Calling on Clog wearing or Orthodic Insert wearing WDW Vets

[KIS]

Has anyone worn their clogs (orthodically-sound ones, that is) on their park tours? How was it?

I either wear my clogs or my orthodic inserts in my gym shoes. My tendency is to favor the clogs. They are actually comfortable.

I've never been to the parks and the first time is fast approaching (the end of April!), so I would appreciate hearing your advise.

KIS

 

[#1 DOUG Live Fan]

If you are referring to Birkenstocks, I have an opinion on wearing them. I had bought some new Birk sandals a few months before our WDW trip, and I had plenty of time to break them in. They were comfy...until I started walking all day in the parks. The straps rubbed against my toes, and I ended up with blisters. By day 3 I wished that I had brought my tennis shoes and socks.

I have heard other people say their Birkenstocks were just fine for them, but that was my personal experience. Next time I will take my Birks, but I will only wear them around the resort and not on the long tours.

Hope that helps,

Liz

 

[arminnie]

I love Birkenstock sandals but find that I cannot wear the leather ones - the straps kill me. I like the Birkofloor material- it's synthetic but the underside is like a soft felt - I never have problems with those and they cost quite a bit less than the leather ones that hurt me. I also find the two strap to be more comfortable than the three strap.

I had some Mephisto sandals that I thought were great until I tried to wear them all day walking. They rubbed blisters and hurt. I didn't think I could wear the Birkenstocks because I have a very narrow foot - I thought my foot would move around too much but they work for me.

I wear the Birkenstock inserts with my New Balance walking shoes. I've worn my Birkenstock clogs but don't find them as comfortable as the sandals for lots of walking.

Hope you find what works for you. Happy feet are a must!

 

[mog]

I had trouble with the leather Birkenstocks, too. I ended up with the suede material - it is softer than the leather. I have also noticed that the 2 strap style is more comfortable than the three strap (for my feet anyway!). I find the Birkenstock sandals more comfortable for lots of walking than the Birkenstock clogs.

 

[hellow]

Orthotics in your tennis shoes are the only way to go in my opinion. There is so much walking at the world! I also don't like sandals in the parks because your feet are more likely to get run over/dirty/blistered with sandals--OUCH!

 

[KIS]

This is so helpful.

I have suede customized Birkenstocks that are over 3 years old. They are very worn in. Still, I think most people go for the orthodic inside the gym shoe.

I think I will bring both down. May be I should alternate so that blisters don't form....


KIS

 

[ashejen]

I would highly recommend Dansko. I've worn mine into the ground. They have great support - lots of styles, and the clogs are roomy for walking around all day.

Wonderful shoes!

 

[JRLATL]

I always wear my sneakers with my orthotic inserts during the day to the parks. I may switch in the evening to a very comfortable ECCO sandal, if we won't be doing as much walking. Also, I take 2 pair of sneakers and alternate days. This is supposed to help "save" your feet, and I think it does help.

 

[sarahsmom73]

I wore my Dansko sandels all over Ottawa last summer! They were great! I will probably bring them to WDW in April, but I amplanning on wearing my sneakers!

 

[arminnie]

I think the sneakers vs. good supportive sandals decision also depends on how you tour the parks. I have no problem walking in birkenstocks for hours but I tend to do more strolling than race walking commando touring.

If I know that I want to get from point a to point b very quickly and will be walking briskly then I will probably opt for the sneakers.

 

[vhoffman]

I've had more surgeries on my feet than I can count--I think about 15 altogether. I have severe arthritis which has all but destroyed my feet. I've had numerous pins and fusions done to repair the damage (and a great doctor who won't give up on me, God bless him!). He always recommends New Balance walking shoes. I've worn the same old, broken in pair to WDW twice now and never had a problem with my feet. I walk slow and do need frequent rest stops, however, I'm never in pain and can keep up with my family. No, I'm not recommending that everyone get 15 surgeries on their feet! Just that the New Balance brand is a very well-made shoe. BTW, I wore one of their cheaper brands (about $39) and did just fine.

 

[momof2OH]

I hear ya vhoffman!! I have also had many, many surgeries on my feet (Rt mainly) I usually wear Nike with air in the soles. They have to be cross trainers or basketball shoes. Well, I shouldn't say "they" as I can only wear the left shoe. I have been in an aircast for the past 8 years and will be in it for the rest of my life or until the time comes to remove my toes.
I too have a wonderful doctor who won't give up. When he walks in the office to see me he now asks"How's my foot doing?" He thinks it's his.

I have heard too that New Balance are one of the best shoes for comfort.

 

[mep319]

Another foot surgery person here and NB are the best. I bought Adidas last year and even though they are comfy at home...I limped back to my resort. Same with the Dansko sandals and it took me forever to fine a pair I actually like . My pod stated Birkenstocks were the only sandals with the "proper" support....but I just think they are ugly! Sorry! Maybe I'll have to break down and buy a pair...if they are that comfy!

 

[arminnie]

Check out New Birkenstock Styles . There are a lot of Birks now that aren't those clunky suede sandals.

The "Arizona" style is the one that most people think of when you say Birkenstock. The "Sydney" has much thinner straps. I have them in black patent and no one can believe they are Birks.

 

[mep319]

I looked on the Zappos website and there are some cute ones but I have an issue w/ things between my toes too! And it seems most of the ones I like have that! Oh well...guess I'm a shoe snob! But I will check out the link...didn't see the Sydney though!...Thanks!