What ARE the best shoes?

[cg1200]

What kind of socks do you recommend?

I found some cushioned socks at Zappos that have helped quite a bit. I suffer from plantar fasciitis so regardless of what shoes I wear I am generally in agony by the end of a long day. However, in recent years I've managed to keep it at bay. My gear/routine:

- Asics running shoes (new, but worn for a few weeks)
- Cushioned socks from Zappos
- Adidas sandals for wearing around the hotel (I can really never walk around barefoot)
- I will usually soak my feet in the tub at the end of the day then apply Goldbond or some other foot lotion.

I also try to rest as often as possible during the day. I sit at every possible opportunity and anywhere I can including the ground if necessary. I'm 39 years old and can't bring myself to rent a scooter.

 

[Sinderelly]

Skechers Shape Ups and Cool Max socks=heaven for my feet. NO foot pain, blisters and they help my back and knees too. I can also wear Crocs. I love wearing Crocs around the house. OP have you tried wearing Crocs with moisture wicking socks?

 

[Tamar]

Thor-Lo makes great socks for walking and running. I wear them with broken in sneakers, and I never get blisters. Sore feet, yes, but no blisters!

 

[BigTikiDaddy]

I agree with above posters that each answer varies with each individuals. Every one has different needs and comforts. My wife for example, is most comfortable with crocs then with runners, and she HATES wearing socks, even in the winter. (I bought her lined crocs for winter and cool weather, she wears unless there is lots of snow). I myself, am not too fussy on them, I feel like there is no support.

I myself, have always gone with a new pair of Dr. Scholls sneakers each trip. The funny thing is I barely ever break them in, wear them arond for a few weeks, usually in indoor settings (like the mall). I've never had issues with blisters yet. I usually find the only place I'l get blisters in the back of my ankle from where the top of the shoe rubs even with socks, and that I can detect after wearing any pair for a couple of hours. I tried to go with sandels, even a pair i found last summer and wore frequently, but found it rubbing on our way out to a park, so switched back to runners rather then tempt fate. Maybe I've just been lucky so far...

 

[homedad]

i think some people have feet problems and no matter what they wear their gonna have issues. I've worn Tevas, Keens and old fashion tennis shoes and never had an issue.......

 

[minniebride]

First time we were there, I wore broken in sandals that were made for my feet. Well, all the walking caused more movement of my feet, and I had horrible blisters!

Second trip I had blisters again...I think I wore my Croc Cleos. (Blisters again from rubbing) Ended up buying Fit Flops at WDW and got blisters from those, but between my toes. However, my heels felt wonderful! I'd rotate the two shoes so the same areas werne't getting aggravated.

Today I found some Khombu Trail sandal/shoes.Never had this brand before, so I hope they are great. They felt great going on in the store, so I am taking them with me. I'll also have my Fit Flops, my broken in Nikes, and a pair of Crocs sandals.

The biggest thing I've found is be prepared! Body Glide, or some sort of product like that, moleskin if needed, shoes that are broken in and you've worn for awhile so you don't end up with blisters between your toes because your skin is not used to it. Sometimes shoes that are broken in and are always comfortable at home aren't comfortable at WDW.

Hope everyone finds shoes that work for them! Having blisters as WDW should be illegal!

This is EXACTLY what happens to me!! I mostly get blisters from the shoe rubbing against my skin-mostly on my heels, bottom of my toes and on the tops of my feet where a sandal strap might go!!

I think I'm going to purchase one pair of sandals and one pair of sneakers to alternate.

For sneakers, I'm looking at the Merrills Chameleon, Merrills Moab Ventilator, & Merrill Siren Sport. What's the difference between these?

For sandals, I'm now trying to decide between the Keen Venice H2 and the Keen Newport. What is the difference between the two??

Should I wear socks with the sandals? Will that prevent the rubbing or do these sandals generally not cause rubbing?

 

[Phil'sFrontier]

Like has been said above, I think it is important to get a shoe that fits and is done up tight enough so your foot isn't moving around a lot.

 

[MistressMerryweather]

For sandals, I'm now trying to decide between the Keen Venice H2 and the Keen Newport. What is the difference between the two??

The style of the straps is the main difference. On the Venice, there is less strapping and the shoe is more open. If you are looking for greater foot coverage, go with the Newport. The Venice will be a bit more open and like a sandal, the Newport is a little more rugged, though I have found them both to be just as supportive and comfy.

 

[Lilo&Stitch]

Thank you~I know that this is the neverending question on the Dis!

I've tried Crocs 2x~got blisters both times. I tried alternating days of sometimes wearing Crocs and other days wearing my Teva sandals (not Teva Mush-they are strap sandals with a strap around the ankles that I have broken in doing light hikes and daily use~got blisters. I have a broken in pair of sneakers that I use on the treadmill, but they are ready for the trash. I looked up Teva Mush and I can't wear flip flops like that (with that thing in between my toes).

Maybe I'll try a pair of Merrill sneakers~are those good for treadmills as well? I could buy them now and break them in on the treadmill.
Which style of Merrill sneakers are best for long walking, like at WDW?

I have 2 pairs, these:

http://www.zappos.com/merrell-ctr-cruise-ivory-purple

and these:

http://www.zappos.com/merrell-moab-ventilator-smoke

I only wear moisture wicking socks ! and YES they are great for the treadmill ! I run on mine every day with my Merrell's

 

[Lilo&Stitch]

For sneakers, I'm looking at the Merrills Chameleon, Merrills Moab Ventilator, & Merrill Siren Sport. What's the difference between these?

Personally I find the Chameleon & Siren to not have enough arch support for me, but I am flat footed

Also, something I learned from the DIS was using pepperment foot lotion on your feet every night when you get back from the parks, makes your feet feel wonderful and refreshed !

 

[DisFam95]

For sandals, I'm now trying to decide between the Keen Venice H2 and the Keen Newport. What is the difference between the two??

Should I wear socks with the sandals? Will that prevent the rubbing or do these sandals generally not cause rubbing?

Try them on! Like above said the strap styling is different. Visually I preferred the Venice but the Newports felt better on my feet.


Re: socks - NOT 100%cotton!!! You need a moisture wicking sock. Any sporting goods store or specialty shoe/running store will have a good selection. I used to go for the cushioning but realized the thinner moisture wicking socks worked just as well (for me anyway).

I also use Body Glide in between my toes. My 4th and 5th toes turn sideways and I get blisters really bad but never w/ the bodyglide. I get it at my local running store.

re: PLantar fasciatis. I strongly suggest Super Feet inserts. I had intense heel pain for months. Did all of the therapy, massage, stretching etc. I was ready for surgery it hurt so bad. One day went to a local running store and the lady recommended them to wear them in my shoe all day. I did and the next day I woke up 95% pain free for the first time in months. I drove back and thanked her and bought another pair. I've since recommended them to others that have had great results from them! Within a couple days I've had no pain ever since.

Everyone's foot is different. One of the biggest things is being broken in esp if a shoe is new to you.

I had an old pair of Merrels that I loved that were so light and airy but they all seem so heavy - all the new styles. But just today I saw a Avian Stretch on their site I might look at. I have the Siren Sport but they are too hot and heavy for summer walking.

I'm looking at the Keen McKenzie but have not tried them.

Some Ecco's that have felt good to me are the Mobile II, RXP 3040, Performance Sierra

Teva's Sky Lake, Churn, and a couple others.

Go to a sporting goods store; REI, Sports Authority, Dicks, our local bike store has a big shoe selection of great outdoors-y shoes.

Or order from a place that has free shipping both ways and easy returns; zappos or shoebuy etc.

 

[MistressMerryweather]

Zappos has video reviews, where you can see them up close to get a better idea. You have to click on the image to make it larger before they give you the video.

Newport
Venice

 

[MistressMerryweather]

OP, definitely check out 6pm.com. They have all the brands you are looking at for 40 and 50% off. I wish I hadn't been looking. I found a pair of Keen Venice and Keen mary jane type sandals both in my size for 50% off. Plus, shipping is only $4.95 right now.

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

My most comfy pair of running shoes! I run about 8 - 10km a day, the only time I seem to get blister is when I wear the "special wicking socks" Why???? I have no idea. Regular cotton sports socks I have no problem with.

 

[BarbieGal457]

Believe it or not, I'm a devotee of my trusty (broken in) Old Navy and Havaianas flip flops! But I am very, very used to wearing sandals/flip flops. I do make sure they're good and broken in and won't give me a blister between my toes, but otherwise I've never had issues. I do always take a broken in pair of sneakers as well.

I wore UGGs once, and even though I wear them daily at home during the fall/winter, I can tell you this was a most unpleasant experience. They are definitely not made for Disney parks!! I could barely limp around the next day. The same goes for Birkenstocks. I cringed every time I flexed my calf muscles!

 

[khgreen]

I can only wear Birkenstocks, DH wears Keens, kids wear whatever fits at the end of summer that is comfortable and broken in. I still bring moleskin just in case. Also it's a good idea to bring several pair of shoes and switch as needed.

 

[Kathkazoo]

Broken in New Balance running shoes and socks that wick. I'm not a runner but I love running shoes. I also spray my feet with Arrid XX dry deodorant and my feet absolutely do not sweat then. I also pack a pair of flips for Kali and change into them for the ride then back out when finished. I carry a backpack and put my dry shoes and socks in a zip lock in the back pack.

 

[kayemgi]

I like to switch it up with good flip flops (with arch support and a half inch sole, try Reef) for water ride days and broken-in running sneakers on the other days. Sore feet are inevitable, but I don't get blisters or foot cramps with these!

 

[briandancer]

My vote here is clearly and certainly Crocs. They are the best shoe for standing, as well as walking. Standing is something we WDW visitors do a lot of. =)

 

[CocosMeme]

Another vote for Keen's here. I wore my first pair on my Nov. trip and I will never do Disney again without them!! I have the Keen Whisper. LOVE them.