Advice for sore feet?

[Venaros]

Just wanted to chime in. I love flip flops myself and have worn them in the parks a few times. The last time I did they had been so worn out that they began to hurt. I broke down and actually bought a pair of the Disney Crocs from our resort shop. Having never tried Crocs, and only hearing negative stereotypes about them, I was very pleasantly surprised. They were light and airy, and I've never had a flip-flop/sandal insole more comfortable. Just what my feet needed. Highly recommend them as a substitute for flip-flops in the parks.

 

[cleverclovers]

I wore Earth Spirits sandals my last trip to WDW. Bought them at Walmart. Straps are adjustable. One strap over the toes. One strap over the ankle. One behind the ankle. Also has arch support and a padded sole.

 

[tndisneyfan]

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!

Well like others have posted my suggestion would be to try to get rid of the flip flops. There are tennis shoes out there that are made of mesh or other light materials that aren't as hot. But, if you must wear flip flops, just make sure they are good quality flip flops. As far as helping sore feet, pack some Epsom salt and soak your feet every night in salt in the tub. Even if you don't pack the salts I would soak my feet at night or get in the pool, it really helps. Also lay with your feet propped up under a pillow when you rest.

 

[T4K]

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.

I agree with this.

 

[Jennasis]

My Crocs are the only shoe I can tour from park open to close in without ending the day feeling like someone has beaten my feet with baseball bats. I generally stick with my flip flops but recently bought a pair of croc sandals that I love. I can't do sneakers. My feet get too hot, and God forbid they get wet!

 

[keys2kingdom]

I highly recommend Vionic with Orthaheel as well, I hadn't worn flip flops in years but these are awesome. I also hate walking around in socks and closed shoes and these are the perfect solution plus they are just so cute. If you can compromise the styling for comfort Birkenstocks are always a great shoe for me as well and you can usually find some cute Disney themed ones. The arch support in both these brands is enough to keep you pain free and cool all day.

 

[jmv223]

Freeze a water bottle while you are in the park and used it to roll under you feet when you get back!

 

[crazyventures]

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

I wear Skechers/Sperry's with the thin skimmer socks (similar to these). I feel more comfortable wearing socks with those shoes but they're still low enough where you can't see them.

 

[noahdove]

I must add here, that my flip flops are Clarks and my feet feel just like I have shoes on. In fact, I have a major nerve damage in my left foot, and these flip flops are awesome!

 

[tinkerbellwdwmagic]

If its not too late and the pool is still open when you get back from the parks, take a swim. I did this and it helped. The other thing I did was take a few large zip lock bags and fill with ice and rest your feet on them as long as you can handle. And I put a pillow under my legs so my heals didn't touch the bed and that released some of the pressure.

 

[beaprn]

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!

Okay I know what you mean but at least get a good pair of sturdy sandals instead. I cannot tolerate sneaker either but flip flops are the worse for your feet and legs, I would go barefooted all the time if I could. I have a pair of Birkenstock and these help alot. Dr Scholls are good too. You can get them without the back of the foot strap and with the big toe and the rest of the foot separated. Still not the greatest for your feet but better than flip flops.

 

[csmith041177]

Thanks for all of the good tips...I needed them also!

 

[dixiegirl]

As others have posted, all flip flops are not created equal. If you need to have an open shoe, look for a quality flip flop that has some arch support in it. The standard $5 flip flops are great for running a quick errand, etc but are horrible for your feet in a place like WDW. Other suggestions are to give your feet a nice massage before you go to bed each night or soak them in the pool or BOTH!

 

[dixiegirl]

Double post- sorry

 

[TandLMommy28]

What about a sport sandal or something that is still open but gives more support? I wear Under Armour sandals. They honestly have more support than my sneakers. I love them.

 

[TandLMommy28]

Also, our trip is six months away so we have started walking every night to prepare our feet. We are hoping to work up to six miles by September which should help. For me, it's walking six miles while wearing the baby. I'll be using a stroller of course but anywhere that we can't bring the stroller, I'll be wearing him so that's part of my trip prep as much as making a packing list or planning ADRs. If you don't prepare your body ahead of time, it's no fun.

A month before our last trip, I stepped on a Lego and broke the skin and it ended up infected. I ended up not being allowed to put weight on that foot for a few weeks while it healed and was only really walking normally again a few days before Disney. That wasn't fun! I was so sore.

 

[robndani]

What about a sport sandal or something that is still open but gives more support? I wear Under Armour sandals. They honestly have more support than my sneakers. I love them.

I did just buy a pair of Nike flip flops and they seem really supportive!

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!

Those are super ideas... I usually bring a ton of shoes, but end up with the same pair or two the whole time!

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.

I'm actually a dance teacher, lol! I'm on my feet a lot, but I think it's the heat that causes the problem, not just the amount of time!

 

[DMDaisy31]

The ones I just bought to wear at Disney in July are some that I can wear without socks. They are SO comfortable and I have foot issues. They are the go walk 2 sneakers and are very breathable and dry quickly which will come in handy for water rides or rain... They are SUPER light and very cushy all around, so no ankle rubbing, etc. without the socks. I LOVE THEM and NEED more!!!

 

[DMDaisy31]

Sorry, talking about the Skechers Go Walk 2 in the above post. They are amazing.