Any tips on relieving aching feet at the end of a park day?

[v_gan]

The only thing I hate about going to Disney World is how much pain my feet are in at the end of the day. :sad: I wear broken-in shoes, and I wear gel inserts. But the bottom of my feet still hurt terribly after walking so much every day. Are there any ways to rejuvenate my feet at night so that they're ready to start all over again the next day?

I've been looking into foot massagers, but I don't really want to spend money on something without knowing if it's worth it or not.

Any tips?

Surely someone out there shares my (foot) pain :rolleyes:

[OldMan]

1/2 cup Epsom salt
1 tub of warm water
1 old fashioned glass
1 bottle Bombay
1 bottle dry vermouth
1 jar olives

fill tub
add epsom salt
wrap self in towel
fill glass with 3 fingers of gin
add a glaze of vermouth
stir
add two olives
soak feet in tub while sipping martini

that should do the job :wizard: :cloud9: :santa: :goodvibes :thumbsup2 :santa:

[v_gan]

soak feet in tub while sipping martini

that should do the job :wizard: :cloud9: :santa: :goodvibes :thumbsup2 :santa:


Haha. Thanks for the tip, but I don't think it's the best choice for me, being underage :)

[dopeynme]

I have used a couple of things....try Dr. Scholl's peppermint cream, something about the mint really rejuvenates the feet. Also, don't laugh, there is a Ben Gay cream that is less smelly (called Light scent or unscented). It still has SOME of the smell but I was able to stand it and it did help. Soaking in the tub does help (you could leave the martini out of the previous post!):goodvibes

[*Seanaci*]

I'm not looking forward to our trip in 3 days now because I smashed my pinky toe into my suitcase of all things. It's swollen and purple and hurts like he**.

[newbydisney]

Hmmm if you are underage your feet should not be such an issue!! So first I would say seek a professional opinion like the family Doctor!! Get some really good walking shoes and make sure you do not lace them too tightly. Then if you can tolerate Ibuoprofen and don't have any reason that you shouldn't take it ..try taking it BEFORE your feet really start hurting....right when they first start to hurt. When you get back to your room try soaking them in very cold water for a few minutes..and elevate them for a few minutes as well.....even if the ibuporfen seems to be working I would do the cold water to relieve any lingering inflammation. Let me know if this helps you!!

[Matt'sMom]

Prevention is the best medicine. It really is well worth it to invest in some better quality walking/hiking shoes. Sketchers and Tevas brands have worked well for my own family. We recently returned from a week at WDW, and never had any tired or sore feet, no blisters or hot spots. Proper footwear can make a world of difference.

Look for quality, brand name shoes designed specifically to provide appropriate support for long distance walking, hiking, and/or trail running. Then pair these with moisture wicking, heavy duty hiking socks. Also be certain that the shoes do fit your foot properly. If this doesn't resolve the issues, then you really may need to seek the advice of a medical professional (as was suggested by a previous poster), as something more may be going on.

Best wishes for 'happy feet' on your next WDW vacation.

[Technosavant]

Visit somebody who knows feet- a doctor, podiatrist (yes, I know podiatrists are doctors, but some general practitioners can help), or even just a quality shoe store- not one in a mall, but one that specializes in foot problems.

When the wife and I were in Chicago last spring, my left ankle felt like it had been beaten with a hammer after walking around all day, and took a couple days to get back to normal. My general practitioner is an osteopath and he was able to see that my left foot had a weak arch. He told me that I needed to buy new shoes more regularly because the cushion wears out fairly quickly and to get something with good arch supports. I was concerned because I didn't want a recurrence when we were at WDW.

I ended up with the most expensive pair of shoes I've ever bought; some New Balance 1123s. But they work- I can walk all day and all I get is the normal tired feet; no ankle/leg pain.

[JohnsonsRUs]

I would also try more than 1 pair of good shoes. Switch them either during the day or every other day. That will also help.

[noahdove]

Good shoes, advil or ibupfen at dinner time and then rub feet well with Bare Feet with peppermint and plum...after taking a shower or just before you put those feet in bed..I never had one day with sore feet, achy back or actually any aches when I went to bed. I am a preventer than a waiter...anything that can be done to help my feet and back prior to walking etc.. I do it...no regrets here:) Good luck

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Socks, foot cream, and ibuprofen...are all great suggestions. I have friend that swears by eating lots of bananas too.

DO NOT take Aleve as a substitute for the Advil. Aleve makes you retain water, which makes the problem worse.

Although I've never tried it...I've heard taking a day off in the middle of the trip does wonders.

Please post if you find out what the problem is. My feet really hurt in high school, and now that I'm in my 30s, its absolutely horrible. I was really pigeon-toed as a youngster.

[v_gan]

Thanks for all the advice, everyone!

I just want to clarify, though, that I don't have a foot problem! :rotfl2: My feet are 100% fine. I was specifically asking about what to do to help my aching feet at the end of the day at Disney World, since I'm walking about 10 miles a day and get up bright and early to do the same thing the next day. It just does a number on the soles of my feet, is all.

Me and my boyfriend hardly ever stop for breaks on vacation, so I think I'll throw a few of those in on our next trip. I'll also be looking into peppermint creams and nice walking shoes.

Any other tips?

[Lmichele]

On our our last trip, I would take a nice hot bath when we returned to the resort then rub my feet with a peppermint lotion, put some thick soft socks on and hit the hay! My feet felt great the next morning.

[BamaTigger]

I know they are dog ugly...but have your tried the CROCS? I have the same problem and I have tendonitis in my ankles, and my feet take a BEATING at WDW. I start off in my worn in New Balances, and when I start to feel the "achey park feet twinge", I change into my crocs and pop 2 BAYER BACK AND BODY (or tylenol rapid release) and then they feel better. I also change sock 3x a day and take Bayer or Tylenol (whatever I have on hand) every 4 hours WITH FOOD. At the end of the nite I also put peppermint rub on them and then sleep in socks and the next morning I am good to go. Never let your feet get too far gone...just try if you can to take some type of anti-inflammatory meds. Whatever your stomach can handle. I hope this helps!!

Now, My feet are on the go from sun up to midnite! That includes going to walk our dogs 4x a day at the TTC kennel!!! We usually do 2 or 3 parks every day as well. So that is what seems to work for me.

but seriously.....try the crocs...yes they are ugly...and yes people cant stand them...BUT...what do you care? You are at WDW and all you want is comfy and pain free feet!!! :)

www.crocs.com

[kidsicet]

I have had the same problem in the past. I don't have foot problems, but something about being on my feet all day at Disney really did a number on them. This past trip, I purchased "running" shoes for my whole family. I have to say my feet were tired, but not sore! It really made a difference! I was amazed.

I also second the peppermint lotions. They do help, especially if you can get someone to massage the lotion in for you! Good luck!

[D1sneyDad]

Okay, let me start by saying that I have used this method for two 10 day trips to Disney and a weekend walk into and out of the Grand Canyon and it is great.

All you have to do is put duct tape on the entire bottoms of your feet, put on comfortable socks and shoes and at the end of the day of walking you will be able to carefully peal the tape off and your feet will not have that "walked all day and my dogs are barking" feel. My entire family has done it and after the first day they started laying on the bed with feet inthe air saying "tape me up man!"

One word of caution, do not put it on in the morning, only walk around for a few hours and then try to take it off. It could take skin off. The trick is to have your feet sweat enough that it breaks down the adhesive.

It feels "strange" for the first 15 minutes but after that you will not notice it on your feet. It will prevent blisters from forming as the skin will not be able to move back and forth against the shoe, only the duct tape touches.

Good luck and let me know your success.

[marielynn724]

one trick that i love to do is to pack twice as many socks as i would normally need, and then each day wear one pair and pack a spair in a ziplock bag. that way, in the afternoon (or whenever i feel sweaty), i can change into a fresh pair. (and put the stinky ones in the ziplock bag) it makes your feet feel so much cleaner and better. this is especially helpful if you go on spash mountain or kali river rapids and your shoes/socks get wet. i hate walking around with wet socks.

[cjlvsccm]

Hi v_gan,
Avon sells a line of stuff called Foot Works, and there's a pretty good mint or menthol lotion that my tired tootsies enjoyed. Always reasonably priced.

Another Avon product that I bought during the summer, is a pair of gel pads with little gel stand-up sections that go between your toes. They are designed to be chilled so you can have a nice cool-down at the end of the day. :thumbsup2 I meant to keep mine in a zipper bag on ice in the cooler... but forgot about them for the whole trip! :rolleyes:

Hope you find some relief!

[spiceycat]

powder in your shoes - does not matter what - I like baby powder.

after you have walked on them all day. then go visit the spa (whirlpool) tub at your resort - assuming you are staying in at least a moderate - since you are young this won't be a problem for you. put your feet up where the jets are still strong - never against them just about 6 inches away. (this only works in the jets are in good shape)

do this about 7 minutes each foot.

towel dry- then put on cream - again I like baby cream.

[pamelasu1]

I, too, am a fan of the peppermint foot lotion...it's so soothing on those hot, tired feet!

But the thing that made an unbelievable difference for me was a pair of Teva sandals. I have never been able to walk all day in sandals, I always had to wear tennis or hiking shoes. UNTIL I got these Teva's....my feet feel wonderful in them. Much better than they ever felt in tennis shoes or hiking shoes or anything else. No blisters, no aching feet, and my feet stay nice and cool. My next trip is in February, though, so I have a little problem since it may not be sandal weather the whole time. I am thinking of trying some Teva hikers, hoping they will be just as good! Finding the right shoe makes a world of difference. Go to a good shoe store, have a knowledgable sales person assist you, try on different brands, walk around, and if you find a pair that make you feel like you are walking on air, buy them!

Pam :)

[v_gan]

Wow, thanks everyone! I had no idea there were so many different ways to prevent and relieve aching feet :)

I'm especially intrigued by the duct tape response. I wonder why (and how) that works? I also like the idea of changing socks midday and the chilled gel inserts. Those definitely sound like they would help!

Again, thank you! If anyone else has any tips that they use, I'm still very open to ideas!

[GrammyJudy]

iCE COLD WATER SOAK AT NIGHT HELPED ME. aLSO gEL INSOLES IN MY nEW bALANCE.

[TagsMissy]

I like your thinking!!! :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :cloud9: :drinking1

1/2 cup Epsom salt
1 tub of warm water
1 old fashioned glass
1 bottle Bombay
1 bottle dry vermouth
1 jar olives

fill tub
add epsom salt
wrap self in towel
fill glass with 3 fingers of gin
add a glaze of vermouth
stir
add two olives
soak feet in tub while sipping martini

that should do the job :wizard: :cloud9: :santa: :goodvibes :thumbsup2 :santa:

[TagsMissy]

Proper shoes are a must; you may not have feet problems but a proper shoe with the proper support arch is a must.

you can supplement with insoles as well like superfeet. Dh and I swear by Superfeet

[toverly]

Custom shoe inserts from a podiatrist and conditioning. Walk a routine before you go for several months and a great pair of shoes. The hot tub at the hotel doesn't hurt either.

[fakereadhed]

The only thing that has worked for me is to alternate shoes every day. I bring at least three pairs. I have flat feet and I've had no foot pain for the last three trips using this trick.

[seashoreCM]

Every so often during the day, and also before leaving the park if the crowds are leaving -- find somewhere to sit down and take off your shoes and prop your feet up close to if not higher than heart level.

I don't like soaking my feet in anything. Either the skin doesn't dry fast enough and I get athlete's foot inside my shoes, or the skin dries brittle and my heels and big toe crack painfully.

Don't wear new shoes or even new sandals to Disney. Have them well broken in during everyday wear so you are sure they don't pinch or cause blisters. I even got a big toe blister from new flip flops.

OT: Throw away that Samsonite with the tilt out snap out corner latches.
1.
I'm not looking forward to our trip in 3 days now because I smashed my pinky toe into my suitcase of all things. It's swollen and purple and hurts like he**.

2. You push in the latches so as not to catch your clothes or toes and when you are not looking the lid falls down and later you pick up the suitcase thinking it is latched and the lid falls open spilling everything.

3. You can't lock the latches for checking the suitcase at the airport and a baggage handler drops your suitcase, the latches pop open, and your things spill all over the tarmac or carousel.

[anonymousegirl]

iCE COLD WATER SOAK AT NIGHT HELPED ME. aLSO gEL INSOLES IN MY nEW bALANCE.

ITA with the cold water version of a foot soak. Stick your feet under cold tap water (bath tub works best unless you're one of those acrobats at the China Pavilion) and let the cold water numb your feet. This will also decrease the swelling and any throbbing.

I also take Advil each morning and evening to combat it during the day.

Also, a company called Lush (google Lush for website) makes an organic foot scrub called Volcano that you slather on your feet and then prop your feet up and relax for 10-15 minutes (I actually wrap my feet in Saran Wrap and then put some socks on so i can kick back on the sofa or bed and watch Stacey's Top Seven. Then go rinse it off under cold or warm water.

I also alternate my shoes, sometimes changing them twice a day of we happen to go back to the room for a rest.

The peppermint foot lotion and the gel inserts are also good ideas, as is a pair of shoes with good arch support.

I have plantar facitis in both feet and these tricks work for me. I average 6-7 a day at WDW (I wear a pedometer faithfully).

Good luck!

[rabx5]

Take a golf ball with you. I swear by this. At the end of the day, take that golf ball, sit down and roll it on the floor with your foot-use the ball of your foot and your arch too. It messages your foot and loosens up the foot. My podiatrist told me this trick-that golf ball is small and you can take it on every vacation :thumbsup2 I also take an Aleeve when I get back to the room.

[Honeymooners1021]

I recommend tennis shoes all day (I like the idea about a fresh pair of socks I might try that on this next trip). When we get back to the hotel I wear really cushiony sandals (I love Teva Mush after about one wearing they mold to your feet and are super comfy)
Take an Advil and head to the pool. Taking the weight off of your feet but still keeping the blood moving is invaluable. We don't hardcore swim but just spend 15-30 minutes at the pool lounging by the side. The cool water is really refreshing and makes ALL your joints feel better.


Quiet pools are great (less people and traffic)- you can spend time talking about the day or what the plans are for the next day it is so relaxing.

I can't wait to go back......

[BradyBz12]

Occasional breaks (even for 5-10 mins) help a TON.

Alternate supportive, well-broken in shoes

Ibuprofen or the anti-inflammatory of your choice (if able) BEFORE you start torturing your tootsies.

Soaking feet in cool water (with or without salts) at the end of the day.

Try and get your feet UP at the end of the day as well - sleep with them up on a pillow if you can.

And the best one of all... bring some good peppermint foot lotion and make a deal with your BF to trade foot massages. ;)

Have a wonderful trip - go easy on those feet!

[LexisAuntieLala]

Origins sells peppermint foot and leg cream that are awesome in relieving tired legs and feet.

[MommytoaSweetie]

My feet normally hurt a little after a day at WDW (pre-kids we were on-the-go-ALL-DAY-LONG!), but wearing good sneakers seems to keep the pain mostly down. An occasional foot rub by DH helps, too. :) This time, however, I was pregnant and trying REALLY hard to avoid getting too tired during the trip so I took a lot of breaks (short ones... most were just 30-60 seconds) and sat on benches/the ground whenever we were stopped somewhere. Despite my extra-large belly, it definitely helped in every other way - I didn't ache at all anywhere after days at the parks! Anyway, quick breaks now and then may just be a good idea. :)

[BABY_EINSTEIN'S_MOM]

CROCS! My entire family swears by them..me, dh, MIL, and even tired whiney children! No one ever complained about their feet during our last trip. I already have us all a pair for our next trip! Also, it sure is great to be able to get on a water ride and not have wet sneakers..yuck!

[kimis]

Aching or painful feet are my life. THis is what I live by now especially at disney. I have arthiritis in both ankles but the pain spreads down the foot where sometims it is hard to walk at all.
*weeks before we go we start walking in our neighborhood
*no let me say NO NO NO new shoes
*I live in crocs shoes the whole trip
*I use body glide on my feet. I put it on in the morning and at mid afternoon
* I carry bandaids and mole skin just in case they are needed

Let me tell you about the crocs. My sister bought me a pair about 6 years ago but I wouldn't wear them because they are so ugly. Well three years ago at disney by the end of the first day with my broken in tennis shoes on I couldn't even walk to the pool with dh. I was so frustrated--here I was at disney one the first day and already in severe pain. The next morning I didn't care how ugly the crocs where i wore them. It was that night that it dawned on me feet didn't hurt. Ever since then I am almost always in crocs at disney. Try them. I am glad I did.

[maxiesmom]

Take a golf ball with you. I swear by this. At the end of the day, take that golf ball, sit down and roll it on the floor with your foot-use the ball of your foot and your arch too. It messages your foot and loosens up the foot. My podiatrist told me this trick-that golf ball is small and you can take it on every vacation :thumbsup2

I was looking to see if someone else had posted this. The golf ball thing works wonders! I also switch running shoes every day. Make sure you have them broken in first, don't try wearing new shoes. And wear socks that are moisture wicking and don't slip and bunch on your feet. That is not comfy!

I want to add that if you wear Crocs, be careful on the escelators. Crocs tend to get stuck in the grooves if you are not careful. I watch for my shoelaces on my sneakers too, but also be careful if you wear Crocs!

[lizzyb]

I wear my croc flip flops and have never had an issue with aching feet.

[NaplesRI]

Remember too, not ALL Crocs are ugly!

http://shop.crocs.com/p-110-cleo.aspx?reqid=110&reqProdTypeId=41p&subsectionname=Footwear&section=products

I received my 5th pair of CLEOS for Christmas, and 2-3 pr are coming with me to Disney in March. This will be my first CROC/Disney trip, but based on how they feel living in them every day, I expect them to be great for Disney.

[tothesea]

Aspercreme before you go to the parks and when you get back, with Crocs--the combination is magic!

[MapleGirl]

Go to a running store and get fitted for good shoes. I like Marathon Sports in Boston. I alternate wearing my running shoes and crocs. I'm going to try the peppermint lotion this trip too!

[suzimar57]

does the menthol "tingly" sensation from the Aspercreme last?

(have tried the Peppermint Lotion from the Body Shop, and it doesn't last much longer than it takes to absorb into my feet....)

[tothesea]

does the menthol "tingly" sensation from the Aspercreme last?

(have tried the Peppermint Lotion from the Body Shop, and it doesn't last much longer than it takes to absorb into my feet....)

I never felt anything "tingly" with the aspercreme, but never felt pain when using it either! I just put it all over my feet and wore Disney Crocs to the parks, and then I'd put it on again when getting back to the hotel. Day and night, and it worked great...my feet didn't hurt for the rest of the trip after that.

But boy were they sore before, after the first few days with neither Aspercreme nor the Disney Crocs.

[moo im lani]

I'm not sure if anyone has posted this already, but while you're standing in line or sitting down, stretch out your feet.
stretch your toes over, go up on your tip toes, etc.

if your foot muscles are tense, it will make it worse at the end of the day.
if you've got the time, you can even soak your feet before you go

[CathrynRose]

Take a golf ball with you. I swear by this. At the end of the day, take that golf ball, sit down and roll it on the floor with your foot-use the ball of your foot and your arch too. It messages your foot and loosens up the foot. My podiatrist told me this trick-that golf ball is small and you can take it on every vacation :thumbsup2 I also take an Aleeve when I get back to the room.


I do this same thing - but one of those street hockey balls. Has to be a hard ball you can put pressure on.

And Birkenstocks. Nothing else, ever, never, ever.

[spikescopilot]

My feet tend to get tired after a day in the parks too.

I take a sample-size bottle of baby powder and extra socks to the park with me. Not old socks that have been washed a million times -- brand new socks that are still cushiony and will soak up excess moisture. Around 4pm or so, DH and I take a break at an out of the way bench to give our feet a quick rub with the baby powder and then put on fresh socks. The powder makes them feel cooler, the rub just feels good, and the new socks keep them dry for the rest of the evening. We repeat this ritual when we get back to our resort in the evening. I also buy a new pair of sneakers (Easy Spirit) for each trip and break them in about a week beforehand.

Happy feet == happy vacation.

[stephaniebatesjones]

I am a nurse and am on my feet all day. I know this may sound funny, but it works for me. Icy Hot has your feet before you go out to the parks. This will soth your feet before they can ever start to hurt in the first place. Your feet will probably smell when you get home, but you're gonna shower anyway. No one can smell the icy hot cause you have on shoes, plus you will be outside. The advil is a good idea as well. Think prevention. Hope this helps.

[smokeyblue]

This may sound silly, but wear your socks inside out. The outside of your socks are usually not so rough so they don't irritate your feet so much. I wore my socks the right way at Epcot and my feet were burning in pain after two hours, I had such a miserable day. The next couple days I wore my socks inside out and I didn't have one problem with walking or painful feet.

[aagee]

Remember too, not ALL Crocs are ugly!

http://shop.crocs.com/p-110-cleo.aspx?reqid=110&reqProdTypeId=41p&subsectionname=Footwear&section=products

I received my 5th pair of CLEOS for Christmas, and 2-3 pr are coming with me to Disney in March. This will be my first CROC/Disney trip, but based on how they feel living in them every day, I expect them to be great for Disney.

Crocs are definitely the best advice I can give. I have always had MAJOR problems with my feet & legs when walking a lot, even though I'm pretty young. Maybe I'm just a wuss:confused3 I would be dying after just the first day at WDW, & it only got worse from there. By the 3rd day I felt like I could barely walk.

Last trip, I finally broke down & bought the Cleo Crocs. I wore them every day of the 7 day trip, no socks. Of course my feet were still a little tired at the end of the day, duh, I'd just walked many miles. BUT, my legs weren't tired, & my feet were perfectly fine the next morning. I did get a blister at the back of my heel toward the end, but moleskin took care of that. I'll just try a blister stick next time.

[Lori1960]

Try soaking feet in Johnson foot soap.Works better than epsom salt.Also try using a heating pad and also some ice and change shoes when you get back to hotel and also try keeping your feet up

[SGMCO]

I always wear crocs and never have any foot problems.
Crocs dry fast when wet and they always support my
arches, I never get blisters.
I wear Crocs for 9 days in a row.
I don't have young feet so I love my Crocs!!

[DearDaisyinDurham]

Remember too, not ALL Crocs are ugly!

http://shop.crocs.com/p-110-cleo.aspx?reqid=110&reqProdTypeId=41p&subsectionname=Footwear&section=products

I received my 5th pair of CLEOS for Christmas, and 2-3 pr are coming with me to Disney in March. This will be my first CROC/Disney trip, but based on how they feel living in them every day, I expect them to be great for Disney.

https://shop.crocs.com/ShowProduct.aspx?ProductID=1466&CategoryID=4&color=Chocolate/Celer&size=W7&quan=1

Love Crocs!!:cloud9: I alternate between my crocs (I bring two pairs) and very comfy sneakers

[Elysiannn]

I swear by Crocs! And I have tried all the tips, advice and suggestions.

I found I can't wear socks (and I've tried dozens of kinds of socks!) so I mole-skin the bottoms of my Crocs, make sure I wear the strap on the back of my ankles and carry extra mole-skin cut/trimmed in case I get hot spots on my toes or edges. I rest every now and then and then once back at my resort I soak my feet either in the pool or tub and use any foot cream that has peppermint oil in it. I'm good to go the next day. I also try and wear flip-flops while at the resort and save the Crocs for the parks.

This works for me after trying all kinds of good (and darn expensive) walking shoes, thin, fat, special wicking socks, sprays, creams, everything that only compounded my blisters and tired, inflammed feet!

Unfortunately, all the advice and tips here work for each poster and you'll have to try different ones to find out what works best for you. Hopefully you'll find out early and not have to spend lots of money! :thumbsup2

Definitely take mole-skin and peppermint foot cream - those aren't super expensive and should help in addition to whatever shoes you try. Good luck and believe me I sympathize with you - I have been in your "shoes" before!Ely

[ScoobySMC]

I have peppermint foot soak, and lotion to use before i go to bed, it dont matter how bad my feet hurt this always makes them feel tons better!! :thumbsup2 I also am a HUGE fan of crocs for any theme park

[smylie1]

I know they are dog ugly...but have your tried the CROCS? I have the same problem and I have tendonitis in my ankles, and my feet take a BEATING at WDW. I start off in my worn in New Balances, and when I start to feel the "achey park feet twinge", I change into my crocs and pop 2 BAYER BACK AND BODY (or tylenol rapid release) and then they feel better. I also change sock 3x a day and take Bayer or Tylenol (whatever I have on hand) every 4 hours WITH FOOD. At the end of the nite I also put peppermint rub on them and then sleep in socks and the next morning I am good to go. Never let your feet get too far gone...just try if you can to take some type of anti-inflammatory meds. Whatever your stomach can handle. I hope this helps!!

Now, My feet are on the go from sun up to midnite! That includes going to walk our dogs 4x a day at the TTC kennel!!! We usually do 2 or 3 parks every day as well. So that is what seems to work for me.

but seriously.....try the crocs...yes they are ugly...and yes people cant stand them...BUT...what do you care? You are at WDW and all you want is comfy and pain free feet!!! :)

www.crocs.com

I agree. I refused to buy Crocs because I thought they were ugly and thought that there was no way a "plastic" shoe could feel good on your feet. Well, after hearing so many people rave about them, I gave in and bought a pair. I absolutly love them!! I get really bad plantar fascitis (sp?)when I'm on my feet alot, but when I wear them, my feet don't hurt at all!

[Liann]

I think each person is different but I'm gonna tell you about MY first Disney trip.....

I had been reading these boards months before my first trip last summer 2008 and was trying to soak up as much as possible. At some point I saw someone post something about "crocs" and thought it was some sort of cute thing where ppl here were sharing a beanie baby type stuffed animal while in the parks... like taking pictures with it while in the parks and sharing online here then mailing it to the next person who was visiting WDW....... If you understood that enjoy, I still laugh about it LMAO!

Then someone here clued me in about what crocs actually were.......,

I saw them and sneered my nose thinking *** are these ppl thinking????? Those things are ugly as HECK! I wasn't about to wear those and I knew n one in my fam would do so either..... HOLY MACKERAL!!!!! How much for ugly shoes????? I don't THINK so!

Time went on and I started to really grasp exactly how much walking we all would be doing...... oh chit.

My hubby took me to a mall and there was a croc kiosk. I saw the big clog looking things and almost hunched over in defeat because I knew I HAD to buy some. Hubs laughed but as I walked around the kiosk LO AND BEHOLD!!!!!!!!! Cute flip flops and other sandal type shoes! WOOHOO!

I was like a kid in a candy store and my hubby never even saw my Disney train coming LOL! He STILL has NO idea we paid $48 for his flip flops LOL! Mine were $24 as were my DD's sandals. My DS's were $29 I think.

I dunno about you, but $48 or even $24 is REDICULOUS for a pair of flip flops to me so about 10 minutes after my purchase I was already breaking out in a cold sweat.

I dunno about you ppl but I can go to the Dollar store and buy a pair of cute flip flops for under 2 bucks!

I can honestly say that that was the BEST $130 shoe purchase I have EVER made.

Now on with the story.....

We were on vacation for 10 days. 3 days of which we spent in a jeep liberty driving to and from. 36 to and from. 2 kids in back both in socks only and me and hubs in our croc flip flops.

Getting there was no problem and no pain. At about the third day I started ending my day by plopping my feet into the hot tub letting the jets massage them. Hubby and kids were fine. Every night following I HAD to follow this ritual even if I had to sneak away in the middle of the night. I'd wake up the next day ready and raring to go!

BUT.......

when it came time to leave..... Everyone was fine. We were sad to be leaving but at the same time happy to be going back to our real home. About 8 hours into driving home my tootsies started to tingle so I took off my flops and donned a foot pillow. A few hours later the tingling was being accompanied by stiffness. At some point we pulled over in LA so my hubby could sleep at a gas station and I decided I needed to get out and walk. I did so around my jeep (LOL) like 500 times stretching and such. It was like 3am, imagine the looks I got.

When we got home the next afternoon my feet and ankles were swollen beyond anything *I* had ever been subject to.

I fought that for almost two weeks before everything was back to normal.

My message- Crocs are a MUST but they are not the ONLY must. I'll be packing peppermint rub, NEVER doing heat on my feet (cold only), MAKING my hubby massage my feet, and whatever else I can get from this thread on my next visit.

I can't take Aspirin or like based meds btw. Does Acetemenophen work too? (Tylenol)

Ibuprophen is out :(