Appropriate shoes for the park,Merrell,flip flops??

[Thundergod]

I would just like to say louboutin pigalles are perfect shoe for any occassion. Even if it's a marathon.

 

[NorthernCalMom]

It's closed-toes hiking sandals for me (I had mine for a while, so they're "walked in"). I will probably wear light socks to avoid blisters and pack a spare pair in case they get wet. We'll go for 5 days, so my feet won't be very happy no matter what...

 

[NorthernCalMom]

These are similar to mine:

 

[cfrith5]

I really like Keens. THey are very comfortable.

 

[kayleigh83]

I think the key is probably whatever shoes you get, even if they're new.. don't let them be "brand new" when you wear them in the park. Any shoes, but especially ones you'll be walking and standing in for hours upon hours, needs to be broken in. That's where things like blisters and sore spots come from! I would wear any new walking shoes you bought around the house and in your everyday life for at least a week or two before your trip to break them in. Breaking in shoes at Disneyland is kind of like trial by fire!

 

[Nox54]

I think the key is probably whatever shoes you get, even if they're new.. don't let them be "brand new" when you wear them in the park. Any shoes, but especially ones you'll be walking and standing in for hours upon hours, needs to be broken in. That's where things like blisters and sore spots come from! I would wear any new walking shoes you bought around the house and in your everyday life for at least a week or two before your trip to break them in. Breaking in shoes at Disneyland is kind of like trial by fire!

I did this! Actually, I bought over a month in advance and did my morning walks wearing the shoes, as well as my regular activities.
I still got blisters.
So I'm open to the idea of changing brands/types/whatever.

Again, this thread is very interesting to me.

 

[Judy from Boise]

I've tried a number of different things, and some things have been better than others, but I have yet to find something that won't leave my feet thoroughly sore after three days in the parks. Normally I prefer a pair of Tevas, but I've had problems with hotspots developing, and I think I'm about ready to write those off. I've heard good things about Chacos, does anyone here use those, and if so, how well do those work?

If I'm not wearing sandals, I usually prefer Vans for everyday wear, and did reasonably well with those for my most recent trip.

Totally addicted to chacos ! I brought 4 different pairs to WDW this last trip, two Birkenstocks, and one ASICS running shoe. My DH and DD wear them too.

 

[lwilkison]

Hello

My family and I will be making our first visit to DL and DCA this summer. I am trying to get recommendations for good comfortable walking shoes. I was looking at the Merrell Lorelei,does anyone have any reviews good/bad of these shoes?

Also I love my Nike Comfort Thong flip flops because of the cushion sole
Are flip flops a bad idea for the parks?? Would I have to worry about losing them on a ride?

Tia
TM

Tia, for my family we just made sure we wore really good walking shoes/runners. Whenever we wore flip flops they never lasted and they rubbed our toes the wrong way so we got blisters.

As to wet runners, well the temperature was so hot that the shoes would be dry in no time, just bring a spare pair of socks

 

[NorthernCalMom]

And, regardless of how "broken in" your shoes are, bring plenty of band-aids/moleskin for blister first-aid, just in case.

 

[krispin41]

On my next trip, I will be wearing a pair of tennis shoes, a pair of Crocs ballet flats, and a pair of Keen Whispers. I also bring my Croc flip flops, which I wear all summer normally.

Because I work in retail, I am used to being on hard floor for 8+ hours, so I am usually okay in the parks with all the walking, I do swap out though.

 

[Butterfly123]

I wear broken in running shoes with good socks (the running kind to help with friction), or Keen sandals (Venice) with covered toes. Not so cute, but my toes are protected.

I really think the socks make the difference when wearing running shoes. You can get seamless socks at a running or sporting store.

Switching shoes during the day can also help with sore feet.

 

[DizMe]

I agree with those who say switch it up. For summer/hot weather, I like to wear flip flops or old sandals during the day and athletic shoes at night. I prefer sandals that don't have that thingy between my toes but I have a few pairs of flips that work fine in the parks. I like being able to get my feet wet without worry. Another reason I like flip flops/backless sandals is because there is nothing to rub against my heel, which is my main problem with shoes at DLR.

Sometimes on the second day my feet don't want to go back into whatever I wore the first day so I switch. Just be sure to give yourself a choice.

 

[8lovesmickey]

My best strategy is to change shoes often. Over the years I have accumulated a pair of Teva sandals (with ankle strappy things), Merrell sandals (well cushioned flip-flop style), birkenstocks, Mickey fit-flops, and Earth brand sandals. I wear one pair in the morning, then when we go back to the hotel for afternoon rest I change into a different pair for evening. That way I am much less likely to get "hot spots" in any one place.

I also recommend a test run. I bought a new pair of Allegrias for my Disneyland trip this year (not cheap but felt FABULOUS in the store) and wore them to the mall. After three hours I had a blister and a sore spot. They will NOT be accompanying me to Disneyland...

I used to always wear tennies but once I tried durable sandals I never looked back. For me the tennies were great for walking but bad for standing - my feet would sweat plus if they got wet it was a nightmare. I have also never had anyone step on my toes.... but I have had my heels run into by strollers

No matter what, I would say don't expect to wear the same shoes every day. Invest in at least two pair that you can swap. And bring the moleskin just in case!

 

[chrissiecutie]

I can personally attest to the Band Aid brand blister band aids. These things saved my trip! I developed 2 nasty blisters on the balls of one foot. So everytime I stepped down- horrible pain! I put these blister band aids on & walked an entire day with NO problems. That was the last time I ever chose fashion over comfort for Disney!!

And to those who wear Chacos- which ones are the best? Personally, they aren't my style but I've heard lots of rave reviews so I'm looking to give them a try!

 

[rowan1813]

I may be totally alone in this, but I think it really depends on what your feet are used to everyday. If you are like my DM, who alternates between sandals (good brands) and her Asics on the weekend and during downtime, she loves to bring both her Asics and a pair of good sandals to alternate. If you are like me who lives in sandals and flip-flops everyday of year, I only wear sandals. I bring a pair of Born sandals which have amazing support (I have very high arches) and I have never had a problem ever. I never get my toes stubbed or rolled over by strollers or wheelchairs. Just bring shoes that your feet are used to and I think you will be fine.

Of course, YMMV. HTH!!!

 

[lausea]

Totally addicted to chacos ! I brought 4 different pairs to WDW this last trip, two Birkenstocks, and one ASICS running shoe. My DH and DD wear them too.

Agreed!! Love Chacos and that is what I plan on wearing next week!

 

[Amy&Dan]

My best advice is that everyone have more than one pair of shoes, make sure they are broken in very well before you go and take a product that helps prevent blisters as well as a variety of good bandages for blisters because once you start one, early prevention is key!

I have three pairs of shoes "I do Disney" in: Teva sandals, crocs and Teva flip flops. I also bought a pair of these Naturalizer sandals and I like those too so those may become my fourth pair of Disney shoes.

I wear the crocs or Teva sandals for the biggest part of my park day, then often wear the flip flops for the shorter times (like after our break when we go back for dinner and the fireworks).

For some reason, I cannot wear or stand to have on sneakers all day at DL. So I agree with another poster that everyone's feet are different.

 

[nikkislaght]

I have a pair of Merrell's they are very similar to the Stellabloom's and I love love love them.. I also have a pair of Teva's - Pretty Rugged .. and love them too. both very comfortable sandals, my feet never hurt at the end of the day, and more importantly My back and hip didnt ache like they have in the past with that kind of walking..

never lost a nail or had anyone stand on my toes... did catch my foot in between the rails for the trolly car though.. now that was fun. pulling my sandal out of that mess..

 

[ZanderMan]

I also switch between Flip Flops (Rainbow) and North Face hiking shoes work perfect for me! I usually wear flip flops in the morning while strolling around. Then in the late afternoon it's time for rides and having fun, so the North Face get strapped on.*

 

[nannyz]

All of you with normal sized feet are so lucky to be able to wear all the neat shoes that you have mentioned.
I am a 10 AAA and my poor daughter is an 11 AAAA.
We are happy to just find shoes that will stay on our feet!!