Walking shoes

[Suziewan]

Do you think that there is such a thing as a comfy walking shoe that also does not look like it was intended for some sort of recovery therapy or that is not a sneaker or is this just a myth?

I'd love to hear your recommendations (or see pics) of shoes/boots you think would be both comfy and attractive for my late December-early January trip?

Just for fun, let's pretend price is not a concern

Thanks!

 

[pg0314]

Do you think that there is such a thing as a comfy walking shoe that also does not look like it was intended for some sort of recovery therapy or that is not a sneaker or is this just a myth?

I'm pretty sure it's just a myth! I've been having some foot pain while exercising and recently bought a pair of New Balance sneakers on the reccomendation of a friend. According to her podiatrist nothing comes close to New Balance in terms of support and stability. I tried on several pairs and ended up with 623s ... they're plain white, which I hate, and my size 9.5 feet look like big old boats in them. But they incredibly comfy and my foot pain has literally disappeared overnight. So when I go to WDW (in 10 days!!!!!) I'll be leaving my super cute bright orange K-Swiss sneakers at home and touring the parks in the big white boats!

 

[alc571]

I bought an amazing pair of Ryka shoes for our upcoming trip. They're the Desire model and feel like slippers on my feet. They're made specifically for women, and these are super light and airy. My feet get really hot in traditional shoes and socks, so these are great.

 

[esquared221]

I bought an amazing pair of Ryka shoes for our upcoming trip. They're the Desire model and feel like slippers on my feet. They're made specifically for women, and these are super light and airy. My feet get really hot in traditional shoes and socks, so these are great.

Ooh... I want some Rykas!!

A Dec/Jan trip warrants sneakers I think but I ALWAYS pack my Teva mush flip flops and have no trouble walking all day in those.

 

[Claudine877]

We are going in Oct and I bought croc Adrina flats. I didnt want to deal with socks and hot shoes and especially water rides. Ive worn them 6 days straight after buying them. Now I just need to find another color!

 

[Suziewan]

I've been having some foot pain while exercising and recently bought a pair of New Balance sneakers on the reccomendation of a friend. According to her podiatrist nothing comes close to New Balance in terms of support and stability. I tried on several pairs and ended up with 623s ... they're plain white, which I hate, and my size 9.5 feet look like big old boats in them. But they incredibly comfy and my foot pain has literally disappeared overnight. So when I go to WDW (in 10 days!!!!!) I'll be leaving my super cute bright orange K-Swiss sneakers at home and touring the parks in the big white boats!

lol -- my feet are around the same size and I know what you mean about looking like boats. I think you're right, a good looking/comfy non-sneaker shoe does not exist, sneakers are likely the best way to go. I'm so jealous, my trip is in 111 days! Have a great time on yours

alc571 -- Thanks for the info about Ryka, I've looked up where they sell them here and I'll have to go try some on.

esquared -- I did bring my Teva's last time, and they were great, but it got so cold on our Dec 2010 trip that I'm afraid to bring anything I can't wear socks with this time around. Hmm...maybe I'll get some croc sneakers.

 

[Qltrgrl2]

Many of the European brands are attractive yet good for walking: Finn Comfort, Birkinstocks, Think to name a few. Good luck finding a pair you like!

 

[figment814]

Just returned from France and wore Dr.Scholls Joliet in black metallic stripe. These are by far the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. I have had back problems for 25 years, since I was a teenager. I had NO back paid with these. The added benefit is that they looked like simple black ballet flats.

 

[pg0314]

I'm so jealous, my trip is in 111 days! Have a great time on yours

Thanks! I can hardly wait!! Your trip will be here before you know it. We started our countdown somewhere over 200 days and now it's right around the corner. I can't believe how fast the time has flown by. And I really think the anticipation is half the fun!

 

[Poohs100AcreWood]

We are going in Oct and I bought croc Adrina flats. I didnt want to deal with socks and hot shoes and especially water rides. Ive worn them 6 days straight after buying them. Now I just need to find another color!

I'm taking these exact shoes with me! I never got a chance to try them out for a day at DL, but worn them for shopping and more and they're so comfortable. I'm going to pick up a pair of brown or white before leaving in a couple weeks.

 

[DakotaRose]

Have you looked at Born's?? http://www.bornshoes.com/ViewAll.aspx?GenderID=8&CategoryID=0&PageNo=1&SortType=P They have many different styles.

 

[JapanNerd]

Sometimes there are sandals which are comfy enough and can last you a long time. Go to Zappos.com they have some decent shoes there. I have some great sandals that are perfect for walking in. But for colder seasons you can find some decent sneakers that are fashionable and comfy. Good Luck.

 

[moobar25]

These are the only shoes I wear in Disney now. I actually live in them at home too - from beginning of spring until end of fall. Not very good in the snow
They are the most comfortable shoes for walking miles and miles. Also I believe EMS is having a sale on them - I got my new pair the other day for $20!

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[Suziewan]

Thanks for all the suggestions I looked up the birkenstocks and finn comfort brands, but they were mostly open shoes and for this trip I want to bring a couple of different closed toe shoes for warmth. I do have nice Croc flip flops and a pair of Teva sandals, I'll bring one of these in case it's really nice weather some of the days.

figment814 - I REALLY liked that Dr. Scholls model you mentioned, it looks super comfy too.

DakotaRose -- I liked the Annibel and Aronika models of Borns, thanks for mentioning them.

Moobar -- $20 for Teva's is awesome! I have a pair too and I love them, but I want something closed toed or something I can wear socks with for this round.

 

[Azpitts]

I went to a specialty runners store recently and asked about the walking shoes, their suggestion was a great running shoe makes a great walking shoe as well.. I ended up with some saucony edges very comfortable, they actually had me walk with out shoes and looked at how my feet lay as I walk before having me try several pairs before selecting the ones I mentioned. See if their is any good runners shoe store in your area

 

[Art 1]

Yes, Air Jordans. Give them a try.

 

[MeggerasMa]

subbing as I am looking for a comfortable, non sneaker walking shoe that can be worn (and look decent) with socks. Generous width is necessary too. I completely understand the big white boat issue. Gee, you'd think my balance would be better than it is!

OP - thanks for the question.

 

[Maddog8212]

Think like a British Soldier. IF your feet are unhappy, you are.

"Comfortable Shoes" are personal to you.

If you must wear shoes with socks, then the brand that fits you is the right one. Choose flat, soft soled, slip on, with around-the foot coverage. no lace-up basketball shoes, no dress shoes--its DISNEY. Birks, Docs, Cole-Haan, Boat shoes, whatever.

I specifically do NOT wear socks, as they get wet on the water rides. Nobody wants soggy walking all afternoon. I wore Vibram's and loved it. IF you wear sandals, then no flip-flops, kicky cutsies, or jellies. The shoe goes around the foot somehow and hangs on for all rides, runs, stumbles, and stroller rollovers. Tevas, TImberlands, etc.

 

[ktlm]

I hate sneakers and socks, but I usually wear them to WDW. However, I recently discovered the Bernie Mev Comfi. I love those shoes. Just spent 9 hours walking around our state fair with them yesterday, and my feet weren't even tired at the end of the day. I like the silver ones because it makes me feel like I have a little sparkle and style. Now, it kind of depends on the weather in December at WDW, because they do expose quite a bit of the foot on top and have a peep toe, but unless it is freezing, that is what will be on my feet at WDW in the winter! Bernie Mev does have a closed toe shoe too, but I haven't ever tried that one.

FYI- they run small. I wear a 7 1/2 or an 8 in a U.S. size depending on the shoe, and my Bernie Mev comfi's are a 39 (which they claim is a size 8.5- but it clearly isn't).

 

[ktlm]

As an update, my Mom bought the Bernie Mev closed toe shoes (Charm may be the name?) about a week ago and she has not taken them off since. I tried them on and the sole feels a little bit different under my foot than the Comfi- not uncomfortable just different- but the upper part feels exactly the same as the Comfi. I'm getting a pair of them. They still do expose part of the top of the foot though, so if the weather is freezing it might not be the best choice. Probably wouldn't look the best with socks.

One thing my Mom buying them reminded me of is that you need to break them in for a day before a full day of walking around the parks in them. The reason is the strap across the top of your foot needs to stretch to conform to your foot. It will feel tight after a while of wearing them on your first wear, but the second day it is great. My Mom was whining about the strap after wearing them a couple of hours the first day, but I told her to try them a second day as the strap would be stretched by then. As I said above, she hasn't taken them off since.

Unless it is freezing, you'll find me wearing my Bernie Mevs at WDW in December!