Good walking sandals for heavy women?

[FortForever]

I am a plus sized lady and wear my Birkenstocks almost exclusively all summer long at home plus morning till night on all Disney trips. Never had a problem - very comfortable and cool.

This is the same advice I would give. I personally feel like heavier women (or at least this one) need the deep foot bed in sandals. Without it, my feet tend to slide to the sides and cause problems. I live in Birkenstocks full time.

I prefer this style as it keeps my feet from sliding forward and back. I need a stopper at the toe so my feet stay in place. Birkenstocks without the toe holder have led me to get blisters on the bottoms of my feet from the sliding. Had I realized what was happening, I could have tightened the straps, but just changed styles.

My last Disney trip, I put 56 miles on my Birkenstock Mayari with not a single blister or any discomfort. The downside is that they are not waterproof. I used to do some home waterproofing to them, but often took them off and tucked under my shirt during a downpour.

This year, Birkenstock solved the problem by coming out with the ultimate sandal - Birkenstock EVA Gizeh! They have the same deep foot bed as other Birks, but they are made of the same material as Crocs, making them perfect for any weather. Additionally, this style has a stop at the toe to keep the back and forth from happening. These are now my perfect WDW sandals. As a side note, they are 1/4 the price of the leather Birks.

 

[Babsy]

This is the same advice I would give. I personally feel like heavier women (or at least this one) need the deep foot bed in sandals. Without it, my feet tend to slide to the sides and cause problems. I live in Birkenstocks full time.

I prefer this style as it keeps my feet from sliding forward and back. I need a stopper at the toe so my feet stay in place. Birkenstocks without the toe holder have led me to get blisters on the bottoms of my feet from the sliding. Had I realized what was happening, I could have tightened the straps, but just changed styles.

My last Disney trip, I put 56 miles on my Birkenstock Mayari with not a single blister or any discomfort. The downside is that they are not waterproof. I used to do some home waterproofing to them, but often took them off and tucked under my shirt during a downpour.

This year, Birkenstock solved the problem by coming out with the ultimate sandal - Birkenstock EVA Gizeh! They have the same deep foot bed as other Birks, but they are made of the same material as Crocs, making them perfect for any weather. Additionally, this style has a stop at the toe to keep the back and forth from happening. These are now my perfect WDW sandals. As a side note, they are 1/4 the price of the leather Birks.

YES, The EVA Birkenstocks are great for waterproof wear. Excellent point!

 

[pammydw]

I, too, am on the heavier side, and have always done well with my Birkenstocks! Just make sure you break them in before you go for maximum comfort. I once wore a brand new pair in Las Vegas, and although there were no blisters or anything of the like, my feet were tired. Bring a ziplock bag for wet rides to keep them dry, or if it rains. Again, from experience, we got caught in a rainstorm and my wet Birks turned into oil slicks! They became very slippery! They were the only shoes I brought (was our first trip and I didn't know any better). Now I bring a pair of lightweight cros to wear if it rains or for wet ride. Birks will always be my go to Disney shoe!

 

[pammydw]

This is the same advice I would give. I personally feel like heavier women (or at least this one) need the deep foot bed in sandals. Without it, my feet tend to slide to the sides and cause problems. I live in Birkenstocks full time.

I prefer this style as it keeps my feet from sliding forward and back. I need a stopper at the toe so my feet stay in place. Birkenstocks without the toe holder have led me to get blisters on the bottoms of my feet from the sliding. Had I realized what was happening, I could have tightened the straps, but just changed styles.

My last Disney trip, I put 56 miles on my Birkenstock Mayari with not a single blister or any discomfort. The downside is that they are not waterproof. I used to do some home waterproofing to them, but often took them off and tucked under my shirt during a downpour.

This year, Birkenstock solved the problem by coming out with the ultimate sandal - Birkenstock EVA Gizeh! They have the same deep foot bed as other Birks, but they are made of the same material as Crocs, making them perfect for any weather. Additionally, this style has a stop at the toe to keep the back and forth from happening. These are now my perfect WDW sandals. As a side note, they are 1/4 the price of the leather Birks.

Eek! I am an avid Birk wearer! I am thrilled to hear about waterproof Birks! My leather ones turned into an oil slick during a downpour one time, and they were wet the whole weekend! Great news! Thanks for sharing!

 

[scrhsa]

Sorry in advance if this has been asked a hundred times.

I'm not on the lighter side and Disney is always brutal on my feet. I've got a comfortable pair of Nike walking shoes but I know in August I'll be dealing with my shoes and feet getting wet. I often see flip-flops and sandals recommended here but I'm worried they won't have enough support for me.

Any larger ladies have a brand or specific shoe that they love/recommend for Disney?

For me, it doesn't matter how good the shoe is...I WILL get blisters in the summer time. It's all to do with sweating and my pressure points. I love my Tevas for comfort though. As long as they are the ones with the little comfort thing in the heal. I've worn 3 different styles (Dozer, Tirra and Ewaso) and they were ALL fabulous. Aside from the blisters...but like I said, it doesn't matter what shoe in the summer, I will get blisters ( in the same spots every time).

 

[BeckyEsq]

Another vote for Teva Tirra sandals. I have them in two colors. I have worn them to WDW and to numerous theme parks and zoos etc and never gotten a blister.

 

[Iluvpooh&mickey]

I've found Skechers is the best for me. I'm not small either and I don't know if my shin splints were from being heavy or not having the best shoes for me.

I wear these with no socks and they get wet and dry nicely. Its like a much more comfortable of a water shoe to me.
https://www.skechers.com/en-us/style/14161/skechers-gowalk-4-super-sock-4/char

also have these if I'm not going to get wet

https://www.skechers.com/en-us/style/12104/relaxed-fit-skech-air/bkhp

And I have these flip flops.

https://www.skechers.com/en-us/style/14250/skechers-gowalk-3-pizazz/bkw

All of them are amazing and after a full day at Disney (rope drop to kiss goodnight) I have no pains or soreness.

I have all 3 of these too! I have plantar fasciitis but Skechers are great for me because of the cushioning/support in their shoes.

 

[Amw1064]

I wear Tevas as well.

 

[pearlieq]

Crocs with socks!!!

I promise you won't look ridiculous. These are perfectly unobtrusive, have wide toe boxes if you experience swelling, and are super cushy to handle the extra force placed on your feet. They also dry instantly and have vents so you don't get sweaty. http://www.crocs.com/p/crocs-specialist-vent/10074.html?cgid=women-footwear-clogs&cid=001#start=29

Pair them with some black ankle/low-cut socks made with a wicking fabric and/or arch support and you have a week of happy feet at WDW!

 

[Veronique]

I'm heavier too and I'm in love with my new sandals : Merrell Terran Convertible II !

They were comfy right away and they are not "waterproof" per-say but reviewers say water do not damage them at all!

In february in Disneyland, I had crappy shoes, but alternating shoes everyday helped A LOT!

 

[smiths02]

My Tevas worked great in terms of support for my heavy self.

ttps://www.amazon.com/Teva-Womens-Tirra-Sandal-Black/dp/B003AYLPJ8/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1470324387&sr=1-1&nodeID=679425011&refinements=p_lbr_brands_browse-bin%3ATeva

I also had another pair that didn't have the velcro that I wore with longer dresses

I did get a few rubbing blisters, but that was my own fault because I got a pedicure right before we left and I let the technician take off too many calluses.

I have to say I would take a pair or sneakers as well next time. Moleskin and blister bandages had a tendency to stick to sandal instead of my skin and not work properly.
I did put sunscreen on my feet (I burn easily), but I didn't always remember to Body Glide them.

 

[My2Pixies]

I wear my New Balance trail running shoes exclusively at WDW. I do keep Teva Mush flip flops in my backpack for extremely wet rides but I don't wear them too long. I also rely on moleskin and blister bandaids they are lifesavers!

 

[momimouse27]

I am a bit on the heavier side and when Crocs first came out, I fell in love with them. Comfy, no worries about getting wet, and no blisters. But after awhile the style wore on me and I stopped wearing them because they were just ugly. Then Crocs got smart and started making more fashionable shoes. About three months ago, I found my new love...Crocs Meleen. They are cute, but more importantly they have never hurt my feet. Its like I'm walking on air, they are so super cushy-but they still have support. Unlike the original, that sometimes bothered my arch after lots of walking, these do not.

I love them!!

 

[michellelovesthemous]

I love my Skechers go walk / go go mat flip flops and my Vionics flip flop sandals! I too am a well padded Disney plushie so I have to have good support and those definitely fit the bill....or the foot in this case!

 

[CynJ]

Plus-size gal here (one with really large feet, 11w, and heel spurs to boot!)- and I despise what I call "fwap fwap" shoes- aka flip flops and other similar sandals.

If you want a simple sandal to wear like a flip flop on water rides/poolside then I highly recommend Dawgs. (usadawgs.com) They are foam, similar to Crocs, and come in many styles. I wear them constantly as they cushion my feet nicely and I have no foot pain. I bought two new pairs of Z-sandals late spring and even after being worn all summer are just now starting to do the worn out slant on the outside edge of the sandal. I also like these because I have a problem with edema and they have some give to them. I have never bought them, but Dawgs also makes a version that has a rubber sole under the foam, I imaging walking a lot on hot asphalt in the summer that this would make them last longer but I have no experience with them to share.

I also have really good luck with the Rugged Outback Men's Double Strap Sandal at Payless. I've been buying/wearing these for about five years now (and even wear them hiking/backpacking). They are in the men's section and are plenty wide and are really light. What I love most about these is that there are three separate adjustments, across the toe, across the top of the ankle, and around the heel. This allows me to really adjust them for each foot so they fit perfectly and I love that it's easy to readjust as the day goes on (edema). For reference I wear an 11w in women's and a straight 9.5 in these. Link: http://www.payless.com/mens-superior-double-strap-sandal/77432.html?dwvar_77432_color=black#start=6

Good luck! Shoe shopping is one of the things I like least in life lol, I hope you have more success than I normally do!!

 

[AngiTN]

Any athletic or sport type sandal. The key for me is to change shoes every day. It's even rare for me to wear 1 pair twice unless it's a long trip, then I may wear them twice. Yes, I bring a lot of shoes with me, not counting the pair I wear down, which is also park capable.
I have
Keen (open toe, not closed toe keen)
Chaco (z-soft footbed only)
Birk's (soft footbed only)
Columbia
Merrel
Teva
Crocs (with proper fit they don't rub blisters)

 

[baseballgal]

I know the OP said she already bought Teva's so is probably not still looking for advice but I had to second the person who mentioned FitFlops. The absolute MOST comfortable shoes ever! I have about 8 pair in a variety of styles and they are all so very comfortable. It is literally all I wear. I like the flip flop style best but they also have sandals. I have walked around Disney in them and not had one issue- and I used to have serious foot issues. Someone recommended these to me a few years ago and they are great. Plus, doesn't hurt them to get wet and your feet are nice and cool! Best shoes ever. (Wish they paid me for all the referrals I have given over the years.)

 

[6loversofdisney]

I had a thread about this too! I can't find it now but I got a lot of the same responses as you. I can't wear sneakers because my feet get too hot. I always have worn flip flops by feel as I'm getting older I need more base. I've considered something like a UA slide o Nike slide. I've also looked at Teva or Keens based on recomedations. I also have wide feet. I don't like Crocs for that much walking. Good luck!

 

[GillianP1301]

Sketchers Go Walks work great for me. I go with no socks, but I cover my feet with body glide to keep them from sweating or rubbing and getting blisters. I also gave Teva sandals that I alternate with the Go Walks.

 

[AngiTN]

My Tevas worked great in terms of support for my heavy self.

ttps://www.amazon.com/Teva-Womens-Tirra-Sandal-Black/dp/B003AYLPJ8/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1470324387&sr=1-1&nodeID=679425011&refinements=p_lbr_brands_browse-bin%3ATeva

I also had another pair that didn't have the velcro that I wore with longer dresses

I did get a few rubbing blisters, but that was my own fault because I got a pedicure right before we left and I let the technician take off too many calluses.

I have to say I would take a pair or sneakers as well next time. Moleskin and blister bandages had a tendency to stick to sandal instead of my skin and not work properly.
I did put sunscreen on my feet (I burn easily), but I didn't always remember to Body Glide them.

This is worth stressing! I have learned to time my pedicures to be at least a week before my trip. Twice I got one right before we left and my feet hated me for it. So, if you have any rough spots on your feet, let them be before a Disney trip!