shoes in the park in summer

[BrerMama]

I think people who say don't wear flip flops have never worn good flip flops -- Teva Mush or even Crocs Athens (although not real fond of the updated version). I'm going to try some Keen flip flops this trip. I live in my Teva Mush from March through October. I can't stand athletic shoes and sure don't want to be wearing them at Disney in the summer when it rains almost every afternoon.

 

[bjscheel]

I got a pair of Merrell sandals- they are more like a mary jane shoe actually so quite a bit of coverage, but they have mesh and drain out the soles so they can get wet. I wore them to MK and AK and then wore tennis shoes to Epcot and HS- parks not likely to get wet in. Sometimes I switched shoes if we went back to the resort mid-day. It's refreshing to put on something different.

 

[cornflake]

Birkenstock also makes super supportive flip flop/sandal deals - also come in a vegan version.

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

I think people who say don't wear flip flops have never worn good flip flops -- Teva Mush or even Crocs Athens (although not real fond of the updated version). I'm going to try some Keen flip flops this trip. I live in my Teva Mush from March through October. I can't stand athletic shoes and sure don't want to be wearing them at Disney in the summer when it rains almost every afternoon.

This is what concerns me as well. We went to WDW last August and DH had a pair of sneakers that were ruined after a day that we got stuck in an afternoon rainstorm. The summer rainstorms are brief, but the downpours are very heavy and the excessive moisture and resulting odor basically ruined that pair of sneakers for him. Me and the kids basically wore Crocs (traditional and Mary Jane style) everyday and the kids were fine but I had blisters after a couple of days. I really want to look into a good athletic style pair of sandals for our next trip as I can't see myself wearing sneakers every day in the parks, especially in the summer months which is when we will most likely go again.

 

[Jubilee]

It is a legitimate concern because it can and will rain (every time I go to Animal Kingdom...) If you drive to a park, always have spare clothes and shoes in the trunk for everyone.

If you are really concerned, there are lockers at the front of each park you can rent out to keep extra socks or clothes in but I don't know anyone who has ever used them so have no idea if the cost is even reasonable.

 

[Tink9295]

I wear Reefs. I love them and always bring a few different ones to alternate. My DD loves Tevas and my DS always wears sneakers. My DH wears lightweight hiking shoes/sneakers. So I guess it depends on what your feet prefer. Just bring pairs to alternate pairs to switch out. After a day in the park we go back in the evening, I always swap out my flip flops.

I must admit I was there in November and my feet were freezing. It was unusually chilly. So Be Prepared.

 

[englishteacha]

I wear very comfortable, very ventilated running shoes from New Balance.

 

[Judique]

Past 50 woman with no real foot problems here. Also, I am no longer a size 6<g>.

I used to wear Tevas and good athletic shoes.

Then, I started forgetting to change my around the villa sandals and I would wear reebok or nike flip flops into the park...staying at BWV and walking into Epcot or riding the boat into the Studios.

A few years back, over at the outlets on the other side of I-4, I found a pair of crocband flips at the Croc store for $7. Wore them to the parks with no problems.

I've since bought a half dozen pair and I wear them anytime I'm at Disney, cold or not.

I don't really like them when I'm walking in water, but you can dry them of easily.

I have never had a blister at Disney that I can remember.

Almost 50 trips.

 

[tlenzendorf]

We are a Keen wearing family. Love them! If your feet get hot you can just pour some water on them

 

[DeaverTex]

Can't speak to WDW-specific issues, but Mrs. Tex and I adore New Balance walking shoes. Get 'em well broken in, wear good wicking socks, and you're good for days and miles. We've worn them daily -- without alternating -- for up to a week of heavy walking in high heat, and they're great with plenty of support and at least SOME protection for your feet. Of course, keep a spare pair in case of rain, and have a pair of dry socks handy.

I just can't imagine wearing flip-flops for anything other than taking a shower at a pool or some such. Ugh. Miserable things.