Tips for happy feet in the parks? (posted my results on pg. 6)

[JennyMP03]

I would be so grateful if people could provide some recommendations about how to keep your feet from hurting at the parks.

I went to WDW in September and brought my Nike AirMax sneakers and Converse to alternate. We arrived on a Saturday and I was fine until Tuesday night, when we went to MNSSHP. I was limping around between trick-or-treat stations even though I was wearing my Nikes with my Snow White dress. (Still a cherished memory despite the pain!)

For the rest of the week, my feet stayed in pain. They were a little swollen in the evenings and sore to the touch, and every step hurt. I kept at it anyway, but I often stopped, sat down, took off my shoes and socks, and rubbed them in a desperate attempt for some relief. I took lots of ibuprofen, too. It didn't help very much.

I'm 29, 5'3", and 125 lbs. I don't get a lot of exercise, but I'm not terribly out of shape. I wasn't tired and my legs didn't hurt-- it was only the bottoms of my feet! I didn't expect to have these problems during our vacation.

I'm hoping to take my little cousin for her very first trip (at 20 years old!) in June. I want to avoid the issues I had before or at least know how to relieve them more effectively. I'm looking into good sport/water sandals now because I also had issues with blisters when it rained and my shoes and socks got wet.

I see people recommend Keens, so I am considering the Keens Whisper style. I will take any shoe recommendations, and I'm also looking for advice on foot creams or medicine to take for foot pain.

I loved our trip in September, but being able to walk without pain would make WDW much more pleasant.

 

[2Tiggies]

I wear crocs (not the old caymen style though! lol) and they are terrible for blisters if they aren't well worn in. I buy a product from Avon which prevents chafing and it works a treat. It is in a little container that looks like a mascara tube and has a sponge applicator on a stick and you run it over the skin where the shoe will rub and it forms a barrier. It's colorless and I have no clue how it works but it does.

 

[momtosam]

I can't wear closed shoes all day -- too hot! I love my Nike thong sandals. They have a squishy material that never wears away.

 

[JeremyGNJ]

Wool socks! Everyone thinks they'll make your feet hot, but they don't.

Best if you buy the expensive types like "Smart Wool"

 

[heathjh]

I wear Chacos. They keep my feet happy and the sandals can get wet. A perfect match for WDW!

 

[AJPPGH]

Did you put insoles in your Air Max? It makes them a million times more comfortable in my opinion. Plus you have to wear them with good, cushioned socks.

I would get a pair of good running shoes to bring too-I really don't think the air maxs are that comfortable for heavy duty walking even with the insole. They are more of a fashion sneaker really.

I also took Supergas which were useless as well as Birkenstock Arizonas which were also useless. They just didn't stand up to all day walking.

I do think bringing a pair of sport sandals like Keens would be a good idea. I wished I would have packed mine. Just don't love how they look. Meanwhile-WDW is really one of the least fashionable places on earth so not sure why I cared

 

[katclicks]

Just came back from my second trip in 9 months of exclusively wearing my keens in the parks. They were 3 and 5 days in the parks, feet could it have been happier. I was also post 1/2 marathon on my most recent trip and just fine. And I do long park days.

 

[redrosesix]

I wear crocs (not the old caymen style though! lol) and they are terrible for blisters if they aren't well worn in. I buy a product from Avon which prevents chafing and it works a treat. It is in a little container that looks like a mascara tube and has a sponge applicator on a stick and you run it over the skin where the shoe will rub and it forms a barrier. It's colorless and I have no clue how it works but it does.

I had really sore feet last year, especially blisters, and I swore I wouldn't let it ruin my trip this year. I bought something like this made by Dr. Scholls after seeing so many posts about these products on here. And it works!

I also alternated between shoes -- not sneakers -- Sanuk slippers, Adidas sandals, and Birkenstocks, as well as my favourite boots from home (well worn in, but still new-ish). I would have bought crocs but my DD hates them and wouldn't let me get them.

It was the glide stick that helped with everything though. And cold every night, whether it was a foot bath or swimming, to cool them down.

 

[2Tiggies]

I had really sore feet last year, especially blisters, and I swore I wouldn't let it ruin my trip this year. I bought something like this made by Dr. Scholls after seeing so many posts about these products on here. And it works!

I also alternated between shoes -- not sneakers -- Sanuk slippers, Adidas sandals, and Birkenstocks, as well as my favourite boots from home (well worn in, but still new-ish). I would have bought crocs but my DD hates them and wouldn't let me get them.

It was the glide stick that helped with everything though. And cold every night, whether it was a foot bath or swimming, to cool them down.

Yes, Scholl and another company as well make similar products. The Scholl one is probably better as their products generally are good but my Mom is an Avon rep and gave me one to try a few years ago and I just keep ordering more, so I haven't tested the other brands. Yes, alternating shoes works a treat too

As for the crocs, you tell your DD that I have TOY STORY jibbitz lol

 

[SillyFamily]

I wear zcoils. My mom started wearing them because of arthritis and now were all rocking them. You can stand on them all day and barely feel a thing.

 

[Miss Monorail 1971]

Last trip I wore sketchers air walks....Love them. Also used bandaid blister block....worked like a charm. At night I took a frozen water bottle and rolled my feet over it. Use ice not heat! DD will only wear crocs. I have some croc thong sandals that I will also wear.

 

[lizabean]

i am a sneaker guy........ wife said cant go to the pool with sneeks so she got me a manly looking pair of crocs..... no breakin so i wore no socks just crocs for 7 days . I am a believer in croc,s now ugly but wow, i wear them even in nj winter

 

[JennyMP03]

Great ideas so far, and many shoes I hadn't heard of! I will have to look them all up! Thanks so much!

AJPPGH: I didn't have insoles, but that's a good idea. I will definitely bring my sneakers again in addition to whatever sandals I buy, and I'll add insoles to the list for sure. I think that will help. Maybe my feet just need a lot of cushion.

 

[flutterby3744]

I wear zcoils. My mom started wearing them because of arthritis and now were all rocking them. You can stand on them all day and barely feel a thing.

I just looked these up, and man! That's one crazy looking shoe!!!! My DH has bone spurs on his feet and I'm so concerned about our upcoming trip. I may have to check these out. Thanks!

 

[Itinkso]

If you are close by a specialty running shoe store, stop by and have your feet and gait analyzed. Then you will be able to try on shoes specifically for your walking style. I wear Mizuno Enigma running shoes for walking/jogging and last month, I was in and out of the parks for nine days and walked/jogged the 5K during the Princess 1/2 weekend and my feet felt wonderful the whole trip. Felt even better than when I have worn Keens. These Mizunos were the very best investment ever!

 

[KBoopaloo]

A few trips ago, I started icing the bottom of my feet at night back at the hotel and taking Advil PM before bed and it has really helped with the soreness a lot.

 

[francie57]

Agree with pp. Find a good running store and have your shoes fit for you. I have done this since I have plantar fasciitis and correct fitting shoes are a must. Also agreed with the wool socks. We all use Darn Tough wool socks and they are wonderful and keep your feet nice and dry. They also have socks that have some padding on the heel which may help. The biggest thing is to have properly fitted shoes. If you were walking in shoes that didn't have a good arch, etc. you may have been on the verge of plantar fasciitis and trust me you don't want that.

 

[ravensterling3]

We went last year and my dh had to buy some crocs because the sandals that he brought with us broke. Now he owns 3 pairs even croc tennis shoes, I have created a monster.

 

[Mome Rath]

I like to hike during the warmer months, and there are lots of tips and tricks for your feet that you can read about if you search the web for foot pain and hiking. I tend to have foot pain no matter what I wear, and I've tried it all, including being fitted by professionals.

For any type of issue with the shoes/sandals/fivefingers, etc... rubbing my skin raw, I like "Body Glide," yes it sounds terrible, but trust me, it is for athletes to prevent blisters and chafing; it looks like stick deodorant, but is clear and just applies very quickly to your skin. For foot pain, one tip that has really helped me is to elevate your feet when you stop to rest (and do stop and rest for a good 15 min. periodically), obviously some places that is easier than others. When you are resting at your hotel is an esp. good time to do this as you can elevate them just slightly above heart level (in short, lay back and prop your feet up a bit). In the parks, even elevating them to "bench level" will help. Elevating your feet really helps when you can take your shoes off.

Even on an "easy day" I hiked over 7 miles in the parks, most people don't consider how much of an impact that has on your feet. On a forced march day it can easily be 8 - 15 miles of walking.

 

[SashaFarce]

Propet, Propet, Propet. Even just their lightweight travel sneakers are better than any other shoe I've worn in the parks. I also like Teva's Mush flip flops, and I will wear them for about a half day of walking in the park as well.