Tell me about your shoes.....especially people with foot pain

[kimis]

I love crocs. Sorry!
However 3 different doctors have told my husband NEW BALANCE with insoles.

 

[dreaming3]

I have a problem with one foot and ankle. My orthopedist swears by New Balance shoes, so I wear those with custom orthotics. For a lot of physical activity or sports she also recommends having my foot (heel & arch) taped. I'll tell you it feels AMAZING - just like if my foot and ankle were normal again. The medical asst who did it last time said he has regulars that come in because the taping improved their golf game. It usually lasts about 3 days, but will last a day or two longer if you don't get it too wet. I watched very carefully and can now tape up my own foot, but for something like Disney I will go have it done professionally again. Good luck!

 

[intrep93]

I have a normal arch but have been experiencing arch pain, metatarsil (sp?) pain and knee pain for the last few months. We are heading for WDW next week (yeah!) and I knew it was time to do something about some new shoes and sandals. I ended up with New Balance shoes and Keen sandals. So far I'm happy with both. I tried tevas and Nike shocks and both made me feel like i was rocking back onto the outside edge of my heel. The sales lady said that's because those are extra supportive shoes and if you don't need the extra support, they will push you out. So I ended up with a running shoe instead of the walking shoe I thought I wanted. If you have a runner's shoe store in your area, call and ask if they do a gait analysis. They will actually determine from how you walk naturally which shoe is best for you. BTW, I tried Crocs and hated them! Not at all comfy for me!

 

[intrep93]

I should mention too that I tried a Nike sandals that felt like heaven. Walking on a cloud. The sales lady actually ended up insisting that i buy a cheaper sandal (the keens were on sale) because she said that shoe has a lot of cushion but no support and after a few days, the cushion would not be enough to keep me feeling good. So you can't always go with what feels cushy and springy at first.

 

[kaitlin-n-mom]

Redwing makes a insert for shoes. My Brother swears by them. He works in construction and is on his feet all day. I think he said you heat them up in the microwave and then they form to your foot. I have not yet used them myself but I will be getting some for our next trip. My feet were in bad shape after our last trip.

 

[McKelly]

I too have recently been diagnosed with plantar fascitis. I have switched to New Balance because of a shoe store's recommendation, partly because I needed a shoe to fit the orthotic in. I didn't have custom orthotics made (yet), my doctor told me to get Lynco brand orthotics. And NEVER EVER go barefoot!! Ibuprofen twice a day and ice twice a day. Well, I have for the most part been following those instructions, and dare I say, they are starting to feel a little better. I am hoping the pain is minimal or gone in seven weeks, when I leave for WDW.

 

[KatieIsSoPR]

I have a high arch so I tend to get arch and heel pain. My favorite shoes for disney are kangaROOs. They are so cute! Their sole is pretty soft and absorbs shock really well. They are the most comfortable sneaker when doing lots of walking. I also love converse Chuck Taylors but they arent the best for doing a lot of walking because they are completely flat. KangaROOs will run you around $50 depending on where you get them, but they are really worth it. They come in so many great colors, too. You can get them On amazon.com, Zappos.com and I think at journeys

 

[cassie]

I have fibromyalgia and have foot pain that the ortho drs can't help. I find Easy Spirit sneakers are great and for sandals Clarks are the best. No way can I wear cheap shoes again, and the extra money is well spent. They actually last through a few seasons comfortably.

 

[wdwprincess03]

I don't have any foot problems, but I worked at WDW outside, and Sketcher's Work shoes are the best for me. They are nice and comfortable, and when I switched shoes my heels start to kill me! They usually come in either black or white, but have some "cool" colors too.

 

[helenm29]

Just remember WHATEVER you do, break those shoes IN before you go! I usually go with Reebock for Tennis Shoes. I get a "court" style or a "running" shoe that has some support...you can get gel's to go inside your shoes to make them a bit more comfortable too. I have really wide feet..10W which is NOT easy for a women to find so I usually get a couple of pair when I can find them, lucky for me my daughter wears the same size!. Four of us have size 10 feet, oldest boy has 13 1/2! I've also used New Balance too and they seem to give a good amount of support...I'm Pooh sized so I need all the support I can get! ha ha! rotfl2: GOOD LUCK! Helen

 

[DisFam95]

I've been there done that. I year ago I developed plantar fascitis. I'm a PT so I started my own treatment w/ no luck. I did 2 months of strecthes, ice, exercise etc. I was in excruciating heel pain each morning. I was getting suggestions for podiatrists and ready to have my foot cut open I hurt so bad.

At my local running store (not Foot Locker but a serious runner sstore) It was suggested i try the inserts in my shoe called Superfeet. She told me to wear them all day. I did. I woke up the next day with zero pain. I wore my inserts faithfully until I was healed. I had very minor aches off and on about a week and then nothing. Now I can go without w/ no problems. I've recommended them to 3 other people w/ similar problems and the same result.

I saw them at Nordstroms the other day in the shoe dept but I know you can buy online too..just google Superfeet.

I also love the New Balance shoes. Get a professional fit fom someone. AT a runners store they know what they are doing. They watch me walk bare foot and check my gait. They won't sell me the pair of shoes I think looks 'cute' but rather the shoe that's best for my foot. They actually told me no that they thought I supinated (ankle rolls out) too much in the pair I picked (randomly based on looks). They inspect the bottoms of my existing shoes to see where the 'wear' is and how I walk.

Superfeet!!!

 

[Donald is #1]

I've been there done that. I year ago I developed plantar fascitis. I'm a PT so I started my own treatment w/ no luck. I did 2 months of strecthes, ice, exercise etc. I was in excruciating heel pain each morning. I was getting suggestions for podiatrists and ready to have my foot cut open I hurt so bad.

At my local running store (not Foot Locker but a serious runner sstore) It was suggested i try the inserts in my shoe called Superfeet. She told me to wear them all day. I did. I woke up the next day with zero pain. I wore my inserts faithfully until I was healed. I had very minor aches off and on about a week and then nothing. Now I can go without w/ no problems. I've recommended them to 3 other people w/ similar problems and the same result.

I saw them at Nordstroms the other day in the shoe dept but I know you can buy online too..just google Superfeet.

I also love the New Balance shoes. Get a professional fit fom someone. AT a runners store they know what they are doing. They watch me walk bare foot and check my gait. They won't sell me the pair of shoes I think looks 'cute' but rather the shoe that's best for my foot. They actually told me no that they thought I supinated (ankle rolls out) too much in the pair I picked (randomly based on looks). They inspect the bottoms of my existing shoes to see where the 'wear' is and how I walk.

Superfeet!!!

Cool! Thanks for the tip. My inserts have been working well for me, but I still need something for the shoes with less support. I will look for Superfeet.

 

[dopeynme]

Hi! I read about these shoes on this board. I LOVE them! They are the best shoes I have ever worn at Disney. I used moleskin to prevent blisters in a couple of hot spots. I had NO calf aching (my usual problem, esp with all the standing). I highly recommend them. They were pricey ($95) but well worth it, IMHO.

I guess everyone's feet troubles are different. Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[princess sparkle p]

I like NB, I got the mat Kohl’s. Not sure on the model thought. I have Foot-levelers orthotics. They are a life saver. After 11 years of back and foot pain I am off all meds and no longer have chronic pain. Now I have been dx w/ plantar fascitis . When I was in Disney in April my feet killed me by the end of the day even with the right shoes and orthotics. I alternated w/ Merrell sandals and this made a huge difference. Also when I got back to my hotel room at night I walked around in my Crocs. I bought them since everyone was raving about them ,but after about 30 minutes they kill my and I have muscle spasms. The reverse works though, they make a big difference if wear them after my feet hurt – go figure. GOOD LUCK!!!

 

[momfor4]

I had terrible foot pain last smmer b/c of lip flops and other bad shoes. I tried the keen sandals this summer and NO PAIN at all!! They are great sandals- they aren't the cutest, but I am all about comfort when chasing my 4 kids all summer. I could sleep in them they are so comfy! My 4 kids all have them and they will be are walking shoes at disney in 30 days!

I bet you can find them on line- some cute colors and maybe on sale. Tehy are expensive @ $90. But worth it to me! Kids are cheaper of course.

 

[DanaHesson]

I dont want to hear about your crocs though. I have tried them, both the regular crocs, croc sandals and imitations. No go. After a few hours at the mall I could barely walk.

I have bad foot pain, in my heels, and most days after a moderate amount of walking I am in pain. I am dreading how I will feel after a week at Disney So tell me about your shoes including specific styles, and any tips you may have for foot pain! I wont have a fridge so the ice packs/frozen water bottle trick is out. What kind of shoes should I be looking for- cross trainers, walking shoes, running shoes? I am clueless.

A good deal is important, but comfort is key here. I leave in exaclty 2 weeks, so time is of the essence

If you arent seeing a podiatrist, get one, QUICK!!! They can inject your heels right before you leave, and you should get at least a month without pain, no matter how much you walk. It sounds horrible, getting a shot in your heels, but it WORKS WONDERS for a temporary fix.

If you just have heel spurs, you may find that they break up with all the extra walking you do at WDW. I have had them several times, but they eventually break up (im a nurse, and on my feet all the time) and stop hurting. When the pain is so bad I cant take it, I go get my heels injected. It usually helps till they start to break up on their own.

 

[MScott1851]

Another vote for New Balance or Saucony with inserts here.

I have plantar faciitis (heel spurs), high arches, and although I wear a size 10, my heel is extremely narrow, whereas my FOOT is not. It's a nightmare finding shoes to work 12 hours in, since I'm a nurse, much less shoes to run and work out in, or wear to WDW.

I buy a 900 or higher numbered New Balance for the extremely cushioned heel. I then buy the Dr. Scholls inserts that have the heel cup attached to the arch support. Like another poster said, New Balance shoes have extra deeper holes to lace into to prevent heel slippage.

I recently started wearing Saucony's to run in, and so far, so good. They are a little lighterweight than my New Balance. I even bought some socks that have "arch" support built in, and are super padded. It's a little more tightly woven band around the middle of the sock.

I make sure I stretch my feet every morning in bed and after I get up...sounds funny, I know, but it's essential to keep the plantar faciitis at bay. I make sure I stretch my hamstrings and my achilles as well before a day at WDW or at work.

That being said. Your feet and/or legs will probably still hurt some at WDW. Mine do after a long day there, even though I can work a 12 hour shift at the hospital without sitting down. No amount of gel padding, good socks, or insoles can prepare your feet from the constant pounding on concrete, up hills, up stairs, down hills, down stairs, into ride vehicles, standing for long periods of time, then suddenly moving very fast, etc. Add the 6-8 miles you walked per day, and the tootsies just can't take it. I notice that my feet hurt really bad after a waterpark day, when I go barefoot the whole time with no support.

Bring some peppermint foot cream, go dunk your feet in the hot tub, then come back to the room and make your DH rub them. Works for me, anyway!

 

[dance2874]

Thanks so much for all the tips everyone!! I need to do the stretches more, I know it helps when I remember to do them. I am dreading the walking already though

I ordered some new balance that I think are going to really do the trick (I tried them on in store and they felt good, but I got a deal online) I also have some gel inserts to bring and plan to swtich off day to day or even mid day when I can.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Have you seen a doctor for this? If you have not, then perhaps you could make an appointment to see one before you leave. Depending on the problem, there can be stretches and certain taping techniques and splints that will help you get through Disney.

As for shoes, what you buy should depend on how you walk. This can be evaluated well at most running shoe specialty stores. They can steer you to the proper show after seeing how you walk. Both my husband and I over pronate when walking. He wears a Brooks shoe and I wear an Etonic shoe - both provide more stability and reduce the amount of pronation (which often reduces heel pain).

I feel for you - I have terrible plantar fasciitis in my left foot so walking Disney is a challenge (but one I love to take on !). Good luck!

I strongly agree! between a podiatrist and a specialist running shoe store, you should be ableto find what you need. Just getting an expensive pair of shoes might be a complete waste.

There is also a place near us that sells special sandals that correct for the way we walk. You have to get used to walking in them, but they help correct multple foot problems. Nearly everyone in the store had been sent their by their podiatrist, so if you start there, a professional can probably give you the best advice.

 

[lisabelll]

There is also a place near us that sells special sandals that correct for the way we walk. You have to get used to walking in them, but they help correct multple foot problems. Nearly everyone in the store had been sent their by their podiatrist, so if you start there, a professional can probably give you the best advice.

What is the name of this sandal store, I want to try to find one around me

TIA