Advice for sore feet?

[robndani]

Does anyone have a remedy for sore feet from all the walking in the parks? I only wear flip flops (as long as it's not cold or raining, which it hardly ever is). I don't have a problem with blisters, but my feet ache from the walking. I've heard of using a peppermint foot spray throughout the day. Has anyone ever done this or have any other ideas?

Thanks!

 

[LSUfan4444]

I only wear flip flops

There's likely you're problem.

http://www.webmd.com/beauty/style/flip-flops-fun-but-not-great-for-feet

http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/18/health/flip-flops-hurting-feet/

Find your local running store and have them examine your feet, gait, step, stride, etc and recommend a shoe (neutral, stability, etc) that fits your feet.

Do not just go to Dicks or Academy think all Asics, New Balance, Nike etc are the same. What works for me or anyone else might not work for you. My shoe recommendation is about as helpful as my favorite color.

 

[robndani]

I know flip flops are bad for my feet, but I can't give them up! When I wear sneakers, or more closed shoes, my feet get really hot and even more uncomfortable. I guess I was looking for a band-aid and not actually fixing the really problem... lol!

 

[LSUfan4444]

I suggest addressing your overheating problems with hydration and other methods. Wear not cotton moisture wicking socks and a true running shoe meant to breathe.

There is no reason you should have to choose between hot or pain free feet.

 

[rainwatter]

I understand, I live in my flip flops year-round. At WDW I go with crocs or outdoors sandals because they have more support than your average flipper. I would never ever wear sneakers at the parks, my feet get hot and I hate when they get wet, but find investing in good walking sandals helps a lot.

 

[Kate and Family]

Not a running shoe - a walking shoe.

There was a lengthy thread about this - and some of the folks did prefer flip flops. It might be of help

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3250159

 

[noahdove]

Well, my solution that works for me, dry wick low socks, and before I go to bed I rub peppermint lotion on them. And if they are still warm in the morning, again I use peppermint lotion. I have heard that deodorant also works well to keep feet dry. But, I do love the peppermint lotion...

 

[robndani]

I understand, I live in my flip flops year-round. At WDW I go with crocs or outdoors sandals because they have more support than your average flipper. I would never ever wear sneakers at the parks, my feet get hot and I hate when they get wet, but find investing in good walking sandals helps a lot.

I may have to do that. I think I'm also going to try the peppermint foot spray, just to see!

 

[seus-mouse]

Once we got walking sneakers it really helped. We look for warm weather ones, they breathe on top more. Not so good for water resistance, but the firm support, that is almost uncomfortable for the first minute, makes for not sore feet at the end of the day.

Hope it helps, DH always wore flip-flops, but after 15 years he really loves the sneakers. DD's still wear flip-flops...

 

[LSUfan4444]

I understand, I live in my flip flops year-round. At WDW I go with crocs or outdoors sandals because they have more support than your average flipper. I would never ever wear sneakers at the parks, my feet get hot and I hate when they get wet, but find investing in good walking sandals helps a lot.

More support is not necessarily a good thing. It varies from person to person.

Not a running shoe - a walking shoe.

If overheating heat is a concern, you want a running show because they are made with more mesh in the upper portion. Walking shoes will be constructed of a less beathable material (ie leather).

Running shoes will be a MAJOR improvement over flip flops in relation to foot pain. If touring in the winter a walking shoe would be a better fit for alot of people because weather will not be as much of a concern.

Neither shoe should be worn with cotton socks.

 

[LSUfan4444]

Well, my solution that works for me, dry wick low socks, and before I go to bed I rub peppermint lotion on them. And if they are still warm in the morning, again I use peppermint lotion. I have heard that deodorant also works well to keep feet dry. But, I do love the peppermint lotion...

Moisture wicking socks are such an easy solution.

Once back in your room, get out of your shoes and put on a pair of compression socks (http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_981978_-1__?N=870115695&affcode=42&kwid=ps_cse&cid=PLA_024850380&gclid=CLKH54-ezL0CFUVp7Aod3AEApw) which can be found for like $10 at Academy.

 

[fla4fun]

All flip flops are not created equal. You should look for one with a contoured foot bed that would provide some support to your foot while you are walking. I would also suggest a walking sandal - you would still have the open feeling but again, more support.

I have troublesome feet, and can't wear sandals because I have extremely high arches that require good support. So it's walking shoes for me. However, some days I still have tired and painful feet from all the walking at WDW.

The first thing I do is NOT take off my shoes right away when I return to the room. I sit with my feet up for about 30 minutes and then remove the shoes. For some reason, this really helps with the level of pain I feel during the night. I take a couple ibuprofen before I go to bed. When I get up in the morning and go to shower, I leave the drain plug down so that the hot water collects in the tub so I am basically soaking my feet while I shower. Then it's a couple ibuprofen again before I head out for the day. I typically don't notice the foot issues until after I stop walking at the end of the day, and I don't take any medication during the day either.

It also helps if you have two different types of shoes that you can trade off, so they aren't affecting your feet in the same way.

Peppermint would be cooling, but it's not really a pain reliever. Good luck in your quest for pain free feet!

 

[Zooshoveller]

I'm betting your feet get hot because they aren't acclimated to shoes. I have foot issues, and wear insoles from my podiatrist. He also gave me a roll-on Bio-Freeze that really helps with pain. For mild foot "tiredness", I love peppermint foot lotion. I do have croc sandals that I wear around at home, but I've never worn sandals at WDW. I do want to find a sandal with good arch support for our next trip. Just DH and I for F&W, so a much more relaxed vacation (no commando! LOL)

 

[Happy Duck]

As others have said, all flip flops are not created equal. Stay away form $5 flip flops. Be prepared to spend $25-40 dollars a pair. I suggest Teva or Reef brand. Fit them just as you would shoes, don't just try one pair on and walk out of the store... try multiple pairs and compare. We found some great flip flops and they have been amazing for the parks!!!!

Another tip is to switch your shoes. I rotate between flip flops, sneakers and closed toed flats throughout the week. You could rotate between multiple pairs of flip flops. Since Teva and Reef offer many different kinds, you could buy multiple pairs that fit slightly differently. The idea is that you have many different shoes that your feet adjust to throughout your trip.

Since we take afternoon breaks, we switch our shoes midday. This really saves our feet. I used to breakdown by the 3rd day. Now, I don't really start to drag until the last full day. I even lasted a full two weeks using this method!

Also, don't be afraid to take pain relievers like ibuprofen or Tylenol (which ever works for you.) Bring it from home. Take it every morning to beat the pain before it starts and another dose (if you need to) mid-afternoon to get you through the evening. Just an added bonus to help and make your day a little easier and happier!

 

[DisneyMountainWoman]

I completely understand my feet get to sweaty and hot in sneakers then I get blisters. Does not matter if I break them in or go to a an expensive store and buy very expensive shoes and wear non cotton breathable socks. I will get blisters.

My solution was wearing sandles that have support in them, I love keens or tiva sandles. I have actually backpacked a whole week with just wearing tivas. They let your feet breath while supplying support for your feet. I also have flip flop sandles that have arch support which are at least better then regular flip flops. Go to your nearest REI store or something like that to get a wide range of options so you can find something that is comfterable for u. I normally end up trying on everything since my feet are wide but then have the most narrow heels so I have a hard time finding something that works for my feet. (Dress shoes are a pain)

 

[magentarhps93]

Crochet toms! They keep your feet cool and they're mega comfy!

I have a problem with overheating feet too but I love TOMS

http://www.toms.com/womens/features/crochets/c

 

[mountdew1]

I'd suggest simply that you aren't used to standing/walking for as long as you do at WDW. You can have the most comfortable shoes that are 100% perfect for your feet, but if your feet and legs aren't used to being stood on for 8+ hours in a day, then the shoes can only do so much. In today's society where so many of us have jobs where we spend most of our day sitting, our legs aren't strong enough in the right places.

Start walking and spending time on your feet as soon as you can. Starting off with 30 mins or an hour, slowly adding on time as best you can. If you can work standing up, do it. Doing things at home, do them standing up, not sitting down or on the couch. It may not be practical, but unless you have a job in retail or similar where you spend most of your day on your feet, any bit helps.

 

[DHSbutcher]

I would recommend toms. I wear these on a daily basis and have for about 4 years straight. They're great around the parks too, and my feet never get hot. The canvas original ones are perfectly fine, or they have a lot of other styles.

 

[kbnovak]

I suffer from rather severe plantar fasciitis, and these are the only flip-flops I can wear without pain.

http://www.vionicshoes.com/

 

[kitkat4622]

for those who wear the skechers go walk shoes, do you wear them with or without socks?