Shoes...Let's get some shoes

[Joanna71985]

It will obviously depend on where you do Merchandise, but I did my last CP in Fantasyland and I was Merch. My friend Kate and I wore black "ballet flats" because they fit very well with our bird skirts and white peasant tops. They much preferred us wearing those to sneakers in F'land, actually. It just depends on where you get placed.

Ooo, when was your CP? My first CP was in Fantasyland merchandise. I refused to wear the bird skirt, though (and stuck with the green bottoms).

 

[MaryPoppins86]

I only went through one pair. Even then, they held up for some time afterwards too. But I invested in them for comfort and durability.

Some of my friends went through multiple pairs and bought new ones from Wal-Mart every few weeks.

I think I spent more up front, but saved in the long run.

I know my feet didn't hurt once I was conditioned to standing. My friends seemed to complain about their feet all of the time.

these are some of the sruff i've heard. i've heard stories where some people go through one pair of shoes while others go through about 4-5. i guess it really does depend on where you work and what you actually do at your job location. like right now i have a pair of black sneakers that i've had for about 4 years now. i just started working a few months ago. and with the things i do at work, i'm surprised my shoes haven't broken down yet.

 

[reborn120]

I wonder how many pair a Mousekeeper goes through. I am not looking forward to buying several pairs of shoes while I am down there. I have shoes from many years ago that I can still wear. (Keep in mind my foot hasn't grown since probably the 6th grade!)

 

[MaryPoppins86]

(Keep in mind my foot hasn't grown since probably the 6th grade!)

hahaha, same with me.

 

[Monster_Movie]

Ooo, when was your CP? My first CP was in Fantasyland merchandise. I refused to wear the bird skirt, though (and stuck with the green bottoms).

They NEVER had pants in my size. I didn't mind the skirt, but that still made me mad, haha. My CP was August 2006 to May 2007. When was your's?!

 

[glendalais]

Just a few notes on this.

Slip-Resistant soles are recommended for all Cast Members, regardless of role. Several roles do REQUIRE Cast Members to wear shoes with Slip-Resistent soles.

I've used Shoes for Crews since I hired in with Disney (they were the Costuming-provided shoes when I worked in F&B*, and I kept them as I moved into other areas). They're quite comfortable and a good value for money, as they do keep for quite a while.

At the Walt Disney World Resort, they do have a truck that comes to backstage locations the first and third weeks of the month to sell shoes to Cast Members. In addition, WDW Cast Members recently gain the ability to pay for their shoes through payroll deductions.

https://www.shoesforcrews.com

*At the DLR, certain roles, including Food & Beverage, utilize company-issued shoes. This is not the case at WDW.

 

[Joanna71985]

They NEVER had pants in my size. I didn't mind the skirt, but that still made me mad, haha. My CP was August 2006 to May 2007. When was your's?!

It was Jan to Aug 2005.

 

[derekparker08]

What kind of shoes do performers wear? Or are they provided as costume? Or what?

 

[Joanna71985]

What kind of shoes do performers wear? Or are they provided as costume? Or what?

I've heard that the shoes are provided (black sneakers), but I've also heard they have to provide their own.

 

[Monster_Movie]

What kind of shoes do performers wear? Or are they provided as costume? Or what?

I do believe they're provided as part of the costume.

 

[DarthBob_2005]

This is quite interesting. Does anyone happen to know what shoes the Main Entrance Ops people have? I know that it may depend on what the location is, but what should I expect?

 

[Goofster18]

Any general thoughts on Character Attendant? And do those change where I am placed or because it's the same role and costume, they are the same? I'll buy them down there, but just wondering to see what I might be able to bring up that I have...THANKS!!!
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

 

[Joanna71985]

Any general thoughts on Character Attendant? And do those change where I am placed or because it's the same role and costume, they are the same? I'll buy them down there, but just wondering to see what I might be able to bring up that I have...THANKS!!!
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

Character attendant is an awsome role. I love getting to interact with the characters. I had an absolute blast last summer (I worked at DHS).

The costume is the same no matter which park you are in (it's a global costume). Same goes for the shoes (black shoes).

 

[bdm223]

Good lord I hated my shoes... I never had any money to invest in the good ones, so I would go through a cheap pair every month. I definitely suggest getting some inserts to make things more comfy on your feet.

 

[CTKris10]

This is quite interesting. Does anyone happen to know what shoes the Main Entrance Ops people have? I know that it may depend on what the location is, but what should I expect?

Main Street Ops has to wear black shoes/sneakers, just like merchandise. Most of my guy friends opted for black sneakers over dressier shoes because they are way more comfortable.

 

[graygables]

I'm in merch and my costume requires solid white athletic shoes. I splurged and bought some Saucony shoes that have been SO comfortable and still look and feel great. I think it would be wise to make an investment in comfort from the start, you'll just feel better in the long run. My 20yo has white and black athletic shoes and a pair of black mary janes and has no problems covering any costume needs for roles she picks up.

 

[DarthBob_2005]

Main Street Ops has to wear black shoes/sneakers, just like merchandise. Most of my guy friends opted for black sneakers over dressier shoes because they are way more comfortable.

Just plain black sneakers then? And is that just for MK or the other parks too? Sounds good I'll look around, but I'll skip buying until I actually know what I'm doing for sure.

 

[bonbon]

Just plain black sneakers then? And is that just for MK or the other parks too? Sounds good I'll look around, but I'll skip buying until I actually know what I'm doing for sure.

Yeah, the point of this thread is in case you already have these shoes (like for another job) you dont have to buy another pair when you get down there, you'll already have a pair. Im not saying you'll have the right shoes (ie you have white but need black), but its worth taking a chance so you can save some money, right?

 

[piratechick]

I worked in QSFB Outdoor Food at Animal Kingdom, so we had a Safari-themed costume. The shoes we had to wear were Safari/Hiking boots in tan, brown, or dark brown. These were my shoes http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4429874. I put shoe gel inserts in them to make them more comfortable.

 

[SandrA9810]

Sole savers aren't non skid pads. They help protect the rubber soles from the non-skid surfaces. Not every wal-mart has them. It's a toss up, but you can find them hanging on the end caps of the shoe isles. It works pretty good if you like dragging your feet as well. Most the time it's the soles that give out before the upper part of the shoe does. Although I do quite a number on my shoes to the point they're falling apart on the insides.

Some shoes for roles I know of...
character attendants - always black shoes
most of animal kingdom and frontierland - brown boots... any shade any size, you can get away with most any kind.
custodial (parks) - black shoes
turnstiles - black shoes
Parking - White
I want to say most of merchandise is black sneakers or black dress.