New shoes = Sore feet

[Geemo]

I know the importance of good shoes for a trip to Disneyland.

Besides the importance of good shoes, I've learned not to wait until the last minute.

In preparation for our March trip I bought new shoes.
I’ve been wearing them for a few days now.
The little toe on my left foot isn’t happy.

If new shoes don't work out, I have a couple of backup pairs.
They look awful but sure are comfy.

Oh the preparation for a trip......

Geemo

 

[ParkHopper1]

I rotate shoes each day... and try and change socks mid day of possible. I was blessed with whimpy feet and a different pair each day makes the world of difference giving the pressure points of the shoes a chance to rest and heal up rather than making it progressively worse with each day.

 

[figment_jii]

Is your little toe getting squished or is something else happening to it? If it's getting squished, there is a chance that if you wear the shoes enough, it'll stretch out the material. It's uncomfortable for a while, but it might work out in the end. I've never bought one, but I've seen "shoe expander" being advertised...they're supposed to stretch out your shoes (either direction), so that might be something to look into if you really like your new shoes!

 

[SweetAlex]

Oh Geemo. I feel your pain. My feet are so bleepin' picky and whiney. I always buy TWO new pairs of shoes and try to "break them in" before we go. It's frustrating to buy new shoes for something like this (and we all know, they likely weren't cheapo shoes) only to have them not work out.

I bought some Clarks as per many recommendations this weekend. They are comfy but not sure if they will hold up to the foot abuse only Disney can deliver. My Salomans have been my favorite so far. My feet never get sore in those puppies.

Other than that, Advil is my dear dear friend at Disney.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

See if there is a shoe shop near you that will stretch the shoe for you. I've had that done and it really helps. The shoe shop I use has a better stretcher than the ones I can buy -- and the guy checks my foot, checks the shoe, and stretches exactly the way I want.

 

[Skimassey]

I've been to DW twice and DL once. I've either worn standard crocs or croc flip flops and never had any trouble. I don't have any crocs right now, but I've been wearing my croc flip flops on my nightly walks, and I've started to get blisters on the balls of my feet. I'm thinking I'll need to buy something different pretty quickly as we leave for DL in 17 days!

I prefer not to wear socks, so most tennis shoes are out. What shoes do you find comfy for all day in the park?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Have you tried Keens? We love ours, but we both have styles that require socks (oxfords and mary janes). But I know people who wear the Keen sandals without socks all day in the parks without any problems. Do Toms or Sanuks work for you? Those can be worn without socks.

 

[Tink575]

Geemo see if a shoemaker can stretch them for you, if not try cushioning that toe for a while with moleskin, the added bulk may stretch it.

 

[Skimassey]

Have you tried Keens? We love ours, but we both have styles that require socks (oxfords and mary janes). But I know people who wear the Keen sandals without socks all day in the parks without any problems. Do Toms or Sanuks work for you? Those can be worn without socks.

I was looking at Keen sandals on amazon today, but I've never tried them. I can only do Toms for short periods of time before my feet start to hurt. I've never tried Sanuks.

With the mary janes, do you wear the thin no show socks?

 

[krispin41]

I was looking at Keen sandals on amazon today, but I've never tried them. I can only do Toms for short periods of time before my feet start to hurt. I've never tried Sanuks.

With the mary janes, do you wear the thin no show socks?

I wore Keens (sandals) on my last trip and liked them, especially because they could get wet and I wouldn't have to worry about them. They do run small though, I got a 9.5 and I wear a 9, I could have worn a 10 probably too.

I am totally having foot issues right now myself and just got a pair of custom orthodics...still getting used to them, but they are helping. I am also trying to break in a pair of shoes before I leave too.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I was looking at Keen sandals on amazon today, but I've never tried them...
With the mary janes, do you wear the thin no show socks?

Yes, I wear Smartwool peds with them -- the cotton peds don't last as well for all day visits. The Smartwool doesn't itch (and I'm really sensitive to wool), wick moisture, don't smell, and breathe. They are more expensive so look for a coupon online. Also, there are other brands that make wool peds that are less expensive. So far, after many all day visits to the parks, not one blister with the Smartwool peds and the Keens keep my feet feeling good (tired, yes, but good!). I think it is because the Keens have such good arch support.

I wore Keens (sandals) on my last trip and liked them, especially because they could get wet and I wouldn't have to worry about them. They do run small though, I got a 9.5 and I wear a 9, I could have worn a 10 probably too...

DH had to go up half a size. I stayed with my regular size. I think a good test of whether you will need to size up is the shape of your toes. If you have squared toes (me), then you probably can stick with your regular size. If you have pointed toes (DH), then size up. Zappos is great for ordering Keens because we can order 2 sizes and send the wrong one back without any fees. Also, the comments on Zappos really help us decide which styles will work for us.

 

[BirdsSingWords]

I'm a big fan of Skechers GoWalks. They're lightweight but sturdy enough to handle full days at DL, and I can wear them with or without socks.

They have a style they call "sock shoes" that are to-die-for comfy and great for lots and lots of walking.

 

[yupikgal]

Unfortunately, I have every foot problem you can imagine. Flat feet, wide feet, bunions and plantar facitis. I often get heel pain while I'm there too. I normally try to bring several pairs to switch them out too, it does help. This time I am buying shoes before we leave, but we live in a small remote part of Alaska where there are no specialty shoe stores. I waited too long to order online, I was going to go through Zappos. Luckily, we have some time before we head to DL before our trip, at least a few days, and I plan on picking some up at a specialty shoe store (Foot Solutions) in Anchorage on our way down. I've already researched it and my sister suggested Brooks Addictions walkers. They are ugly as sin, but she swears by their comfort. I'm also looking at another brand the store carries because of similar reviews-it's called Spira. http://footsolutions.com/brands/spira/

I'm also bringing my favorite sandals-Chacos! My Sketchers Go-Walks are nice and comfortable, so I'm bringing those to switch out to if need be. They look similar to this. I got them from Sears, maybe they don't make them anymore, they were on the sale rack. http://www.zappos.com/skechers-performance-go-walk-2-golf-gray-pink

I'm bringing one nice pair of shoes for "dress up" not a high heel though, and probably bring my mickey crocs to use as my slippers to use in the room.

 

[Skimassey]

Yes, I wear Smartwool peds with them -- the cotton peds don't last as well for all day visits. The Smartwool doesn't itch (and I'm really sensitive to wool), wick moisture, don't smell, and breathe. They are more expensive so look for a coupon online.

Thanks for info about the Smartwool peds. They ARE expensive! But, I can see how the regular thin socks wouldn't be smart in the parks.

 

[707MickeyGirl]

I'm hoping to beat the foot pain this trip. I have plantar fasciitis and when we went in July, my feet were killing me. So in preparation for our November trip, I started walking long distances every day. I always walk about 4 miles a day anyway, but I've upped that to walking 7 - 8 miles per day which is what we average when we're at Disneyland. My foot pain is almost completely gone, my new shoes are all broken in and super comfy, and the best benefit is that I've lost 20 lbs. Of course I'll still bring plenty of moleskin and Advil just in case.

 

[Geemo]

I looked up the SmartWool socks. Yes, they are expensive.
Fabric content is 72% Merino Wool, 26% Nylon and 2% Elastic.

I saw these socks at Costco the other day, 4pair for $11.99.
http://www.costco.com/Kirkland-Signature™-Ladies'-Trail-Sock-4-Pack-Dark-Blue.product.100098430.html

The Costco socks content is 82% Merino Wool, 14% Polyester, 2% Nylon and 2% Spandex.

I think I'll pick up a pack and see how they do.

Update on my little piggy toe....
The shoes are stretching out and it isn't squealing as much today....
By March they'll be fine.

THANK YOU! for all the ideas to solve the problem.

Geemo

 

[palenskec]

I'm a big fan of Keen's over here! The sandals. I've never worn them to DL, but my last trip to Mexico I wore them for a week in hot weather with lots of walking, no problems. I will be packing them, flip flops and toms for our trip this weekend. I am also a fan of changing mid-day. We will have a stroller, and will be able to store a pair or two in the bottom basket.

 

[GatorChris]

I remember wearing some Skecher skate shoes for one day. My heels hurt so bad at the end of the day. I ended up wearing some gel inserts the rest of the week, but it took about 24 hours for the heels to stop hurting. Now it's nothing but New Balance for me. Running or Training shoes, they both are great.

 

[SweetAlex]

I've never been able to figure out why they can't make good solid supportive shoes attractive...? They are always ghastly big all-white or all-black clunker shoes. It can't be too hard one would think.

I've heard that Sketchers Walkers are very comfortable but NOT for long distances or all day. Has anyone found that? DH has Keens and loves them. Being waterproof is always a good bonus.

 

[krispin41]

I forgot to mention, since I work retail and am on my feet all day (on cement floors too), my podiatrist recommended compression socks. They really do seem to help. I still have some pain/tiredness, but nothing like I used to have.