Footwear - sneakers or sandals

[SandraM]

I am going to Orlando for 3 weeks at the end of July with DH, DD (13) and DS (11). I keep reading and hearing that it is so important to have comfortable footwear. As quite a few of the rides we will be going on will get us wet, I think we might be as well to wear really comfortable Ecco adjustable Velcro sandals which will dry out quickly rather than socks and sneakers which I feel will go horribly soggy. I also know that we should wear these sandals as much as possible before we go so that our feet don’t burn! Any opinions?

 

[Kirby]

We prefer tennis shoes over sandals unless the sandals are very well broken in. Wet socks don't bother us.

 

[PooooohBear]

We purchased Nike Straprunner II's for our July trip. We are going to give them a try. We're also taking our tennis shoes for back-up, just as a precaution!

 

[Debby7]

I like to take both and switch between the two types. I usually wear sandals in the morning and afternoon. Then we go back to our room to take a break. When I go back out in the late afternoon or evening I put my sneakers on. I also use a product called BlisterBlockers on spots I usually blister. They are like gel filled band aids and really work. If you decide to go strictly sneakers, be sure to change to dry socks midway through the day. Good Luck !!

 

[janiejo]

I prefer walking tennis shoes. It seems like there is so much pavement, that on days I wear sandals, the bottom of my feet ache. I have never had trouble with socks getting wet on the rides - even the ones that my clothes get drenched on. I vote for tennis shoes!

 

[tink2dw]

Here is a thread on the subject

http://www.disboards.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10559&perpage=15&pagenumber=1

I wear Teva nubuck leather Sandles are really great,the foot bed is very springy,and when adjusted right they follow your foot when you walk. All the straps are adjustable,decreasing the chance of blisters. I also wore the pink and white Ped tenny sox with mine to add a layer of cushion.

there is also a thread on Teva's

http://www.disboards.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10884&highlight=Tevas

If you want to try Teva's it's a good idea to
try them on in a mall store to get the right size then come back here and check-out the sales on many shoe web sites such as

www.rei-outlet.com or www.Teva.com

Also if you need to adjust sandles with multiable straps here are some tips on getting them to feel good.

http://www.disboards.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=38144&highlight=sandles

There are lots of freindly people who will help you with any other questions you might have!!

 

[robinb]

I also bring both my New Balace sneakers and my Teva sandals. I switch off which ones I wear.

BTW, take your shoes off on Kaki rapids or keep your feet up! They'll get pretty wet .

 

[CatOne]

I took both, thanks to the tips on this board!! A great pair of tennis shoes and pair of sandals, Naot brand. I had never heard of them until I went to a store that specializes in outdoor equip and clothing and I LOVE them!! We are going back in Dec. and I will be returning to get another pair by Naot for this trip as well. They form to your feet and I think they are the best sandals I have ever worn!! Best of luck to you and your tootsies!! The best tip is, of course, whatever you take, be sure they are broken in BEFORE you get there.

Happy Day
CatOne

 

[SandraM]

inkbounc
Thanks for your help. I guess we'll bring both!

 

[cindirellar]

I took both. Actually two of both. We were there 7 days and I wore them all. Two pairs of Nike's, air-max and air walkers, Teva circuits - leather and Teva pretty rugged nylon. But let me tell you, buy the end of the seven day's it didn't matter what was on my feet, they hurt! It didn't matter what I wore!

But it was worth it!

Have a great trip!
Cindi

 

[Loan]

We wore tennis shoes during the "hard touring" in the morning and early afternoon and then after our rest, we wore sandals for the more relaxed evenings. Just one small blister in 5 days, not bad!

 

[Dustmouse]

I was so surprised to find that my Teva's were the only shoes I could wear for a hard day of touring. I'm not a sandal girl, but bought a pair of Teva's after recently being diagnosed with plantar fascitis. After the first day in Reeboks, my little toe developed a blister and I lived in my Teva's for the rest of the week. They are awesome!

 

[Elysiannn]

Hi - my last trip (Feb 2001) I took Rockport Walkers, Merrill's and Teva sandals. I know it was a bit excessive but having heel pain from a heel spur and I thought the more comfortable shoes I took the better chance I had. Well, in order of comfort and lasting power: TEVAs, Merrill's and then Rockport. I did get one small blister with the TEVAs but next time I'll know how to avoid it. I would say get TEVAs, some anti-blister socks, soak your feet even for a 10 minutes in your resort pool should help you get through the hard touring. And break in the shoes/sandals you're going to take at least two months before going.

My next trip I'll take two pairs of TEVAs and then a good comfortable pair of canvas tennis shoes. But I'll do my hard touring with TEVAS.

Good luck and have a blast!!!

 

[ScroogesNephew]

Sandals.

 

[rjordan]

Nike Straprunner II are the BEST sandals. I wore them all the time when we were there in May for 9 days. No problems whatsoever. Great for water, too. They sell for under $40. THE BEST.

 

[VelvetGloves]

I've worn both sandals and tennis shoes in the past. I prefer to have the choice on a daily basis as to what to wear. I've often heard that if you're feet are too warm, you'll feel too warm, so sandals come in handy. Of course, it's hard to find sandals that don't rub. I think your best bet is to take sandals, but also have tennis shoes in case you need them.

VelvetGloves

 

[tink2dw]

I took Simple oxfords,and Teva's, but I found i needed to wear my low cut, pink and white Ped soxs as an extra cushion between me and the straps of the Teva's to prevent blisters!!

 

[fboy9287]

i will never wear sandles again. You can't run very well from ride to ride

 

[antmaril]

We just returned from our trip. I switched between New Balance walking shoes (which were brand new and had not been worn prior to the trip) and Nike Straprunner II sandals. Both were great. The New Balance walking shoes are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. I was also pleasantly surprised by the Nike sandals (I am really not a sandal person). I could walk all day in those sandals. It was good to be able to switch back and forth.

 

[Mic]

I usually only wear tennis shoes, but I have come to find out that my feet still hurt at the end of the trip. No matter what shoes I wear.