Can we discuss shoes?

[PHamrick]

OK, so I'm headed for a SoCal trip that includes San Diego and LA and lots of walking. We are going in early April (yep, Spring Break). BUT I don't think it will be shorts weather just then. Normally, I don't break out shorts until about 80 degrees. So, in the 70s, I would still wear capris or other lighter pants. The reason why this is important is because I don't wear my running shoes unless I am wearing shorts. I've had some problems with plantar fasciitis in the past and don't want to aggravate the condition, especially with a race coming up about 3 weeks after we get back.

What suggestions do you have for comfortable shoes with good arch support and will look good with capris or other longer pants?

Thanks!!!

 

[VandVsmama]

I've worn Dasko shoes while travelling...especially when walking a lot on long travel days through train stations, museums, and such and they're super comfortable. But a bit expensive.

My DH has the men's version of these and he swears by them. He's worn them outside in the hot Arizona summer weather where he's had to be on his feet all day on concrete surfaces and his feet are really happy. He usually wears them with New Balance inserts, though (he gets the inserts at the New Balance shoe store in town). I'm going to get a pair for our upcoming DL trip. DH usually wears them with socks - the kind of socks that just cover your foot and don't go up your ankle. Something like that would probably keep your feet happy yet still look cute with capri pants.

 

[PHamrick]

I've worn Dasko shoes while travelling...especially when walking a lot on long travel days through train stations, museums, and such and they're super comfortable. But a bit expensive.

My DH has the men's version of these and he swears by them. He's worn them outside in the hot Arizona summer weather where he's had to be on his feet all day on concrete surfaces and his feet are really happy. He usually wears them with New Balance inserts, though (he gets the inserts at the New Balance shoe store in town). I'm going to get a pair for our upcoming DL trip. DH usually wears them with socks - the kind of socks that just cover your foot and don't go up your ankle. Something like that would probably keep your feet happy yet still look cute with capri pants.

Did you mean the Dansko shoes? Something like this: https://www.thewalkingcompany.com/dansko-hazel-black/49736#reviews

I don't mind spending a little more if they can be used for everything! Thanks!

 

[poptart90]

Might want to throw in your running shoes, just in case. Speaking from experience...

A couple of years ago, I decided the exact thing you proposed: capri pants and nice "walking" type shoes that I figured would do the trick of being stylish and comfortable for long hours walking. Nope. It was a disaster (I'm a ballet dancer and also suffer from plantar fasciitis from time to time) and my stylish look lasted exactly one day. The very next morning I was in so much pain that I woke super early, hired a taxi, and waited outside the closest Kohl's to go in and buy any pair of Nike's they carried in my size. It was humbly.

Now I bring my trusted well worn running shoes to wear around the parks no matter what I'm wearing on top. Honestly, the fashion in the parks runs the gamut...I've seen every look possible! It's fun and freeing. After logging 7 miles with kids and strollers by mid-day, I'm always grateful I chose "capri-tacky?" LOL My aching feet don't care at that point!

I'm sure others will have great suggestions on shoes to try. Just wanted to give you my personal experience. I still laugh at myself standing outside Kohl's (Starbucks in hand, taxi standing by)....OPEN, OPEN, OPEN....

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Um not sure why running shoes wouldn't look fine?
I have fallen in love with Skechers shoes that have yoga mat material.
They are so cushiony while still giving good support. I walk almost 3 miles about 5 times a week at home for exercise and my feet never hurt anymore like they used to with other walking shoes.
They have lace up and slip on options (Maybe you'd like the slip ons because they look less sneaker like?)

 

[VandVsmama]

Did you mean the Dansko shoes? Something like this: https://www.thewalkingcompany.com/dansko-hazel-black/49736#reviews

I don't mind spending a little more if they can be used for everything! Thanks!

Yes I meant Dansko!

 

[Tinkerbell19672]

My feet get too warm in sneakers. I wear Keens. Work well on water rides too

 

[Nevada Jen]

I wear the sketchers GoWaLKs in the park. I didn't used to but I went with my out of shape mom and I was wearing my brooks running shoes and my feet were sore by the of the day (sore balls of my toes and plantar facitis). My mom was not complaining at all. THe GOWalks are amazing. Also, the cheap inserts that look like a tear drop pillow from Walmart make a big difference in heal and calf pain. I like to carry them in my purse and wear them off and on throughout the day so that I change the pressure points and where I am getting as stretch.

 

[tanyaegangibson]

OK, so I'm headed for a SoCal trip that includes San Diego and LA and lots of walking. We are going in early April (yep, Spring Break). BUT I don't think it will be shorts weather just then. Normally, I don't break out shorts until about 80 degrees. So, in the 70s, I would still wear capris or other lighter pants. The reason why this is important is because I don't wear my running shoes unless I am wearing shorts. I've had some problems with plantar fasciitis in the past and don't want to aggravate the condition, especially with a race coming up about 3 weeks after we get back.

What suggestions do you have for comfortable shoes with good arch support and will look good with capris or other longer pants?

Thanks!!!

I wouldn't assume that it won't be shorts weather for all/part of your trip, too, so I'd throw in some shorts and sneakers along with the capris and other shoes.

 

[my*gracie*girl]

I wouldn't assume that it won't be shorts weather for all/part of your trip, too, so I'd throw in some shorts and sneakers along with the capris and other shoes.

I agree. We went the last week of March and it was HOT! I have yet to find comfortable shoes for the park. I read these threads each time and hope for a miracle find, but my bad feet just suffer miserably while I am there. I have sleepless nights because they hurt so badly after walking all day. I go capri and athletic shoe and this time even wore ankle socks knowing I looked ridiculous, but the socks were more comfortable than the lower ones. I see so many 'crazy' fashion statements in the park that I just don't care anymore. HA!

 

[eileenkeeney]

I usually wear crocs, for my Disney trips. It is not that they are good walking shoes, it is that they are the very best shoes for standing, or wandering (slow walking). They work ok for walking. But for lots of walking, mostly I recommend that you have multiple pairs of shoes, with different pressure points.

 

[Tink1987]

I love my Keen Clearwater CNX's. Those shoes have walked me over Disney parks worldwide and are so comfortable. Great arch support, very lightweight, quick drying and look cute with anything as they aren't bulky.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I wear Vionic sandals. If it is cold, I'll wear sneakers, but nothing compares to my Vionic sandals for all day walking/standing.

 

[IBLarsen]

I always take Croc Cleo's (slides style) to the parks and switch out from these to sketcher go walks to my brooks running shoes. Honestly, I have found the Crocs to be the most comfortable! Be sure to wear them for a few weeks before taking them, they really do soften up after the first couple weeks. I have had about 4 pair, and each time I think the new ones aren't as comfy as the last pair...then after a few weeks they are

The specific crocs I love are: https://www.amazon.com/Crocs-Womens-Cleo-Croslite-Sandals/dp/B001AZMMF0

 

[AladdinRapunzelTink]

I agree. We went the last week of March and it was HOT! I have yet to find comfortable shoes for the park. I read these threads each time and hope for a miracle find, but my bad feet just suffer miserably while I am there. I have sleepless nights because they hurt so badly after walking all day. I go capri and athletic shoe and this time even wore ankle socks knowing I looked ridiculous, but the socks were more comfortable than the lower ones. I see so many 'crazy' fashion statements in the park that I just don't care anymore. HA!

The topic of comfy shoes has been discussed a ton on Reddit's Disneyland and WDW subs. Each time the top recommendations are Nikes with a Lunar sole and Adidas with a Boost sole. I have worn the Nike Flyknit Lunar 1 to the parks and my wife has worn the Adidas PureBoost; both with favorable results. They are pricey (though stylish) options, but definitely worth looking into.

 

[PHamrick]

These are all great suggestions! I will definitely be checking the weather before we go. If it's shorts weather, then yay for running shoes. If not, well, I'll have some fun shopping for new shoes over the next few weeks. I will try on many of the suggestions to see what works best. Thanks!!! Nothing ruins a trip faster than if your feet are killing you so much you just can't take one more step

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Another recommendation for Keen shoes. Mine (lace ups, mary janes, and sandals) have gone to DLR and Europe and work so well that I don't take any other shoes now for traveling. The different styles work well for all kinds of clothes except formal (which usually doesn't happen for me at DLR). Agree that trying on many different styles and brands to find what works best for you is well worth the time and effort. Once you find what works best for you, you'll never look back!

 

[JuicyFruit]

Why not the sneakers? There are some really nice , low profile trendy sneakers out there. I'm in for " Athleisure trend", aka fashion leisure wear. I don't usually do the sneakers but for Disneyland, I'm all in for it.

 

[Christina-B-Na]

Take a look at the Skechers Go-Step Primary. I bought them for our last Disneyland trip specifically because I wanted them to wear with a pair of nicer capris as well as jean capris. Super cute and comfy! I will reccomend wearing them around a bit before to break them in. The first time or two that I wore them I wasn't sure they/my feet would hold up to a whole day of Diz but they were awesome!
Macys has them for around $34 right now.

 

[StarlitNight05]

I often wear capris with an athletic shoe. It looks fine as long as you have low profile/ankle socks! I'd rather be comfortable than worrying if I look silly anyway...

This conversation reminds me of the Modern Family episode where they go to DL and Gloria insists on wearing high heels. She eventually can't walk anymore and buys Minnie house slippers!