Best shoes for long miles in the parks

[ddavev3]

Merrell Moab Ventilators. They have very comfortable soles and have good air flow and moisture-wicking. I haven't had a blister yet and my feet aren't sore at all at the end of a long day of walking the parks.

 

[GaryDis]

I agree with the notion that the fit is more important than the brand, with some slight exceptions: New Balance and Nike both have some models in Wide versions, for those of us with wide feet. There are probably other brands that do, but many common brands don't.

So:

1. Fit is most important, more than brand, more than style.
   
2. Wicking socks, if you're wearing socks. If you don't have them, consider changing socks once or twice a day.
3. Carry moleskin, and put on at the slightest hint of irritation. If you wait for the blister to form, it's too late. I don't know what current policy is concerning scissors or Swiss Army Knives, so you may want precut moleskin patches instead of the sheets.
4. Don't be afraid to get arch supports, or other after-market mods. Arch supports are one of the best suggestions I've ever gotten from a doctor. And with my wide feet, I often find myself compromising on dress shoes, forced to put padding at the back of the heel, because for me, a shoe that's wide enough at the ball of the foot is often too big at the heel.
5. Likewise, foot powder or even some petroleum jelly can help.

While I'll admit to ordering from Zappo's once, because I'm hard to fit in the stores, fit is so important that I really think you should try to find something in the stores first.

 

[ougrad86]

I second the going to a running store. They looked at my gait and fitted me with the best pair of shoes. I was really prone to blisters so I put moleskin over those trouble spots. Really important were the socks - you can get special blister preventive socks - they reduce friction that causes blisters

Be sure to get the shoes at least a month before your trip and wear them around. Also, be sure the cushioning is good - my son was a long distance runner, he had to buy shoes every 3 months. So make sure your shoes are not too old as well

 

[busymommy2pink]

I wear what I am used to. I can't wear shoes in the heat. I am Canadian, and still wear flip flops/sandals until just before snow and move into boots lol.

I loved Saltwater sandals (the thong verson). I have wide-ish feet too, and the original saltwater sandals were too narrow for me. They are waterproof leather, so after breaking them in (I wear them for several hours a day indoors to do so), they are so comfy and molded to my feet. I also wear Birkenstocks (don't love these when it's rainy), and Havianna flip flops. Heck, even a cheap pair of nicer flip flops from payless. All because it's what my feet are used to.

My oldest daughter wears Keens, and only keens all summer and on trips. MY youngest wears a variety of the Saltwater sandals.

 

[Sadie22]

I wear nothing but New Balance shoes, styles numbered above 800, and New Balance cushioned socks, all the time, not just on vacation but also daily when walking for exercise. You sound like me, OP, except I am also diabetic and have to take extra special care of my feet. Blisters usually mean improper socks and/or improperly fitting shoes. I go to the nearest New Balance store to be fitted when selecting a new style, although I may purchase additional pairs off Amazon. Occasionally I find my size at a New Balance outlet.

Have a fitter observe your gait and any wear patterns on shoes you have been wearing to determine what styles of shoes will be best for you.

 

[LoganBrown1990]

My wife and I asked the same question for our honeymoon last year and were recommended Sanuks Sidewalk Surfers. We each wore a pair all 5 days at the parks and logged a TON of miles. They were incredible comfortable...the perfect mix of shoe and flip flop. I have wide, flat feet too and was very pleased!

 

[kwdw]

Definitely go to a quality shoe store where they have folks that are trained shoe fitters. Small metro areas might not have this type of store - but any large metro area should. Often this is a specialty running store - but my local one is not - they sell all shoe types. You MIGHT schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to get recommendations for your foot. Your regular primary care doctor also might know the name of your local store with folks that really know how to properly fit a shoe and how to really make recommendations based on your needs. There's some skill to proper shoe fitting - and most average shoe places don't have these folks.

I've had a variety of foot problems due to some structural problems with my one foot - but I never get blisters or foot sores from the shoes/socks I wear. Most of what folks recommend on this board don't work for me - they aren't the shoes that work for my feet. You need shoes of the right length, width, and arch support for you - not your best friend. My significant other dies of heat at Disney if he isn't in his Tevas - I'd be in foot pain by the end of the day at Disney without a closed-toe, quality walking shoe with my arch support in it. Different needs - different folks.

And don't underestimate the value of quality socks. A good running/sports/hiking store should be able to be help with that. I don't buy socks for walking miles at "regular" discount or department stores - they just don't carry quality socks.

Good luck!

 

[Bullseye]

Another vote for a decent pair of running/jogging shoes. They are usually very lightweight yet offer a ton of comfort. Plus you can get many styles with mesh outers which makes them "breathable" for additional comfort.

 

[vleeth]

To those of you suggesting changing socks...is this because of sweating? We'll be there in December, so that may not be an issue. But I wanted to make sure there wasn't another reason. Thanks!

 

[rwdavis2]

I also have wide flat feet. I bought a pair of skechers on-the go boat shoes and the flip-flops based on how comfy my other skechers were. The kind with yoga mat in them. Just the right amount of support and bounce for me. I wore my older pair and walked for miles all over Vegas with no pain. Planning on wearing one and carrying the other in the parks so I can switch off.​

I have Sketchers hiking shoes. A relatively hard sole with great support in thee shoe.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I like my Teva Tirra sandals when it's hot and my New Balance tennis shoes when it's chilly out at Disney. I have Teva flip flops for when I go to the pool or just moving around the resort like to breakfast before going to relax in the room.

I also use Body Glide on my feet which helps alot.

 

[danny1649]

I use Converse walkers, I see many other good replies. I guess it is a matter of choice to each individual.

 

[cdnjason]

For those asking about socks, these are the ones I recommend:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2079475242&pf_rd_i=desktop

I use them to run. I like them because they are really comfortable and I've never had a blister using them.

 

[Ashly Hernandez]

I have wide, flat feet and plantar fasciitis. I got a pair of Teva Tirras two years ago and after living in them two summers in a row, and three trips to Disney, they're still going strong. Can't recommend them enough.

I just ordered two pairs today from Zappos to see what size I need. I too have plantar and some days it is unbearable. Thanks!

 

[kerplop]

Blisters? Try a synthetic fiber or wool wicking sock. I use PowerMax CoolMax gold toe socks and even after a day of heavy rain with soaked feet, I didn't have a blister in sight. Be uncool like me, wear Crocs with socks.

 

[Frozen2014]

I have such issues finding comfortable shoes, but got a pair of Go Walks and loved them. wore them for our whole trip. I have also gotten myself a pair of Sketchers runners and find them quite comfy.

 

[Mr & Mrs DD]

BLISTERS!! I always have blisters starting by the end of the first day at Disney. After a few days they get to be terrible. The last time I went, I greased the bottom of my feet up really good from heel to toes. I put my socks & shoes on and headed out to the parks. No more blisters. I didn't switch my shoe's or my socks that I had worn in the previous years. I just greased my feet up good and that took care of my blister problem. I would end up at the first aid station everyday getting band aids getting my feet looked at. They were awful. Good luck.

 

[elle101me]

BLISTERS!! I always have blisters starting by the end of the first day at Disney. After a few days they get to be terrible. The last time I went, I greased the bottom of my feet up really good from heel to toes. I put my socks & shoes on and headed out to the parks. No more blisters. I didn't switch my shoe's or my socks that I had worn in the previous years. I just greased my feet up good and that took care of my blister problem. I would end up at the first aid station everyday getting band aids getting my feet looked at. They were awful. Good luck.

I too have issues with blisters. What did you use to grease up your feet?

 

[Mr & Mrs DD]

I too have issues with blisters. What did you use to grease up your feet?

Some people use "Body Glide". I use good old fashioned Vaseline. I thought that it would be really messy after I put my socks & shoes on, but at the end of the day when I took off my socks & shoes, my feet were moisturized but there was no mess with my socks and shoes. I have gotten BAD blisters for the last 3 years at Disney. By day 3 or 4 it became really hard for me to walk on them. This Vaseline really took care of it. I walked on my feet for 6 days with no problem at all. I am sure there are other products you can use as an alternative to Vaseline. It works for me, so I'm sticking with it. Good luck.

 

[elle101me]

Some people use "Body Glide". I use good old fashioned Vaseline. I thought that it would be really messy after I put my socks & shoes on, but at the end of the day when I took off my socks & shoes, my feet were moisturized but there was no mess with my socks and shoes. I have gotten BAD blisters for the last 3 years at Disney. By day 3 or 4 it became really hard for me to walk on them. This Vaseline really took care of it. I walked on my feet for 6 days with no problem at all. I am sure there are other products you can use as an alternative to Vaseline. It works for me, so I'm sticking with it. Good luck.

Thank you! I'm willing to try anything to stop the blisters!