ANOTHER footwear question

[pumpkinfish]

Ok,
2 years ago I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Keep in mind I am a young, hip person

What suggestions do ya'll have on sandals I can buy to wear around disney. I LOVE sandals and HATE sneakers/athletic shoes. I need comfort AND style because I like to look my best, even at disney (minus makeup and hair! ).

 

[Blueberry]

Sorry to hear you were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis so young..I have Osteo Arthritis and I know you need a good pair of sandals or sneakers to walk in...

I swear my my inexpensive Earth Shoe Sandals from Walmart, they are wonderful and form to your feet...I also wear my Reebok Classic sneakers as they are most comfortable on my feet..

Hope you find some confortable shoes or sandals to wear, everyones feet are differnt.....

 

[pumpkinfish]

Thank you Blueberry. Although I was diagnosed, I am on medication that has helped immensely! I actually just returned from the doc and he said I was basically in remission. BUT, I still ache after walking all day (we go to Busch at Williamsburg almost every week with our passes). This is how I know that i will need some good sandals. I don't want to have to keep sitting all day.

I saw the post on another thread about the Earth Shoe so I might check that out this week. I was also talking to my mom who said the Birkenstock's were also a good way to go. My question is: How are they when wet? DH and I LOVE water rides and I would hate to ruin them.


Thanks again!

 

[LuvN~Travel]

In another thread I posted about wearing my Earthshoes to Six Flags two Saturdays ago. I also have arthritis in at least one hip, maybe both by now, and I had no problems with either that day, and none with my feet. Did have problems with leg cramps, but then again that's because I was walking uphill a lot.(this Six Flags is on hilly land)
And, considering that I was showing major signs of heel spurs before my gastric bypass surgery two years ago, I also had no problem with that.
Good luck with your quest for the 'perfect' sandal.
Kim

 

[ejfont]

How about Birkenstocks? I just got a pair as a gift, anyone have experience with Birk's at the parks?

 

[Figment_Faerie]

I wore my Birkies to the IOA and my feet were killing me by the end of the day! I love them for everything else and I own lots of them, but not for heavy walking.

At the IOA, I rode the water ride and my feet got wet along with the corkboard. Well, when I got back that day I had 3 blisters on eack foot and the bottom of both feet were BROWN!!! Agggh!!

 

[Blueberry]

I have never worn my Earth Sandals on a water ride, but I had to walk through two inches of water to get to my car in the parking lot after a terrible rain storm. I was literally walking in that water and they were under water, dried fine overnight in front of a fan and are still as good as ever.....

 

[pumpkinfish]

I am still trying to decide what to buy!!!

Choices, choices.

The feedback has been awesome in this thread and I thank each of you. I was afraid that blisters would form with the Birk's so thanks for resting my mind on not to buy them. Maybe another time for a less "water-thrilling" trip.

I still need to get my butt over to Wal Mart and try on those Earth Shoes.

 

[Ilovestitch]

What do the earth shoes look like? I usually wear flip flops to the parks I know that's terrible. -Stephanie

 

[LuvN~Travel]

The Earth shoe line actually comes in several styles, but the best kind for the parks for me, is the one with straps front and back, like the Teva line. However, they are made of nice leather and are wider straps. They felt great after a day at Six Flags, too. I love wearing mine everywhere, have now got two pair. I also have two others that are slides, and the bigger pair is getting comfortable as I break them in. (I found them a half size larger than the first pair of slides I bought and they fit better.)
Kim

 

[scoutsmom99]

I would try Ecco or Josef Seibel for comfort sandals my mother has those brands as well as Birkenstock and loves them she can go all day in them. I personally wear Birkenstocks and yes they are a pain if you go on the water rides but other than that I love them...whatever you decide to get make sure to break them in before you go!

Just wanted to add that you should also try Born they are comfy and stylish at the same time my sister just loves them!

 

[krafty]

Tevas! Teva makes the most comfortable sandals I've ever worn, and they come in lots of different styles so they fit just about every kind of use you can think of. (The only downside to owning Tevas is that people may look at you like you're a progressive/hippie/environmentalwacko, even if you're not. )

I've got a pair of black ones that are all rubber/nylon and are waterproof, for those days at water parks or during the rain. I've also got a pair of brown leather ones which are great for day-to-day walking around. I think I've had the black ones since 1998 or so, and I got the brown ones in 2000 and they're still going strong.

 

[carol9999]

I love Birkenstocks and wear them all the time (i have spent all day walking with them with no problem in NYC and at state fairs and never hurt my feet).... still, i would not want to get them wet,so i may decide to wear my easy spirit sneakers. OR i may wear my birkies and bring a pair of socks and sneakers to change into if i want to... bringing a stroller, so i can store them underneath.

 

[pumpkinfish]

Krafty,

Those Tevas are right up my alley! I am a crazy environmental person by nature so sounds like i will be checking them out. Do they have their own shops, or are they sold in department stores?

I think my sis was talking about them the other day....hmmmm... she might sell them at her store.... I will have to ask.
As for the rest of the suggestions, I will be checking them out too. Thanks again for these informative posts.

I am also checking with Merrell.

 

[chi-mom]

I also vote for TEVAs. Wore mine every day of our 7 day WDW vacation last fall. They are water proof and mine have a nice arch support. You can also easily make them larger if you feet swell---best investment ever!!!

 

[MUFFYCAT]

Thanks to this board , I found out about Tevas back in April.
I bought the Niyanti style, like flip flop with a wide strap across top of feet. They have been tested by our trips to the six flags parks and a few days of outlet shopping and came out a winner. I even bought a second pair in a different color. We were in Lake George last month and my girlfriend forget to bring her favorite sandels, so I lend her my second pair. Needless to say as soon as we got home she ordered a pair on line.
I'm bringing both pairs with us on our WDW in 11 days!!!

 

[krafty]

Originally posted by pumpkinfish
Krafty,

Those Tevas are right up my alley! I am a crazy environmental person by nature so sounds like i will be checking them out. Do they have their own shops, or are they sold in department stores?
I am also checking with Merrell.

You can wear them to the next local earth day celebration to break them in!

Merrell are comfy shoes, but I've never worn their sandals.

Tevas can usually be found in decent shoe stores. Also look in local sporting good/outfitter type places (the kind of place that has REAL outdoor equipment like kayaks, hiking/climbing gear, etc.)

go to www.teva.com to see all the current styles.

 

[jeancbpugh]

There is no getting out of shopping. <g> One person's perfect shoe is uncomfortable on another. I, for example, can't wear Tevas or Birkenstocks. As much as I hate shopping, with shoes there is no substitute for trying 'em on.

 

[Poohbear123]

Wish I could try them on and wear them for a week before I pay for them! I have SO MANY sandals, sneakers, that I CANNOT wear, due them being uncomfortable! I guess I need to go to a Dr. to find out what is REALLY wrong with my feet, they hurt ALL the time!

 

[pumpkinfish]

Ok,
Here is my update.I went to teva.com and found one i like- Spoiler 2. I also like Vang and Habit. If any of you have these, let me know so I know how they are.

My sis is checking her store tomorrow for them since she gets a discount.

I am quite the opposite when it comes to footwear. I own TONS of flip-flops (not much support) and tons of cute sandals, and ONE pair of athletic shoes. I like open-toed shoes. I am such a summer girl. I would run around bare foot if I could! Crazy, I know.