Right Footware

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Last trip I wore my Birkenstock sandals on 2 different days and they were GREAT, but the shop where I bought them told me that style should absolutely NOT get wet. That was fine, it only rained once during our trip.

The other shoes I brought were Easy Spirit walking shoes that have a very soft, stretchy strap around the back. I get blisters on the back of my heel, but this strap doesn't make blisters. Since the back of the shoe isn't enclosed it isn't too hot, but the strap holds the shoe on nicely. I just bought another identical pair to take to Disney in August. I also bought a pair that are the "mule" style with a completely open back. I brought my New Balance sneakers in October but I never wore them, so I will probably leave them next time. I also have a pair of Avia sneakers that are the open back style but those made a blister on my toe one day when I walked a lot.

I bought some Teva Hurricane sandals to wear when I think we will get wet, and I have Teva Mush flip-flops to wear to the pool. I bring one suitcase that is the designated "shoe bag". I will be in big trouble if the airline loses that bag!

 

[joshsmom]

Another CROC believer here!! DS and I both took them with, as well as our tennis shoes. DS didn't wear his tennis shoes one day. He wore CROCS every day and never had a problem. Sometimes he wore socks, sometimes he didn't. It sure was easy to take the socks off in line at Splash Mountain and then put them back on when his feet were dry!! No blisters for him AT ALL.

I, on the other hand, had my CROC doubts, so I wore my tennis shoes the first day. My feet were killing me--and they were well broken in!! Wore my CROCS the rest of the time and never had another problem. They are VERY lightweight and conform to your feet. Yes, they're UGLY, but if my feet are happy, I DON'T CARE!!!!!

 

[ktglads]

Anyone got any inexpensive suggestions for flat, wide feet? I've always worn sneakers to WDW and always gotten blisters on my tired, achy, and hot feet by lunchtime. Sandals just don't seem to have enough support for me. And I really don't see how people can wear those thin/flimsy flip-flops in the parks, or heels for that matter!

My feet are wider and I have absolutely no problems in my merrells. I have these: Merrell sandals. They were more expensive than I normally buy, but I got them at DSW for less than $40. Considering those have made about 10 Disney trips and go to every other theme park with me with no issues, I would say they are worth it. If you have a DSW by you, I would suggest you go there and see the selection

 

[MareQ]

Anyone got any inexpensive suggestions for flat, wide feet? I've always worn sneakers to WDW and always gotten blisters on my tired, achy, and hot feet by lunchtime. Sandals just don't seem to have enough support for me. And I really don't see how people can wear those thin/flimsy flip-flops in the parks, or heels for that matter!

I have very flat and very wide feet. I bought a pair of crocs niles and merrill reactors - both fit VERY well and are the most comfy shoes I have ever owned. The merril's are nice and sporty - the crocs are ugly as sin but it's like walking on a cloud so I can look past the appearance

 

[charlie11364]

The best advice I rec'd was to wear good quality sneakers that have been broken in and 100% cotton socks. ...snip...

Call me a renegade on this. Sneakers? Cotton socks? Sandals?

Sandals are OK for a trip down to the pool, or a short walk around - ditto sneakers

Look at what a Police Officer, or a Postman wears on his feet. Good SHOES with support, and I HATE cotton socks - wear Coolmax, Thermax, or believe it or not - light weight WOOL. When I started wearing the "super fiber" and wool socks in the summer, my feet are actually cooler

I'd look for a pair of "Low hikers" - sort of a heavy duty sneaker, and get some coolmax socks

 

[MareQ]

Call me a renegade on this. Sneakers? Cotton socks? Sandals?

Sandals are OK for a trip down to the pool, or a short walk around - ditto sneakers

Look at what a Police Officer, or a Postman wears on his feet. Good SHOES with support, and I HATE cotton socks - wear Coolmax, Thermax, or believe it or not - light weight WOOL. When I started wearing the "super fiber" and wool socks in the summer, my feet are actually cooler

I'd look for a pair of "Low hikers" - sort of a heavy duty sneaker, and get some coolmax socks

Well many people have GREAT experience with sandals. They are DEFINITELY good for more than a trip to the pool.. Also what about what Nurses wear? They work 12 hour shifts - on their feet - and many of them wear... CROCS....

 

[HarryLeg]

I found that if I enclose my feet on a hot humid summer day all I get are hot tired feet, blisters, and foot odor that can drop small animals and children at 50 paces. This problem went away as soon as I started wearing sandals and I mean good sandals (Birks, Tevas, Chacos, Keens etc.). If you have problem feet (I have a high instep and a EEE width foot) go try on several good brands to find one you like. I don't worry about my feet getting wet because they tend to dry very fast wearing sandals.

 

[charlie11364]

Well many people have GREAT experience with sandals. They are DEFINITELY good for more than a trip to the pool.. Also what about what Nurses wear? They work 12 hour shifts - on their feet - and many of them wear... CROCS....

Heh - I did say I was a rennegade on this, right

I'm likely as not to be wearing a pair of 9" high top patrol boots in mid summer, just for the ankle support. I have thought of getting a good set of desert combat boots

 

[eeyore29]

Are CROCS plastic/rubber? That's how they look in the pictures. Just seems like they'd make for some hot, sweaty feet if they're rubbery...especially without socks...

 

[skiptomypooh]

Another vote for Crocs here! Eeyore29, they are made of a man-made porous compound which is very light and feels slightly spongey. They are definetely not sweaty. I actually read somewhere else that someone put them in the dishwasher to wash them.

I have flat, narrow, small feet and a herniated disc. After a few hours a WDW with two under fives, I thought I was going to have to sell my DVC membership or invest in a pharmaceutical company.

Luckily, I read about the crocs here and took them for the next trip. They are great! I've worn them the last two trips and had absolutely no problems. I can't believe how great they've been. Now I have two pairs and my DS, 5, has a pair that he wouldn't take off until it snowed up here. I might buy a pair for the almost 3yo DS for the Summer.

Of course, the earlier posters are all correct. Everyone is different. My husband can't do sandals. He lives in the expensive sneaker/good shoes and fancy socks, mostly light weight wool and man made fibers. I'd die if I wore those.

To the OP, I hope you find something to work for you. Happy feet are great!

 

[Budahman]

Awe man,

I could only wear athletic shoes. I could never wear flip flops or sandles around WDW. I don't know how some people do that.? Expecially the few that I see with high heals......oh man.!

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

On our trip in May, we had one person wearing light weight hiking boots with hiking-style socks; one person in high-quality walking shoes (bought at REI); one person wearing Tevas; and one person wearing Birkenstocks. We all used Body Glide, and no one had any blisters or even hot spots on their feet! And here I'd brought along all this moleskin and blister band-aids and everything...

So based on our experience, I'd say go with whatever you are most comfortable wearing for lots of walking around, break in the shoes with some good hikes prior to the trip, and use Body Glide.

We also used Mary Kay's peppermint leg cream before hitting the parks and any time we started to get sore muscles and feet - worked like a charm! I was rather skeptical of it at first, but became a convert after experiencing the blessings of relief and very few problems with muscle soreness after several long days of walking and standing.

 

[pepperw23]

Birkenstocks are the best shoes for walking around WDW. Tennis shoes are good too, but bring an extra pair of socks for when they get wet on Kali River Rapids or Splash Mountain.

I LOVE my birkenstocks!!! Mine are really really ugly, but I don't care, they are comfy.

 

[Safari Queen]

I bring Crocs and a pair of Clarks sandals and alternate. The Crocs are particularly great if your feet might get wet. A wipe with a paper towel and you're all set! Any kind of closed shoe is way too hot for me.

 

[beattyfamily]

On our trip in May, we had one person wearing light weight hiking boots with hiking-style socks; one person in high-quality walking shoes (bought at REI); one person wearing Tevas; and one person wearing Birkenstocks. We all used Body Glide, and no one had any blisters or even hot spots on their feet! And here I'd brought along all this moleskin and blister band-aids and everything...

So based on our experience, I'd say go with whatever you are most comfortable wearing for lots of walking around, break in the shoes with some good hikes prior to the trip, and use Body Glide.

We also used Mary Kay's peppermint leg cream before hitting the parks and any time we started to get sore muscles and feet - worked like a charm! I was rather skeptical of it at first, but became a convert after experiencing the blessings of relief and very few problems with muscle soreness after several long days of walking and standing.

I second Bodyglide! It's a Godsend for my feet and for chafing too! I couldn't live without it. Blistershield also does the trick too if you can't find Bodyglide.