Footwear!

[Dallas_Lady]

Post your tips about shoes/footwear. How can my tootsies hold up for 7 days of Disney walking???

[hercamore]

I usually bring two pair of good walkers like Reedbok.

I also swar by thorlo sox to keep blisters away.

Also, Bandaid brand blister block really helps heal painful blisters. Saved my last vacation.


Herc.

[hercamore]

I usually bring two pair of good walkers like Reedbok.

I also swear by thorlo sox to keep blisters away.

Also, Bandaid brand blister block really helps heal painful blisters. Saved my last vacation.


Herc.

[tink2dw]

IT was hot while we were at WDW!! My Teva Sales from www.rei-outlet.com saved my feet! the Teva Sandles are like walking on air!!!!!!!

[cindala]

Nike Straprunners II sandals!!!! If you can find them in a store, try them on and see if you like them. They are lightweight, have good support, and the straps do not irritate. Take a look at them at www.justforfeet.com Click on men's or womens, and under the activities option, click on outdoor sandals. :D Good Luck whatever you decide. Footwear is a very personal thing, and there are no two feet alike!!! :)




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[Buzz2001]

I agree with tink2dw. My Teva's were great. Better than my cross-trainers. They keep my feet feeling refreshed. I just purchased a pair of straprunners for my DW from JustforFeet.com. I have read good things about them. $19.99 is good and they have the men's for 19.99 and 14.99. Search under Nike and they are on the last 2 pages of each men's and women's categories.

[dumboroo]

I always bring sneakers but instead of using socks I use baby powder, it keeps your feet dry and also keeps them from getting blisters. What I usually end up wearing the most are my Birkenstocks, they are quite possibly the best shoe for WDW, they don't let your feet get too warm and they are very comfortable.

REMEMBER TO BREAK YOUR (NEW) SHOES IN BEFORE YOU GO ON YOUR TRIP!!

[Hettie]

I mostly wear my Chaco sport sandals. They're rafting sandals, and kind of expensive, but they conform to your feet and don't rub or make blisters at all. I like to wear sports sandals because when my feet get really hot I can just soak them in one of the play fountains. Very refreshing.

For the evening I often switch to sneakers, just for a change. It's not as hot and having socks on feels good after walking so much early in the day.

[pjmoore14]

Hi There,

I was told by my teenage daughter that New Balance were the comfiest
(yet in her words "not the greatest looking") running shoes she has ever
worn. (She is a runner.) Well last weekend my younger teenage daughter
and myself were out shoe shopping for our upcoming trip to Disney and
thought we would come home with a couple of pairs of New Balance. What
we discovered, however, was a brand of shoe that was a lot comfier than
any of the New Balance shoes we tried on. The brand is "Saucony" which
we had never heard of. The salesman (at Sport Chek) said these were the
only running shoes he could wear that kept their bounce. He is a runner
and runs approximately 45 km. a week. While he was in the back a woman
(also a runner) started discussing the brand with us and said once she
started wearing Sauconys she was hooked.

Well I ended up buying a pair at Sport Chek and since they didn't have my
daughter's size in the style she wanted we tried at Sports Experts
and low and behold they carried Sauconys and had the style and size she wanted.

The only way I can describe these shoes is that I am walking on comfy
little mattresses made especially for my feet.

Good luck shopping - you just might just be pleasantly surprised if you try
this brand.

[Chance's Mom]

Hi everyone-- I've been lurking on the Dis boards for a year now(they are by far my favorite), finally got around to registering. I've learned soooo much here. I ordered a pair of the Nike strap runners from Lady FootLocker. They are the newest version and are a really attractive stone color. If you go to the store and place your order there, no shipping fee. I have worn them around the house for several hours at a time, and they really do seem to be very comfortable, no areas rubbing the wrong way. I really like them. They are also waterproof, so no need to worry about rain. I'm headed to the world in August, hopefully they will be cool and comfortable!

[Luv2Roam]

In January I wear a good, broken in pair of sneakers. I have worn Asics and last year bought a pair of Diesel. Those are very comfy and light weight, and more of a tennis show than a running shoe.
For May I will take my Diesels, but I hope to wear my Born sandals. They are very comfy here, but I haven't walked miles at one time in them yet. But am hopeful. ;)
I know my Diesel's will take me through the trip if the sandals fail. I also am taking a pair of slip on Keds that are comfy too.

[bearzabout]

If sandals aren't for you, try Ecco brand shoes. I like Ecco's New Mobile Walking shoe. The shoes on their own are not enough to keep my feet happy after 4-7 12 hour days. I also use gel inserts to decrease foot pain and wear Wigwam Blister Inhibiting Theraputic socks. Whether you wear sandals or shoes, it is a good idea to carry precut pieces of moleskin to cover any hot spots before a full blister developes.

[mrtoadslastride]

I have used these on several trips and haven't had a bit of problems with blisters or sore feet. I also wear socks with them in the parks. It may look weird, but it just seems to work better with all of the walking you do in the parks.

[DisTwix]

Hi there!!!

I have tried a variety of shoes and sandals - here are my less-than-scientific findings....

New Balance are my FAVORITE sneakers -- they come with so many options of width and toe-box depth and absorbing features. My current pair have done 2 Disney trips and countless miles of walking on pavement, and they haven't yet lost their spring.

I have worn a variety of sandals - the last being Straprunners. I was VERY happy with them, but they did lose their spring quickly. I just got them this year, and one Disney trip later (and a bunch of other walking) they have already gotten pancakish on the bottom. I found that taking a pair of really thin socks to wear after my feet started to get tired was great! It doesn't look the smartest, but I think it saved my feet late in the day.

This year, I have purchased some Chaco sandals, and have been wearing them around for the past couple of weeks. I am VERY pleased with the way they conform, the way they act in water (don't stretch out or make squishy sounds ;) ) and their support. I have been having the fun planar fasciitis problem, and they actually make my heel feel better, not worst. They did cost a lot, but I am thinking they are worth it. I have done Disney with worn out feet, and it just isn't as fun.

I also tend to change my shoes from day to night, just to give everything a break. But, I have to say I am with those folks who can't take the heat of sneakers in the summer - something about having feet that can't breathe seems to make me 10 times hotter!

Good luck finding the perfect fit!!!!

[disneymania]

I bought a pair today & I love them. I have always been a Nike girl but there is no comparision for comfort. These are great!!!

Thanks again!!! It isn't just Disney advice that you get on these boards!!!

[pjmoore14]

They are quite amazing shoes aren't they? I think my feet must smile everytime I put my Saucony's on!! LOL

Cindala and Chance's Mom:
Thanks for the tip on the Nike Straprunner sandals. I was sandal shopping the other day and remembered the name from this thread so I tried a pair on and I was hooked. I just love how lightweight and comfy they are.

[bkw86]

My wife bought me a pair of Bjorn sandals which complete cover your feet except they are open on the back. Like walking on air. Used them last year when we were at DisneyWorld for 9 days/8 nights and they were great.

[cindala]

You are welcome! There is only one thing wrong with Straprunners: They are very hard to get your hands on!:rolleyes: I have ordered them from justforfeet 4x, and 3 orders were cancelled because they were out of stock!! As least I received one more pair, but trying for another.:D




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[DisTwix]

Straprunners....

I got mine last year at the ESPN store in Downtown Disney!!! Of course, I think I paid something like $40 for 'em but it was actually a pretty good deal at the time.

[erikthewise]

I bought a pair of New Balance 892s a couple months before our trip last December, and I love them. Also invested in some Coolmax(tm) socks, not a brand but a fabric. Similar to Thorlo but available from several manufacturers. Between the two my feet were in heaven. Actually I broke two toes on the second day by tripping over a landscape rock barefoot on the way to the pool. But these shoes and socks were so good that putting them on actually *lessened* the pain, and I was able to get through the vacation without seeking medical attention.

[A kid at heart]

I had read on these boards a yr or so ago, to use spray deoderant on your feet before hitting the parks. this way your feet won't sweat and less chance of a blister forming. Ever since I have started to do it, I have yet to get a blister. Another item to keep with you is mole skin. you can put it right over a blister. it comes in both a full sheet and precut shapes and sizes. I buy mine at walmart.

[Sherrilatte]

These sandals definitely pampered my feet in the parks in July!

[DVC-LEROY]

Where do you get Thorlo's and/or Coolmax socks?

[erikthewise]

You can find a good selection of Thorlo and Coolmax socks at large sporting goods store such as Dicks, or at athletic/outdoor specialty stores. You can also find them online at http://www.roadrunnersports.com or http://www.landsend.com, and undoubtedly many other places. All the ones I've mentioned are kind of pricey. Walmart carries some lower price Coolmax socks.

[DVC-LEROY]

Thanks for the sock info! And speaking of Lands End - over the weekend I went to their Overstocks page and got a pair of women's sports sandals for $5!!!

[sevenreeses]

Speaking again of landsend sandals - I've appreciated all the tips and have been looking at nike straprunners, but I'm wondering if any of you have tried the landsend sandals, they have several types - a comfort sandal, a sports sandal, and an athletic slide. The operator suggested the slide when I gave her my list of requirements. They're all priced under $30. Anyone with any experience with those?

[musical2]

From all I hear about Nike Straprunner II, I decided to give them a try. I just found them and ordered them on www.justforfeet.com for only $14.97 + tax. It only came to a total of $15.72 for me. I figured for that price it is worth a try.

Bart

[RuthAnne123]

On another thread a while ago someone mentioned Teva pretty rugged sandals ...........well I tried some on tonight at Soft Mocs!!

They were like walking on a cloud very very soft on the underside that touches the top of your foot too!

They were sold out of my size! Here in Ontario they were 95.00 CAD on sale.......pretty high but worth it. I think you guys in the U.S. can get them much cheaper!

This is the type of sandal that will have zero break in time and will dry quickly.

To whoever mentioned the pretty ruggeds a big Thank YOU!!

I will be getting mine in two days.


Rooth:D

[Leney343]

Currently at WDW and we're LOVING our Thorlo Lite Walking socks with CoolMax. Got everyone 2 pairs, one to wear and one as an extra in the backpack. We're staying at a condo so I do a light load of sock wash on the days we don't go to the parks. Got mine on sale through The Sock Company online. If you Yahoo search Thorlo Lite Walking you'll come up with websites selling them.

[DVC-LEROY]

Recently purchased the lands end sport sandals on their overstocks page for $5 - and I really like them - I've been wearing them for about two weeks now. They are usually $20-$24. I also have Tevas which I used last year at Disney with no problems. I just liked the Lands end ones because they are more molded to your foot and have more cushioning on the straps - and for the price you can't beat it. The men's version are $14.50 but that's still less than the original catalog price.

[IowaGirl]

If you can get to a large sporting good store, or several chain sporting good stores, just go and try on a bunch of the shoes you may be considering. I think most of the sandals people are talking about can be found at these stores. Then if you find one you like, you can order it on-line, or just buy it at the store.

I have about 4 chain sporting good stores in my area, and I'll drag my family there sometime soon so they are set for our next trip.

I'm a tennis shoes girl, but I definitly think sports sandals are the way to go when you are at an amusement park. I was more comfortable in the heat without hot, sweaty, or even soaked feet from the water activities. All other family members were not interested in sandals, and now they are!!!!!!

[beattyfamily]

Just got my first Straprunners from wwwjustforfeet.com because of many raves here and they are ok. They'd be perfect if they didn't have that material that's goes under your feet. After a very short time it started to bug me. I think they put it there so they don't slip off when wet or something but I don't like it.

Live and learn. Wish I had done more research.

I'm still in search of the perfect walking, waterproof sandal. I've got sandals (Ecco) that are casual and pretty comfy but they are not waterproof or sporty.

Any other suggestions other than Straprunner of sandals that are reasonably priced?

I've seen Teva but tried them on and the straps dug at my skin. I was thinking maybe Ecco Cosmos but am afraid they aren't waterproof.

[LKS]

Beattyfamily,

For the $5 plus shipping you might try the Land's End ones. I just got mine and they are much more comfortable on me than Tevas. For one thing, they have a more contoured footbed and the straps are very wide and padded, not just straps. I'll try going for a long walk in them tonight and see how that goes.

[DisTwix]

Beattyfamily -

I had the same problem with the straprunners -- that wavy stuff on the bottom really made my feet sore. BUT - I kept wearing them, and eventually either my feet got over it, or the stuff eases up. So... if you haven't returned them, try them out for short jaunts -- if it's worth it.

[jmhillrph]

Beattyfamily -

I LOVE my Ecco Cosmos-- of everything I've tried including Birk's, Clarks, both Nike Straprunner & Air Deutchz-- nothing comes close in terms of comfort. No way I'd think about wearing them in the water, though. I wore Teva Terra Fi's to the waterpark on my last trip and was pleased with them (at least after I cut off the annoying tag on the underside of the top strap)-- I noticed several of the waterpark CM's were wearing the same sandal/style. Sometime I'd like to try a pair of Chaco sandals-- for now the closets pretty full, though. Good luck!

[sevenreeses]

First, I wanted to put a note about the bumps on straprunner soles. I hated them at first too, but my husband explained that they are supposed to "massage and invigorate" your feet. Once my brain realized this it seemed to actually like them. Although all things being equal I think I'd do with out. My problem was the top strap digging into my ankle. The shoe I finally did find is a EasySpirit Artic. It is super cushy with straps that are a stretchy nylon. It's not the most gorgeous sandal ever, and at first I didn't buy them, but after trying on dozens of others, I grew to appreciate them and finally gave in and spent the $60. I can honestly say they are the most comfortable thing I've ever put on my feet. I wouldn't call them a water sandal, but getting them wet won't be any problem at all.

[IowaGirl]

I would definitly look for a sandal that has a good arch support. Some of the pics that I've been looking at of some of the sandals look so flat.....try on lots of styles.....before you buy if you have time
I'd hate to order even a 5.00 sandal if it wasn't exactly what I was looking for......

[4crusinransiers]

My vote is for two of my favorites,my Teva pretty rugged. And my Birkenstocks! I will be living in them at WDW!:D

[cindala]

The soles of my Straprunners never bothered me, although I do have the II's which have a pattern, and not the III's which have 'bumps' on the soles. :):D:)




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[Chance's Mom]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who obsesses over shoes. I have the Straprunners. Have not worn them to the parks, but they seem to be pretty comfortable. I must have the IIs because they don't have any "bumps".
Tried on the Tevas--my feet went "yuck"! Tried on the Birks, my feet went "ouch".
The Mayans covered their feet in latex from rubber trees (The first tennis shoes!) Maybe I'll try that next!

[Buz]

See this site for what not to wear.

http://205.158.147.182/

Buz

[Chance's Mom]

Oh my gosh, Buz! This site is so funny!! Who knew there were shoe police out there actually photographing footwear offenders!
I'll know I made a bad choice in footwear if I see someone too close to my tootsies with their camera!

[ZPT1022]

I would definitely have to go with Birkenstocks as my first choice- as with everything, just make sure you break them in before you go. I wear mine all the time and they are SO comfy. Also, you will have to spend the $$ to get actual Birkenstocks, not those "fakenstocks" that are sold at payless, yes they are a lot of money (mine were about $90) but I have also had mine for a few years and they are still in good shape. The other kind that I find really great are the adidas sandals (dont know a model name) they come in black or navy and have the little massage-y bumps on the bottom. Takes some getting used to, but once you do, they're great!

PS- the bad shoe website was hilarious!!:D

[minster22]

I have worn Tevas on 2 trips now and not one single blister!! For any of you who have tried them on and had them rub uncomfortably, make sure they are the styles that have padding on all the straps. The cheaper Tevas do not have this padding and do not feel nearly as comfortable. I also have a couple of pairs of Landsend sandals and although they are fairly comfortable, I only wear them to go to dinner at WDW. They are not very good for serious walking.

[jmminarik]

Originally posted by ZPT1022
I would definitely have to go with Birkenstocks as my first choice- as with everything, just make sure you break them in before you go. I wear mine all the time and they are SO comfy.

While I'm not the sandle type of guy (barefoot or fully-shod), I have to disagree with you about 'breaking them in'. If they're not 100% comfortable when you try on a shoe, keep looking. If they're too tight, get a larger size instead of torturing your feet stretching them. If they're too stiff, look for a 'softer' leather. If the straps hurt, try adjusting them in the store, but if you cant' get them to be comfy, you may never get them to be comfy. The point is, ignore everything your mother taught you and get something that fits right in the first place. :)

Wifeypoo always wanted to 'break-in' her shoes to make them 'fit better' until she came to the realization that she needed to put as much attention to her shoe purchases as she did her bra buying. :p

Unlike Chance's Mom, I don't obsess about footwear. I obsess about my feet. :)

-Joe

[Boots]

I usually take a good pair of tennis shoes, broken in sandals, and I know this is awful, but a good pair of flip flops. Some like you can order from Land's End. My feel actually feel cooler and better in them than in anything else. Plus when you are resting you can slide your feet out of them! I don't mind the thing between my toes and these are best for me!

[MissingMickey]

http://www.saucony.com/
http://www.coolrunning.com/

I got my sister's handmedowns in college. Wore the handmedowns for 3 years every day before having to buy another pair. Ran at least 4 days a week. The arch just didn't wear out. I even washed them -- didn't break down.

I have been wearing them for omigosh -- I guess 10 years now. Have hammer toes and narrow heels. These fit like a dream. Always buy the low end models at the mall and Sports Authority. Could spend over a $100 for the models they sell in the running magazines, but don't even need them. Check what model you buy whether you "pronate" and how.

Broke down and bought atheltic sandals 2 trips ago. They are Skechers. Have a new love now. I just swap them out with my Saucony. Hubby loves his new Skechers for work, too. He was always a Nike boy, but not now.

Some Saucony are hideously ugly -- I hate to say it, but I think the uglier they are, the more comfortable they are. What's up with that?

Don't forget what propping your feet up will do -- and changing socks midday even if you don't change shoes.

[beattyfamily]

***UPDATE***

I called their headquarters in NH and they gave me a list and I drove to a store today about 30 miles away but not that long of a ride; 20 minutes.

They had the Ecco Mobile but I wasn't impressed. They seemed a bit tight for me. Then I tried on their new sandals called Receptor Inca that I had read about on the Internet and they were SO comfy I couldn't help but buy them even though my husband is going to KILL me! I'm addicted to shoes lately since I get blisters and I've been trying to find good walking shoes to wear to WDW. So I've bought a variety recently trying to find the best ones for our trip.

If you don't mind the steep price, then these sandals are the best if you want an alternative to sneakers and a shoe that will last forever.

If you'd like to see them, I've put a link below.

Receptor Inca sandals (http://www.ecco-pleasantwalking.com/ecommerce/product?product%5fid=6297&category%5fid=26&subcategory%5fid=36)

*********************************************

Can anyone here who've bought Ecco shoes tell where you got them other than the Internet???

I can't find them anywhere around here!!

I'd love to try on their new walking sneakers "mobile" to see if they are worth the money but can't find a single store near me that sells them.

[KathleenC]

I got a great deal on a new pair of Eccos on Ebay. I wear an unusual size and I paid $15.00 for a pair of Cosmos with shipping. My sister, who wears a more average size, got a pair from the same seller for $40.00. This seller always seems to have a lot of them for sale.

[beattyfamily]

I bought 2 pairs in the last month from Ebay. One pair are Cosmo II from probably the same guy as you ($35 including shipping). You got them at a GREAT price. He's go several going now. My other pair are black cool soft boot for $30. I love them both but the Cosmos are a hair tight around my ankle but the soles are amazlingly comfortable and cool. I feel I don't sweat in them! I can still wear them even though their a tad tight. I only feel it when I'm sitting around but walking, their fine.

The new ones I got today are amazingly comfortable. They don't have the same sole as the Cosmos but they make up for it in their comfort!

Glad to see I'm not alone in my love for Ecco shoes!:)

[IowaGirl]

Beattyfamily--
Those sandals look awesome. Did you buy men's sandals, or do they come in ladies?
What store did you end up buying them at, dept. or sporting goods?
I have a pair of men's Rockport sandals and they are great, buit 10 days in Orlando plus I wear them just about everyday, they may not last:) 'til my next trip.
I don't like the sandals with no arch, and these appear to have one.

[beattyfamily]

Iowagirl,

They have women's sizes. I got women's size 38 which is size 7 - 7 1/2. I got the brownish color so it would go with all my clothes at WDW even though I love black.

I ended up getting them at this chain store called "The Walking Company" which has stores all over America. They have a website and you can search for a store near you.

I had no luck anywhere else. No other big department stores carried Ecco. No other shoe stores around me.

The lady at Ecco in NH said that sometimes Macy's carries them and also The Bostonian and George Davis. There are also plenty of places on the Internet that sell them and some of them do have free shipping and no sales tax.

www.shoebuy.com is having a sale for Independence day; 15% off with "FLAG" code.

sandals at Shoebuy.com (http://www.shoebuy.com/sj?Brand=ECCO&Age=Adult&Gender=Female&Shop=FS_ECCO_Shoes&Profile=2&Req=prof&Subcat=51&Page=1&Style=15871)

These sandals are amazingly comfortable! Absolutely NO brack in time.

Good luck!

[cindala]

I love my Straprunner II's, and hope they pull through for me this trip! Last night, while packing, I stubbed my pinkie toe so bad, I think I broke it!!:( Bad timing, we leave tomorrow morning! This should make for an interesting trip!:D




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[J. Thornhill]

I recommend the Nike Straprunners. I'm currently on my 2nd pair. I've tried Birkenstocks and was deeply disappointed. In fact it goes far beyond mere disappointment. Try to imagine a grown man of 25 years weeping like a 6 year old girl at midnight in Tomorrowland. I took them off then and there and pitched them into the garbage. The pain was indescribable. I walked barefoot out of the Magic Kingdom, onto the monorail and back to the Polynesian. I don't even like to go barefoot at the beach, but this was a necessary action.

The Straprunners were like a dream come true. These new Straprunners III (http://niketown.nike.com/pdp.jhtml?style=190090&categoryID=52875) are just great.

Jonathan

[beattyfamily]

In my obsession with shoes lately (so I don't get blisters at WDW), I've bought the Straprunner II when they were on sale at www.justforfeet.com and they fit well and seemed comfy till I wore them for awhile. I didn't like the bumpy sole. I don't know if you get used to that or not but my feet didn't like it. Do you get used to it?

Then I also was one of the many here who bought the $5 sandals at Landsend and I do love them for water parks and the beach but I don't think they'd be good for long days and lots of walking. There's no rubbing or tightness just not a good sole for terribly long days of walking.

Now I have the Ecco sandals I mentioned before in this thread and so far they are amazingly comfy! No break in time; no tightness or sore feet; no rubbing in the wrong places. The sole is designed in such a way that it fits my feet perfectly. I will use these for long walking as an alternative to sneakers (I get blisters every single trip), unfortunately, they are not meant for getting very wet. But that's alright. I'll use the Ecco pair for long walking and my Landsend pair for water stuff. I'm happy!

All that's missing in my collection of shoes for WDW are a really comfy good pair of sneakers. I bought walking sneakers made by Nike over a year ago and I still get very hot and blisters. I even tried using the special (blister free) socks with them and still got blisters. I've heard that shoes should fit tight and not loose, is that true? . Any recommendations? They would need to be wide for me and specially made for walking. Thanks!

My husband thinks I'm crazy, but he doesn't get blisters for some reason so he doesn't understand my obsession.

Good luck everyone searching for the perfect sandals/shoes!!

;)

[pReTtYpRiNcEsS]

Buz - I must admit that i have always been in awe of ppl who can pull off highheels and such during a day at WDW! lol...

I don't think i would be able to enjoy the day between the pain in my feet from walking & trying to keep them on in large crowds!! (Illuminations exodus!!)

[sprnklnormngrl]

I have found the most comfortable shoe ever...they are called Vans...it is a skateboarding shoe company but they are soooo comfy!...i probably have about 4 pairs hehe

[Pig Pen]

I ordered these and wore for my nightly 2 mile walk.

BIG MISTAKE.

Didn't really rub anywhere, but the back of the sandal hit my heel in just a way that was agonizing. 2 days later it still hurts. Maybe it was too much too soon.

Plus they are really ugly.

I also have straprunners ordered.

[jennymouse]

I've got some New Balance walking shoe & Birkenstocks. My problem is not my feet hurting, it's my lower back. Nothing seems to help that.

[ZPT1022]

A question about these nike Straprunner sandals. I have been looking for them online, and found them at justforfeet.com. They only have them in men's and only starting at size 8mens. Since that is about two sizes too big:D I was wondering if anyone has seen them in women's (or even a men's size 5 1/2 or 6). Thanks!

[Pig Pen]

I take a size 9 womens so I ordered the mens size 8. Hopefully they won't be too big. My DH has small feet so if they don't fit, he can wear them.

Of course, I haven't heard anything from justforfeet yet!

[beattyfamily]

www.zappos.com is having a big Ecco sandal sale.

Some styles are 50% off!! That is a very rare thing!

They also are offering free shipping!

[Kteacher]

Just wanted to note a type of sneaker that did not work well (at least not for me). I bought a pair of skechers sneakers-the halter back style. They were very light weight, and had a nice wide toe box, and were very comfortable when I tried them on in the store. I broke them in a little, wore them with good socks, and they gave me a huge blister where the halter rubbed on the side of my foot. Never again. we are going to WDW in the summer for our next trip, so my search is on for comfy sandals....

[jennymouse]

I bought a pair of Born sandles on sale at Dillards. They've got a special lining in them that keeps your feet dry. I wore them to work all last week....I know it's not the same as WDW, but so far, they're feeling pretty darn good.

Bought a pair of New Balance walking sneekers and they are killing the arch of my foot!

Bought a pair of Birkenstocks that I think will work...I got them all broken in any way.

[Piglette]

On DIS recommendations, I bought 2 pair of Ecco shoes - the Ecco Inca Receptors and the Ecco Mobile.

The receptors seem very comfortable - the shoe doesn't seem much softer to me than Tevas, but the straps have cushioning and none rub the wrong way. I think they'll work great.

The mobiles are absolutely uncomfortable. Too narrow for my big fat foot, I guess.

I checked out the seal of approval list for the American Podiatric Medical Association and ordered some Etonics recommended there. Hope those are more comfortable. Here's the link for the recommended list:
http://www.apma.org/seal/sealintro.html

[Pig Pen]

justforfeet.com is sold out of the straprunners that I ordered. So, I too am still searching.

My heels took a week to recover from the Lands End sandals.

I bought a pair of Adidas sneakers over the weekend.....the widest shoe I could find. They felt good in the store. I put both of them on and walked around for a few minutes. Everything felt fine.

Well I wore them two nights in a row for my two mile walk and they are rubbing in a couple spots.

I'm ready to give up and wear my flip flops.

[gibbys1]

I bought new Birkinstocks for our last trip in April. I thought I had broken them in enough before the trip but I got two blisters anyway. And guess what I didnt pack? Moleskin. The gift shop at AS Sports had it though and it helped greatly.

[gschmerl]

I love my Birkenstocks, but the soles don't have enough cushioning to help my back survive WDW. For our trip to WDW last month I got a pair of ASICS sneakers. They are so well cushioned in the soles, that I felt like I could bounce up and down. I really liked them!

[Dana49]

I would highly recommend wearing Thorlo socks. I had previously read about them on these boards and bought a couple of pairs to try them. They are truly outstanding. It's like walking on thick, fluffy towels.
www.healthylegs.com/thorlosocks

:)

[LKS]

Ditto on the heel problems with the Land's End sandals. I wore mine, quite new, to WDW and got the absolutely largest blisters you have ever seen on the base of my heel where the sole curves up. Once they healed, I can wear them again for normal amounts of time and normal walking with no problem. We were at WDW that week in June where it rained daily and I wore those sandals all day every day and they did me in. Unfortunately, the blisters they created made it impossible to wear any of my other shoes either, so I was stuck in the sandals, walking gingerly. I am also the only blister prone one in the family and I am always in pain on theme park vacations. Nothing has ever helped. I give up.

[JenniBarra]

I always take a pair of shoes specifically designed for walking. (I used to like Clark's Drifters, but they've become scarce. I know have Reebok Gratify sneakers.) To prevent blistering, I like Dr. Scholl's Cushlins.

[Krisu]

I'm bringing 2 pairs of New Balance and bought Thorlos for everyone after reading about them here!:D

[hightown]

After two trips of aching feet, I found my solution last year.

I bought a pair of Naturalizer sandals that look like Birkenstocks w/two straps across top and open heel. Wore those during the day to do parks. We'd start at opening and go back to hotel by 3.

Then when going out after a break for the rest of day/evening, would wear Rockport sneakers/walking shoes. Going to those after walking during day provided support and was almost like a foot massage for the nightime.

Every morning was ready to 'beat feet' again.

Hopefully will work again although am going to hit Dillards this afternoon and take a look at their sales==maybe those Borns.

[Kim89]

I bought a pair of Saucony's for school 2 years ago and since they were so comfortable, I decided to wear them to Disney World. Well, they are my favorite sneakers for Disney. They are so comfortable.

[joyebean]

I'm planning on taking:

- my 3-year old Ecco Track hiking-type boots, which I wear all day most every day. They're men's wide, and have amazing support. I have a back problem, and these shoes are the BEST for making me stand right. I can't recommend these highly enough.

- my new Brooks Beast (men's wide) cross-trainers. I had a pair before and wore them out. I love these shoes for long walks. Again, I HIGHLY recommend these (and they're on that recommended list).

- my (men's) Chaco Z1 (no toe loop) Colorado sandals. These rub me just under the balls of my feet, but it's okay if I use baby powder or something like it--the running store where I bought my Brooks sells something in a stick you can rub on your foot to minimize this--I need to go buy some. I recommend these sandals too, especially if you have high arches (I think the fact that I don't is causing some of the rubbing).

- (for dressing up) my (women's) Born thong sandals (I don't dress up much, but they'll go with my nicer skirt outfits for dinners onboard the Wonder)

And except with the sandals, I only wear Thorlo socks. Light hikers with the boots and walking and running with the Beasts.

Hopefully this will keep me covered.