best shoes?

[aubriee]

I never go anywhere without my Olukais! I also take Brookes running shoes incase of heavy rain. My last trip to Disney was 9 days and I wore Olukais from rope drop to between 9pm and midnight each day, no blisters, no pain!

I soooo agree! I love flip flops and wear them pretty much year around, but several years ago developed plantar fasciitis and thought my flip flop days were over. I went on a mission to find the perfect flip flop, that would still give my poor feet the support they needed. I found the OluKai Ohana, Montrail Molokini, Cobian Braided Bounce, Sketcher Tone Ups, and the Orthoheels Tides and Waves. I can wear all six of them down there, but nothing compares to my beloved OluKai Ohanas. They are my go to shoes for WDW. I can wear them all day with no pain (or blisters). They are more expensive than other flip flops, but worth every penny. I go to WDW several times a year and always take at least two pairs of Olukai Ohanas for each trip. For a cheaper flip flop, the Cobian Braided Bounce are also very comforable (sort of like the old original Teva Mush, but have a little more arch support and are even cushier). Of the ones I listed, comfort wise I'd rank them:
#1. OluKai Ohana
#2. Cobian Braided Bounce
#3. Sketcher Tone Up
#4. Montrail Molokini
#5. & #6. Orthoheels Tides and Waves

The only time I've ever gotten blisters down there is the time I wore what I thought were well broken in New Balance sneakers. I wore them all the time at work, so thought they would be fine. However, by the second day I had blisters and severely aching feet.

 

[delilah]

My last trip in June, I brought 2 pairs of Teva sandals, Tirra and Neota, and a pair of New Balance sneakers. I actually prefer sandals, don't like to wear socks at all. Didn't get blisters at all with essentially alternating the Tevas. The week that we visited (June 16-21), there were drenching rains nearly every day. The Tevas are designed to be worn in the rain. Any time I have had trouble with blisters with Crocs was when I wore them in the rain. I have also gotten blisters wearing sneakers with socks. I usually am sure to bring moleskin and blister bandaids just in case.

Now, if I wore the Tevas, and alternated them, why did I bring the sneakers? Well, there are certain road hazards at Disney. When I visited in March, I was walking a path in Animal Kingdom Asia, and a young girl, maybe 10, bounded through and somehow, came down on my right 1st toe. I think she broke it. Now before you comment, know that I wear size 6 1/2 shoes, and I was with my husband, and we were walking relatively slowly. Actually, it is generally a good idea to look in the direction in which you are moving, especially if you are moving faster than the traffic around you. She was doing some sort of jumping, spinning, walking backward maneuver in front of her parents. That trip, I only brought the Tirra (which I was wearing) and Crocs. After breaking the toe, I couldn't stand the pressure of the crocs, so, I only had the sandals that I could wear. So, I brought my sneakers in case somebody stepped on my toe again.

 

[Art 1]

Nike Air Jordans.

 

[lylone]

I like Nike Air Max...they are like walking on air.

 

[Lei]

TOMS

OMG I second this.

In 2008, I toured WDW with an ugly but comfy sport sandals, a pair that is often recommended here. They're good. My only issue is: I felt ugly LOL. Really, I don't look good in sport sandals / shoes and I cringed everytime I looked at my pics.

Last year, I visited Tokyo, including their Disney parks, while being 5 months preggo. I alternated my TOMS with a cute Dexflex flats from Payless. Did a lot of walking with zero issues, plus I looked good! loved it.

I'm now on a hunt for another pair of TOMS and a similar, cushioned flats like Dexflex!

 

[Nina1]

FitFlops! They have the support of tennis shoes and come in lots of styles and colors. I've been wearing them to WDW for years and haven't ever had a backache or sore feet. And, we go at rope drop and stay until the parks close (Sept.). I've also worn them all over downtown Charleston, SC, Disneyland, local amusement parks and zoos etc. and haven't ever had a problem. They are worth every penny.

 

[o0kismet0o]

Thanks for all the suggestions!!! I was wondering if anyone knows where I can get OluKais except online? And has anyone tried Nike freeruns?

 

[Fruto76]

Thanks for all the suggestions!!! I was wondering if anyone knows where I can get OluKais except online? And has anyone tried Nike freeruns?

I have tried the FreeRuns. They were good for me for a while, but I need some more support on my arches now. I alternate between Birkenstocks, crocs, and a pair of sneakers. The brand depends on what I feel like sporting at the time...(my 17 yo daughter says I have a shoe obsession and it's not one of pretty heels with red soles! ) Oh, and I keep body glide with me in the parks at all times. I am prone to blisters and the glide does an awesome job. I put it on in the morning and as soon as I feel a hot spot starting, I sit and reapply real quick and I'm good for usually the rest of the day/night.

 

[LovingDisney2012]

Thanks for all the suggestions!!! I was wondering if anyone knows where I can get OluKais except online? And has anyone tried Nike freeruns?

The Walking Company sells Olukais if you have one close to you. If not, you can go to the Olukai website, they have a dealer locator on the top right of the screen.

 

[Mrs K]

I took some advice that I read here and ordered two pairs of Cobian flip flops. I have always worn sneakers, but after one day I went with the Cobians's. They are so comfortable, I never got any leg or foot pain, and no blisters!

 

[aubriee]

I took some advice that I read here and ordered two pairs of Cobian flip flops. I have always worn sneakers, but after one day I went with the Cobians's. They are so comfortable, I never got any leg or foot pain, and no blisters!

I love my Cobian Braided Bounce. They are not quite as good as my beloved OluKai Ohana for all day in the parks, but are a close second (even though they have totally different kinds of foot beds). Before developing plantar fasciitis, I used to swear by the old style Teva Mush (hate the new style), but the Cobian Braided Bounce seem to be even cushier and have even more arch support than the old style Teva Mush. Even with my plantar fasciiatis I can wear the Cobian Bounce, even though I can no longer wear the old Teva Mush.

 

[msp2mco]

I wear orthotics, so I always use a pair of tennis shoes with orthotics. However, I like to switch it up occasionally and wear KEEN sandals or Nike flip flops. I like to have a comfortable pair of flip flops in case I get a blister on my heal.

 

[Saralyn]

Wear whatever you wear at home all the time and are most comfortable in. For me, that's my Crocs (don't judge!). I'm just not comfortable in sneakers and only wear them when I have to, like working out. Crocs are also great for air travel because I can get them off and on in a hurry at security.

 

[Vertical]

I have Olukai's also, but I worry about wearing them ALL day EVERY day down there... I absolutely love them and they're incredibly comfortable, but I've never put them through the test of all day every day.

 

[Jonathan Swift]

New Balance sneakers are awesome. Go to a "real" New Balance store. Don't get the ones in places like Kohl's.

 

[Fruto76]

After reading about how many of you love the Olukai, I had to go out and try them on for myself. The Ohana are heaven on my feet! Can't wait to try them out in the parks! Thanks for the recommendations!

 

[LovingDisney2012]

After reading about how many of you love the Olukai, I had to go out and try them on for myself. The Ohana are heaven on my feet! Can't wait to try them out in the parks! Thanks for the recommendations!

I am so glad you like them!!!! You will be pleased with your decision!

 

[SeattleSuz]

I wore two different pair of Reef flip flops the whole time we were there last October and they were fantastic!! Not too hot like tennis shoes and no blisters. Love my Reefs.

 

[aubriee]

After reading about how many of you love the Olukai, I had to go out and try them on for myself. The Ohana are heaven on my feet! Can't wait to try them out in the parks! Thanks for the recommendations!

You'll love them. I have them in black, white, brown, hot pink, turquoise, gold, and silver. My last several trips to WDW I have carried the gold and the silver ones, so I have something that looks good with whatever color I am wearing.

 

[brennicksmom]

I love the Nike Free for tennis shoes. It's the only tennis shoe I can comfortably wear. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Go Walk from Skechers-I only have one pair and I just got them and haven't worn them at Disney, but I have worn them at Silver Dollar City and they were great!

Has anyone tried the Skechers Go Walk type of flip flops? I am curious if those are as comfy?