Theme Parks and sneakers

[7thdwarf/dopey]

Which sneakers/shoes would you say are the BEST (most comfortable, gives the least amount of blisters) for walking through all the parks.
Which breathe the best? Which hold up the best?

In 2001 I used the Reebok DMX walking sneaker and found it to be very comfortable, but I stilll got blisters. Even after making sure I had dry socks on all the time.

Any and all suggestions are appreciated..........

 

[miste76]

I don't think there is one right answer to this question. I would think that everyone's feet are different and you have to find a shoe that's most comfortable for you. I would however suggest that whatever shoe that you decide to wear... don't wear it for the first time at WDW... break it in a little before hand.
Also, we bring bandaids with us whenever we leave the room, this way if we need to, we can cover up a blister and keep going!!!
Hope you find your glass slipper!!!

 

[Terry S]

I use to follow a strict rule with myself and my kids about only wearing tennis shoes and socks since we would be walking all day. My daughter kept complaining to me that she wears her sandels all day every day and they don't hurt her feet, so one day I let her wear them all day and I didn't hear one complaint from her. So I have let her wear them since then. My best advice is make sure it is a shoe or sandel or whatever that has been worn before for and extended period of time and is comfortable.

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

Which brand seems to be the best. Reebok, Nike, etc.?

Which inner soles stay cushy the longest.....?

Which breathe the best? leather or canvas?

I do understand that what ever we wear , it wud need to be broken in, well in advance.

 

[NotUrsula]

IMO the best answer is that no sneaker is the most comfortable WDW shoe. For hot weather, sports sandals are MUCH better. Every person I know who has tried wearing a quality sports sandal has become a convert. My family likes waterproof sandals from Keen, Nike, and Merrell. Some people swear by Tevas, but they are just not the right shape for our feet.

For cold-weather wear, we go with Merrell Jungle Mocs all the way. Great walking shoes, and they stay dry through puddles.

 

[rcraw45425]

Has anyone tried Merrell shoes? They are awesome. I have a pair of sandals and a slip on moc pair. I convinced my hubby, a died in the wool Reebok weared to try them, he now has two pairs of the slip ons and a pair of the hiking/tennis shoe. A lot more comfy than tennis shoes in my book. I usually wear Birk's to the parks, these sandals have more cushioning than the Birkenstocks. HTH

 

[rcraw45425]

Yeah, the Jungle mocs are the ones we have.

 

[dixiegirl]

I agree with some of the above posters that there really isn't one correct answer here - every person's feet are different. For me, I switch back and forth between a broken-in pair of Reeboks and my Columbia hiking sandals (similar to Tevas). That way my feet get a "breather" from socks every other day. I also soak my feet every night in a hot tub when we get back to our room to relieve any soreness from the day.

Hope this helps and have a great trip.

 

[monarchsfan16]

What's most comfortable for me won't be for you. I personally won't wear any sneakers besides running shoes in the parks. And generally they have to be Nike or Aasics. For me, those are what fit my feet best, and don't give me blisters. Running shoes also help to align my feet properly, since they don't do that on their own, which makes it a lot easier to walk long distances.
My mom is most comfortable in canvas sneakers. How I don't know because they give you no support, but to each his or her own.
And if you have to break in a shoe it was never properly fitted. I can put on a pair of good sneakers (and we never pay more than $45 or $50 for my shoes) and they never give me a problem, even if its the first time I've worn them.

 

[beattyfamily]

I have had blister problems no matter what kind of sneaker or socks I try. No matter what powder or deorderant I put on my feet to keep them dry, I got blisters.

Well, on my last 3 trips, I wore sandals (Ecco Cosmos and Teva Pretty Rugged) and NO BLISTERS!!!!

On my trip last week I not only got no blisters but I ended up never needing Moleskins either!!

I also used Blistershield on the bottom of my feet just in case.

 

[earldale97]

I have found that sandals are the most comfortable. I usually bring a pair of socks and/or bandaids just incase...

 

[PamCo88]

I swear by Reebox DMX walking sneaker. I have to spray my feet with anti-persperant (make sure to get between toes) and have not had a problem since. I wear the Reeboxs all the time, need the spray only in Disney because of the heat.

Good Luck - thanks, this reminded me to add it to my packing/shopping list.

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

I was much more comfortable in sandals. I wore tennis shoes for two days in the middle of our trip and my feet started to hurt and get hot spots. When I switched back to my sandals everything was fine. Dh wore sandals without any problems.

 

[DisMN]

I discovered I can wear any shoes I want as long as I have my moleskin to pad any raw areas on my foot.
Moleskin has been the key for me.........I buy it in bulk. LOL

 

[DrTomorrow]

We used to wear our most comfortable, broken-in sneakers - yet still, after the second or third day, we had to pad our feet with moleskin. Last summer - based on a DIS "Footwear" thread, and the recommendation of our good friends - we bought Teva sandals; woo hoo, what a difference. No blisters, no moleskin, and for the one or two "hot spots", a simple sit down and adjust did the trick.

 

[Leota]

I usually wear Teva's, but bring other shoes depending on the weather - In "cooler" monthes, I bring a pair of sneakers (I'm a New Balance gal) This coming trip, I'll bring a pair of Clark sandals I picked up that I can wear all day & feel comfy in.....

I agree, there is no one right answer for everyone. You have to go with what you regularly wear for long periods of time. I cannot wear sneakers in the heat - My feet get hot & I'm cooked. I favor the Teva's , esp. at Animal Kingdom, because they can be worn wet or dry.

Shoes are one area I've learned to splurge on. I have a few funky, fun, cheap pair, but not for wearing at WDW - There we spend what we need to for good, sturdy, supportive, comfortable shoes....

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

All great advice ! Moleskin is a great thing to have with , just in case.

I found a great website called "Zappos" and ordered the Ecco Cosmos ($100 sandals ) and the Asics gel walker ll. Also picked up some top shelf walking socks.

When we did WDW in the past I always wore the Reebok DMX walker. They are very comfortable, but by the second or third day my little toes wud always blister.

Thankyou all for your help.

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by 7thdwarf/dopey
I found a great website called "Zappos" and ordered the Ecco Cosmos ($100 sandals ) and the Asics gel walker ll. Also picked up some top shelf walking socks.

I LOVE Zappos! No shipping and money back guarantee!

You will LOVE the Ecco Cosmos! They need NO break in time. They are like walking on clouds. The base almost feels like moleskins!

Let me know what you think of them!

 

[DizBelle]

I have been wearing New Balance walking shoes to WDW for several trips now.

I also put a bit of baby powder in my socks (has to be baby powder - noting else is as soft) and my feet are good. And I sometimes re-powder sometime during the day.

This is a picture of the shoe that I have. It is the New Balance 657.