Best Shoes for WDW??

[MommyBuzz909]

I'm from Southern California and live in flip flops year-round. Would any of you recommend wearing flip flops around the parks? Or should I bring my tennies along? I own Crocs flip flops but I find my Old Navy ones to be MUCH more comfortable. Any good sandals? Any recommendations??

 

[Rora]

Oh gosh, I feel your pain. I'm from South Florida and wear flip flops 24/7. BUT as weird as your feet will feel trapped inside tennies, wear them to the parks. There's nothing worse than having wet/cold/stepped on feet. Give your flip flops a break and wear tennies. Sandals are okay for places like Downtown Disney but I wouldn't suggest wearing them to the parks. Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[MommyBuzz909]

Farmer tan here I come!!!

 

[hvivona]

You're definatley gonna want your tennis shoes in the parks. Last year I tried flip flops for just half a day. Later that night my legs had the most wicked cramps because they were not supported. I agree with the other poster: flip flops ok for DTD but not the parks. Have fun!

 

[atpatt]

As another year 'round critter flip flop wearer, I feel your pain. Oh the heat, the enclosed shoes, the claustrophobic toes longing to be set free!

The first time we went, I did wear my running shoes in the parks, but I hated it. Sure my feet were free from pain, but I just hated being so confined! I did learn that Berki's were a bad idea as I wore those to SW and my poor little piggies felt strained all day.

Last trip I bought Croc Athens, and while they weren't quite as comfy as the running shoes, my feet felt happy and free!

My current issue is what to do when we go in April b/c I know my feet will be cold in the mornings and at night. I'm thinking maybe Converse Jack Purcell low tops since they aren't as heavy and clunky as running shoes and will still look cute with capris.

But then I was thinking about Vineyard Vines' critter flops...they have arch support and feel totally different from other flops. I think I might try them on a half park day and see what happens.

People have mentioned various styles of Clark's being comfy in the parks, but I can't find any I like.

Can you tell I have put a lot of thought into this? I have an un-natural aversion to my running shoes if there is no treadmill involved, lol.

 

[MommyBuzz909]

I'm probably going to do my Converse Low All-Stars. And there's always my DC's too...... I just have to remember to buy low low low socks because I am not down with the farmer tan......

no offense to those farmers on here )

but yes, HATE having my feet be restricted......

maybe just bring my flip flops along in my purse to the park just in case )

 

[breezy1077]

Has anyone ever heard of Naot's. I think it's a brand name. They were the best thing since sliced bread for my feet at the parks.
They come in different sandle styles, offer great support (they feel like there's nothing on your feet), and felt like they offered the same comfort as a tennis shoe.
They also look good enough to wear with more "dressed up" outfits or casual enough to wear with cotton shorts. They are a bit pricey but your feet will luv ya!

 

[bluefairy21]

I can't stand the hot feet feeling of tennis shoes in Florida but I brought them along last trip anyway. I ended up changing back to my flip flops after only 2 hours.

I wear Teva Kena flip flops and they are so comfortable. First trip that my feet did not kill every night.

 

[jenn-n-okla]

Definately bring the tennis shoes. I went last year and wore them during the morning hours then around 1-2pm went to the locker and changed into my crocs. I don't recommend flip flops as too many people might step on you or run over you with a stroller.

 

[texusc]

I would definitely wear tennis shoes to the parks. But, there are a few wet rides here and there so I would pack some light, old, flipflops that can get wet just for those rides where you can don't want your socks to get all nasty and uncomfortable. That's what I do anyway. Especially for Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom. I get drenched on that one every time.

 

[mousescrapper]

I vote no on the tennis shoes...I think I'm in the lower majority here. But not a big tennis shoe fan anyhow, I figured on our last trip I better wear them. Got a new pair (old ones were like 10 yrs old see I don't wear them) many months in advance broke them in the house and everywhere I went for months in advance, and then down there, UGH ow...I wore them twice during our 10 day stay and flip-flopped my way thru the rest. I did have some blisters on the tops of my feet, which I covered w/ mole skin but I was megga more comfortable and didn't have any pain.

This time I'm going my crocs flip-flops or cleos all the way. I just know that's the right choice for me.

Here's hoping for happy feet!

 

[Echie]

I usually do a sports sandal (teva etc) and a running shoe. Usually I'll do the sandal for the daytime and then switch to the runner in the evening. Or I'll alternate wearing the sandal one day, and runner the next. It seems to work well for me anyway

I could never do a flip flop for lots of walking - my calves cramp up because of the lack of support.

 

[hannah03]

I wore my croc flops last year and plan to again

 

[MommyBuzz909]

For some reason, I find my $3 Old Navy flip flip 10 times for comfortable that my Crocs flip flops....

I will be bringing both with me, but in the meantime, will figure out the perfect "covering my toes" shoes to buy and bring!!

 

[aubriee]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, my Teva Mush flip flops for WDW. I've carried tennis shoes, Crocs, and sports sandals down there, but always wind up wearing my Teva Mush flip flops. I also like my Montrail Molokini's. The Montrails are a little more expensive, but sooo worth it. When you get them you bake them in the oven for a few minutes to get them warm, then wear them for a little while, and they mold perfectly to your feet (you can see every little print from each toe). Both Teva Mush and Montrail Molokini flip flops have really good arch support. I can wear them all day at WDW without getting a blister or sore tired feet. Go to Zappos.com and read the reviews on the Montrail Molokinis.

As far as baking the Montrail Molokinis, no I am not kidding . The instructions that come with these shoes say to bake them. I loved my first pair so much my mom wanted a pair. I ordered her a pair from Zappos and when they came in they were so comfortable she didn't want to bake them. I assured her that they would be even more comfortable after baking. As I put them in the oven she warned me I had better not burn her shoes .

 

[Kaye]

Love any Earth shoes--you can find them in a lot of different styles. My feet and back thank me. I have a pair of slip on sandals that I can wear forever. I don't like my toes touching--but in NW Indiana, it gets a little chilly, so I do have to cover them. The toe box on Earth shoes is big, so my toes stay happy.

 

[Millie12591]

For some reason, I find my $3 Old Navy flip flip 10 times for comfortable that my Crocs flip flops....

I will be bringing both with me, but in the meantime, will figure out the perfect "covering my toes" shoes to buy and bring!!

I think it really all boils down to support for most people. If your one that doesn't need a lot of support and your body doesn't hurt when you walk a lot without proper support then by all means wear your flip-flops. It sounds like you don't really have body issues because of lack of proper arch support, lucky girl! Most people can't get away with that, me being one of them, I will however check out the flip-flops from Old Navy, got a picture of them so I know what I'm looking for?!?
I'm all about flip-flops for about town wear, I could never do it for long walking. I tried wearing my pricey Merrells just from our preferred room (meaning not as far away as you could be) to the bus stop at the PoP and I thought I was gonna die, had to go back to the room and change to tenni's and take the Merrells with me to change into. Oh well, that's just the way things were back then for me (May 2007), I'm hoping that will all change the next time I'm in The World (WDW) because my goal in two years time is to have lost 100 lb., and I think with that out of the way I pretty sure I can expect some amazing changes for myself concerning how my body responds to lots of things.

 

[audrey2580]

After reading this I decided to buy the Montrail Molokini's for DH - found them on rei outlet for $31.93 for men and women - that's $18.07 off !!

lots of sizes and color available! They also have the Teva Mush for $14 !!!

 

[GinCar]

I've always wanted to try the Montrail's, but I haven't, yet.
So, my vote is for the Teva's if you find some on sale, and especially since you wear flip-flops year round.
I used to be a tennis shoe girl, However, my last trip sold me on Teva Mush.
Good Luck.

Since this topic comes up so often, I think the answer is everyone's feet are so different that it is good to discuss all of the options.
I would have NEVER considered the Teva's for all day Disney before my last trip if I wouldn't have read the testimonies on the Dis. Thanks to all of you that post what you wear, carry, etc.
I am a much better Disney commando because of you.

 

[Millie12591]

After reading this I decided to buy the Montrail Molokini's for DH - found them on rei outlet for $31.93 for men and women - that's $18.07 off !!

lots of sizes and color available! They also have the Teva Mush for $14 !!!

OK! you have seriously gotten me in trouble with this information, about 90 dollars worth! LOL


Although I didn't find to many colors to choose from with the molokini's, Oh well, I only need one pair to figure out if I'm going to like them, if I fall in love with them, then it's worth it to pay full price for the color I REALLY want. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the great information! I was just thinking yesterday that I would love to find the molokini's cheaper, and presto! You Rock Audrey! And Audrey's Husband!