Shoes.

[DavidUK]

Right it's coming up to our trip so all the money we've saved can be spent!!! YAY!! now i need new shoes for the parks but i don't know what to get, what do you wear at the parks??

Looking forward to your responses!!

DavidUK

 

[Barbday62]

Hi,

In the regular parks we wear tennis shoes most days (We both have New Balance ones and never wear new ones)

In the water parks
my husband wears water shoes and I wear bare feet. I find the sidewalks to be tolerable (I have only gone in May, July and August too)

Barb

 

[mic_key_mouse]

I wouldn't recommend you buy shoes to wear in the parks this late unless you can walk a mile or so in them every day before you leave. You will wind up with blisters I think if you can't break them in. I also wear New Balance.

Blessings.

 

[DavidUK]

> That was quick!!, i've got 2 weeks to break them in so new shoes will be cool!!!!

now on the subject of heat! Won't my feet sweat in tennis shoes?!

 

[Kimberle]

Sneakers or my Berkenstocks! (check out QVC.com for the best prices)

I don't have any, but lots of people report that Teva are good.

 

[dbond]

I don't wear tennis shoes in the parks in the summer. The pavement is soooo hot that my feet do sweat and I get blisters around my toes, very painful. I've learned from experience to wear comfortable open toes shoes in the summer. My personal favorites are Merrells. DH wears his tennies though with thick socks, it doesn't seem to bother him.

 

[SharonS]

DUring the summer, I have found 2 brands of sandals that are great.....Teva and Chaco. Chaco sandals have a fully adjustable strap and great soles. They are about $98/pair, but you can have them re-soled and also have them re-webbed with different strapping. I just had that done with a pair that I ended up not liking the color of the strap.

I have been able to wear these all day in the parks and get no blisters, etc.

 

[Cruisingmama]

I just got some L.L.Beans 3 strap sandles for a present. They are more cofortable than my Tevas. I just ordered some new ones for our trip to Disney and the cruise. They were 49 dollars. You can check them out at LLBEAN.com I know they have men sandles also.

 

[Cruisingmama]

sorry I didn't read my post first.They are more comfortable than Tevas.

 

[DizBelle]

I never really understood the fascination with Birkenstock sandals. I've tried them on and don't find them very comfortable. The footbed is way too rigid. I like something that is much more cushy.

I understand that everyone is different and everyone will find different things comfortable. Can anyone who swears by birkenstocks tell my why they think they are so wonderful. Maybe I'm missing out on something great. Perhaps I should give them another chance.

I wear New Balance walking shoes (tennis shoes/trainers) to the parks. I find that these shoes are soft and pliable enough even when new that no break-in period is necessary. I do only go in cooler months (November mostly) so I don't have to deal with hot-foot problems.

Also, does anyone have any opinions on Clarks sandals?

 

[mic_key_mouse]

I wear Tevas to the parks on shorter days or when a lot of rain is expected- but I wouldn't wear them the entire trip. For me, there just isn't enough footbed support as compared to my NB walking shoes. I wear quarter socks made of coolmax with both types of footwear, as it wicks perspiration away.

Blessings

 

[vmkids]

Okay , I have been on two previous vacations and had blisters on blisters by the first two days and mole skin, band aids and good shoes did not help.... but just got back and after 7 days in the parks a pin head blister on my big toe is all I have. HOW? I got good reebok shoes and wore duct tape! (Thanks to whoever told that on this board) I just put it on where I usually get them and was gone. I alos used Target all pro cootton/spandex white socks with the gold band toes. They say it wicks away the sweat. My feet were never hot from the pavement either! The only reason got the little blister was that one afternoon break never took my shoes off or would have sseen it was red and would have put duct tape there too. Oh, I got the purple duct tape so that I had a Disney color on my feet rather than the ugly gray! This vacation was heaven just because my feet was willing to walk or stand like never before!

 

[vikingfans]

David,

You should wear shoes that are comfortable for you. Shoes today are made so that there doesn't need much of a break in period. If the shoes are not comfortable in the store don't buy them thinking that you will break them in. New Balance is an excellent shoe because they come in widths and fit your feet better. Reebok is also an excellent shoe if it fit you. Sandals are also great in the summer but you also need to be wary of things dropping on your feet and other people stepping on you in a crowd.

I am an Athletic Trainer, so I have a lot of experience with shoes and blisters.

As for blisters. The reason you get blisters is from rubbing. A couple of ways to prevent or take care of blisters is by wearing 2 pairs of socks (that will also help in sweat absorbtion). If you do end up with a blister, Second skin is the best stuff. It is made by a company called Spenco and available at most drug stores. To reduce the friction at hot spots might be to put some Vaseline on that spot or on your sock.

Good Luck and have lots of fun!

 

[Kimberle]

Originally posted by lfontaine
I never really understood the fascination with Birkenstock sandals. I've tried them on and don't find them very comfortable. The footbed is way too rigid. I like something that is much more cushy.

I understand that everyone is different and everyone will find different things comfortable. Can anyone who swears by birkenstocks tell my why they think they are so wonderful. Maybe I'm missing out on something great. Perhaps I should give them another chance.

I wear New Balance walking shoes (tennis shoes/trainers) to the parks. I find that these shoes are soft and pliable enough even when new that no break-in period is necessary. I do only go in cooler months (November mostly) so I don't have to deal with hot-foot problems.

Also, does anyone have any opinions on Clarks sandals?

Berkenstocks - You must make sure to get the right fit for your foot. The sole has all sorts of "ridges and indentations" that are ment to fit certain places in your foot. So the "perfect" fit is a must. You must also break these shoes in. The soles really do conform even more to your foot.

Clarks - I've had a couple of pairs. I hate them. They tend to cut into the top of my foot.

 

[TINK61]

I used to always were tennis shoes (new or old). My feet would give me hell. Last summer I bought at Payless a pair or those sandles that can get wet, because I knew it would rain a lot in July. My feet never once gave me a problem. They have a velcro strap. Best $10 I ever spent on shoes. No kidding! Birkenstocks - my foot!

 

[jfis1020]

For the WOMEN!! After many WDW trips and *&^% about my feet, DH took me to Lady Foot Locker and had an associate try on different kinds of shoes (he told me he was sick of me spending little money on uncomfortable shoes). I ended up with a pair of Ryka. They are a female company and make shoes for only women. As women "mature" the front of their feet spread, yet the heel remain the same. These shoes are made with a wider box (front of the foot). I have never had a pair of shoes that were so comfy!!!!

 

[Jana49]

jfis1020 - from one "maturing" Hoosier to another, thanks for the tip! I will check them out!

But am I the only one here who usually wears Nike Airs? I just love all that cushion and bounce.

 

[My2Girls66]

Nothing but Tevas here. All 4 of us wear them. No blisters- no sweaty -wet feet or waterlogged socks and sneakers. My 14 y.o. niece wore flip flops all day w/out a problem. Everyone is different but we find Tevas to be the best for us. We even hike in them.

 

[bravesfan92]

I use to be a New Balance woman all the way, but I bought a pair of the Nike Shox and I LOVE them. They are so comfortable. They literally feel like you are walking on air. They cost a bit of money, but I think well worth it.

 

[Ladyslug]

I have New Balance and Nike running shoes, but I'm planning on getting some Tevas before my trip this August.

I have to add my love for the Coolmax socks as well. I've bought some from Target and from Eddie Bauer, and I cannot tell you the difference these make in the "hot foot" department! I hear they cut down on blisters also because the moisture is taken away, but I've worn these socks with all kinds of athletic shoes and my feet have been so happy!