gym shoes for the parks

[luvdmouse]

I just went to buy a new pair of shoes for the parks, but they don't make them anymore. I'm not sure what to try. I've worn leather aerosoles for teaching and disney, but they need replacing. I have New Balance shoes for workouts, but I don't want a heavy pair to wear in the parks. Crocs don't seem right for me either. I'm looking for a leather Keds type of shoe. Lightweight with some support. Anyone have any recommendations???

 

[englishteacha]

My mom has had good luck with Cobbie Cuddlers at K-Mart. They make an all leather sneaker that she loves. I have a pair of their leather clogs that are extremely comfortable, too.

 

[webspider]

luvdmouse I'd look at the keds. They run about 35.00 online (I know a bit expensive) but the new Keds are really comfortable with great support. They also have a nice terry lining.

Cheers

 

[luvdmouse]

Thanks for the recommendations.

 

[jroney]

At Disney in CA there may be less walking than WDW, but it's always good to be prepared. I have been on a fitness journey since March, so everything has changed from "A theme park means a place to eat," to "A theme park means a place to walk and get more exercise". Comfy shoes are important, but also shoes that are for walking are just as important. My three big tips are;

* Never, ever wear brand new shoes into the park. Do your best to break them in for a week or so before you go. New shoes always need the break in period, and you don't want blister problems in the park.
* Something else to think about if you go to WDW when its very hot and humid, that you feet swell, so its better to take some extra pairs of thin socks, to compensate when you feet get a little too large for your shoes. Believe me, I know the pain of swollen feet in shoes that used to fit fine. We finally had to rent a car and go off property so I could get bigger shoes.
* A bit off topic tip here. If you aren't used to walking a whole bunch, it would be best to start walking a quarter mile, then a half mile, then work up to a mile the week before you go. Being sore is tough to work through, so if you can get used to extra exercise before you get to the park, you will have more fun.

Ok, that's all the blabbering from me.

 

[ZoZo]

This is a big issue for me. On my last trip to WDW, I brought my regular workout shoes (Nikes) that I thought were really well broken-in. They caused a horrible blister on the bottom of my toe - very painful. And I use them at the gym 3 or 4 times a week! It's very different to wear them all day and log 6 or 8 miles in them.

So my advice is: Bring your oldest, most comfortable pair of shoes with you (even if they're not very "pretty!"). I wish I had had my older ones with me as a back-up, since my Nikes caused me so many problems!

(PS - have had a lot of luck with Easy Spirit shoes lately. Very lightweight and comfy. I have a lot of foot problems, and have to wear "backless" shoes like clogs and mules. The Easy Spirit ones are great!!)