How do you save your feet?

[mechurchlady]

Edited to add: I am SO wondering, for those of you who wear open toed shoes such as sandals -don't you worry people will step on your toes when in line, or when walking around in the park?? It always seems to happen to me, and I have a tendency to get ingrown toenails on the big toe as soon as someone does so. Boy, does that hurt when someone steps on your toe.

I have worn flip flops for over 35 years and they are the only shoe I wear in public due to crooked little toes.

I take care of wear I walk. I have never had to worry about people stepping on my toes because of flip flops. I watch for slippery walkways. The only way for someone to step on you in line is if they get too close and why let that happen. I did get a nasty little fall at the US Open Tennis back in 2005 when I was wearing heavy hiking shoes.

Sandals are fine if you are used to them and watch your step. 35 years and most injuries were not shoe related. I did get stepped on by my nemesis once when I drug him into a bar. I had to drag the dude into the bar so I could keep security at a hotel from calling the police. The drunk repayed me by stepping on my foot so hard that I came out of my sandal. Only army boots would have kept me from that injury. I love flip flops and being pain free as far as my toes goes.

 

[MichaelColey]

I use my foot massager rollar

What foot massager do you use? We're considering getting one before our 2-week WDW trip in September.

 

[LavenderPeach]

What foot massager do you use? We're considering getting one before our 2-week WDW trip in September.

They have a nice one at the Body Shop that I've tried before. Oh if you're interested, they just sent me an e-mail for free shipping today with the code APRILFOOLS if you spend at least $15.

 

[iKristin]

I agree, CROCS are the best thing in the world. I don't even wear socks! I just wear my crocs with no blisters and no feet getting tired! And my feet can feel the breeze as well lol

 

[Vacation Dad]

All I do is make sure I am wearing shows that are broken in. No body glide, no moleskin, no switching shoes, etc., just 1 well broken in pair of athletic shoes.

During our last trip my wife's pedometer showed we walked about 14 miles a day, so do find something that works for you.

 

[Bunless]

What foot massager do you use? We're considering getting one before our 2-week WDW trip in September.

http://www.walking365.com/files/FootRubzpkg2.jpg

It's very small and weighs nothing, I carry it in my purse.
It's particulary great for plantar fasciaitis.
Alot of people will think it disgusting, but I'll roll my foot on it while we're eating.

 

[joeysmommy]

I LOVE my FitFlops!!
I bought them a month ago to break them in for our trip this month.
I wore them to Six Flags afew weeks ago and my feet were not sore at all.
http://www.footsmart.com/P-FitFlop-Womens-Walkstar-Thong-Sandals-72188.aspx

I did notice my leg and glutes felt tighter and sore...I hope they are working!

I wore my Athena Crocs sandals on the last 2 trips and they were perfectly comfy and perfect for water rides.

I switch mid day to my Nike Shox and have to have a supportive moisture wicking sock.

I bring along a tennis ball or two to massage my feet at the end of the day- just put it under your foot and press down while rolling the ball around.

 

[bumbershoot]

This thread popped up, so I'll add a recent find.

My New Balance shoes are horrid. Awful! Could hardly be any worse. I have had the worst luck with athletic shoes the last few years, even though they (two Sauconys and recently I went back to NB) are quality, they are wide enough, they fit (well, once I dumped the size 9 Asics the "professional" dude sold me back in '05...my feet are not size 9, dangit!). But they hurt hurt hurt. As in, on our trip 2 weeks ago, my wedge flip flops from J Crew, that I brought for poolside, were borderline more comfy.


I haven't had huge amounts of luck with my Crocs maryjanes...well at the beginning I did, but they're breaking down, I think, and really they just aren't thick enough in the sole. I didn't even bring them on the last trip.


But on our early DCA day, when I was already in agony even in the morning, I met a woman the same age who told me she absolutely swore by her Crocs Athens. And she had wide feet.

Now she did have bandaids on the tops of her feet where the straps hit, but she said her FEET were comfy even if the skin on top wasn't (my paraphrasing).

On the last day, I had to find them. And I did, at World of Disney. ANd....lifesavers. Beautiful. Lovely.

I do have to wear bandaids on the tops of my feet, b/c the wideness makes me hit the straps where a normal foot wouldn't, but that is a SMALL price to pay. My ankles are back to normal, I'm not hobbling around, and I bet I could step down into the small world boat without bursting into tears (something I did on our trip) b/c the impact of foot on boat was so hard.

I do admit that I need to see *someone* to figure out what's wrong in my foot/leg bone area, but in the meantime, the Athens (with Mickey heads, LOL) are making my feet MUCH happier than my athletic shoes are. (you'll have to decide for yourself if Mickey theming makes the 37.99 pricetag worth it, if you have the same luck I did in finding Disney themed Athens online...as in, no luck)

 

[iKristin]

Crocs are the best for walking around the park all day never any pain for me!

 

[Leofoenget]

if you have high arches get really good supports. Wear thiick socks with shoes, and take a break in the middle of the day. I have very high arches and crocs are a joke. I have good tennis shoes and arch supports. I wear thick socks. I also walk a lot at home so DL walking is easy for me. I don't wear thick jeans but shorts or capris, sometimes heavy pants make my legs stiff and sore. Never "break in" a new pair of shoes at DL but have 2 pair of well broken in favorites.

 

[youmyflower]

The best shoe decision I've made at Disneyland was my Reef flip-flops. I get the "sandy" style.

If you are going to wear sneakers or other shoes with socks, I'd say go to an athletic store and get some running socks. They are so much better for blister prevention.

I don't understand the crocs at all they make my feet so sore, not to mention sweaty. But I'm glad they work for you all.

 

[Pezalicious]

I'm another New Balance fan, but it's all about finding what's best for your feet.

I live in San Francisco and there are a couple stores here where you walk barefoot across a mat and an image of your foot appears on a screen, telling you where most of the impact is on your foot. I moderately overpronate and have a medium arch. New Balance shoes are good for me because they help with overpronation. After I buy shoes, I get fit with a new insole. Nothing like Dr. Scholls, that's all crap. You should get ones that are sized and cover different problems. The ones I have offer good arch support, extra padding for the front ball of my foot, and a slight cupping of the heal, to help minimize impact. The inserts make more of a difference than anything. Pair them with a good shoe and you'll be in great shape.

I've tried crocs, but they offer very little arch support and can make overpronation worse because they're so flexible. They're cushiony, but that's not enough to keep my feet from hurting.

 

[Brady's Mom]

I usually wear my New Balance shoes and they are usually just great - but this time they made my legs really, really tired. I bought a pair of Skechers sandals before the trip and they were actually better than my NB. They feel like an athletic shoe on the bottom, but have a cute sandal on the top. I can adjust them to not have the flip-flop feeling. I had more luck wearing them this last trip. I can't wear crocs all day at DLR - the little nubby things on the bottom make my feet burn and ache. It's too bad, too, because I have baby pink ones that I love! Here is a link to the Skechers I got - only mine are brown. I got them at Sears. http://www.skechers.com/shoes-and-clothing/women/styles/sandals/product/reggae_-_rasta/blk

 

[Chickysmom]

Instead of Advil can it be any ibuprofen like product you think?

 

[BrerMama]

You know, I thought I was prepared. I walk 1.5-3 miles a day. I brought Crocs Mary Janes, Teva Mush, Reef Sandy. I walk all over in those shoes at home and my feet NEVER hurt. I moisturize them every night. I was ready.

Ha. Disneyland laughs at my preparation. We are at the hotel now, and are not going back this evening simply because my dh and I have to give our feet a break. We're doing Sea World tomorrow (so looking forward to riding a bus to get there) and then Th/Fri are really packed for us. I'm hoping we're refreshed by then.

 

[Brancaneve]

My DH has the best tip: sit at one of the benches and remove your shoes. Just taking them off for a few minutes cools your "heals" and it makes a huge difference. Removing your socks makes it even better. I also wear running shoes.

 

[Hester]

Advil, evening jacuzzis, morning baths and beer.

 

[aprincess@mail.com]

When we went to WDW a couple of years ago, we were there for 7 days, only 1 of those 7 did my feet just ache so bad that i couldnt stand it. I was wearing Earth Shoes Sandals that I had purchased from Walmart. OMG, my feet were in so much agony from walking around all day and that was our 2nd day into the trip. So the other days, i just wore good Supporting Tennis shoes. Take lots of breaks and drink plenty of water! Have fun! and take some night time relaxation in the hot tub.

 

[DisDancerina]

You can also pick up marbles or pencils with your toes.

At Disneyland, I employ all my years of dancing to help me avoid foot and lower leg pain.

I warm up my feet and ankles each time before leaving our room to go to the park (I use a theraband, something physical therapists use a lot)
I constantly stretch
I ice
I try not to sit down alot (once you sit down, game over)
I use my foot massager rollar
I make sure to walk with proper foot/knee/hip alignment

If the pain gets too much, I just remember that it's nothing compared to dancing four-six hours a day in pointe shoes--and that you have to do with a smile on your face.

See, never thought dance would be useful in real life, didja?
Same here, I use what I pay to learn in RL!

The best shoe decision I've made at Disneyland was my Reef flip-flops. I get the "sandy" style.

If you are going to wear sneakers or other shoes with socks, I'd say go to an athletic store and get some running socks. They are so much better for blister prevention.

I don't understand the crocs at all they make my feet so sore, not to mention sweaty. But I'm glad they work for you all.

The Crocs make my feet pretty sweaty too, but honestly my feet hurt so bad that anything feels good.

I have Echo Receptors. I've had them since 2007 and they still work pretty well. I still have tired feet, but I try to bring flip flops, because switching shoes really works.
I got Adidas "air" shoes with the little bouncy things on the bottom, anyone try these and what do you think?
I find my feet all sweaty in crocs and they slide around, but I have small feet, so that could be why.

Oh, I forgot! Has anyone tried wearing Born sandals?? I have flip flop-y leather-ish ones that are pretty comfy, but for Disney? And then I have gladiator-ish leather ones too.

 

[aussietravellers]

Wore Croc Athens sandels (flipflops, thongs what every you call them) for 21 days straight at WDW and not a blister or sore foot to be had, we all wore them actually and none of us had sore feet. Don't like regular croc's because our feet sweat but the athens are great, open so no sweaty feet and super comfy.