Park shoes...again!

Yes, I too was in the quest for the most comfortable shoe I could find for my trip.

So far, I own 2 pairs of Keens Venice. They're ok but I'm still looking. These were a bit pricy at $80 more or less. I bought a pair from Shoebuy website when there was a heads-up on the Budget Board for $50. I still find the footbed a bit hard.

I just bought a pair of Sketchers Go Walk. These nice & cushy/bouncy but I had to put an insert for my high arch. They're made of a mesh material but I found them a bit warm. I don't wear them on a really hot day. They're ok.

I also have been buying Clarks sandals & shoes throught QVC. I usually type 'as is Clarks' in the search tab on the app & look for my size on different styles. I find these shoes to be very comfortable. Plus these are marked down from the regular sale price. They may be returns but they seem like new to me. I've been wearing these to the hospital appts & they work well
for me.

I also bought a pair of Orthoheel sandals from them but the style I got flops around a bit. The arch support is nice. I mostly wear them as a house slipper. Qvc goes through an alignment spiel when they try to sell the different styles. Im not sure about that but o.k. I just saw they came out with a new style in a sneaker version.

It's all trial and error. I do agree with you about trying a shoe out but I took a chance & will take 3 pairs of the different styles & see which one is best. Hope you find what's best for you.
 
Not sandals but I highly recommend Sketchers Go Walks. I have the slip on ones and they were amazing on my feet in July. They are machine washable and trust me you will wash them often. I have bad foot problems and have tried many different shoes and these were better than anything I've ever had on my feet. They kind of made my feet sweat but that was an easy trade off for not having any feet pain for a week. A spray of aerosol antiperspirant helps with the sweaty, stinky feet! I just bought my second pair because I forgot my old ones on the balcony at the Polynesian and was far too embarrassed to call and claim them!! I apologize to mousekeeping for having to touch them !!:guilty:
 
I really like my Keens sandals. I have fallen arches and also tend to get athletes foot if the shoes don't breathe well. I hiked 4 miles in them in Hawaii and just did 3 days at WDW. They are ugly but really functional.

For closed shoes, I like Eccos and Clarks. My 2012 WDW trip was in a great pair of Eccos with excellent arch support.
 

Foot pain is rarely caused from simply not wearing good sneakers, but rather weak feet, ankles and Achilles.

The development of today's version of a sneaker is only about 30 or 40 years old and generations of people pre 1975 walked and ran for miles and miles without these chronic foot and ankle conditions prevalent today. One of the major contributors to all the foot injuries today is exactly what people turn to when they have foot pain....a supportive shoe.

The more "support" a shoe has, the weaker your foot gets. The weaker your foot gets the more susceptible you become to foot injuries and pain. Slowly move from the massive support shoes into a more neutral/minimalist shoe and work on strengthening your feet and legs.
 
I discovered Saucony tennis shoes a couple of years ago. I have a reconstructed foot from a car accident many years ago, with scar tissue, stiffness, etc.. I love these shoes because they accommodate my narrow heel and long, wide toes. They are a running shoe with mesh, very light, bouncy, and fit well without stretching out of shape. I've gotten them wet a few times and they bounce right back. I love these shoes!
I also wear my Clark Sandals when it is way too hot to deal with sneakers! I love the Clarks!
 
Teva "Tirra" sandals and Asics running shoes are my perfect "walking on a cloud" open and closed toe combination. Even got DD14 a pair of Teva "Tirra" sandals for our backpacking trip through Thailand this fall.

Highly recommend.
 
I discovered Saucony tennis shoes a couple of years ago. I have a reconstructed foot from a car accident many years ago, with scar tissue, stiffness, etc.. I love these shoes because they accommodate my narrow heel and long, wide toes. They are a running shoe with mesh, very light, bouncy, and fit well without stretching out of shape.

Saucony (as well as other brands like Asics, New Balance, Brooks, etc) makes all kinds of different running shoes. It's like saying "I like Toyota". There is the Corolloa, the Tundra, the CRV, etc. All made by Toyota, but all very different in terms of need and functionality.
 
I work in a retail environment where I am on my feet for 8+ hrs every day running around. They are not lightweight or mesh, but the most comfortable shoes I have found are Danskos. Very popular with the medical professional community as well, who also spend long hours on their feet every day. The weight does not bother me in the least. I have a mary jane style that I love, but they also make clogs and sandals in addition to the regular-style shoes - now, most are leather, which probably wouldn't be the best bet for Disney; however, they also have a sneaker line that I haven't tried yet, but I would imagine they would be a good choice. If you order from Zappos, you can try them out with free shipping both ways.
 
Also! Husband is exceedingly fond of his Teva sandals. Wears 'em everywhere. Next best thing to bare feet, he says.
 
I would highly recommend FIT Flops. I wear them every time in the parks. I have not find any athletic shoes that I can wear all day at the parks without pain.
 
I wear my Reef flipflops in the parks and don't have problems with them. They are a little slippery once wet but they dry fast. I have a high arch and I don't buy any other brand other than Asics. Love them. I used to love New Balance until I got me a pair of Asics. I'm buying a new pair for our trip in September as well. I haven't bought a new pair of shoes in 2 years. Zappos.com has free shipping and free returns. It's not fun going shoe shopping with my 3 year old some times. So, when I get them in, I try them on, send back the one(s) I don't like. They'll send you an email when they receive your return and they'll refund your money. It's a pretty nifty system. :cool1:
 
Saucony (as well as other brands like Asics, New Balance, Brooks, etc) makes all kinds of different running shoes. It's like saying "I like Toyota". There is the Corolloa, the Tundra, the CRV, etc. All made by Toyota, but all very different in terms of need and functionality.

That's true! I apologize for not being more specific. Mine happen to be Cohesion 6. There are different types and I would suggest trying them on to be sure. I got my new ones at Rack Room Shoes, they seem to have a good selection.
 
I wore a pair of Birkenstocks sandals and my feet NEVER hurt. However, they were like oil slicks when it rained! Just terrible! So I will take my Birks again this year, maybe with a pair of Tevas in the backpack for back up! My toes do not like the confines of closed toed shoes!

Contemporary / Polynesian March 1983 Boardwalk Villas October 2012
 
I really really love Nike. I have some Free Run 2.0's that I have had for 3 years now and they're still in great shape. I recently got the Nike flex and I love them! It's a nice to alternate. I got the free runs at an outlet but the others I got from shoe carnival for $60! (Maybe $30? It was bogo 1/2 off I think?) I had issues with plantar fasciitis and they've since cleared up!

I think like someone above said it's often due to lack of use really. I started walking more and started a job where I'm on my feet 5-6 days a week for 7 hours a day and I think that contributed a lot to helping.
 
No offense, but it's just walking. Any decent pair of shoes are fine. You're just walking in Florida, not on the surface of the moon. Don't over think this one..

Oh - sorry but incorrect there. If you have foot issues of any kind, cheap shoes will make your life a misery and possibly damage your feet in the process.

OP - my best suggestion would be to visit a store such as you mentioned like The Walking Company and try several types to see what will work for you. Every person's feet are completely different and what works for some may not work for you.

I personally need alot of arch support - the softness/cushion of the shoes are not as important as long as my arches are supported. My two current faves are Asics Gel Kayano 20 for sneakers and Keen Newport H2 for sandals. Both work very well for my needs.

Best of luck in your search!!
 
I really have terrible feet - they are in great shape, because I walk 8-10 miles pretty much a day, but they are just terrible when it comes to blistering. The absolute best pair of sneakers I've found are my Nike Free 4.0. Lightweight, not bulky, and very flexible both in the arch and in the back. I haven't had one blister since getting these, and I've even bought several pair because I love them. For flipflops, my vote is for reefs. A lot of support, with fabric at the toe piece, so they don't rub like plastic does. Good luck finding something that works for you!

Courtneyprincess:
 
Asics. I get mine at Kohl's on sale. They are lightweight, breath well and have virtually solved my knee problems.
 
Brooks Glycerin! Love them. They are my work, walking(exercising), everyday shoes too. I have some problems with my right foot and a bone spur so I need a high quality shoe. They are like walking on a cloud. Actually just bought a new pair on sale as they are getting rid of last years for this years version.

Last year I got a pair of the Brooks Adrenaline, and they were nice for around here but ended up with my first Disney blister under my toe :( So next year it's Glycerin all the way!
 





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