Best shoes for 4 year old?

[erinjo]

We are going to be at the parks July 9th. We have a four year old who we plan to let walk (no stroller this time). We are spending 3 days at the park so will space out our time between pool time at the hotel and park time? What would you advise for good shoes? My daughter prefers flip-flops, but I know that won't be a good idea long term.
Thanks!

 

[MNFootballMommy]

My DD wears Keens when we are there.

 

[marcielm]

mine all wore Crocs... which I was able to score the Mickey ones at croc.com for 50% off before our trip! You might check it out.

edited to add: They do still have some in the outlet store for $15. PLUS there is an ad for free shipping for the 4th of July! I may need to order some more.

 

[savannahcat]

Both of my girls wear Mickey Crocs in the parks. They work great for my DD5 who no longer rides in a stroller.

 

[HappyPeach]

Honestly, sneakers. If you really want sandals, something that gives some support and stays on your foot without your toes having to grip them... tevas, keens, merrells are brands to start with.

FWIW, I just attended a class where a podiatrist spoke and he said that flip flops aren't good outside of the pool or beach -- they do nothing good for your feet.

 

[clc053103]

DS at 3 wore sneakers during the day (geox, as they are breathable) and crocs at night.

 

[squirrel]

My niece wore fake crocs and her runners.

 

[Tiger926]

We just bought our just turned 6 year old and our just turning 2 year old (on Saturday!) Tevas and New Balance Water Shoes (they are actually a hybrid shoe/sandal). We have worn Crocs, and after years of slipping and sliding, no more. Crocs are dangerous, and are very expensive for what you get. We also do not wear flip flops, as they are horrible for the feet.

We are all about good quality shoes over here at all times, especially when in the parks. We bought all waterproof shoes (as mentioned above) as we go for 2 weeks in July during daily rains. Not only are they waterproof, but they are closed toe, amazing soles and very sturdy.

Good luck with your shoe shopping, Tiger

 

[robinb]

Welcome to the DIS!!

Sneakers, Crocs, Teva sandals all worked for my DD at that age. Then again, so did a stroller. I would not give up on a stroller so soon, especially on such a busy weekend. Your 4-year old could get lost in the crush.

 

[MNFootballMommy]

Welcome to the DIS!!

Sneakers, Crocs, Teva sandals all worked for my DD at that age. Then again, so did a stroller. I would not give up on a stroller so soon, especially on such a busy weekend. Your 4-year old could get lost in the crush.

I have to second this! We recently sold all of our 'baby' stuff, but kept our "Disney" stroller just because we KNOW DD will still use it there. Heaven forbid that she use it anywhere else, but Disney is different. Good luck!

 

[brockash]

Welcome to the DIS!!

Sneakers, Crocs, Teva sandals all worked for my DD at that age. Then again, so did a stroller. I would not give up on a stroller so soon, especially on such a busy weekend. Your 4-year old could get lost in the crush.

ITA. I could't imagine going to Disney with a 4 year old without a stroller. If you can and it works for you guys, more power to you, but I would be very cautious with it being the hottest month of the year, and the crowds. Good luck to you!

 

[DISNEYNV]

ITA. I could't imagine going to Disney with a 4 year old without a stroller. If you can and it works for you guys, more power to you, but I would be very cautious with it being the hottest month of the year, and the crowds. Good luck to you!

My DD who was four on our last trip in May wore her Ariel crocs (lots of water play areas) and her Sketchers sneaks We also did not bring her stroller this time around because it was just the four of us (no help from parents) and she complained, but did OK. She sat in her Bros stroller when he wasn't in it. We went back to the resort early enough each night as well. I would reccommend a stroller especially during July!

 

[mommyof2princesses]

I have to agree wit the other posters about not giving up on the stroller just yet. It is so crowded and there is so much walking that a stroller may come in handy. The only "baby" item I have left is my stroller for disney. I got a used Mac at Goodwill and it works for what we need it for!

also, my dd and I wear crocs at the park. It keeps out feet cool and they are comfy for all the walking. Plus, if we want to get wet in the little fountains, we don't have to take our shoes off!

 

[minnie1012]

I like Stride Right sneakers. They stay on good and they fit well. I too wouldn't skip the stroller. I am taking my daughter who turns 6 while there and probably will rent a stroller. She could probably do HS for half day or something but she won't make all week and long days in the park.

 

[nicki.momof3]

It is really not a question you can ask others. Every child has shoes that they like to wear. I would not put your kid in new shoes before a trip - you are asking for sore feet. Have him / her wear what ever he has been wearing that month (they will be broken in a fit well).

On another note - I also have 3 young children and a 4 year old with no stroller can be tough. Even the strongest 4 year old will wither in the HOT FL sun with all that walking. I would take a small umbrella just in case.

 

[tigger2297]

maybe crocs or sneakers

 

[boltfans]

My daughter and I have both gotten blisters from our Crocs in WDW. Never happens if we wear them at home, and hers was in a different place than mine so not even a defect I could explain it with. So my advice would be sneakers.

I'd also probably bring a small stroller. I know they're a pain, but I know my daughter, who walks frequently because we live inside Washington DC and don't use our car often, got tired on our trip 2 weeks ago and was trying to evict her brother from the stroller throgh the 4.5 park days we did. And she's 5yo now. Last year, when she was 4yo, we bought the double stroller and she used it daily.

 

[cmusschoot]

My kids 2 and 4 always wear Crocs. The also ride a bit in a stroller.

I do bring 2 pairs for them just in case and if you are going in July, there will be a chance of rain probably daily and Crocs are great in the rain, wet shoes and socks are no fun.

They can also wear them in the pool...thus 2 pairs, a wet pair and a dry pair....

Happy Travels!

 

[Tiger926]

My kids 2 and 4 always wear Crocs. The also ride a bit in a stroller.

I do bring 2 pairs for them just in case and if you are going in July, there will be a chance of rain probably daily and Crocs are great in the rain, wet shoes and socks are no fun.

They can also wear them in the pool...thus 2 pairs, a wet pair and a dry pair....

Happy Travels!

I find that Crocs are horrible in the rain - we've taken plenty of slips and falls, so no more Crocs for us. I don't think they are safe for adults, let alone kids.

I would really not wear Crocs in July - we are July experts, been there, done that, and we have taken some serious slips and falls in the wet July weather while wearing Crocs. People should really invest in good quality shoes for their kids that will allow for sturdy and non-slip soles, and sadly, Crocs aren't it.

Good luck to all in shoe shopping, Tiger

 

[abirdd]

As some pp's mentioned, I would steer clear of Crocs during the summer months. I have seen so many kiddos fall and hurt themselves due to lack of traction, it's honestly a little scary. Yes, we do own Crocs - but DS#1 knows they are only for at home, and usually he only wears for backyard play.

For the parks, our little guy sticks with Keen's or sneakers. Those are what he is most comfortable wearing, and I feel like either choice is safe for his feet and overall well being.

Also, I agree... do no give up on the stroller. Disney is different than home. DS#1 will not go near a stroller around here; but the minute we say we're headed to Disney, he's the first to say "bring the stroller". Only wish the Mac supported my weight - there are times I'd LOVE to be pushed around