Another rain gear question

[ww52]

Not ponchos vs umbrellas vs rain coats etc. I have that one covered (it's a matter of taste of course - no single "best" answer)

But shoes. Everything I read says NOT sneakers (they don't dry well, can smell, can cause blisters when soaked etc)

So everyone says rain friendly shoes.

OK - what are rain friendly shoes? And isn't there a HUGE difference between a pair meant for relatively stationary activity (like fishing) vs the large amount of walking we'll be doing?

In July heat.

Sandals sound like a good idea - but without socks, the possibility of blisters increases.

I'd rather not spend a huge amount - but will if necessary. Specific brands/style suggestions would be very helpful and appreciated.

 

[Klayfish]

I would never, ever wear sneakers into WDW, but that's just me. I'm a guy, so footwear is different, but I wear sandals that strap behind my foot and over top. They were like $30 on Amazon and work great for a 2 week trip. Sneakers in WDW = ....IMO of course. I'm sure there are plenty who say the same about sandals, so it's a matter of personal preference.

 

[Sunelis]

Curious about the answers you'll get. I was always a sneaker guy in the parks but I usually go in the spring or the fall. Going for the first time in the summer this year(last week of August) and based on what I've read on the board I bought Teva sandals for this trip. I'll be able to report on the success or failure of that strategy in September when I come back from my trip.

 

[epcotobsessed]

I am a Fit Flops devotee. My kids like Natives. DH wears Tevas.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

I wear sneakers.
It doesn't matter what time of year I go or how much rain there is.
The key for me is to bring 2 pairs of the same sneaker which I wear every day at home to walk for miles so I know they aren't going to rub me the wrong way.
If one gets wet I let it dry for a day and use the other pair and then rotate.
Generally my feet don't get too wet even when it is a downpour when I have sneakers on.
When I have open toed shoes all bets are off and they easily rub.

 

[Aliceacc]

I wear Teva Mush flip flops. I bring down 2 or 3 pair. If one gets wet, I can wear the others when I eventually get back to the resort to change.

 

[debvee]

I'm older (67) so stability and comfort are a must. It rained every day on our last trip in May and I did fine with my regular athletic shoes - Saucony Echelon 5. Only one time did it pour so hard that my shoes got soaked. To dry them I took out the insoles and set them by the air conditioner during the night. When they were almost dry I used the room hair dryer to finish them off. I can not handle sandals in the rain.

 

[ww52]

Good to hear people saying "sneakers" are OK. (I realize to some the term "sneakers" may mean something different than I intended. I essentially meant comfortable athletic shoes very well designed for hard use - and therefore great for walking.

I may well be overthinking. I always used athletic shows before - and the only issue I had was the smell after a heavy rain. The advantage to me was good fit and wearing socks prevented blisters. Never had a blister in 8 WDW trips.

I'm taking a trip to DSW in a week or so and I'll see what's available. Since I typically don't wear sandals anyway, I'm reluctant to spend $$ on them - won't get a lot of use other than our week there.

EDIT for Debvee - I'm older too (66) and comfort is of prime importance - as well as reluctance to spend on footwear I don't normally use.

I very much appreciate the suggestions and experiences shared here.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

I bring sneakers and sandals (both comfy, tried and true at home first) and alternate every day or two. Swapping out the footwear seems to really help prevent blisters forming. And if possible, not wearing the sneakers on the days you anticipate rain. Also get non-cotton socks for the sneaker days - you don't want wet cotton rubbing your feet - and the socks will be at least marginally wet from rain or sweat daily.

 

[dreamit]

The main issue with sneakers is the rain. If you do wear sneakers, I suggest you bring a second pair of shoesti wear should your first pair need to dry out. Also, wear non- cotton socks. In the non-rainy months, I alternate between Skechers Go Walks and Croc slides. In the rainy months I cover my feet with Body Glide and alternate between Keen Whispers and my Croc slides or another type of sandal or flip flops.

 

[LindySpirit]

A few tips:
1. Wool running socks. No, they won’t make your feet more hot. They wick moisture away vs holding onto it like cotton socks do.

2. I wore AllBirds wool sneakers my last trip and loved them. They are knit merino wool, and you can wear them without socks. They handle water well and dry quickly with no blisters. But much more supportive than flip flops or most sandals.

 

[ww52]

Wow - such a diversity of opinions - all GREAT information from people with experience.

OK - wool (performance or running) socks. Check - on my Amazon list right now.

AllBirds - never heard of them - a bit pricey for my budget ($100 list) BUT well worth considering. Somehow the concept of a wool shoe seems counter-intuitive, but their website makes the case quite well. Water resistant, and I assume they dry well. However, I can't find a store in the Chicago area that carries them.

MUCH thanks to the people on this thread. I'm in decision-making mode today and off to shop tomorrow (don't want to buy online but maybe I will given Amazon's easy return policy.)

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

OP you're really starting to overthink things too much.
You're going in a few weeks so don't start buying all kinds of new items to try.
A Disney trip is not the time to start testing out new footwear.
Wear what you wear on a daily basis and find comfortable to walk and stand in.
If its something that you rather not get soaking wet then try to avoid walking through the rain.
There are plenty of things to do indoors to wait it out or if you're done with a specific indoor attraction and realize its pouring then hang in the gift shop for a few until it lightens up.
People suggest a lot of different things based on what works for them but ultimately it comes down to what works for you.
Example many say flip flops are the best option but I would never wear them. Like I said in a prior post I wear sneakers. Mine are Skechers go walk and I wear cotton socks with them. That is what is best for me so go with what works for you.

 

[ww52]

Appreciate your comment "Queen" - I agree but let me add that I need to buy new shoes whether I was going to WDW or not (and have time to break them in since we're still about 3 weeks away) and so it makes sense I get something that works well in the obvious rain situation we'll be facing.

(And part of my "overthinking" is simply responding to the kind people who are still commenting - including you.)

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Appreciate your comment "Queen" - I agree but let me add that I need to buy new shoes whether I was going to WDW or not (and have time to break them in since we're still about 3 weeks away) and so it makes sense I get something that works well in the obvious rain situation we'll be facing.

(And part of my "overthinking" is simply responding to the kind people who are still commenting - including you.)

To each their own but 3 weeks out and you don't even have a new pair of shoes to break in as of yet.
What makes more sense to me would be purchasing something that you already know works well regardless of if it rains since as I said you can easily avoid quite a bit of the rain just by waiting it out for 10-15 minutes.
What are you going to do if 3 weeks from now after having a new pair of shoes for a couple of weeks you find them uncomfortable?
Just saying these types of decisions should not be made so close to a trip.

 

[ww52]

Just saying these types of decisions should not be made so close to a trip.

OK Mom.
Just kidding - I do appreciate your comments very much. I intend to do exactly that - another pair of athletic shoes identical to the ones I have.

Thanks much!

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Sneakers, and only sneakers now. I bring at least 2 pairs.
I use a poncho, never umbrella. For one thing it's a pain to carry and secondly you have to worry about poking other guests.