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

[Monica D]

So are the flip flop people the ones voting for Merrell? I've got to say I had to take back all the times I'd suggested flip flops after my last DL trip. I packed 2 pairs of reefs and by day three I was at Target buying no name $30 sneakers and I'd NEVER been so thrilled with a pair of shoes in my life!!

It ends up I never really walk that much at WDW because we only go for the day. All day walking for multiple days killed my feet!! I'm wondering if Merrells have the support of thicker sneakers? I'm going to have to figure out what I'm doing this year! (still celebrating we just booked last week )

I am a flip flop person and vote for Merrells or Crocs, or something with a closed toe and some support. But nothing that requires socks...socks make my feet claustrophobic.

 

[tnd]

I always wear Fit Flops in the parks. I never have foot issues, and that is after a week in WDW. I do take them off before riding Soarin' though.

 

[PinkBudgie]

I'm not sure where you are in N. CA, but there is a Crocs store at the Great Mall in Milpitas. Also Valley Fair in Santa Clara/San Jose has a rather large kiosk.

I've had great luck in ordering shoes from zappos.com, they ship super quick (got my last order in three days (And would have been two, had I not missed the UPS driver), but they have free shipping both ways, so if you needed to return them, you could do that easily.

I saw those stores listed too. We are in the north bay above SF and never have reason drive south unless we are on our way to DLR! My sister has used Zappos and liked them. I just know when I'm at the store, I try on a zillion shoes. But I might check them anyway. That's a good idea, thanks!

 

[smiles33]

hey smiles33, what dansko sandals do you wear at the parks? I am thinking about getting a pair for my trip, but don't know which would be good-there seem to be different heel heights and I wonder if the medium or high ones wouldn't be good. I'd love to know what you are wearing, if you don't mind.

I can't remember what they are called, but Amazon had a huge sale on them so I think I paid like $30. I posted a photo of them near the bottom on this post in my TR.

 

[motor58]

holy smokes, what a deal smiles33! thanks for posting-they look great and similar to what I was thinking of getting....

 

[spellhex]

I always wear Rainbows or Havaianas in the park - great, comfortable flip flops that I don't mind getting wet. Helps that they're cute and go with most everything. Of course, both pairs are broken in way beforehand - I can't even imagine doing Disneyland with a pair of brand new Rainbows. If it's colder or I know I'm not going on water rides, I wear my Toms. I absolutely hate wearing socks, especially wet socks, so these are great.

Granted, I wear flip flops everywhere and am used to walking a lot in them, so YMMV.

 

[SilentFeline]

I've worked on my feet for the past 8 years, and after about 2 or 3 years I developed heel pain that became more intense as time passed. I have no health insurance so I have yet to be diagnosed, although I suspect that I may have heel spurs. In any case, I haven't found anything that's perfect for me yet, but I I've ruled out Skechers and Vans. I never wear flip flops because I always seem to have a hard time walking in them. I also don't want to deal with putting sunscreen on my feet or having my bare toes stepped on or run over in the crowded parks.

On my last trip I transitioned between my Asics Kayano 17s and Nike Free Run +2 Shield running shoes. The Asics hurt my heels (as do most shoes), while the Nikes hurt my arches after a while, but if I were you I would actually give the Nikes a try. They're barefoot runners so they're very light (I think somewhere around 6 oz.), and the shield kept my feet dry in the rain. My arches are a bit high, so I think that's why I had trouble with them hurting, but I haven't read anyone else complain of the same problem in reviews.

 

[TinkFreak988]

My friend wore her Nike Comfort Flip Flops in the parks every day we were there, and she said that she loved them. The only downside is that when wet, the leather will cause blisters! But, they did seem very comfortable! Hope I helped!

 

[rosie2283]

I've worked on my feet for the past 8 years, and after about 2 or 3 years I developed heel pain that became more intense as time passed. I have no health insurance so I have yet to be diagnosed, although I suspect that I may have heel spurs. In any case, I haven't found anything that's perfect for me yet, but I I've ruled out Skechers and Vans. I never wear flip flops because I always seem to have a hard time walking in them. I also don't want to deal with putting sunscreen on my feet or having my bare toes stepped on or run over in the crowded parks.

On my last trip I transitioned between my Asics Kayano 17s and Nike Free Run +2 Shield running shoes. The Asics hurt my heels (as do most shoes), while the Nikes hurt my arches after a while, but if I were you I would actually give the Nikes a try. They're barefoot runners so they're very light (I think somewhere around 6 oz.), and the shield kept my feet dry in the rain. My arches are a bit high, so I think that's why I had trouble with them hurting, but I haven't read anyone else complain of the same problem in reviews.

As someone who works with these types of complaints, you most possibly have a case of plantar fasciitis and being that it has been 2-3 years, yes you may have developed heel spurs. If you'd like, a couple things to try would be to freeze a bottle of water and sit and roll it back and forth under your foot.. A big thing, if you do in fact have plantar fasciitis, is to stretch out your calf muscles. This is HUGE. Or even better see a massage therapist and get them to work on your calf muscles. I could almost guarantee you if this is the case, your calves are extremely tight. For shoes, get an insole for the shoe that is for plantar fasciitis. You can find them in any Walmart or Target. If you have high arches and suffering from PF or HS, you need the extra support.

 

[SilentFeline]

As someone who works with these types of complaints, you most possibly have a case of plantar fasciitis and being that it has been 2-3 years, yes you may have developed heel spurs. If you'd like, a couple things to try would be to freeze a bottle of water and sit and roll it back and forth under your foot.. A big thing, if you do in fact have plantar fasciitis, is to stretch out your calf muscles. This is HUGE. Or even better see a massage therapist and get them to work on your calf muscles. I could almost guarantee you if this is the case, your calves are extremely tight. For shoes, get an insole for the shoe that is for plantar fasciitis. You can find them in any Walmart or Target. If you have high arches and suffering from PF or HS, you need the extra support.

Thank you very much for your input! I suspected that I might have plantar fasciitis as well. The only thing that indicated otherwise is the fact that my pain is at its worst only after I've been standing or walking for extended periods rather than in the morning. My feet only hurt excessively in the morning if I've been walking on them more than usual, such as when I'm on vacation for longer than 3 days. I do notice that my foot pain subsides overall if I stretch out my plantar muscle; however, the heel pain will still persist.

I've tried Dr. Scholl's insoles for plantar fasciitis and heel pads, Spenco, and SuperFeet insoles. I would say the heel pads worked the best. Spenco and SuperFeet gave me horrible pain despite the expense, so I just gave up on those. None of the insoles I've tried have provided me with constant support or a pain-free experience. I've also paid a lot for shoes that I think will improve my walking/standing experience, but as I stated I have yet to find a perfect match.

I highly appreciate your advice. I've tried rolling a tennis ball under my feet, but maybe a frozen water bottle would be better still! I'll also try some calf exercises. I can't wait to be able to get my condition diagnosed so that maybe one day I can walk long distances without suffering so much. Thanks again for the help!

 

[ducky_love]

Thanks everyone here!! Today I bought a pair of Columbia Drainmakers at the outlets and ordered a pair of Merrells. I have 5 months to break them in and I would guess they are both coming in November. (along with others. Limping over to buy shoes at Target has taken away all fears of over packing!! )

 

[toromom]

WOW!!!! Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions,I really appreciate it...

It sounds like this thread was helpful to other members as well





TM

 

[cemeb4dk]

Scanned thru this and I didn't see anyone mention Keen sandals. I love my Keen sandals at WDW, and I am sure they will be just at great for our first trip to DL next month. Comfortable, breathe well and if they get wet dry quickly.

 

[chrissiecutie]

I checked their store locator and the only mall kisok within 25 miles is in San Fransisco and I'm not going all the way there. I'm sorry but SF is crazy nuts to drive through! All I have near me is "retail partners" who probably don't have the selection. There is a discount store in an outlet mall on the way to Sacramento area where my inlaws live so maybe we could stop by on the way... If I can convince 3 adult males -DH and two DS18s that we need to stop and look at shoes!

How about zappos?? Free shipping and free returns. So at least you can order, try a few pairs and return what doesn't work without having to spend the money on shipping.

 

[chrissiecutie]

Thank you very much for your input! I suspected that I might have plantar fasciitis as well. The only thing that indicated otherwise is the fact that my pain is at its worst only after I've been standing or walking for extended periods rather than in the morning. My feet only hurt excessively in the morning if I've been walking on them more than usual, such as when I'm on vacation for longer than 3 days. I do notice that my foot pain subsides overall if I stretch out my plantar muscle; however, the heel pain will still persist.

I've tried Dr. Scholl's insoles for plantar fasciitis and heel pads, Spenco, and SuperFeet insoles. I would say the heel pads worked the best. Spenco and SuperFeet gave me horrible pain despite the expense, so I just gave up on those. None of the insoles I've tried have provided me with constant support or a pain-free experience. I've also paid a lot for shoes that I think will improve my walking/standing experience, but as I stated I have yet to find a perfect match.

I highly appreciate your advice. I've tried rolling a tennis ball under my feet, but maybe a frozen water bottle would be better still! I'll also try some calf exercises. I can't wait to be able to get my condition diagnosed so that maybe one day I can walk long distances without suffering so much. Thanks again for the help!

My cousin was just diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and after many recommendations she bought a pair of chacos. She said and I quote "their ugly but they work" She also had to stop doing her Mommy Bootcamp classes for awhile and do slow walking & work up to a more brisk walk. And of course had to do her stretches- it's been a few months and she said that a combo of all those things has really improved things. Good luck!

 

[prncssmel]

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

Haha - agreed!

I always wear Rainbows or Havaianas in the park - great, comfortable flip flops that I don't mind getting wet. Helps that they're cute and go with most everything. Of course, both pairs are broken in way beforehand - I can't even imagine doing Disneyland with a pair of brand new Rainbows. If it's colder or I know I'm not going on water rides, I wear my Toms. I absolutely hate wearing socks, especially wet socks, so these are great.

Granted, I wear flip flops everywhere and am used to walking a lot in them, so YMMV.

I only ever wear flip flops at the parks. I bring two pairs of Reefs and switch between the two, depending on what I am wearing - great arch support and super soft.

I have never had an issue with my feet being stepped on or having super sore feet. That said, I do work in five inch heels everyday, so flip flops are amazing comfortable.

 

[Brancaneve]

Bear in mind that in big crowds, your toes will get stepped on and stubbed. I always wear closed-in shoes.

I totally agree! Don't forget that your feet also get filthy if you wear flip flops!
However, I recommend taking more than one pair of comfy shoes and alternating those during your visit. I hate to say it, but Crocs are my go to DLR shoes. Ugly but extremely comfortable. I just make sure to have all my pictures taken from the ankles up!

 

[teachU2]

Whenever I know that I will be on my feet and/or walking long distances, I always wear my Skecher Premium tennis shoes. I bought my first pair for a trip to DC and NY a few years ago. We walked miles and miles on that trip and my feet never hurt!!! They were comfy from the moment I tried them on. I love my Converse Chucks too, but they are too flat to walk around in all day.

 

[limace]

The adorable circle crocs pictured earlier are on sale right now-$19.99 and free shipping. I just a pair for myself and one for my teenager. They have rave reviews on the site for walking all day.
http://m.slickdeals.net/f/4810218-c...term=1&utm_content=u1049217&utm_campaign=tu14

 

[PinkBudgie]

The adorable circle crocs pictured earlier are on sale right now-$19.99 and free shipping. I just a pair for myself and one for my teenager. They have rave reviews on the site for walking all day.
http://m.slickdeals.net/f/4810218-c...term=1&utm_content=u1049217&utm_campaign=tu14

I just ordered them from Amazon for $32. They arrived and I love them! They are so comfortable! I don't know if I can wear them all day though because right now they rub a little on my little toe. I'm trying to see if I can break them in to not do that. At the very least I should be able to bring them with me and change during the day for a while. I can see how they would be good for standing in line. I also saw them at Khols so I may go back with my Kohls bucks and buy another color.