Mens Sandals? Another Foot Question, Sorry!.....

[eclectics]

Hi. After a blister problem during last trip, this time I tried to read every "foot" thread I could find and now I know all about moleskin, body glide, spray deodorant, cool max socks (they feel tighter than surgical stockings imo), etc. and getting good sneakers to break in. I'm one of those "would rather not wear any type of shoe" people and go barefoot whenever possible. Sneakers and socks are fine but after awhile my feet get SO hot I am very uncomfortable I thought for those "easy" park days I would maybe buy a good pair of sandals but have no experience other than my flip flops (which I obviously can't wear to the parks). Any suggestions for a good COMFY & COOL mens sandal that will go the distance without blisters? My arches aren't in the best shape so a pronounced hard arch would probably be uncomfortable for me. Thanks for any suggestions. Leaving 9/4 and can't wait!!!!!!!!

 

[DiscussDisney]

My favorite sandals are Tevas and Merrells. I don't think you could go wrong with either, IMO.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

Teva would probably be the right choice. They don't offer much arch support so they wouldn't bother your feet. I love Birkenstocks and wear them everywhere, but the hard core arch support takes about a month to get used to and can be brutal if not broken in before a trip to Disney. Another possibility could be KEEN sandals or shoes. They are similar to Tevas, but are lot more stylish.

 

[bicker]

My vote would be for Keen Newport H2s:

 

[skfulkers]

I bought some Doc Marten flip-flops (can't remember the style, but there were only 3 different kinds of flip flops on their website and they were all the same, just different colors) for our trip in May and I love them! I get shin splints fairly often, so I usually need shoes with a decent amount of support/cushoining, so I tried to find a good pair of "decent-looking" flip flops to wear around the parks.
I probably wouldn't wear them for an entire day of commando park-hopping, but I threw them on almost every evening for a night at the resorts or at the parks and I never had any problems.
They are very comfortable, a little on the pricey side for flip-flops (around $50 or so), but they are very good quality. One suggestion--if you do get them, break them in before you head to WDW. Doc Marten's are infamous for being tough on the feet until they're broken in, but they're great once they've adjusted to your feet.
Hope this helps.

Steve

 

[eclectics]

Thanks for your suggestions! I checked them all out on their websites. Tevas look interesting but they have so many models I wouldn't know where to begin (unless someone can recommend a specific one). Most comfortable looking one imo was the Merrell Mardini. Also liked the Keen Newport H2 but am worried about the closed up toe. Also worried about blisters with all those straps. My feet are not used to them. I suppose I could wear socks (a la the Europeans) but that would defeat the purpose. I guess I'll put body glide to the test! Thanks!!!!!!

 

[ajcolorado]

My husband, son, and brother-in-law are all raving about the Keen Newports - the web ones, not the leather. They bought them at REI. I bought some Teve's from reioutlet.com - got a good deal. Also, sierratradingpost.com has some good deals.

 

[PedsTherapist]

O'kay, I have heard about mole skin and spray deoderant, (Why exactly does that work? Is it because it keeps your feet from sweating?). I have no idea what "body glide" is or how to use it. Enlighten me...please?

 

[bdcp]

Good walking shoes with socks are the best for your feet. They support your whole foot and stabilize your ankles. Most sandals give you no support. Tevas to me are the most uncomfortable sandals I've ever tried on. I have a high arch and my feet hurt just trying them on.

 

[Blueberry]

My DH wears the Earth Shoe Sandals sold at Walmart with the velcro adjustable straps..You can adjust all three straps for the front and back and across the top of your foot for perfect sizing...I wear the women's version too..we both love them....

 

[CdnDisneyFan]

I got a pair of Hunters Bay mens sandals at Payless a few years ago, and they are wearing out now, but still feel great! They have a velcro closure too. You might want to look into those!

Jules

 

[KayakDaddy]

I've become somewhat of a footwear guru since my active lifestyle is very hard on my feet. I'm embarrased to admit how many pairs of shoes I have but I cannot say enough good things about the brand Merrell. I have about 8 pairs of them and they just fit my feet well. I've had two pairs of Merrell sandals and they had been the most comfortable I had tried.

All that being said, I recently picked up a pair of Keen's on sale at REI. They are just as comfy as the Merrell's but they have the added protection and style of the over-the-toe rubber rand. The bungee style "laces" work really well too. I've had mine for a few months, and I don't think I'll go back to any other type of sandal.

I know you asked about sandals, but I throw in a free tip about the absolute best theme park footwear. Try on a pair of Adidas ClimaCool running shoes. They are the most comfortable and breathable shoes I've ever had, so now I have two pairs of ClimaCool running shoes, and two pairs of ClimaCool Basketball shoes. They are ideal for hot conditions because they have vents all over them, even through the toes, heels, and soles. Spend the money on their padded Climacool socks too, to complete the experiance. (Even if you don't get the Adidas brand, get something like them - do not wear cotton socks) Not all running shoes are created equal, even within the brand. Make sure you get the ones that are specifically marked as ClimaCool. You will have yourself a combo that is lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying.

 

[asaj]

My vote would be for Keen Newport H2s:

Can you wear these without socks? I assume so, but wasn't sure, with the toe piece and all.

Andy

 

[Lives4Disney]

My whole family has the Keen shoes. We LOVE them.

We always wear them without socks. They are extremely cushy and comfy. No blisters here - even straight from the box. No break in time at all.

I always order my WDW shoes 1/2 to 1 size larger than I normally wear. I used to get blisters EVERY trip. Ordering the shoes a bit larger is the key for me.

Good luck! The Keens are wonderful.

Lives4Disney

 

[aaronlisar]

I bought a pair of BITE sandals last week, they should arrive at my door on Friday. I'm hoping they will work for me since they are the only thing I have found that I can use with my orthotics.

 

[eclectics]

I've become somewhat of a footwear guru since my active lifestyle is very hard on my feet. I'm embarrased to admit how many pairs of shoes I have but I cannot say enough good things about the brand Merrell. I have about 8 pairs of them and they just fit my feet well. I've had two pairs of Merrell sandals and they had been the most comfortable I had tried.

All that being said, I recently picked up a pair of Keen's on sale at REI. They are just as comfy as the Merrell's but they have the added protection and style of the over-the-toe rubber rand. The bungee style "laces" work really well too. I've had mine for a few months, and I don't think I'll go back to any other type of sandal.

I know you asked about sandals, but I throw in a free tip about the absolute best theme park footwear. Try on a pair of Adidas ClimaCool running shoes. They are the most comfortable and breathable shoes I've ever had, so now I have two pairs of ClimaCool running shoes, and two pairs of ClimaCool Basketball shoes. They are ideal for hot conditions because they have vents all over them, even through the toes, heels, and soles. Spend the money on their padded Climacool socks too, to complete the experiance. (Even if you don't get the Adidas brand, get something like them - do not wear cotton socks) Not all running shoes are created equal, even within the brand. Make sure you get the ones that are specifically marked as ClimaCool. You will have yourself a combo that is lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying.

Almost had my mind made up on the Merrells, but the Keens seem to be getting more votes. Only concern for me is the "over the toe rubber". Does it pinch or press on your big toe a awful lot? I've also got a "ingrown toenail" problem on one big toe. Nothing terrible but prolonged pressure causes pain. Also, I have the "Cool Max" socks to wear with my sneaks. Are they the same as ClimaCool? They seem very tight to me but they also seem to be comfortable enough. Thanks!

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

Almost had my mind made up on the Merrells, but the Keens seem to be getting more votes. Only concern for me is the "over the toe rubber". Does it pinch or press on your big toe a awful lot? I've also got a "ingrown toenail" problem on one big toe. Nothing terrible but prolonged pressure causes pain. Also, I have the "Cool Max" socks to wear with my sneaks. Are they the same as ClimaCool? They seem very tight to me but they also seem to be comfortable enough. Thanks!

The beautiful thing about KEEN sandals is that they're made to get wet, for kayaking and such, so blisters won't be a prob. The large toe is to protect from stubbing your toes on underwater rocks/corals. You'll love them and IMO, they're some of the coolest looking/unusual sandles out!

 

[DiscussDisney]

Almost had my mind made up on the Merrells, but the Keens seem to be getting more votes. Only concern for me is the "over the toe rubber". Does it pinch or press on your big toe a awful lot? I've also got a "ingrown toenail" problem on one big toe. Nothing terrible but prolonged pressure causes pain. Also, I have the "Cool Max" socks to wear with my sneaks. Are they the same as ClimaCool? They seem very tight to me but they also seem to be comfortable enough. Thanks!

By the way, the Keen Newport H2 are on sale this week at Nordstrom.com. They are $59.90. Good luck!

 

[eclectics]

By the way, the Keen Newport H2 are on sale this week at Nordstrom.com. They are $59.90. Good luck!

Seems like all the Gods are pointing me at the Keens. Who am I to argue? I'll give them a whirl. Thanks everyone!

 

[KayakDaddy]

Seems like you may have made your mind up already, but I'll answer your direct question about the big rubber toe. (My wife calls them clown toes) The tops of your toes really don't even touch the inside of the toe rand at all. When they do, it is not uncomfortable. I too have had toenail problems and these sandals do not bother them at all. The fact that the big rubber toe rand hides my abused and ugly toes is my favorite feature about the sandals.

As too your question about coolmax socks: Yes, the coolmax and climacool sock material are pretty much the same - thin, synthetic, breathable socks. I've got several pairs of normal coolmax socks. The specific ones that I was promoting are the padded climacool socks. The bottoms and outer edges of the socks are thinker and cushiony, while the foot top and collar are the very thin, more breathable coolmax material. You get the best of both worlds. As a matter of fact, I did a 5K jog and some sprints wearing these socks at 5:30 AM this morning. You can probably find them at sporting goods stores, but I found some for half of MSRP at TjMax.