Update pg. 4 - Quest for the perfect park shoe continues!

[Tiger926]

I am going crazy trying to find good shoes for our upcoming trip. I have Osteoporosis (diagnosed very younga few years ago in my early 30s) with a touch of arthritis, bunion in my right foot and very sensitive knees from running long distance for years, so support and comfort are top priority when running around the parks for 2 weeks straight in the hot, humid July weather. I've always worn good athletic shoes to park, but after 5 hot July trips in a row, I thought about maybe looking at wearing sandals as athletic shoes are just too hot. I just bought the Land's End amphibious shoes for myself, but I know they won't be enough support for wearing the entire day, so, I've been on a quest.

Here is what I've tried on so far at the stores (haven't purchased anything) - all very expensive shoes (over $100.00 CDN):

Josef Seibel, Rockport, Merrell, Clark's, Ecco, Provo & New Balance - nothing! They are either too dressy, not enough support (obviously with sandals, this is going to be a problem) or just not summery enough. I've also looked at cheaper brands such as Skeechers, Nike, etc. but they are not well made for my purposes at all. I am now thinking I might have to go back to my old reliable Keds as they are always comfortable, not tons of support though.

Anyone have other suggestions besides Crocs, as I can't imagine how those are good for any support either since they are big and clunky - although my daughter did like the colours when she saw them - LOL!!!

We don't have tons of selection here in our Canadian city, so we are off to shop in the US (do this all of the time!) next week, so any suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks, Tiger

 

[BYC]

It looks like you have spent thousands in search of the perfect shoe. Invest another 30 bucks in a pair of Crocs before you make a decision against them. I have foot problems, and my sister had a terrible heel spur problem, and we both wear our crocs as often as we can. They DO support, as they mold to each person's individual foot. I think you will be surprised. Also, follow the croc companies advice, and make sure they fit a bit large. Just give it a try.

 

[ameraumi]

I wore my aasics all week when we were there the first of the month. They were perfect for me as they were already broken in and had enough support. Not one blister or sore achy feet.

I tried Crocs before I left and just do not see what the buzz is about them. I do not think they are comfy at all.

 

[richard_andmel]

I have had excellent luck with the high end Teva sandals. Go to www.teva.com and check them out.

Mel

 

[twinkles]

I like my birkenstocks. My feet can breathe and the support is great! Give 'em a try!

 

[Tiger926]

Thanks - I haven't purchased any, sorry for the confusion. I meant to say, here is what I have looked at, and I forgot to mention Tevas and Birkenstocks in my list as well. I don't find much support in these either as the ones I looked at didn't have much too them to be honest.

I still don't get the whole Crocs thing either - I will try them again, I guess.

Thanks for the suggestions, Tiger

 

[Tricia1972]

I am a big fan of Bjorn sandals. They have quite a bit of support, come in varying widths and also have a pillow cushion on the bottom that makes your feet feel as if you were walking on well supported pillows. You may want to give these a try!

Good luck and please let us know what you end up getting!

 

[Rella Bella]

Nike has a new shoe called "Nike Free". ! A friend just got a pair and was RAVING about how wonderful and comfortable they are.

They are made for people who like the comfort of barefoot but need the protection and support of a shoe. They are partly mesh... so should be cool, or at least cooler than a regular athletic shoe and they are incredibly light, she actually took off a shoe so we could all hold it and see for our selves, it was like holding nothing. Might be worth checking out.

 

[MareQ]

I was on a shoe mission myself in January for our Feb trip. I have very wide, flat feet and have NEVER had a trip where my feet weren't killing me after an hour of walking.All of our vacations have - up until this last one - centered around my feet and how they felt.

I got many suggestions and ended up with two pairs of shoes - #1 was Merrell Reactors. They are very supportive, easily adjustable - very nice.

The 2nd pair I bought and the pair I wore most often and felt most comfortable - and the pair I am still wearing every day, day in and day out are my......... Crocs!

 

[Janet-TX]

If you're main concern is a sandal with great support, look at zappos.com, and go to the Propet Pedic Walker SKU #7168697. When I first got mine, I was concerned that the shoe was too heavy, however it doesn't feel heavy on my feet at all. It's $61.05 at zappos.com. The velcro straps are great for adjusting if your feet sometimes swell. Fabulous for lots of walking!

 

[scoolover]

I had a job where I would walk miles a day and bought the Rockport Prowalker. Even at 330 pounds at the time, they were great. I have heard great things about the Rockport walking shoes. Good luck in your search and have a great one.

 

[Maxie86]

I got a pair of Lands End sport casual sandals for our upcoming trip. They come in thongs and slides. They really do feel like you are wearing sneakers, but I haven't park tested them yet. It's too cold to wear them around here, so I've only been wearing them around the house. These are the first sandals that I feel I could walk long distances in. Can't wait to give them a try. Hope you find something soon. It's no fun when your feet hurt when you're on vacation.

 

[Quinn222]

I recently bought pair of Keen Venice sandals and they are quite comfortable and far more attractive in person that you'd think (I got the black). I intend to swap them on alternate days with Crocs, which I bought at the same time.

 

[tiggercrew]

I have heard (but never bought) SAS shoes are great for those with back, knee or foot problems. From what I've heard they are not the most attractive shoes, but are extremely comfortable. You might want to do a search on the DIS for them and read some reviews for yourself.

Good luck in your search!

 

[#1DizGal]

Just my two cents -- I recently purchased a 'real' pair of walking shoes (vs. those Payless versions!) - they're Avia walking shoes (wide width) - absolutely wonderful. Never had to break them in like most shoes. I have also become a Crocs convert. Feels like you're barefooted (sorta).

 

[princesspwrhr]

I have always had good luck with Nike Air Walk shoes for women. They run about $60-80 but they really are great for me. I have an issue with two of my toes that can make walking long distances uncomfortable after a couple of hours and have never had a problem with these shoes (I've owned 3 pair in the last 9 years) . I made the mistake of trying on a pair pf Sketchers when I was wearing my Nike's and the Skechers felt like rocks on my feet! But Sketchers are the only shoe that works for my daughter. I also had luck with the orginal style Teva's when I was doing the counselor thing at summer camp, I know they have different styles, so maybe they're worth a second look for sandals?

 

[panthergirl]

Take a look at Keen. I wore the Newports to WDW last summer and my feet felt better than they ever did in athletic shoes. I bought the Balis to wear this year.

http://www.keenfootwear.com/women/allStyles.html

 

[hunnypotmama]

I've been on a never-ending quest for the perfect park shoe. I've tried Teva sandals, which I love but my feet still got tired. I have Saucony shoes right now, but haven't tested them at Disney yet.

I caved in this morning and ordered Crocs for myself and my 10 year old daughter. I'll be sure and report back how they perform!!

 

[pdarrah]

For about 10 years I have worn pretty much only athletic shoes with orthotic inserts (not the Dr. Sholls type - custom made to my foot for $300 plus a pair!) Last spring, after reading about Crocs here, I decided to give them a try because I was so tired of just athletic shoes day in and day out. Crocs are wonderful! I alternate and wear my athletic shoes one day and Crocs the next. If you look at their website (crocs.com) they have information about the support that is built into them and they do seem to conform to your feet after you wear them for awhile. I wear the plain old "Beach" style which only cost $30 a pair.

Wearing Crocs every other day has NOT caused me any trouble. I have extrememly flat feet which led to knee, hip and back trouble. I started wearing the orthotics when I was about 30 and they made a world of difference. My concern with the crocs initially was that they wouldn't provide the correct support (how could a $30 shoe possibly work? ) but I have been wonderfully surprised. The support is definitely there. I have not had any recurrence of the knee, hip or back problems since I started wearing Crocs and even my chiropractor (who was initially pretty sceptical) says I am doing fine and is considering buying his own crocs!

Someone said they felt as good as going barefoot - actually, they feel BETTER than going barefoot! Barefoot for me leads to sore feet, sore knees, sore hips, sore back .. but not when I wear my crocs.

Good luck with the shoe hunt!

pdarrah

 

[zipuzee]

My daughter is flat footed and the podiatrist told her to wear berkenstocks and crocs. For her school shoes she has arch supports from Dr. Scholls.