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

[dachsie]

Best advice i can give is to go to a marathon runner shoe store where they can evaluate your gait and fit you with shoes that will support the build of your feet. They also have socks there that will keep moisture off your skin - I like Wright's socks for this.

I am staying at a timeshare that has a jacuzzi bathtub and i use the jets every nite to work on my feet and they were great the next day and that was when I weighed a whole lot more than I do now so I am hopeful.

 

[Ametista]

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.

http://www.zcoil.com/shop/
OMG...Kramer?

 

[hawaiiangal]

A year or two ago I read another thread on this, and followed someone's advice - and it has totally saved my sore feet!

Purchase a small cat litter pan from Walmart ($1.98) - size is 14x11x4". It is small enough to easily fit into your luggage (just stuff some of your clothes into it) and it should fit both of your feet comfortably. Each night, fill it with some ice from the resort's ice machine and ice your feet for at least 10 minutes. Then apply some Gold Bond Pain Relieving foot cream (~$6), then elevate your feet on a few pillows when you get in bed.

My feet ache considerably every day I am in Disneyworld no matter what type of shoes I wear, and when I started doing this nightly it was a HUGE difference and allowed me to tour for 6-9 days without having to quit due to foot pain.

Its an $8 commitment that you won't regret.

 

[1 DISNEY FAN]

Just bought some sketchers with memory foam so hope they will do the job.

 

[Kate and Family]

If you are already having foot soreness issues I would stay away from flip flops. Also running shoes are designed with "running" in mind, not standing in line on your feet all day and walking multiple miles. They are usually built to be incredibly light weight and this can sacrifice support. When you are in the parks your feet are performing more of a hiking function than a running function so I would recommend a pair of shoes designed with hiking in mind, they will have far more cushion and support. I would highly suggest Merrel's or Keen's.

Yep. My sister invested in a really good pair of running shoes and they were awful. Running shoes may work for some, but I have found that shoes made for walking, with soles thick enough to give some cushion are much more comfortable. Have not tried the hiking, but that seems very interesting.

 

[Davey Jones II]

Take off your socks before doing a water ride. Also do the same when it starts to rain. Wet socks will contribute to blisters. Carry a spare pair of socks in your carryon, in case your socks do get wet. Also, break in shoes before going to the parks. Tight, ill-fitting shoes will definitely cause blisters.

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

After having major feet pain on one trip I started using EPSON salt. I pack some or buy it at Walmart if we have our car. At the end of each day I fill the tub with about 2 inches of water and EPSON salt. It worked like a charm. I found this on the web.

Sooth sore feet by soaking them in an Epsom salt bath. An Epsom salt bath will also help minimize corns or painful tendonitis.

Fill a small bucket or personal pedicure system with warm water. Consider filling it with boiling water and then allowing it to cool until you can comfortably place feet in water.

Add one to two cups of Epsom salt to the water and swish with your feet. Rub your feet along the salt grains to break it down and get it into sore or painful areas.

Sit with feet in the salt bath until water cools. If you want to continue your soak, consider adding a few cups of hot water and mix.


I also do better with open toed shoes. I use Ortho heel, Spenco, Finn Comfort and Softwalk. I had plantar fasciitis and was in a lot of pain.

One more tip if you wear closed shoes - make sure your toe nails are short - it makes a huge difference. One time I didn't and I felt it.

 

[JennyMP03]

My sincere gratitude to everyone who has responded! I have read every single post and appreciate every suggestion. I think this will be my battle plan, based on your recommendations:

1) Shoes: I'll bring my Nikes again with a pair of gel insoles this time, and I'll leave the Converse at home, but I'll get a pair of Keen Whispers to take too. I'll get them soon so I can wear them often before June. I do have a pair of Teva Mush, as several people mentioned! I wore these to Busch Gardens a few years ago and did fine. I can't seem to walk in flip-flops for an extended period of time without pain now, though. I'll bring them for the pool.
2) The small cat box from Wal-Mart and EPSOM salts, plus ice from the hotel machines in the evenings if needed.
3) Maybe some foot pain cream, though the Gold Bond brand has an alarming amount of reviews that state it makes feet burn for days after application (yikes!). Peppermint lotion, at least.
4) Band-aid brand blister glide. (And avoid wearing socks/sneakers on days when it's going to rain, though that could be every single day of our trip since it's in June.)
5) Maybe acetaminophen instead of ibuprofen?
6) And I'll work on standing for long periods every day before the trip to strengthen the muscles in my feet and get them accustomed to it as much as possible.


Whew, what a list to be able to walk comfortably for a few days. It all makes me feel a bit older than my years.

 

[Kate and Family]

It all makes me feel a bit older than my years.

You're not old, you're wise - and your feet will thank you.

 

[teffy]

I think just as important as shoes are the kinds of socks you wear as well. A could pair that keeps your feet dry and maybe have a bit of padding where you need it most can't be beat! And I always throw a pair of flip flops in my bag for the day in case it rains and then your comfy shoes don't get wet. Also good for water rides!

 

[Itinkso]

I think just as important as shoes are the kinds of socks you wear as well. A could pair that keeps your feet dry and maybe have a bit of padding where you need it most can't be beat.

Good point! Nike Dri-Fit socks are cushioned and have arch support - great for long park days!

 

[ZoZo]

I found the most fabulous shoes for my WDW trip two weeks ago. They're Skechers Memory Foam Sneakers. It's like walking on marshmallows. I have lots of foot problems, and have never found what I consider the "perfect" shoe. I didn't have one bit of foot pain with these, and I didn't even use Bodyglide or Moleskin once. I didn't even have time to formally "break in" these shoes before my trip (I know, that's a rookie mistake!) but didn't have a bit of trouble. This is the type of shoe that I bought: Women's Synergy A-Lister. http://www.skechers.com/style/11792/synergy-a-lister/lghp

 

[JennyMP03]

Oh, those Skechers Memory Foams sneakers are tempting me now that I look at them. Memory foam certainly sounds comfortable. I wonder if I wouldn't even need a gel insole with them.

 

[Maggie7313]

I don't do well in any sort of sneaker - my feet get too hot and then I blister badly. I do best if I change shoes midday. I usually start with Keens (Newport H20s) and then switch to Tevas (Tirras) for the afternoon. On our rare no-park evenings, I'll switch to a third (Teva Zirras) for dinner. If it is chilly or my feet are particularly sore, I will add dri-max compression socks under the sandals. It's a fashion disaster but a mini massage for the feet.

I also take Aleve every 12 hours from the day before we leave until the day after we get home. And I also swear by the ice water followed by hot water soaks. We fill the bath tub with a few inches of water, add a few buckets of ice, and DH and I both sit on the side and recap the day.

 

[Ashlotte]

This is a great thread! I always have sore feet when touring as well. Usually blisters and tired legs aren't the issue, it's the sore feet. I have bought so many different kinds of shoes over the years to try and find the magic bullet. My DH rolls his eyes every time he hears that I bought new shoes for Disney. The only time I have every toured without pain was when I wore my Dansko clogs at Disneyland, but that was in January when the weather could support that. I definitely will not be able to do that at WDW in August!

 

[JeanetteK]

My lifesaver has been moleskin. Every morning I put it on my feet and I have not had blisters at all. I take a few pairs of shoes so that I can swap out. My Merrell jungle mocs have been great. My Nike walking shoes have been great.

This year I bought 3 new pairs of Sketchers -- different "models" but all with memory foam. I've been wearing them here in preparation for our trip at the end of April, and they are very, very comfortable.

But I highly recommend the moleskin. Like I said, I use it starting on day 1 and use it every day of our trip. If you have a blister, you will have to cover it with a bandaid first and then put moleskin on afterwards because the moleskin will rip the blistered skin off and then you will be in severe pain. But, using it like I do, it prevents me from getting any blisters because it blocks my skin from rubbing against my sock or shoe. We also use nothing but moisture wicking socks now too. So that helps as well.

It seems I always sit at least once a day in the parks and take off my shoes and socks and give my feet a rub if they're getting sore. I also do the pool/hot tub thing once back at the resort too. The cool pool water feels great on them, and then the jets at the hot tub massage them a bit.

 

[crostorfer]

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.

I'm going to 2nd the recommendation for the Nike Comfort Thongs. They're amazing and worth the $30 for flip flops price tag. You're feet squish into them with every step.

One tip though, they run a full size to a size and a half small. I wear a 10 womens and had to buy an 11, probably could have worn and 11 1/2.

 

[PlutoFan10]

I swear by Skechers Go Walks. I wear them all the time in the parks and all day long at conventions.

I second Skechers Go Walks. Used them on last trip and my feet were as happy as can be, considering the miles logged.

 

[Punchy]

It's also important to get in some good stretching each day, particularly your calves, achilles and hamstrings. Tight muscles will affect how flexible your feet are, which affects weight distribution on the soles of your feet.

Icing your feet at night will help reduce inflammation so you're recovered for another day of walking on all that hard concrete!

 

[Stefecatzz]

Good tip, Punchy! I think that stretching before & after the parks would definitely alleviate pain & aches. It helps to improve circulation.

I find my Sanuk Yoga Mat flip flops to be the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn for a 12+ hour day of touring in the parks. I've worn them in the rain & thought they were just as comfortable & had no issues. I also wear them almost anywhere I go at home & find that one pair will last me a little over two years.

If you are going to be wearing sneakers, I highly recommend a pair of wool socks. When I do wear my sneakers in the parks, I find this makes a huge difference!

I usually stay in a timeshare unit that has a jet tub or I take advantage of the hot tub at night which also seems to help a lot.

Another tip I have is to make sure you stay hydrated to help your muscles and joints function better. During the hotter months, I get two ice waters any time I go to a quick service or a full service bar. Believe me, it does make a difference!