Low-no arch... which sandal is best?

[momofmikey]

I didn't want to hijack the other flipflop thread going on, so I started a new one. I have very low arches - always have to wear the higher New Balance sneakers so they don't hurt. Was thinking about buying a sandal for our upcoming trip. Any recommendations from people who have the same issue? A friend of mine swears by her Skechers sandals, but I forgot to ask her about her arches. Everyone also mentions the Teva Mush which seem affordable. Any thoughts on those?

Thanks!

 

[Nadjalu]

To be honest I think you would be kinder to your feet and yourself if you wore tennis shoes or crocs at the least. That cement and continuous standing not to mention walking is killer on the feet. I have low arches and wouldn't dare to wear no support and go with extra support for DW trips. Not taking care of your feet on these trips can ruin the fun.
Good luck in your search!

 

[Leni-J]

I have the same problem with my arches (always wear New Balance as well). I just picked up a pair of Merrell sandals last week for our September trip. Been wearing them every day and I have to say I haven't had any pain. They did cost $95 so they aren't cheap but so far they seem worth it. I've also heard that Chaca's (Chaco's?) are very good for arch support but again they're a bit costly. I tried several pairs of Teva's and they just didn't seem to have the support I needed.

 

[heathjh]

I have heard that if your feet like Dansko's than Chaco sandals are the way to go. I got the ones with the toe strap but I have since tightened it down. I still might use it in the future. I love the fact that Chaco's are waterproof. You can wash them top rack of the dishwasher. I wore them to an outdoor all day concert on a 90 degree day. I was able to spray my feet with my squirt bottle. It helped me keep cool. Chaco's will outlast Teva's. I talked to a lady that had worn hers for 8 years. She gardened in them and wore them all the time. They still looked great. Chaco's can also be resoled.

I also have a pair of Finn Comfort. They are VERY nice sandals at the tune of $200. But I will pay anything for my feet to be comfortable. They are not waterproof but are comfortable.

I have heard people rave about Crocs. My kids are probably going to wear them to WDW. But for me I need something with more support.

And a little off topic- but if anyone needs to know. I found a solution for sweaty feet. Spray deodorant at night before you go to bed. It has totally done the trick. I had come on this board before asking about solutions for good shoes and sweaty feet.

 

[hpkalika]

I have 100% flat feet. I have had surgery on 1 so I am pain free on one side. It does however make you realize how bad the other side feels. I got a Merrell sandal that is more of less like a sneaker with a lot of cutouts. It is super comfy and can go in and out of water at the waterparks with no trouble. I have worn many different Merrells over the years and none of the styles have disappointed. The key is to really break them in before you go. I had a newer pair with me this past trip and pulled out the older pair since they were totally broken in.

 

[Hallowishes]

i would agree with the poster who referred you to merrell sandals. they are a bit expensive but they are amazing quality. i went with the merrell siren lyric sandals and am so pleased with them!

 

[catne]

would not mess with trying a sandal at Disney...if you're not used to sandals every day/all day now AND you have foot problems - you'll be in misery if you try anything different there. People with no foot problems at all end up with aching feet just from the sheer volume of walking. I have plantar faciitis/fallen arches, heel issues, etc. I tried wearing crocs one trip (BIG mistake -- they are nice & cushy around the house, but no support walking on pavement...and they're slippery on wet pavement, too.) I tried expensive "athletic" style sandals twice...again, plantar pain was back after just a few hours. Stick with your New Balance.

 

[Kae]

I wear Merrell, croc, & Born sandals. the key for me is not to wear the same one two days in a row.

Kae

 

[cheezwhiz100]

I would try the Keen Ormond they are really a perfect shoe for lots of walking

 

[TiggerAllie]

I second the Keens! I live in my Commuters at WDW. I have no arches at all... (I can't wear Merrills because there is too much arch.) I also second not wearing the same shoes two days in a row. And, if you can, get them before your trip and break them in.

 

[We Love Tinkerbell]

I have to agree with heathjh on the Chacos. These are the best sandals I have ever owned. I had serious problems with my feet and arches about 2 years ago. I didn't know what to wear to Disney World and found a thread that mentioned Chacos. I bought a pair and now won't wear anything else at Disney World. They are adjustable, which is great when your feet swell. I also purchased a pair of their paradox, which is a cross between a sandal and shoe. They are very very durable and look good too.

Good luck.

 

[jenelope]

Similar problems here. I live in my New Balance running shoes at WDW. I had some success with the Teva Pretty Rugged several years ago. However, that was in July and I'd been wearing them all summer. I went back the following May and my feet were killing me! It's not enough to break in your shoes, you also need to break in your feet a little (i.e., get some calluses built up).

These days I'm a devoted Merrell fan, at least in terms of enclosed shoes. I have one pair of Merrell Gardena thongs. They're super comfortable and surprisingly, they're holding up well after three summers of frequent wear. I wouldn't wear them for a long day in the parks, though, because I flat-out refuse to wear anything remotely flip flop-like for a lot of walking. Even with the more substantial sole, I still walk in my Gardenas the same way I walk in cheap foam flip flops. And that way leads to pain and ugly feet.

 

[HulaMinnie]

I agree with the many who have recommended Merrell. I myself just bought a pair of Merrell sandals for my trip in September. Very comfortable and are specially designed to redistribute your weight. I saw them at DSW Warehouse for $60 but had a $20 off coupon, so they were very reasonable.

 

[BelleCat]

I recently found Orthaheel Tide flip-flops. I LOVE them! I also have plantar fasciitis and these are the best, imo. They do feel very strange at first, but once I got used to them, wonderful...! I ordered them through Footsmart, where I was also able to earn points for my purchase on a rewards site, which I then used toward a Rainforest Cafe gift card! For a more athletic shoe feel, I recommend Keen H2s. Good luck in finding the perfect shoe, whatever brand.

 

[mkkm7451]

I recently found Orthaheel Tide flip-flops. I LOVE them! I also have plantar fasciitis and these are the best, imo. They do feel very strange at first, but once I got used to them, wonderful...! I ordered them through Footsmart, where I was also able to earn points for my purchase on a rewards site, which I then used toward a Rainforest Cafe gift card! For a more athletic shoe feel, I recommend Keen H2s. Good luck in finding the perfect shoe, whatever brand.

I injured my foot and have had major issues with my arch and the corresponding heel pain. I love the Orthaheel too - they are extremely comfortable. I also used Footsmart and bought "wave" style. But, the most comfortable for me at Disney was my croc flip flops. I could not believe it. Good luck - foot pain is the worst.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Hands down the best thing for me--who has flat feet and plantar faciitis--is Birkenstock.

I wouldn't recommend you wear them--or any other shoe--for the first time when you get to WDW. Birki's are very different than other shoe and take some getting used to. Definitely break in any new shoes weeks before you get to Disney.

QVC has very cute pairs of cross strap, comfort sandals for around $65. "Comfort" soles are softer than their original footbed.

I personally find them to be therapeutic for my feet--in and outside of Disney park touring.

 

[VeroBeachGirl]

My husband has super flat feet and unfortunately, has to stand most of the day for work. He wears MBT shoes. They are quite costly, but are worth it for the relief they provide. They have them at The Walking Company and Zappos.

 

[ABE4DISNEY]

I also wear New Balance tennis shoes--however, in the summer at WDW, I have 3 pair of Merrell Palmetto style sandals that are awesome. I highly recommend them.

 

[Brit_Jude]

I have plantar faciitis but this is due to my really high arches. I did not want to risk agravating my problems so I wore my Asics Gel Nimbus at the parks with my orthotics in them in July. These were recomended by my podiatrist and I had them worn in for several months before going to the parks. Regular flip flops are the worst thing in my opinion for your feet ok for round the pool but not for all day, bad for your back, and feet. I have a pair of Mephisto Helen sandals that I wore a little while I was away in the evenings when not at the park, got these are the Walking Company shoe store. My physical therapist has recomended the MBT's but they are $245 for shoes that I am not sure about. Has anyone tried the Sketchers Walk-Fits seems like MBT's but a lot cheaper?

Anyway good luck and I hope you can be relatively pain free at the park - maybe you could go into the a Walking Store and have them analyze your foot and see what they recomend.

 

[VeroBeachGirl]

My physical therapist has recomended the MBT's but they are $245 for shoes that I am not sure about. Has anyone tried the Sketchers Walk-Fits seems like MBT's but a lot cheaper?

I've heard that the Sketchers are similar to MBTs. I looked for my husband, but they don't make them for men.