The Best Shoes for Parks

[WantToGoNow]

We've been back for two weeks and I thought I had the shoe issue covered -- I didn't. The first day I wore my Crocs to Animal Kingdom. Halfway through the day I had bruises on the tops of my feet where the foot hit the shoe with each step -- these bruises didn't go away the entire 10 days. The next day my feet were so sore (on top) that I wore my Ryka gym shoes. They are so comfortable at home -- I got hot spots under my big toes on both feet -- I had to wear moleskin there the rest of the trip. So that only left my Teva sandals. I was worried because I never thought they were that comfortable at home. I never got any blisters but by the end of the vacation, my feet were practically being wrapped in moleskin to add some padding on my terribly bruised feet. The day after we got home my feet were so sore and swollen that I couldn't even get my Crocs on my feet and the sheets on my bed hurt to lay on them. It took about 4 days for the swelling/bruising to go down. I'll keep reading for ideas for the next trip.

 

[Love That Stitch]

You poor thing!!! I can sympathize and I really want to get this resolved before our trip in January. I think I might get some shoes and do a long shopping day and see how comfortable they are.

Unfortunately, everybody's feet are different. Thanks for your story.

 

[Boncho]

I love these shoe threads.....I have gone for years suffering at WDW with gross blisters & major aches and pains, but now I KNOW what works for me. I have some fabulous Saucony running shoes, Keen Newports, Chaco sandals, and my good old Birkie soft sole AZs. If I buy a new shoe, it better feel great on my feet from the start - no breaking in time. That is really how it should be, you shouldn't have to "stretch" the shoe or get your feet conditioned to the shoe.

I highly recommend any of those brands, but I like to switch off daily or more so I recommend ALL of them!

Also, somebody a while back mentioned The Body Shop's peppermint lotion and footsoak. It feels SO GOOD after a long day at the parks. Very revitalizing.

Another recommendation is for Thorlo socks if you choose to wear gym shoes. I also buy my shoes a bit larger than I used to. That seems to be key to comfort as my feet swell after a long day on them.

Good luck!! Here's to Happy Feet!

Lives4Disney

I bought my first pair of Saucony sneakers a little while ago and I was pleasantly surprised with not having to break them in and they are soooo comfortable. I highly recommend them .

 

[disnut1149]

We've been back for two weeks and I thought I had the shoe issue covered -- I didn't. The first day I wore my Crocs to Animal Kingdom. Halfway through the day I had bruises on the tops of my feet where the foot hit the shoe with each step -- these bruises didn't go away the entire 10 days. The next day my feet were so sore (on top) that I wore my Ryka gym shoes. They are so comfortable at home -- I got hot spots under my big toes on both feet -- I had to wear moleskin there the rest of the trip. So that only left my Teva sandals. I was worried because I never thought they were that comfortable at home. I never got any blisters but by the end of the vacation, my feet were practically being wrapped in moleskin to add some padding on my terribly bruised feet. The day after we got home my feet were so sore and swollen that I couldn't even get my Crocs on my feet and the sheets on my bed hurt to lay on them. It took about 4 days for the swelling/bruising to go down. I'll keep reading for ideas for the next trip.

Hi
I feel so bad for you. I had blisters last year from broken in sneakers and I was constantly putting bandaids on my feet. This past August, I bought Croc Scutes and they were the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn, silly looking, but I got past that because of the comfort. Anyway, the left shoe was hitting the top of my foot, (sounds like what you had) and I put it in the dryer for about a minute and then pulled up on the top. It was instantly better and never bothered me again. So you can try it with yours and see if it helps. Good luck!!

 

[NotUrsula]

I like to wear shoes that are closed in. I don't like wearing sandals in case it rains.

The whole point of wearing sandals is *because* it rains. Amphibious sports sandals (originally designed for boating) are the best for just this reason. If you have issues with stubbed toes, Keens or another fisherman-type style will protect your toes and still let your feet breathe. The materials are not absorbent, so they dry out in minutes if they get wet.

Our whole family wears sandals at WDW unless it is really cold, in which case we wear Merrell jungle mocs, which are fairly waterproof unless you dive in over the ankle. My sandals are Merrells, DS usually wears Kamiks (because I get them cheap at Marshall's for his fast-growing feet), and DH has some Nikes. We wear full sandals with heel straps -- flipflops or clogs can fly off on coasters.

 

[Love That Stitch]

The whole point of wearing sandals is *because* it rains. Amphibious sports sandals (originally designed for boating) are the best for just this reason.

Sorry, not for me. I don't like having wet feet in shoes. It is a funky feeling and I prefer to walk around in regular shoes. Most shoes hold up nicely because it is not like you are walking through the lake, just puddles.

I tried on Keen's the other day and I don't like the front of the shoe. It is very wide and round. However, I will try on those Merrell's you mentioned.

Thanks for input.

 

[mysparky]

It's true, the keens are wider at the toe, but I think the arch support is terrific. I particularly like them because as you're walking the miles and miles and your feet start to swell, there's still room for you! We were at Disney last week during the "freak" cold spell and I still wore mine, but I had on a thin smartwool sock as well. On days when I didn't wear my Keens, I wore my Ecco sneakers.

BTW, I think it's a great idea to find something you like now, and wear them all day on a holiday shopping trip. While at Disney, I wore a pedometer every day as I wanted to see if we really were walking as much as everyone said we would. Sure enough, our lowest day was 6.85 miles, we usually hit just over 8 miles on other days, and one day we clocked 10.3 miles. Walking like this day after day requires that you have a great shoe and great sock!

 

[cinderelladad]

I bought my first pair of Saucony sneakers a little while ago and I was pleasantly surprised with not having to break them in and they are soooo comfortable. I highly recommend them .

I would toally agree, myself and my DW both got a new pair for our trip and have been walking around in them it's like walking on foam padding

 

[Love That Stitch]

While at Disney, I wore a pedometer every day as I wanted to see if we really were walking as much as everyone said we would. Sure enough, our lowest day was 6.85 miles, we usually hit just over 8 miles on other days, and one day we clocked 10.3 miles. Walking like this day after day requires that you have a great shoe and great sock!

Great idea! I am always trying to maintain my weight loss when I am at Disney (instead of trying to lose weight or gain weight while on vacation). I am going to where a pedometer this year and see how much I actually walk while I am there. Oddly enough, after all we eat (and we eat and eat ) at Disney my weight always stays about the same. I am sure this is due to the fact that we walk our butts off when we are there!

 

[MissyPrissy]

I will forever and always be a supporter of the Birkenstock!!! They are wonderfully supportive of your feet and back. I adore them. They never let me down!!! I vote Birks for best Disney trekking shoe!!!