Shoes? What is best?

[T&EMommy]

I have read many posts on crocs for Disney, however we don't have any.

DH and I are taking our 4 year old DD , and 6 year old DS . They both love flip flops. DS has a pair of Rainbows. DH doesn't care. I really don't care what I wear on my feet either.

Tell me, should we skip the flip flop idea and where tennis shoes? Will they become hot and heavy my the end of a day in WDW?

Should we take the flip flops or should we buy some sandals? Will flip flops be more of a hassle? What about blisters? Don't want to be hurting after one day in MK.

I just don't know and I need help from the Disney Experts here.

Please give me your honest opinions and help us make the right, most comfortable decision for us all.

What should we do to keep our feet happy on this trip????

Thanks for all your help!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[phantom728]

I definitely recommend sneakers for the all day walking, especially for kids (our DD is now 15). Break them in weeks beforehand if you are buying new ones. I don't find them to be a problem with heat, but I would make sure to have light-weight cotton socks and bring extra just incase.

I do take a pair of sandals/flip flops for shorter walking times, such as an evening stroll at EPCOT or one of the other parks. This gives my feet a break from the socks/sneakers. I allow the same for my DD. She picks out one or the other to pack along with her sneakers.

As far as blisters, bring a small first aid kit and buy some moleskin to bring. You can use this to help cover the blisters as bandaids usually don't stick in the typical blister spots. You can always use a bandaid with some ointment, then place a larger piece of moleskin over it to hold it in place.

Hope this helps some

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

I couldn't find any Crocs where I live either so I just ordered them on line (www.nofeargear.com) and they are very comfortable but I have not given them the ultimate test of WDW. I have also seen recommendations for body glide to help prevent blisters. That's the route I am taking because if you need moleskin that means you already have a blister(s) and I want feet that dance this year! I also bought a pair of Tevas (www.tevas.com) on line. They are lightweight and comfortable, too, but they look more like sneakers but with holes (sandal looking).

 

[Unregistered]

take a look at the disney tip board. there are many dissucions on this topic. I think almost everyone agrees a broken in pair of sneakers are best. If your going to get new shoes/sandels get them now and break them in! I'm going to bring my broken in pair of sneakers and two pairs of flip flops. I plan on buying a pair of croc flip flops and then i will bring a pair of black "dressy" flip flops for dinner/pleasure island.

 

[KJHawley]

I also bought a pair of Tevas (www.tevas.com) on line. They are lightweight and comfortable, too, but they look more like sneakers but with holes (sandal looking).

I've worn Tevas to WDW before, and it worked out great. I really don't want to wear sneakers in the summer- not only is it hot, but your feet get wet and STAY wet on the wet rides (SM, KRR, etc.). There's nothing worse than drying out on a hot day, but feeling that "squish" every time you take a step in your still-wet sneakers!

 

[4theloveofdisney]

I personally could never wear the same shoes day after day. I change between my tennis shoes and my favorite comfortable sandles on a constant basis. In fact, I find that my feet feel more energized when I change into something else half way through the day or early in the evening. DH says the same thing.

 

[mickeymousemom]

I think it depends on what you're comfy with. I know that doesn't help much, but I think you'll get different answers on this. Most people will tell you comfy broken-in sneakers and they are right. I personally don't like having any shoes on at all, so a few years ago decided to try wearing flip flops and it works for me AND my two oldest DD's. I get blisters no matter what I wear if i don't use something like a Body Glide or antiperspirant on my feet. Tennies, flip flops, sandals, it doesn't matter. I tried the antiperspirant(my whole family did) and it works like a charm(I just put it in between my toes and where the flip flops thongy thing is). My DH has to wear sneakers and socks, but also gets blisters. Although the antiperspirant worked for me, I'd recommend the Body Glide to be sure.
Bottom line is: You can wear whatever your feet can tolerate. Sometimes we even switch around day to day or if we go back to our room mid day. That also helps. I'll just do whatever I canto not have to wear sneakers and socks in Florida! I did try on a pair of Crocs the other night ans loved them. I'm sure they'll be part of my wardrobe come our trip in October.

 

[T&EMommy]

I forgot to ask about rides?

For the kids.....is there anyway they could lose flip flops on rides? (Soarin' etc)

It's been a long time and I know a lot of rides have changed since DH and I were there 9 years ago. Plus, I don't know much about the kid rides in MK.

Thanks for all the great help so far. Any other ideas?

 

[SpacemanSpiff]

We alternated out footwear every other day; One day I would wear Chaco strap sandals, the next broken in running shoes. A good pair of running shoes is the best bet in my opinion for spending an entire day walking, espcially if you are going to do the Epcot Marathon (walking around the park once). They are meant to take a beating and provide good cushion for your feet and knees.

 

[mickeymousemom]

As far as losing flip flops on the rides....Soarin' and many other rides like it(including at Universal/IoA) have netting like baskets in front of you or right below you to keep your stuff in. DD's and I just take off our flip flops and stick them in the basket(on the HULK at IoA you have SIT on them)

 

[sammielynn]

DS14 and I do better in our Crocs at the parks. DS14 always complainde about his feet unstil he started wearing Crocs. DS16 wears his tennis shoes or sandles. We have never had blisters at the parks, but if they are a problem for you I second the Body Glide. I think our feet are like all of us, just as different as can be and what is good for one is not good for the other.
Listen to your feet!

 

[spiceycat]

I have problem feet - I can only wear 'new balance' period.

there is a difference.

if you have been walking like I did to the side - these shoes will correct the problem - it will also cause your leg pain for the 3 months until it adjust....

I also wear those expensive socks....

but believe me they are cheaper than going to a foot doctor....

 

[TAKitty]

My vote is for tennis shoes. I just purchased CROCS and they are not as comfortable as my tennis shoes and they feel slimey without socks.

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

I am a flip flop kind of girl, but for the parks you really need to wear tennis shoes.

 

[Ilovestitch]

Crocs Athens are AWESOME!! They are SO comfy- really cushions your foot and doesn't rub anywhere. And they don't look dorky either I have them in white/turqoise and I just bought a pair of brown ones and a pair of black ones for my bf on eBay.

 

[byoung]

2 pairs of good Sneakers.