Can we talk shoes again?

[Utfootballdiva]

I've searched and read all the posts about shoes but still havent decided what to do. We leave for WDW in 16 days so I have to buy shoes this weekend so that I have time to break them in.

I see MANY MANY recommend Crocs. I don't think those will work for me.

I'm more inclined to wear sneakers of some kind.

I have VERY high arches, fairly wide feet and am about 50lbs over-weight. Good shoes are a must to avoid knee, back and foot pain that I'm sure can happen with all of the walking/standing in line we will be doing at WDW.

Do you have any brand/style recommendations based on experience? I may visit the local New Balance store tomorrow and see what they have but if you can recommend something that might work for me I would sincerely appreciate it!

 

[pixiefairy]

Have you checked out the ones that are by Dr. Scholl's that have the gel in them? They sell them at Walmart (and I'm sure other places) and they seem comfy. I hope you find something!

 

[Elmo888]

New Balance, New Balance, New Balance. Buy some NB walking shoes now, and give them some break-in time. At the NB store, you will find the higher end NB shoes (more expensive), and I would go with those (vs. lower end ones that you find at JCP and Kohl's). I don't want to offend anyone - if inexpensive NB shoes work for your, great (and lucky you!)...but if you know that you have foot problems, look at the higher end ones. New Balance shoes have different "lasts", and someone at the store should be able to help you select some that fit your feet. (If the person helping you doesn't know, ask for the manager or someone else that can.)

Here's a chart of the different "lasts"...

http://www.brownsnewbalance.com/general/foottypes.aspx

And I love to talk shoes!

Enjoy!

 

[Utfootballdiva]

Thanks Elmo! I honestly believe it's worth the extra money for the comfort. I don't want to be in pain while at WDW. I want to enjoy our time there without having to think about my shoes

 

[junebug623]

Hi!

I am new to this board, but I have to say that you should give crocs a try. I am also overweight and have major foot problems. I have extremely wide feet and have had surgeries on each foot as well. My feet are flat to boot. I am a teacher and am on my feet ALL DAY. I used to go home at the end of each day with my feet and legs in pain. Since I started wearing crocs in the fall, I am hooked. My feet are never tired and my feet/legs never hurt at the end of the day. I used to wear sneakers for everything, but I don't think I will go back to that now. If you don't try the crocs for WDW, I think you should still try a pair out.

 

[Utfootballdiva]

Thank Junebug. I've tried Crocs on and for me because my arches are so high I fear that they just don't provide me enough support for hours on end. I may try some for around the house though.

 

[jpeka65844]

I vote for Keens. I also adore my Merrell walking tennis shoes.

No Crocs for me; my feet are too narrow and too long and they make me look like Bozo the clown. In Crocs, DH and I wear the same size.

 

[snickerboo]

Whatever you get, you need to break them in before you go to Disney. I have fallen arches and I find Adidas have the best support for me. I've also been recommended Sauconys but I stick with what works.

 

[Shleedogg]

I am avidly against crocs just based on how darn ugly they are and the fact that every other person is wearing them. Seriously, on our last trip to WDW DH, his 16 yr old nephew and I were waiting for his parents at the entrance to Epcot and we sat their and counted the crocs. Never did 30 seconds go by that we didn't see a pair.

Ok, crocs vent over, lol. I highly recommend J Crew flip flops. These are no ordinary flip flops. They are thick and form to your feet. I have high arches too, and they are all I wore at Disney. I don't remember my feet being sore. I was about 20 lbs overweight during our trip and no complaints. They are a bit on the pricey side, but they are of great quality. My super cheap best friend went out and bought a pair after she wore a pair of mine at Disney that week. The other thing I like about them is that your feet won't get super hot. I've tried sneakers and I just can't stand how hot my feet get when they're cooped up all day.

 

[TheDizMom]

I would get a walking shoe with lots of support. Brand wise just pick whatever works for you. I have always done the sneaker thing and have never yet had sore feet and that's doing a gong to gong day.

I don't trust the crocs for 2 reasons. If you wear them barefoot like most people when your feet start to get sweaty you will squeak the rest of the day. I also think that without socks and 16 days of walking in them and getting sweaty in them you may get athletes foot. It seems to me bacteria is bound to start building up in there. Then of course there's the possibility of getting pop or something spilled near your feet and having sticky feet all day when it comes in through the holes. Crocs do have an amazing amount of support and since they're wide, would be great for you , but I just don't trust them all day.

 

[Coach P]

You would be best suited with either a good walking shoe or a running shoe ( they typically have better cushioning). As other posters have said spend the money to get a good pair of shoes. I use to manage a sporting goods store and I can tell you that there is major difference between a 30 and 90 dollar shoe.

New Balance is a good shoe that comes in different widths. Most of your other brands just come in a standard width (usually a C for women and a D for men). Saucony and brooks also make good running shoes. Nike tends to run narrow and adias tends to run wide.

When you go to try them on go later in the day as your feet tend to swell during the day so that way you get a truer fit. Also make sure you have enough room in the toe area. You should have about a thumbs length between your toe and the end of the shoe. And then finally wear them before you go. Dont try to break them in at Disney.

Hope this helps..

 

[lpoeppelman]

I've searched and read all the posts about shoes but still havent decided what to do. We leave for WDW in 16 days so I have to buy shoes this weekend so that I have time to break them in.

I see MANY MANY recommend Crocs. I don't think those will work for me.

I'm more inclined to wear sneakers of some kind.

I have VERY high arches, fairly wide feet and am about 50lbs over-weight. Good shoes are a must to avoid knee, back and foot pain that I'm sure can happen with all of the walking/standing in line we will be doing at WDW.

Do you have any brand/style recommendations based on experience? I may visit the local New Balance store tomorrow and see what they have but if you can recommend something that might work for me I would sincerely appreciate it!

A good shoe store will look at how you walk and suggest a type of shoe that works for your stride. I did this and have had great luck!

I would at least consider a pair of sandals. I bought some TEVAs and they are more comfortable than my running shoes. They will also do great on water rides. I had having wet socks! Good luck!

 

[Utfootballdiva]

Thank you all for the great recommendations. I am going to do a little Mother's Day shoe shopping for myself tomorrow

 

[mkaanta]

We go to a small running store where they ask what you need the shoes for and watch how you wlk and look at the shoes for wear. Ascis and mizzuno have worked will for us. Hopefully there is store like that around you.

 

[Utfootballdiva]

After a day of shopping I ended up with a pair of Keens. I love 'em! I think they are just what I needed. I've worn them all afternoon and they feel GREAT!

I ended up buying my 15 y/o DS a pair of Tevas too.

Thanks everyone!

 

[debster812]

After a day of shopping I ended up with a pair of Keens. I love 'em! I think they are just what I needed. I've worn them all afternoon and they feel GREAT!

I ended up buying my 15 y/o DS a pair of Tevas too.

Thanks everyone!

I have 2 pair of Keens (the Venice H2, and the Newport H2), and we get a pair for DS every summer. Love them. I had the wrong socks in February with my tennis shoes, and rubbed AWFUL blisters on my Achilles. I wore the Keens for 5 days straight, and never gave my feet a 2nd thought.

 

[Taja]

Very high arches and insteps checking in here! Think Barbie doll feet. Not the size--just the arch! *LOL* When my feet are relaxed, they look like they should be in high heels!

I've found New Balance and Ryka sneakers work well for me. I bought the New Balance at Mervyn's--probably low to mid-range--and the Ryka's from QVC. The New Balance are a bit wide in the heel for me, so I do have to wear them two or three months on my morning walks prior to a trip to WDW. Ryka actually fit my foot slightly better.

I have normal width feet that tend to swell--particularly the left one, which has been injured and had surgery three times. I'm also overweight--a bit less than 50 lbs, but on my short body, 5 lbs shows! And it's much more than 5 lbs! *sigh*

 

[Utfootballdiva]

Yeah Taja that's it! I have size 9 Barbie feet, lol!!!! Actually you describe my feet pretty well except it sounds like mine might be a little wider than yours. I may check out Ryka. Thanks!

 

[starbox]

Earth Shoes are great for high arches. Sierra Trading Post often has them at overstock prices. I walk about 7-9 miles a day at work but have to dress professionally and DH bought me a pair of Earth ballet flats for my birthday last year. They are AWESOME.