Teen DD14 says no to Crocs!

[NotUrsula]

We pack light, so our family rule for park footwear is that it must be designed to be worn in wet conditions, and it must have a heel strap so that it will stay on your foot on coasters. You can pick anything you want if it meets throse two criteria, because we don't bring extra shoes.

DS11 likes Crocs, but he hasn't worn them to the parks yet. The toddler also has a pair that she likes. DH and I do not find them comfortable, so we don't own them. As a family, we are all big fans of both Merrell sport sandals and Keen sport sandals, though they are rather expensive. I recently bought some sport sandals from Lands End, but I have not yet decided if I think that they are up to the beating that they will take in the parks.

A few years ago we took my then 17 yo niece with us in June. She got off her plane with a huge case containing nothing but tees, jeans, canvas sneakers, and embellished flipflops. I was worried that she might do that, so I brought along an extra pr. of Merrells because she wears the same size as I do. Sure enough, by the second day she was wearing my shoes and begging to shopping for shorts.

 

[AngelBabyJana]

My 16 year old daughter is the same way. She wouldn't be caught dead in a pair of the original croc clogs, lol. However she will wear the flip flops. She like the Capris the best - she tried the Athens and said that they weren't comfortable. She also has a pair of Nike flip flops (pink/gray) that she loves. I pretty much just let her pick out what she wants, as long as they are not the cheap Walmart kind (those are okay for around the house, but wouldn't want to do alot of walking in them).

My nephew 23, says that he doesn't wear shorts or sandals anymore ..... we will see how long he can stick that out, lol.

Good luck finding a pair that she likes. If she picks something different, just bring a pair of the crocs along .... she may change her mind once there and decide that she doesn't mind wearing them.

We have never been to Disney before (planning our first trip!), but we usually all wear Nikes to the theme parks. We wear crocs to the beach/water parks. I say whatever works for your family. Everyone is different.

 

[OKCmom]

I bought three pairs of the generic "airwalk" (croc-like) flip flops from Payless for $10 each the last time we took a trip to Disney. It was a huge gamble to only bring those, but it was the BEST decision I ever made. in fact I'm going to head to Payless and see if I could be so lucky to find another pair. I had no blisters, not one time were my feet sore either. I tried the Wal mart version and there is a BIG difference to me.

 

[4forMe]

If flip flops are more her thing, Teva Mush flip flops are AMAZING! Very comfy and lots of fun colors. I never wore flip flops until I got these and I lived in them the week we were at WDW.

Another vote for Teva Mush flip flops! Someone on this board recommended them last summer. I bought these as well as the Athens Croc flip flops. The Teva Mush are much more comfortable! I have 3 pairs. They come in really cute patterns and colors. I lived in them last summer. I also wore them the entire 10 days we were in Disney last July.

 

[Stargazer]

... if anyone has the Croc flip flops are they just as good to wear?

I wore those our entire (2) trips and I absolutely loved them (no achy calves or blisters)! I wore these:

Crocs Adaras

Crocs Capri Canvas

 

[jenrein]

You've got a smart cookie there! Those shoes are the ugliest creation...I would not be caught dead in them!


Also, you should let her pick something out. Give her a budget, let her choose. She may have sore feet but she will have made the decision and learned from it as well.

 

[ryanshana]

I didn't get to read all the post so sorry if this is a repeat...

But I got a pair of the green and bright orange thong flip flops in DW last year and I love them!!!!!! they are great...I suggest breaking them in first...

 

[niklynn1]

Thanks to all who replied. I didn't realized Crocs had so many different styles now, and I don't thinks she did either. She tried a pair of Croc flip flops on at the mall last night and said she liked them. Are the flips flops, and other styles of Crocs just as comfortable and easy on your feet as the original ones?

 

[LittleMissMagic]

We're going back to WDW in June for our 2nd visit. First time was in 2006 when my DD was 11 and my DS was 8. Our whole family wore Crocs and it was great. Our feet weren't all soggy after getting caught in rain showers or water rides, and we had no blisters or aching feet. Now that we're going back, my DD14 is not so keen on wearing "unfashionable" Crocs. I have tried to tell her that in Disney, lots of people will be wearing them and she won't feel stupid. I even told her she never had to wear them again after vacation. She is still not sure. So, can you tell me if Crocs are still the "thing" to wear at Disney, and if anyone has the Croc flip flops are they just as good to wear? She seems more willing to try those than regular Crocs.

Being a 17-year-old girl, I must agree - crocs are unfashionable. But they are very popular at WDW because they're so comfy.

My sister wears Old Navy flip flops to WDW, and she does fine (I can't, though - my feet hurt after a day of lots of walking in flip flops!). Rainbows are a lot sturdier than the cheap flip flops and provide more support.

Sandals are a great option. If she wants to be "fashionable," T-strap sandals are in style right now, and are very comfortable. Gladiator sandals are also big, but they aren't nearly as versatile as the T-strap (do not look good with a tee shirt and shorts).

Also, Converse All Stars are tennis shoes - they're now offering them in lots of bright colors and multi-color styles for those who don't want to look "emo" or "scene kid." And I personally love Rocketdog tennis shoes - they come in plaid, and have elastic closure, so no need for retying. They aren't quite as comfy or supportive as athletic shoes, but they're a lot more protective than flip flops.

As the most comfortable, fashionable croc alternative, I would recommend Pumas. They offer athletic shoes that looks more street than gym.

I've heard great things about KEENS, but they're a little too nature walk for my taste.

Good luck with the shoe search!

 

[Saved by Grace]

Thanks to all who replied. I didn't realized Crocs had so many different styles now, and I don't thinks she did either. She tried a pair of Croc flip flops on at the mall last night and said she liked them. Are the flips flops, and other styles of Crocs just as comfortable and easy on your feet as the original ones?

I don't think they're all the same but most are still better than the average tennis shoe and WAY better than Old Navy Flip Flops.


Two years ago I wore the first basic mary jane style they came out with (with all the holes) and was disappointed.
They are VERY comfortable for errands and such, but not as good for a day at Disney.

 

[maddiesmom0116]

I love my fitflops. You can get them on e-bay too. I got a pair at Victorias Secret and a pair on e-bay. I don't know if they work, but they are comfy. You should see if she likes those, they are a bit more fashionable.

 

[mousehouselover]

I wear a different pair of crocs almost every day we are in WDW. I have alice, mary janes (minnie and regular,) prima, malindi and the classic mickey beach style. I love the different styles and colors, I can wear them with almost anything. I reccomend she check out all the styles available. And make sure you check the outlet page on crocs.com they have a lot of stuff on sale right now. The only problem I have is paying for and storing all of them.

 

[alexandria674]

Coming from the granddaughter of a grandmother who wore crocs for her grandson's graduation, there are pairs that are hideous and cringeworthy. However, there are some that can be found online and are pretty cute. If she wants those, thats cool but if not, then flip flops ( I don't agree with those, sometimes a blister could be formed)are key. Or keds,which are simple shoes that can be sliped on and off.

 

[Kit'smommy]

I have never been a fan of crocs, but I may have to have a pair of those capri canvas crocs. Cute!

Have you asked your daughter what she is planning on wearing on her feet? If they are suitable shoes, I would move on and not argue about it.

Personally, I don't think flat flip flops like the ones from Old Navy offer adequate support for a long day of walking. At least the Croc ones have a better structured footbed.

Good luck!

 

[Alicia-Beth]

What about the crocs mary janes? I like those and wear mine a lot and I don't really like regular crocs

 

[saratogadreamin09]

We're going back to WDW in June for our 2nd visit. First time was in 2006 when my DD was 11 and my DS was 8. Our whole family wore Crocs and it was great. Our feet weren't all soggy after getting caught in rain showers or water rides, and we had no blisters or aching feet. Now that we're going back, my DD14 is not so keen on wearing "unfashionable" Crocs. I have tried to tell her that in Disney, lots of people will be wearing them and she won't feel stupid. I even told her she never had to wear them again after vacation. She is still not sure. So, can you tell me if Crocs are still the "thing" to wear at Disney, and if anyone has the Croc flip flops are they just as good to wear? She seems more willing to try those than regular Crocs.

I dont really have advice but I have to comment. I'm 14 and love my crocs but I'm the only girl in my class I've ever see wearing them

 

[WLfamily]

I am not a big fan of Crocs either, but my kids love them! I on the other hand love Teva's. This is the only sandal I wear in the summer. I love every style of teva flip flops! My dd 10 is now addicted. Last trip to Disney myself, dd, and ds all wore tevas the entire trip and had not one problem. They dry fast too. Lots of different styles and colors I am sure your dd would love.

 

[MickeyMom2Boys]

I just ordered crocs for me, both of my boys and a pair of the flip flops for my Mom. I got the mickey crocs that were no clearance and hated them! Way to wide and my feet feel like they flop around in them. They are going back. I tried my Mom's flip flops and didn't like them. They felt OK at first, but I have a high arch (DM does too) and they were hurting the tops of my feet shortly after I put them on. They were also very wide for my feet. I bought the "croclings" for my DS5 and DS2. DS5 acts like he doesn't really like them, but really WANTS to like them, so he won't admit it. (He is really looking forward to getting the jibbitz for them).

DS2 HATES his croclings! I put them on and he says "Take off!" and starts kicking them off immediately. I showed him that his brother has the same ones. Didn't help. If I hold them up and ask him if he wants to wear them he says "No!" I said "Don't you like them?" and he shook his head "No" as hard as he could! I guess I'll let DS5 keep his but may bring a backup along. I ordered Keen H2 sandals from ebay for me and a friend is giving me a pair of Keen's for DS2. Hopefully they go over better than the crocs! My only concern is that he'll want them once he sees his brother putting Disney jibbitz on his. I may need to get some jibbitz to show him then see what he says. It cracks me up that a 2 year old boy is so picky about his shoes!

 

[trennr]

Good for her! Tons of better options.

Crocs hurt my feet. I highly reccomend the LL Bean Summer Sneakers. lots of styles and colors...I'm certain your DD will find something she'd like. I wore them the last 2 trips to WDW I was the only one who's feet didn't hurt.

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/LLBSearchDispatch?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&init=0&freeText=Summer+Sneakers

 

[jakoky]

hi there, i have a pair of crocs (we call them "ugly shoes" ) that i wear around the yard and camping...on our last trip i took them to DL thinking they would be great...WRONG....i had bandaids all over the top of my feet, they rubbed me raw...i do have very narrow feet....anyways, started to wear my FLO JO's flip flops, and felt like i was walking on air for the rest of the trip...never dreamed i could have worn flip flops walking 10 hours a day, but they were perfect...my kids HATE crocs, but both girls will wear them in the yard or camping also....
sharon