Shoes for WDW for people with bad feet

[Sk8Leigh]

My feet always kill me at WDW. It's terrible. I'm not talking about blisters. <<knock on wood>> That's not usually my problem. I mean that after being there for about a day, the bottoms of my feet are sooo sore that it's hard to walk, and especially to stand in line. I usually end up sitting down in lines, and it gets worse as the days go on. One problem might be that I have a pretty high arch.

If anyone else has a similar problem, what kind of shoes have you found that help? I've tried Crocs. They don't really help me, although I do like them for wearing at home. So I'm not asking for Crocs. But anything else, especially a sandal. I know I've seen people talk about Tevas and Keens. Which styles do you like?

One more problem that I have is that my feet are very small, size 4 women's, and a lot of the shoes aren't going to fit me. I may have to try kids' versions. So if anyone can speak to small sizes in these styles, that would be great, too.

I need to place a Zappos order so I can hopefully find something new for my upcoming DL trip!

TIA!

 

[Heathr6913]

I know you said not Crocs...but have you tried the Crocs Athens sandal? its the most comfortable sandal i have ever wore. I can't wear the regular crocs beach shoe because it hurts my feet, I also have a very high arch and my feet get very sore very fast. The gel like bottoms of the Athens form to your feet, they are a godsend for me.

 

[mandy200587]

I have an arch and I have a really bad time finding shoes cause I need a wide and I'm like 11/12 depending on the brand. I found a pair of Rebooks that I would swear by now for Disney they are the most comfy pair of shoes I've owned ever.

 

[canwegosoon]

I would go to a podiotrist and get an arch support,there are also over the counter ones. It sounds like standing on your feet all day is hurting your arches, if this is not possible, then get an over the counter support and wear your lightest sneakers with the best support possible.

 

[jill9072]

the first cpl years at disney i never had birkenstock sandles. the last 2 years i have had them, THEY ARE A MUST! I do not go anywhere without them. I always hated the thought of paying a high price for shoes, but your feet are worth it!! Its the best thing i ever did (next to my kids)
Jill

 

[badblackpug]

I am emergency dept. nurse, and I am on my feet on a concrete floor for 12 hours straight. At work I wear Dansko clogs. They have GREAT arch support and they are the only shoes that that keep my feet and back from hurting after a shift. They make lots of different styles, including sandals. They can be a bit on the pricey side, but I have gotten great deals on ebay.

 

[#1DizGal]

Check out the crocs.com website. They have now come out with three 'special' designs for those with bad/sore/diabetic feet. There's the 'Relief', which relieves stress on feet, the 'Cloud' which is a comfort shoe for diabetics, and 'Silver Cloud'. Hope this helps!

 

[Cool-Beans]

When my feet started hurting, I went to the podiatrist...we worked it out.

He asked me what kind of shoes I wore and I said, "Reebok Princess," and pointed to my shoes under the chair. I said, "I tried a $150 Nike and a (whatever it was), but they were worse. He said, "They're all crap."

He said the shoe I wear is a "good shoe," and he also said that so many of his nurse patients wear them that he calls them, "The Nursing Reebok." I looked around at work...a few other women wear them, too.

But I think the trick is to find one that works for you. If you need a special size or width, try shoes.com.

If you have two different shoes that are comfortable, switch back and forth over the day. Gives the dogs a rest.

Good luck!

 

[Diznotyzed]

I have high arches too, and for me Keens have a decent amount of support and a lot of protection and are much cooler than tennis shoes. While I prefer the support of a cork bed sandal, Keens also breeze through rain showers and water parks. The bottoms of my feet are a little bit tender at the end of the day, but I really don't notice it much til we get back to the room and I take my shoes off.

 

[maureenann]

New Balance sneaks/sandals are the life support for my size 10 1/2 feet with very "messed up" (broken many times) toes. Rockport sandals are also great.

 

[Pugrpooh]

I've been wearing Birkenstocks for about 5 years now and I've been to WDW 3 times and DL once in that time. I have 3 pairs now. I tried the Crocs but they don't have the arch support and I don't like the feel of the material on my feet. I did buy the Niles but I just tend to wear them when I'm cleaning out my pool.

After reading about Keens on the board, I ordered a pair that look like huarache sandals. They're coming today and I'm looking forward to trying them. We leave for WDW in a week and I'm just taking 2 pairs of Birkenstocks and the Keens if they work out.

Lynn

 

[CaipiraBob]

Have you tried "wide" shoes with "Dr. Scholl's" gel inserts? Just a thought. I use the slippers at home. They are more comfortable than the LL Bean "Wicked Comfortable" Slippers that I send family every two years (about the time they wear out.)

 

[maelstrom]

They sell EarthShoes at Wal-Mart in the $12-$20 range. They have *very* soft bottoms. Comfiest WDW shoes I ever had. They fit my small feet and have a hippie feel but fit better than Birkenstocks in my opinion.

 

[1stluvispooh]

First of all I can't belive I found someone with smaller feet than my sister! She's a size 5. I have horrible feet and they seem to be getting worse. I would recomend the Dansko, they have youth sizes so that might help. I have also worn Birkenstocks and love them. I never in the world thought I would ever say that but I do. Now since my feet seem to be getting worse. I now have tarsal tunnel big time, someone at a walking shoe store suggested I try Mephisto's. They are on order and I will keep you posted.

 

[amyminzey]

I always have a terrible time, too. I just bought some Skechers sandals that are absolutely the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned! Skechers are always very comfortable and are great walking shoes. The ones I have are black, have a back/ankle strap, cover most of the foot except for your toes/tips of your toes, and kind of remind me of water shoes. If you have a Skechers store around you or any other store that sells them, definately check it out. We are going to Vegas in two weeks, so I'll let you know how they work out; but I have been wearing them all week and they are sooooo comfy!!!

 

[Kimberly815]

My feet always kill me at WDW. It's terrible. I'm not talking about blisters. <<knock on wood>> That's not usually my problem. I mean that after being there for about a day, the bottoms of my feet are sooo sore that it's hard to walk, and especially to stand in line. I usually end up sitting down in lines, and it gets worse as the days go on. One problem might be that I have a pretty high arch.

If anyone else has a similar problem, what kind of shoes have you found that help? I've tried Crocs. They don't really help me, although I do like them for wearing at home. So I'm not asking for Crocs. But anything else, especially a sandal. I know I've seen people talk about Tevas and Keens. Which styles do you like?

One more problem that I have is that my feet are very small, size 4 women's, and a lot of the shoes aren't going to fit me. I may have to try kids' versions. So if anyone can speak to small sizes in these styles, that would be great, too.

I need to place a Zappos order so I can hopefully find something new for my upcoming DL trip!

TIA!

I think I have the same problem! At the end of the day, when I take my shoes off, the bottoms of my feet- are VISIBLY SWOLLEN and hurt like the dickens!!! My fiance thinks it is funny how much they get affected when he never has a problem with his feet.

I have not found a single thing that really works. I make sure to take aleve or advil every day to take the edge off. I rotate two pairs of comfortable shoes every other day. I even take flip flops to the park with me sometimes to wear for an hour here and there to switch it up. Nothing works- so I just stay pumped up on the advil!!! I would rather have swollen pads of my feet at Disney than painless feet anyplace else!!!!!!

Good luck!

 

[poppinspal]

While my problem isn't exactly like yours I thought I'd share what I've found helpful. I have had problems due to wearing high heels all the time. (Boots, sandals, shoes... the higher they are the more I enjoyed them.) Now I can get serious pain in my feet.

So the last time I bought sneakers which were wonderful sneakers to start with(asics...the only sneaker I'd never really owned and now one of the few I'll stick to now.) but now I get sole inserts that have some sort of cusioning. I can't remember the name of them now but I'm sure there are a number of good ones out there. I also have a tiny foot and would sometimes but sneakers from the kids sizes and have since learned they don't offer enough support for and adult. Of course I'm a sandal addict so I've found certain sandals I love. Reefs offer me enough cushioning under my feet and are also so comfortable.

I hope this helps. I actually bought crocs to see how they'd help me with my foot problem but the look issue holds me back from wearing them too often. I'm in my 20s, what do you want?

 

[pbnjrockette]

Add me to the sore feet club. I'm always amazed when I see people in heels or flipflops walking around smiling and my feet are killing me in well-supported shoes. I never travel without at least 6 pairs of shoes. Husband thinks I'm nuts. But I get blistered between toes and on the soles of my feet!

I am still looking for a good pair of walking shoes. I have a pair of Easy Spirit sneakers that are practically worn out and the new styles are not the same. they are leather and too warm in hot weather (the heat makes the feet swell and makes matters much worse!).

I have small narrow feet 51/2 A (usually have to settle for B or even a 6). Most shoes don't come in small sizes. Can't do Crocs--way too wide.

Will look on the websites suggested--and hope someone will make the miracle cool, comfortable shoe.

 

[lynn46356]

I am a Clark's girl. I love them. The last time I went to WDW I bought a brand new pair and hadn't even worn them before we left. I had no problems. The Clarks with the softer leather are my favorite. Whether its summer or winter, sandal, clog or enclosed shoe. I know when your foot hurts your whole body hurts. Good luck finding a shoe that keeps you comfortable. I know how important it is. Have a great trip to Disney.

Lynn

 

[JillU-DVC]

I really love my new Rockport sneakers - they feel like i'm walking on pillows! REally looking forward to using them at Disney in November.

The ones I got (at the Rockport outlet in Orlando!) are Rockport DMXMAX - again, they feel like I'm walking on pillows, but have decent arch supports (though I still add a molded plastic arch support in addition to the shoe).

Not sure about sizes, though, i'm lucky enough to be in a standard size, so am able to get these at the outlets.