Favorite walking shoes that are supportive?

[imjen]

I need to find some good shoes with support so I can hopefully walk around all day without pain. Ever since I injured my foot 1.5 yrs ago my foot starts hurting after short walks. Or maybe I can try insoles if you can recommend any.

 

[MikeRx]

I have Ecco lightweight athletic shoes that dry quickly, Teva walking sandals and Abeo pool sandals by the Walking Company. I also use othotics in my dress shoes for support and transfer them to my Ecco's for long park days. I'd give whatever method or shoe you try a few weeks of test wearing before you go to be sure.

Mike

 

[my*gracie*girl]

I have the worst feet ever and was in so much pain each night. I hate it. During the day, my best shoes were my Vionic Orthaheel Action Tourney....I tried my Vionic flip flops that were great in July, but I just couldn't stand or walk in them this time. It was a mess. I also had a pair of Keens that were pretty good and I would switch back and forth between those and the tennis shoes. Maybe go to a real running/walking store and talk to them about your feet problems and see if they can recommend a shoe. It really does impact the experience when you are miserable!

 

[Manda_Lizabeth]

I just bought a pair of Clarks from QVC online. Super comfortable and lightweight. They are like pillows on my feet and I used them to work a 5 hour trade show the last two weekends and my feet weren't even tired with all the standing and walking around on concrete. I plan to wear them to Disneyland in May. Check them out HERE

 

[squeezle]

I have a lot of foot pain, too. Super high arches, arthritis in my big toes, and just general pain. I have had great luck with these Lynco insoles from Aetrex (i like the memory foam ones for my sneakers and hiking boots). http://aetrex.com/lynco-orthotics

They aren't cheap and you need to find a store that has one of their foot analyzing kiosks to find the one that is best for your foot. But they can be put shoes you already have and be used in multiple pairs. These insoles have saved my feet - I can now go on multi-mile hikes several times a week and have happy feet... something that is simple not possible for me without the insoles.

 

[danceanddisney2010]

All time favorite walking shoes in Disneyland are my Asics brand gel-kayanos. Both my mom and I have a pair and we swear by them. Literally our feet are fine by the end of the trip ... Something that my other shoes don't offer. Feet are super important to us .. We are both dancers and are on out feet all day. The style of Asics that we get is a little pricey but well worth it. The support in the arch and heel region that this shoe provides along with the extremely comfy gel cushioning makes it my go to ALL THE TIME!! Check them out!

 

[Nevada Jen]

One thing that I have found that helps the most is to alternate shoe styles. Bring at least two pairs of shoes. It also helps me to sleep with an arch support band on my feet.

 

[Niltiac]

You said a shoe with support, so you can probably disregard what I'm about to say since everyone's feet have different needs and you know best, but just in case it helps...

I've always had severe foot pain that gets progressively worse the longer I'm on my feet. My first DLR trip I honestly should have been in a wheelchair, but I was stubborn and since then I've learned better ways to cope. I used to look for shoes with support because that's what everyone says you should do, but I accidentally discovered that having adequate room for my forefoot and toes to move and having a heel that is not raised very far makes for lower impact and is way more important for preventing the pain than support. The best shoes I've found are definitely Altra, and the second would be Nike Free, but I don't think either would be described as highly supportive. Be warned that Altra's shoes are zero-drop (the heel is not any higher than the rest of the foot), which takes some people time to get used to, although I felt instant relief when I tried them. I still get pain but I can handle it without tears now. Last year I tried Asics because so many people recommend them, and just walking around my kitchen for ten minutes produced pain which I believe is due to the very raised/clunky heel which messed with the way I step. But obviously they work well for lots of people so it just goes to show there's no magic solution that works for everyone.

Also, equally as important as having a good pair of shoes is alternating shoes. If you have enough time before your trip, try to get two comfortable pairs of shoes and break them both in, and either alternate day to day or change shoes at lunchtime. It makes a surprisingly big difference.

 

[danceanddisney2010]

You said a shoe with support, so you can probably disregard what I'm about to say since everyone's feet have different needs and you know best, but just in case it helps...

I've always had severe foot pain that gets progressively worse the longer I'm on my feet. My first DLR trip I honestly should have been in a wheelchair, but I was stubborn and since then I've learned better ways to cope. I used to look for shoes with support because that's what everyone says you should do, but I accidentally discovered that having adequate room for my forefoot and toes to move and having a heel that is not raised very far makes for lower impact and is way more important for preventing the pain than support. The best shoes I've found are definitely Altra, and the second would be Nike Free, but I don't think either would be described as highly supportive. Be warned that Altra's shoes are zero-drop (the heel is not any higher than the rest of the foot), which takes some people time to get used to, although I felt instant relief when I tried them. I still get pain but I can handle it without tears now. Last year I tried Asics because so many people recommend them, and just walking around my kitchen for ten minutes produced pain which I believe is due to the very raised/clunky heel which messed with the way I step. But obviously they work well for lots of people so it just goes to show there's no magic solution that works for everyone.

Also, equally as important as having a good pair of shoes is alternating shoes. If you have enough time before your trip, try to get two comfortable pairs of shoes and break them both in, and either alternate day to day or change shoes at lunchtime. It makes a surprisingly big difference.

Oh man! So sorry to hear that you were in that much pain during your first visit to Disneyland. Not fun at all. You are very right about not every shoe style being the perfect fit for everyone. That is too bad that Asics didn't work for you, but again I guess it comes down to the specific needs of your foot. I have tried a couple Asics brand shoes and some were honestly just meh. No pain, but I could tell that all day walking was just not going to work. The gel kayanos however were VERY different and for what I was looking for.. They were keepers! Look into the gel kayanos if you are looking for cushioning along with excellent arch and heel support. And yes ..alternate! Don't just bring one pair if shoes! I always bring two and my feet stay very happy!

 

[Lynzer Torte]

Skechers Go Walks! They are like walking on air. I also just bought the Goga Mat ones: http://www.zappos.com/product/8657671/color/513. They are super comfy as well.

I agree with the others: switch shoes up each day. It'll make a huge difference and will cut down on any blisters!

 

[Niltiac]

Oh man! So sorry to hear that you were in that much pain during your first visit to Disneyland. Not fun at all. You are very right about not every shoe style being the perfect fit for everyone. That is too bad that Asics didn't work for you, but again I guess it comes down to the specific needs of your foot. I have tried a couple Asics brand shoes and some were honestly just meh. No pain, but I could tell that all day walking was just not going to work. The gel kayanos however were VERY different and for what I was looking for.. They were keepers! Look into the gel kayanos if you are looking for cushioning along with excellent arch and heel support. And yes ..alternate! Don't just bring one pair if shoes! I always bring two and my feet stay very happy!

That's a good point, the Asics I tried might not have been representative of the whole brand. I believe they were called Gel Venture and they had good reviews so I don't want to discourage people from trying, but I will keep an eye out for the kayanos to see if I can try them next time.

 

[MaggieS79]

Merrells! I wear their sandals and their shoes (and winter boots!). So comfortable! Lots of different style options without sacrificing quality. I also like their barefoot runners (which I wear skinny socks in).

For a running shoe I also recommend Asics! I am on my feet a lot for work and they are my go-to for something sturdier. I'm not a socks and running shoe person outside of work though, so that's where all my merrels come in!!

That being said we are quite a diverse house - my husband loves sanuks, my daughter has Skechers, nikes, and merrels, and my son Skechers and Nike.

 

[Nonsuch]

...During the day, my best shoes were my Vionic Orthaheel Action Tourney...

I also like Vionic Orthaheels, not sure of the exact model (but a casual athletic style).

 

[tlovesdis]

Teva sandals! They were a lifesaver for me in WDW and now I wear them at DL all the time too! Not a single blister and no pain!!!

 

[DharmaLou]

My Teva sandals are the most comfortable ever.

 

[LizzyS]

I just bought a pair of Clarks from QVC online. Super comfortable and lightweight. They are like pillows on my feet and I used them to work a 5 hour trade show the last two weekends and my feet weren't even tired with all the standing and walking around on concrete. I plan to wear them to Disneyland in May. Check them out HERE

Don't you know Clarks are my weakness?!

 

[disneychrista]

A good insole is a must for me. I have Asics with Dr. Scholls Active Series insoles (about $20 at Walmart).

 

[GeneralTso]

Comfy shoes are such a personal thing. What's awesome for one may not work for another. If you have fussy feet, best to try on lots of different brands and then give yourself plenty of time to break them in. Nothing worse than blisters or aching feet at Disney!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Keens for us! Oxfords for him and mary janes for me. Some people really prefer the sandals, but we've found the shoe styles to work better for us.

 

[Butterfly123]

I like Asics for athletic shoes, and Keens for sandals. Socks are very important, too! And I agree that switching shoes, either every other day, or better yet mid day really helps.