Best shoes for kids at the parks?

[MickeyMouseMomofSix]

We leave for WDW in just 8 days and I have yet to buy the kids their new shoes for our trip. I can't decide whether sandals or regular shoes w/ socks would be better. On one hand I was thinking a good, sturdy sandal would be better so they don't get so hot and also for water rides. On the other hand, I don't want them to get blisters and have sore feet from all the walking.

What has worked best for you guys?

Thanks!

 

[KristiKelly]

Our kids wear either Nikes or Crocs. They wore their crocs the entire time on our Sept. trip, no complaints. I also didn't have to worry about them getting wet on SPlash Mtn.

 

[Disneyolic]

I will probably have our kids wear sneakers but bring along water moccasins for any wet rides or if they want to splash in the water fountains. At least I know they have a dry shoe they can go back into. We will be renting a stroller and have a backpack attached to it so we don't have to carry all that!

 

[Ilovefozzie]

The DD has 2 pairs of Crocs and we are taking those down for her. The DS has one pair of Crocs and will wear those and his tennis shoes. The DH and I will only be wearing our Crocs. They are the best shoes to wear for WDW. THe DD and I wore them last year and our feet never hurt at the end of the day.

And Crocs are great to wear for airport security too! Slip on slip off.

 

[princess~yo]

Never been to WDW - yet! 8 more days! - but my little advice is this...whatever you get, get it soon so they can wear the shoes in BEFORE they get there. That way if a shoe is going to cause a problem you'll know it before you're three days into your trip! And worn in shoes are so much more comfortable, too.

 

[tadamom]

My son (he's 5) will be wearing tennis shoes w/socks and he'll have his flip-flops for the fountains and water rides. My daughter (she's 2) will most likely be wearing tennis shoes and socks too but since she will be riding in the stroller most of the time - I might take her some sandals as well. She'll have flip-flops for the fountains as well.

I ditto what princess~yo said about getting their shoes now, so they can be getting some wear time in them before the trip. I'd hate to find out a couple of days into the trip that my son's shoes were hurting his feet!

 

[GoofyGirlnPrincessV]

My DD loves wearing her Crocs at Disney (and everywhere else). I am going to pack her a pair of flip flops for our June trip that matches a Hawaiian print dress for our dinner at Kona Cafe.

She wears her Crocs without socks during the warm months and with little socks durning cooler months. Me, I like my Crocs with socks..LOL Just call me dorky..LOL

 

[the Fidge]

I purchase DS10 sneakers usually Nike 2 weeks before so he can break them in. I also bring water shoes in my bag for him, I can't get him to wear the flip flops!

 

[dfarner]

I think sneakers or a good sport sandal are the best, but I would buy them like yesterday so they can wear them around a bit. Brand new shoes on a trip like Disney can be a nightmare. Don't forget sunscreen on the tops of their feet and toes.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Whatever we wear I usually bring along some mole-skin for tender spots and a baby/safe round pair of scissors to keep in my purse. Removal is easy by soaking the foot in warm sudsy water...never when dry.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Whatever we wear I usually bring along some mole-skin for tender spots and a baby/safe round pair of scissors to keep in my purse. Removal is easy by soaking the foot in warm sudsy water...never when dry.

 

[mericletwins]

We leave for WDW in just 8 days and I have yet to buy the kids their new shoes for our trip. I can't decide whether sandals or regular shoes w/ socks would be better. On one hand I was thinking a good, sturdy sandal would be better so they don't get so hot and also for water rides. On the other hand, I don't want them to get blisters and have sore feet from all the walking.

What has worked best for you guys?

Thanks!

Our kids have always worn sandals. I don't think that they have ever worn sneakers at WDW.

 

[Keara'sMom]

My dd has only ever worn very comfy (read, "not new") sneakers to WDW, and I've never heard a complaint about her feet. She has crocs now and might choose to wear them next time, but I probably wouldn't go with new shoes...To each his own, though!

Have a great time!!!!!

 

[Pixiedust34]

The only shoes we bring are Crocs and Tevas. Both work well, and we don't bring any socks at all which helps with packing and laundry.

 

[melanell]

Those of you who have Crocs for your kids, how did you determine the right size?

Did you use the size chart on their website? Did you buy them in a store where your child could try them on?

I found it hard to find the right size for myself, so I'm a little concerned about getting the right fit for DS, who is 3.

He really wants the "hidden Mickey" ones!

 

[Ilovefozzie]

Those of you who have Crocs for your kids, how did you determine the right size?

Did you use the size chart on their website? Did you buy them in a store where your child could try them on?

I just went with the size they wear now. The DD is a size 11 in tennis shoes and a size 10-11 in crocs. Personally, I'm a 7 1/2 or 8 and my crocs are size 6-8. The DS and DH were "sized" the same way.

Hope that helps!

 

[mom*to*2*princesses]

My kids just don't wear athletic shoes so we'll be taking both Crocs and Tevas. Bought the Tevas last week so we're having the girls wear them around the house a little each day to break them in. As far as sizing Crocs, I took them to the local Dillard's department store, which has a big selection, so that they could try them on. If I were to order them online, I'd do it though one of the sites with free return shipping, since I do think they can be a little funny to fit correctly.

 

[northriver]

I didn't catch how old the OP's kids are.

DD 21m is wearing hand me down mary janes, a pair of Stride Rite and a pair from Gap. I am glad I didn't have to buy new since they won't fit her for summer. She also has a pair of the littlest Crocs but they tend to fall off when we carry her and I don't want to loose one shoe in the parks. She won't be walking much in the parks.

DS 13 is wearing tennis shoes and crocs. He can also wear my shoes - I am taking Keens, Teva, and Birkenstock sandals.