Uugghh! Another shoe thread...this time with teens :)

[nono]

Would she consider something like this?

http://www.zappos.com/mel-by-melissa-mel-sweetie-beige-black

Not really a sandal, but an "airy" shoe.

 

[scrhsa]

Well you did ask for help and you didnt like the answer that at 17 she is old enough to decide. So take that our of the equation. I hate sandals in the park (cute or not) I dont like getting my feet filthy, I dont like when they get wet and the rub everywhere there is a strap, and I HATE getting my foot stepped on. Also sandals cute enough for a teen and comfortable probably are non-existent which is what I think you were asking. I know all the comfortable sandals I own are frankly butt ugly. A cute pair of sandals (TOMS TOO) might be murder on her feet back and knees they are very flat and no support. Or so not practical high heeled ugh.

You have a seventeen year old that seems to be making a reasonable decision about shoes. Maybe not your decision but she isnt asking to walk around MK in 4 inch platform shoes (and I have seen that more than once!) Take her to a store let her look and if she finds a pair she likes then she has options you want her to have, if she doesnt you havent wasted all that money on something she doesnt want to wear.[/QUOTE

Woah! I never said I didnt like any of the answers. You are absolutely right, I asked for those opinions and I don't/won't shy away from them. I truly appreciate everything that people have posted. I just responded. None of my responses are meant to come off snippy towards anyone or their replies. It's just normal conversation. I have a difficult teen when it comes to shoes and I want opinions on some sandal options. I have a GREAT teen! She just doesn't make wise shoe choice Or rather she doesn't make ANY shoe choice She just doesn't like to choose and she tends to have a one track mind. She fixates on one style that is usually just for looks and isn't practical. And she has NEVER liked what I picked out for her even when she was a toddler, she has definitely made things fun for me

 

[scrhsa]

Does she like online shopping? If so, check out www.zappos.com. Free shipping and free return shipping if the shoes don't fit.

That's how I got my DD15 (who was 14 at the time) to choose some sandals for the parks - she found a pair of flip flops and sandals that she loved on that website. We ordered them, they fit and she loves them.

Maybe that will be an option for her.

Great idea! Thanks. That would make for a fun Saturday afternoon!

 

[thehappyhours]

I second the Sanuk flip flops! They are super comfortable. My favorite park sandals are Keen Waimea H2 sandals. They have some toe protection but are super comfortable. I walked the park with them while I was 5 months pregnant

 

[scrhsa]

I have to disagree with a few other, unless you are fine with leaving her in the room, this is a hill to die on. Her having sore or blistered feet will affect everyone else, unless you don't mind leaving her behind.

It will be just the two of us!! She would definitely hate to be left behind

 

[scrhsa]

Oh, to be 17 again.. I remember a trip around that age where I had different style and color sandals to go with each outfit for each park! I could totally handle the parks in flip flops, but now, not so much. I'm with your daughter - my go-to shoes for everyday stuff are boots, and then flats, and then Converse, but I know my feet will die in boots when I'm in WDW next week!

I have two suggestions; I usually wear Sperrys to the park. It's certainly a style choice, but they have great arch support, and you don't need socks. The beauty of them is they're boat shoes, so if they get wet, who cares! That's their purpose. I have a pair of gold Sperrys that I absolutely love and have worn so many times to DLR. I also have three pairs of Converse I rotate.

What I found to make the shoes MORE comfortable, rather than less is the following - if I'm wearing Sperrys or sandals, I use BodyGlide on my feet and I bring a stick with me. It keeps the friction at bay and I can slide the shoes on and off more easily. For my Converse, I wear low-cut, sweat-wicking socks. Target sells them. They're great because they pull the sweat away from your body, keeping your feet cool, and they offer arch support - they're basically running socks but they don't peek over the top of your shoes.

Finally, I invested in a pair of Sanuk flip flops. They're made from the same material as yoga mats. I was totally against the idea until I found a pair with a glittery leopard print in the strap, and I am obsessed with them. Totally wearing them to AK next week.

One other recommendation - I always rent a locker at DLR whenever I go, and I bring a change of clothes and a change of shoes, just in case, which I will probably also do at WDW next week. You could always bring a pair of flip flops or sandals as a back up, in case she hits a melting point!

Good luck!

I have tried SO hard to get her to get a pair of Sperrys. Won't do it..that's what all the girls wear at school and she'll have none of that Will take a look at the Sanuks. That's exactly why I want the options of sandals for her. I would rather have a small melt down with options than a giant one with no options

 

[aejammers]

Birkenstock. If she wants old school, go for the Arizona style. If she likes more of a flip flop style, she can try Gizeh or Mayari. This is the only shoe I will wear to the parks. But definitely get them early and break them in. The cork footbed will conform to her foot.

 

[maxiesmom]

If she simply won't go along with a different pair of shoes, and her feet end up bothering her, there are always the lovely Crocs sold in the parks. Yes, I have been that desperate before for comfy shoes.

 

[keishashadow]

Ok, my daughter will be 17 by the time we hit Orlando next summer. She is being a bit pig-headed about shoes. I get NO help from her when we discuss the amounts of walking she will be doing and the kinds of shoes she will need. Right now all she basically wears are converse and some cheap flats to school. She HATES sandals--a bit self-conscious about her feet. I know I will be able to get her into a good pair of tenny shoes but finding a good, comfy, cute pair of sandals is going to be horrendous. I want to get them this summer so that she will have them broken in well by the time we hit the parks. She HATES sketchers and if I try to bring up Teva's etc she just gives me the look--you know the look teens have Last year my other teen wore Toms and they worked for her but this teen hates Toms too. AARRGGHHH! I love that she has her own sense of style and uniqueness---seriously, I do But COME ON...she needs to help me out! Does anyone have any ideas on brands of cute-teeny sandals that I might be missing? I'm about to the point(and yes I know there is PLENTY of time for this to all work itself out by the time we go) to let her keep pushing it off and go in what she has and deal with her feet hurting. Then the next time she'll know better
Thanks in advance!

nothing wrong with converse shoes, the personalized ones can be very stylish imo, bring 2 pair. Always good to switch out shoes.

I'm not a fan of sketchers' fit & the cheap flats you DD prefers probably have as much or more support than the Toms.

My new favs are Keens (Newport H2 for long days, Clearwater CNX for water parks and shorter days). I have lost count of the number of crocs i've bought over the years but the clog type always seems to cause blisters for me in the parks, not so their sandals or flats (many of which are really cute). A broken in pair of new balance always makes the trip with me too.

There's a whole world of shoes out there lol, do u have a DSW in your area? lots of cute flats, let her pick out a pair with a bit of a footbed/support. Another option is Amazon, prime offers free shipping & easy returns on many styles.

 

[Disnerdette]

I have tried SO hard to get her to get a pair of Sperrys. Won't do it..that's what all the girls wear at school and she'll have none of that Will take a look at the Sanuks. That's exactly why I want the options of sandals for her. I would rather have a small melt down with options than a giant one with no options

I figured the Sperrys would be a questionable choice. It's usually a style thing - I'm from the east coast, so its practically in my DNA, but my west coast friends find them so weird!

The great thing about Sanuks is they come in TONS of different styles - not just flip flops, but full strappy sandals, etc. There are styles with fabric straps that are a little more 'hippie' looking and then some of your standard, classic sandal styles. Plus lots of colors, fabric choices, etc. Their website is fantastic and shows all the different variations. I bought my pair at Nordstrom Rack half off, so you might be able to find them there, or at the least she can try them on to see how they feel. I put a pair on once and it was HEAVEN.

Good luck!

 

[scrhsa]

Birkenstock. If she wants old school, go for the Arizona style. If she likes more of a flip flop style, she can try Gizeh or Mayari. This is the only shoe I will wear to the parks. But definitely get them early and break them in. The cork footbed will conform to her foot.

She has said she might try a pair of these. I've worn them for years so its a bid deal that she said she might try these

 

[scrhsa]

nothing wrong with converse shoes, the personalized ones can be very stylish imo, bring 2 pair. Always good to switch out shoes.

I'm not a fan of sketchers' fit & the cheap flats you DD prefers probably have as much or more support than the Toms.

My new favs are Keens (Newport H2 for long days, Clearwater CNX for water parks and shorter days). I have lost count of the number of crocs i've bought over the years but the clog type always seems to cause blisters for me in the parks, not so their sandals or flats (many of which are really cute). A broken in pair of new balance always makes the trip with me too.

There's a whole world of shoes out there lol, do u have a DSW in your area? lots of cute flats, let her pick out a pair with a bit of a footbed/support. Another option is Amazon, prime offers free shipping & easy returns on many styles.

Keens would be ideal....sandal/tenny shoe all in one But just getting her to be open to them. I know she would love them if she just gave them a chance.

 

[Arich01]

I want to second the vote on Sanuks- I've been wearing these "yoga" style to the parks and at home all the time! Super comfy! http://www.zappos.com/sanuk-yoga-sling-2-prints-black-tribal They have tons of prints and maybe she would find one that suits her syle?

 

[scrhsa]

nothing wrong with converse shoes, the personalized ones can be very stylish imo, bring 2 pair. Always good to switch out shoes.

I'm not a fan of sketchers' fit & the cheap flats you DD prefers probably have as much or more support than the Toms.

My new favs are Keens (Newport H2 for long days, Clearwater CNX for water parks and shorter days). I have lost count of the number of crocs i've bought over the years but the clog type always seems to cause blisters for me in the parks, not so their sandals or flats (many of which are really cute). A broken in pair of new balance always makes the trip with me too.

There's a whole world of shoes out there lol, do u have a DSW in your area? lots of cute flats, let her pick out a pair with a bit of a footbed/support. Another option is Amazon, prime offers free shipping & easy returns on many styles.

She really loves the super hero converse...just not so sure she loves how they fit

 

[scrhsa]

Just sending out thanks to all of you taking the time to respond today! Lot of great ideas. We just need to sit and take a look online and maybe take a day just the two of us shopping to get ideas. Thanks again

 

[whitney250]

Ok, my daughter will be 17 by the time we hit Orlando next summer. She is being a bit pig-headed about shoes. I get NO help from her when we discuss the amounts of walking she will be doing and the kinds of shoes she will need. Right now all she basically wears are converse and some cheap flats to school. She HATES sandals--a bit self-conscious about her feet. I know I will be able to get her into a good pair of tenny shoes but finding a good, comfy, cute pair of sandals is going to be horrendous. I want to get them this summer so that she will have them broken in well by the time we hit the parks. She HATES sketchers and if I try to bring up Teva's etc she just gives me the look--you know the look teens have Last year my other teen wore Toms and they worked for her but this teen hates Toms too. AARRGGHHH! I love that she has her own sense of style and uniqueness---seriously, I do But COME ON...she needs to help me out! Does anyone have any ideas on brands of cute-teeny sandals that I might be missing? I'm about to the point(and yes I know there is PLENTY of time for this to all work itself out by the time we go) to let her keep pushing it off and go in what she has and deal with her feet hurting. Then the next time she'll know better
Thanks in advance!

I wore converse in the park for the MNSSHP and had QUARTER sized blisters on my heels from only a few hours... Hopefully you can convince her that they won't work! There are some flip-flops that I wore to the park and they were super comfortable. They are sanuk brand I believe and they are thick yoga mat material. They may not work for her unless she's a flip flop kind of girl though. They do come in several different colors . As for tennis shoes I would recommend the Nike free runs, that's what I wore most days and they were very comfortable and my feet weren't sore at all.

 

[L&Lfan]

I hate sandals/flip flops but that's because I hate feet. Especially unpedicured feet. And that goes for the men too. Just my own personal quirk. I always wear sneakers/tennis shoes in the parks.

 

[scrhsa]

I'm thinking Rainbows. These or the leather ones. Or these Tevas. Sorry if the pics are large...my pc is acting up today.

 

[scrhsa]

I hate sandals/flip flops but that's because I hate feet. Especially unpedicured feet. And that goes for the men too. Just my own personal quirk. I always wear sneakers/tennis shoes in the parks.

I hate feet too!!! Except for baby feet But I just cant stand wearing shoes and neither can she I know the heat would kill her in tennies the whole time.

 

[whitney250]

I hate sandals/flip flops but that's because I hate feet. Especially unpedicured feet. And that goes for the men too. Just my own personal quirk. I always wear sneakers/tennis shoes in the parks.

Your post immediately reminded me of this! lol