Flat feet?

[la79al]

DH has really flat feet. He is trying to lose weight to see if that helps, but I'm not counting on it. I'm wondering what shoes everyone recommends for someone with very flat feet on a trip to WDW the last week of June. I think last trip he ended up wearing sneakers and socks the entire trip which resulted in wet shoes and hot, sore feet. Suggestions?

 

[stephbillalec]

So I have flat feet because I'm fat?!?!?! I really do need to get myself to Weight Watchers!

 

[Rustysmom]

I have flat feet (and I'm overweight but trying to do something about it-25 pounds gone since 1/1) and although they are hideous, Crocs work the best for me. Last summer we walked a LOT and to a lot of theme parks and my feet never hurt. Regular sneakers make the soles of my feet burn and hurt and my toes hurt, but the crocs are heaven.

 

[NY Disney fan]

Yuck! I am the queen of flat feet and they are indeed problematic. For your DH I would recommend getting orthodics to put inside his shoes. As far as shoes he needs something very supportive. I recommend these for Disney:
http://www.merrellboot.com/Shop/Detail.aspx?NavID=FT-TM-SLD&PID=8872

 

[Aristomommy]

Weight loss may not cure flat feet, but it will be better on his feet and ankle for sure if he is overweight. I would suggest finding a good pair of sneakers/tennis shoes that has mesh for airflow. Make sure they have good arch support, or you can buy over the counter arch support if it's not enough. Also get sports style socks that deters moisture and try powdering feet before putting shoes on. With all the walking involved at WDW, it's important to have good supportive shoes.

 

[NY Disney fan]

I would suggest finding a good pair of sneakers/tennis shoes that has mesh for airflow.

I agree. The shoe I posted above has a mesh upper.

 

[my3princes]

DH has really flat feet. He is trying to lose weight to see if that helps, but I'm not counting on it. I'm wondering what shoes everyone recommends for someone with very flat feet on a trip to WDW the last week of June. I think last trip he ended up wearing sneakers and socks the entire trip which resulted in wet shoes and hot, sore feet. Suggestions?

He should get prescription orthodics that he can insert into whatever shoe he chooses. Myself and 2 of my sons require prescription orthodics and the results are amazing. The inserts can be moved from shoe to shoe.

 

[my3princes]

Our podiatrist and orthopedist both recommend buying supportive shoes that tie. You get much more support with a shoe that ties rather than a slip on style. We've had much happier feet and legs since we started listening. For a while I wore crocs all the time, but the result was a lot of knee pain from my feet sloshing around in the crocs. I never realized that a shoe could/would effect my knees. I think each person is built differently so the perfect shoe for your dh will be different than what is best for us.

 

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

I got flat feet to I ended up getting a good pair of New Balance walking shoes. They were great in 2004 when we went to disney I am going to get a new pair before we go this year. BTW I still have the old pair nicely worn in.

 

[jenrein]

He should get prescription orthodics that he can insert into whatever shoe he chooses. Myself and 2 of my sons require prescription orthodics and the results are amazing. The inserts can be moved from shoe to shoe.

I too have flat feet and got the arches- it was the best thing for me. Unfortunately I got them too late as it already caused my right knee to scrape out any cartilage it had so I need surgery eventually (if I ever call the doctor back)

 

[bgirl29]

I have flat feet too and the last couple trips I have brought along 2 pairs of supportive tennis shoes. I have found that by alternating shoes my feet feel a lot better. I also use socks that are designed to keep your feet dry.

 

[malibuconlee]

I have flat feet too and the last couple trips I have brought along 2 pairs of supportive tennis shoes. I have found that by alternating shoes my feet feel a lot better. I also use socks that are designed to keep your feet dry.

Just what I was going to suggest. Take two pair and alternate. (NOt a bad idea for anyone, especially if shoes get wet on water rides!!)

I have arch supports I wear in my tennis shoes from the podiatrist. The difference it makes is amazing. I also find that with dress shoes if I wear heels instead of flats (no insole to put the orthotics under) it helps me.

Question for those with custom arch supports, how often do you go back to the podiatrist to get them re-done. Mine are still in good condition, but I've been wondering lately if I need to go have them re-molded to my foot.

 

[NY Disney fan]

Flat feet are very expensive, I always say. They cause so many problems...grrrr!!!

 

[my3princes]

Just what I was going to suggest. Take two pair and alternate. (NOt a bad idea for anyone, especially if shoes get wet on water rides!!)

I have arch supports I wear in my tennis shoes from the podiatrist. The difference it makes is amazing. I also find that with dress shoes if I wear heels instead of flats (no insole to put the orthotics under) it helps me.

Question for those with custom arch supports, how often do you go back to the podiatrist to get them re-done. Mine are still in good condition, but I've been wondering lately if I need to go have them re-molded to my foot.

Unless your feet change or your inserts begin to show wear and tear I wouldn't worry about getting new ones. If your symptoms return then it is probably time for new ones. My children have to go to a specialist and have their feet casted to make the inserts. They are very high profile on the foot, almost to the ankle bone. The boys are checked yearly and support are remade based on their rate of growth. We actually got 2 years out of one pair for my middle son. We knew it was time for new ones when his nightly leg pains returned. These new orthodics are $650 a pair Luckly our insurance covers them. Even with orthodics my middle son can't walk or stand for long periods of time or the leg pain becomes unbearable. We used to get away with a stroller, but he is now too big. Thankfully our insurance covered a pediatric wheel chair. It will be nice knowing that he won't be in pain for our next trip to WDW.

 

[deejohn]

I have always used Rockport. They have a built in support. They make all types of shoes. For sandles, I buy Clarkes. They also have support.

I am able to wear these at the parks from 10am - closing and never had a problem with my feet. Although, soaking in the hot tub is a good idea too!!!

 

[GrowingUpDisney]

I have completely flat feet and I am overweight. In 1997 when we went to Disney, I was in idiot and wore Timberland boots in Disney for a week....NEVER DO THAT! I ended up having surgery on my feet when I got back!

The past two times I have rotated out a good pair of tennis shoes (I wear New Balance per my doctor's orders - they have great support) and my crocs and have had no problems. My feet didn't swell or get sore! This would be my suggestion...