried the Curves ones once because I thought...wow...$30 for their rocker bottom sneakers versus $250 for the MBT brand. Well, no contest...MBT's sneakers and sandals will last you more than a year with wearing them every day and are very sturdy-I returned my Curves sneakers right back to Avon after 2 seconds of having them on-they are terrible IMO. You get what you pay for sometimes. I didn't find the Curves sneakers to be stable at all either. If you never tried any other rocker bottom, then the Curves may be great stuff, but once you have a real sturdy and quality rocker bottom, you would never go back to using something like that.

As for how you walk in them...um, basically as long as you have good balance, you shouldn't even have an issue adapting. It's not walking in them that is the thing to adjust to-its standing still and not teetering back and forth while still that is more of an adjustment. The MBT's come with a video, but I never watched it. They are wonderful in that they take the pressure off of the ball of your foot and your foot does not slide forward as they would in a normal flat bottom shoe. My feet never throb, no callouses, no corns, no foot pain ever. I walk at Disney with them for 14 days straight and I'm as happy as can be. I got started on these by the podiatrist that I work for part time. Best advice I ever got.

[joeybugs]

I always make the mistake of trying to worry about wearing "cute" shoes. That got me two big ouchies on my big toes last January. I was wearing some Chaco sandals that I thought would also be comfortable but somehow they ended up rubbing off two big patches on my toes. :( However, I did wear two other pairs of shoes on that trip that were comfy - I wore my New Balance tennis shoes and a pair of Merrell slip on mule-like sneakers and they were both perfect. My feet didn't get tired at all. We walk 5+ miles a day so I need something solid. If I wore my Teva Mush or my Crocs my feed would be so sore by the middle of the day. But everyone is different. You need to find something that you like to wear while walking around at home - in my opinion - and most likely that will work in the World too! I am going to try out my Keens at Christmas. Wish me luck.

[DizzDoll]

I can tell you there is a major difference in quality of materials that Curves uses for their rocker bottom sneakers and sandals-basically theirs (Curves) is made of a high density foam and MBT's are made like a normal sneaker-with rubber soles. I tried the Curves ones once because I thought...wow...$30 for their rocker bottom sneakers versus $250 for the MBT brand. Well, no contest...MBT's sneakers and sandals will last you more than a year with wearing them every day and are very sturdy-I returned my Curves sneakers right back to Avon after 2 seconds of having them on-they are terrible IMO. You get what you pay for sometimes. I didn't find the Curves sneakers to be stable at all either. If you never tried any other rocker bottom, then the Curves may be great stuff, but once you have a real sturdy and quality rocker bottom, you would never go back to using something like that.

As for how you walk in them...um, basically as long as you have good balance, you shouldn't even have an issue adapting. It's not walking in them that is the thing to adjust to-its standing still and not teetering back and forth while still that is more of an adjustment. The MBT's come with a video, but I never watched it. They are wonderful in that they take the pressure off of the ball of your foot and your foot does not slide forward as they would in a normal flat bottom shoe. My feet never throb, no callouses, no corns, no foot pain ever. I walk at Disney with them for 14 days straight and I'm as happy as can be. I got started on these by the podiatrist that I work for part time. Best advice I ever got.

Your summation included everything I wanted to know. I've been hemming and hawing about shelling out $250 for a pair of MBTs but I paid $150 for the Metatreks so I guess it's relative. Thank you so much for your reply - I have a feeling I'm going to be checking them out over the weekend.

[Elmo888]

New Balance, New Balance, New Balance. And you might need to find the higher end ones. Lower end ones are sold at places like Kohl's and JCPenney and are fine if they work for your feet (lucky you!). However, if you already have foot problems, look for the higher end ones. Higher end ones have higher model numbers. I found mine online at zappos.com and joesnewbalanceoutlet.com. Or try shoebuy.com - they have 20 percent off coupons right now.

I've had some luck with CrocsRX Relief, but no luck with Keens (I love the idea of those shoes, but I can't stand the fit). (I'm going to try the higher end Tevas next time!)

zappos.com is a good place to research shoes - lots of reviews, great selection, free shipping/free return shipping, but the prices can be high.

Good luck!

[pakhowe]

I just got Lands End River Trekkers. They seem to be the best of both worlds...Sandal and Sneaker. I haven't broken them in yet, which is very important! I plan on wearing them every day until we go to WDW. I have other LE shoes and have never had a problem so I hope these will work as well. Good luck with your search. Whatever you buy try to wear them as much as possible before you get to the parks. If you find they bother your feet you will have time to try something else.

[YCNUT]

asics gel nimbus the most comfy shoes I have wore
@ wdw

[Coach P]

Your question is truely a tough one to answer. When it comes to shoes there are many variables to consider. Do you go with a walking shoe or a running shoe or sandals? For the amount of walking that you do at Disney I recommend a running shoe. Typically they will have more cushion and support of the shoes out there. When you go to try on a shoe go later in the afternoon after you've been on your feet all day, the reason is your feet swell thru out the day and you will be trying them on once they are swollen.
Make sure to take the type of sock that you will wear when trying them on. Make sure that you also get the right size. When trying them on you should have a thumbs length between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. If you dont have that you will wind up rubbing your toes and that will cause major problems.

Brands:
Nike: Famous for the "air" good shoe with usually a high arch support and an average width

Adidas: uses uva cushioning (high density foam) not as high of an arch support and usually runs wider in width

Reebok: uses uva cushioning normal arch and normal width sometimes an little narrow

Asics: use uva cushioning and gel system. Average arch and normal width (sometimes you can find another width but not usually) good shoe

New Balance: uses uva cushioning a good shoe most famous for have multiple widths available. Average arch.

Saucony: Well know running shoe. Uses uva cushioning, average to high arch support and normal widths (sometimes can be found in other widths)

Brooks: Running shoe. Uses uva wide width average arch support

Yes I know that shoes seem to be expensive but remember you get what you pay for. If you buy the cheaper shoes your getting cheaper quality and in the long run may cause foot problems down the road. The other thing to remember is that most shoes are designed to last 3-4 months, after that you've broken down the support of the shoe and will start to notice little aches.

If your in doubt about what type to get go to a running store that specializes and they will be able to help fit a shoe to you.

I use to run a sporting goods store for many years so I hope that this helps you out. :)

[MissSha]

Thanks, Coach P, for your very detailed and helpful outline regarding sensible footwear! I hadn't considered running shoes, but your explanation has me sold! My DH and DS's are going to visit Disney in mid August, so I plan on buying shoes soon in order to "break them in" and establish where there are "hot spots"!

Thanks again!

[stitchywoman]

Based on a lot of people on the boards saying to go out and buy either the Teva Mush sandals or the Montrail Molokini, I ordered them from REI. They have some sizes of both on their outlet site, but I had to order my size in the Teva's off the regular site. So far only the Teva's have gotten here, but they are REALLY comfy and provide arch support. The Montrails can be heat molded to your foot and I only wish they made nursing shoes that do the same thing for when I'm working.:lmao:

So, long story short, I can only tell you from what I've heard and the short time I've had the Teva Mush at home, but I like them.

Sneaker wise, New Balance are some of the most comfortable for me out there. Plus a lot of them have a ton of meshwork, so they breath and dry out much quicker than some of the others I have owned.

[yogalover]

I like fit flops and mbt shoes

[bowne90]

It's always tennis shoes for me. I usually have a nice pair of Avia or Rebook tennis shoes to wear. Just make sure they are broken in before you go!

[Tabcans]

:cool1::cool1::cool1: make sure they are the REAL THING not the imitation ones & try the "cayman" style, not the "beach" because "cayman" come in actual sizes, not just small medium & large. The maryjanes are cuter but they don't have the comfortable fit (although admittedly ugly look) of the clogs. I have never had shoes of any brand feel completely comfortable until I happened onto Crocs at a local store some years ago. I swear I could walk and walk and walk & my feet always feel fantastic. I am a barefoot person & can honestly say that my reaction was that they felt BETTER than barefoot.........

[OKW Lover]

:confused3

I know that walking shoes, "tennies" are best, but who can tell me which brand they like best for hoofing around the world? Do you all like Skechers, New Balance, or what? I'd love your feedback!

The answer depends entirely on your feet. I'm quite sure that they are different from mine, but if it helps my feet prefer Nike's.

[lailah]

I have been trying to find the 'cayman' style but no one seems to have them. I went on the croc website, but I didn't seem them. I emailed them and them said they received my email and will get back to me. Has anyone seen the caymans anywhere?

[crazelion]

I love my new balances extra wide tennis shoes. I walk on concrete on my second during the summer that is the only thing that has save my feet from hurting.

Right now I am crocs because I have a high ankle sprain and stress fracture foot.

[loydandmel]

Keens fabric h2 Dh and I wore them for 4 days with no blisters or hot spots they are like waking on clouds. They were also perfect for the rain. The shoes are waterproof so no walking around in wet socks rubbing blisters. I have two different styles and like one better than the other so my suggestion is find a store and try them on before you buy them cheaper online.

I also wore my chaco's and they were ok but soles are much harder and my feet were not as happy.

My 5 year old son wore crocs and keens with not blisters.

[nancy21571]

I (and my children) wear Nike's and my husband wears New Balance because he has a very high arch. We all try our Crocs last Sept and found that about half of us like them while the other half had sore feet.

[twinmom108]

asics gel nimbus the most comfy shoes I have wore
@ wdw

I second that AND they're on sale at Dick's Sporting Goods this week - $40 OFF!

[BridgetBordeaux]

I am ordering some Teva Mush sandals and hope they are comfy
I wear flip flops at school and i walk alot while there. I like my walking shoes, ryka? but they are so hot in the summer
Luckily I have time to try the mush before our trip

[AmberHeartsDisney]

crocs for me, the disney ones!

[angelat]

Well, my feet are a tiny bit on the wide side. Wide shoes sometimes are too "loose" and regular shoes sometimes don't feel good. Last year, I found Walmart sold Dr. Scholls sneakers. I bought a pair for about $30 and LOVED them! The gel insert is actually built right into the shoe. I never had a problem at Disney, and I was extremely worried about that.
You should check those out too.

[thelindysix]

I love my Saucony Grid C2 Roadster running shoes. I bought them just days before our trip back in December, so they weren't broken in when we left. I wore them every day, and never had a blister or even a sore spot on either of my feet. They are awesome! :thumbsup2

[Swimnoid]

I used to be able to go all day in my Birkenstock sandals but they wore out and my new ones just aren't as comfortable even though they are well broken in.

Now I wear New Balance 993. They are light and comfy and very supportive.

[diamond_j]

The last 2 times I was in the parks (Feb 2009 and April 2008) I wore Crocs Adaras.
I brought other shoes, including New Balance trainers, but every day, I just went back to my Adaras.
They're open, so they don't get sweaty and I've been caught in numerous rain showers in them without rubbing or walking around in soggy shoes..
We spend pretty much the entire week in the parks and I push my mother in a wheelchair the entire time- no foot fatigue and blister free when I've worn these.
I'm going this weekend 5/15-18 and I'm bringing them for park wear and a pair of Crocs Havanas ( wedge heels) for dinners and nights out.

[barski45]

I like to take something fast drying, we like the water attractions and it's no fun walking around in soaked shoes all day, I have some Teva's that are great thet are kind of a cross between a sandal and a shoe. I always take two pairs of comfortable shoes and wear them on alternate days

[stashbin]

I am a flip flops girl. My feet stay cool and I get no back or foot aches!:thumbsup2

[Ddennis37]

I bought a real nice, light weight New Balance tennis shoe from Fred Meyer several weeks ago. Try on different pair to see which ones your feet like best and what gives you the most support. Especially important for your back as well as your feet.

Whatever you go with, you should buy them at least a month out and start wearing them IMMEDIATELY. You will definitely want time to break them in. Nothing worse than a new pair of shoes that give you blisters.

[S. C.]

I use to only wear New Balance untill I got my Skechers. Now It's Skechers for me.

[jen2207]

Call me crazy, but I LOVE my REEF flip flops. But DH and I wore them everyday for our 8 day trip last year. No soreness at all.....Although Reef flip flops are not your average cheapy flip flops - nibe were about $50, well worth it!!

[sandgrace]

Has anybody tried Rykas? I just ordered some from QVC and I'm hoping they will be good for WDW in Sept.

[stego]

but on occasion, I see a thread on "choice for footwear for theme park touring". As anything, you will get MANY different opinions. Last I saw, there was over 200k of us here on the DIS. That's a LOT of opinions. Just by initially looking at the thread, the majority are firm in the flip flop as the touring shoe of choice. I can confirm that in most recent trips I've made. It really is truly about being seen. I shudder, and shake my head. I've tried the rounds, and found what works for me. I've tried many different types but here is what I have established: Most of my days are in the park from 8-12 miles, but I have done over 16 miles in the MK one day. It is one thing to run a half marathon and be done, another to stand and walk for 16+ hours. My theme park shoe of choice is Rockport walkers. I take 2 pair; switch out each day. If I DO wear sandals, it is Echo's...NOT SLIDES... the ones with the strap around the heel. Flip flops were originally invented to wear in the shower...just do some research on the internet about what podiatrists have to say.

[sandgrace]

I'm against flip flops for WDW too, they won't work or support your feet as well as sandals or tennis shoes. JMO.

[needabreaknow]

I wear my Mephisto sandals from The Walking Company. I have really really bad arches and they have awesome arch support, and I feel saved me from having foot surgery:) However, if you look into them, make sure you have about a month to break them in or you will be miserable!