Your Go-To DLR Park Shoes

[CharleneTheDM]

Hi friends!

I wanted to ask what your favourite shoes to wear to the parks are?
I have flat feet and so my arches start getting sore especially when standing in line---not so bad when I'm walking. Previously I've worn Nike Roshe Runs with insoles and interchanged with Fit Flops in the evening! I usually bring another pair of Nike runners to change between the days as well.
And as a last resort, does Tylenol or Advil work better for exhausted feet? :O

I've heard good things about:

• Adidas Ultra Boost
• New Balance Fresh Foam series
• Crocs
• Vionics
• Oofos

Does anyone have any recommendations? Do you switch up shoes too? Thanks in advance for your answers and recs!

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

My MIL got me these shoes for Christmas and I've been wearing them to the parks. They are amazing. Lightweight and they feel like walking on clouds. My feet never hurt at the end of the day and I do a lot of walking, including to and from the Mickey & Friends parking structure.

 

[smartlabelprint]

Chacos. I wear flip flops.

Also keen.

 

[DLgal]

Skechers Go Walks are great! I have similar foot issues and used to have Plantar Fascitis BAD! I alternate between Fit Flops, Brooks Ravennas, and Skechers Go Walks. Last time, I did 6 miles in Go Walks and they felt great! I had always been skeptical that they would provide enough support but they totally did!

My kids also have SUPER flat feet. My oldest son has NO arch in his footprint. His favorite shoes are Crocs. He is 13. Most running shoes cause hot spots on his feet. I personally can't do long distances in Crocs although I wear them around the house.

 

[lalasmama]

Bezees for the afternoons and Roku in the morning... Crud, now I'm wondering if I'm remembering the names right. They are sold at Naturalizer stores/online and Amazon. Great arch support and memory foam. I was a devoted Nike person until I tried these, and I am in love. (Bonus points-International Women's Day, and both brands are women-owned )

Ibuprofen for site feet- it has anti-inflammatory properties. And a dip in a hot tub (or the tub) can help before bed too! That's our secret weapon for lessening morning soreness--dipping our feet in a warm bath before bed.

 

[dcraythorn]

Bezees for the afternoons and Roku in the morning... Crud, now I'm wondering if I'm remembering the names right. They are sold at Naturalizer stores/online and Amazon. Great arch support and memory foam. I was a devoted Nike person until I tried these, and I am in love. (Bonus points-International Women's Day, and both brands are women-owned )

It is actually Ryka. They are the best.

 

[sweethannah]

Crocs - Kadee style specifically.

 

[solana131]

I discovered Bzees this last trip and my feet were so very thankful! They are incredibly lightweight, but have great support. I bought a new pair (different style) for my upcoming WDW trip in August. Highly recommend Bzees. But probably for your first pair it is best to find them in a store and try them on as they are different than anything I have ever worn. I could see finding a good fit via mail order to be difficult.

 

[lalasmama]

Bezees for the afternoons and Roku in the morning... Crud, now I'm wondering if I'm remembering the names right. They are sold at Naturalizer stores/online and Amazon. Great arch support and memory foam. I was a devoted Nike person until I tried these, and I am in love. (Bonus points-International Women's Day, and both brands are women-owned )

Ibuprofen for site feet- it has anti-inflammatory properties. And a dip in a hot tub (or the tub) can help before bed too! That's our secret weapon for lessening morning soreness--dipping our feet in a warm bath before bed.

It is actually Ryka. They are the best.

I discovered Bzees this last trip and my feet were so very thankful! They are incredibly lightweight, but have great support. I bought a new pair (different style) for my upcoming WDW trip in August. Highly recommend Bzees. But probably for your first pair it is best to find them in a store and try them on as they are different than anything I have ever worn. I could see finding a good fit via mail order to be difficult.

Those were the names I was going after, lol! Thanks! I was at work on my phone at the end of my break, so I didn't have time or patience to Google the right name/spelling.

I second the trying on in the store for the BZees. I usually wear a 8.5, but I'm a 8.5 in some of their styles, an 8.5W in others. If the toe box seems a little tight, the stretchy material ones will stretch and feel better after a few days of wearing. Oh, and watch for sales. Normally they are $60 where I live--but often they are on sale for like $25-35 at the local premium outlet store.

 

[Mamato4boys]

My husband (flat feet) and myself (normal to slightly high arches) have to wear Crocs. We have tried an assortment of shoes over the years, but Crocs have worked for us the best, by far. I have a pair of particularly ugly old Croc sandals that work great.. my husband prefers the "classic" style. They are the only things that don't give me terrible blisters by day 3. My older boys do fine in their Nikes, though.

 

[chickapin parterre]

Nike air Monarchs, 4 months worn, not less, no more.... I am extreme high arch, 300 pounds....folks at high energy work wear skeechers (not sure what style) per company equipment if they are are light weight folks, so that is a good brand . Except when riding Chickapin, I put on a pair of disposable of flip-flops

 

[hootey]

Top of the line New Balance Walkers with Dr Shoals Arch support inserts

 

[ParkHopper1]

I am a new New Balance fan.

...and yes, big key to surviving that most overlook if achy feet are an issues is rotating your shoes every day, mid day even of you head back to your room. Gives the pressure points a chance to relax a bit rather then continuing to wear down on the same spots day after day.

 

[BrerMama]

Olakai Ohana flip flops. Expensive, but I wore them for 2 weeks at WDW without any issues. They have nice arch support. I have half a dozen pair.

 

[katyringo]

The best advice I got was to change your shoes when you take an afternoon hotel break.

For what’s it worth I have very flat feet. I wear ASICS. My foot doctor said they are the best to have. I’d also encourage you if you haven’t to see a foot doctor and get the medical grade arch supports. It made a big difference for me.

 

[tnzzz]

I have plantar fasciitis and heel spurs that come and go. I do best with my Teva Tirra sandals, my feet rarely hurt at the end of a long day in the parks, but like others mentioned alternating helps. I’ll usually do a day in between wearing my New Balance shoes with Superfeet insoles. Also, ibuprofen mid day helps.

 

[Butterfly123]

I used to wear Asics but the toe box seems smaller on many styles than in the past. Now I like Brooks Ghost, and I alternate with Keen Whisper sandals. I agree that swapping shoes at some point during the day makes a big difference.

 

[midnight star]

I have worn Vans and Sperry’s, and don’t think I will do that again. They gave me ankle pain after walking through the parks all day (and this is when I was a teenager, can’t imagine how it would be as an adult). I haven’t tried sandals, but I’ve heard Birks have been fine to wear.

But the last few trips I’ve worn Nike Free RN. They’ve been great! Great cushion, and are lightweight. I would suggest going up a half size since Nike runs small.
https://m.footlocker.com/index.cfm?uri=product&model=260534&sku=31509001

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

I have worn Vans and Sperry’s, and don’t think I will do that again. They gave me ankle pain after walking through the parks all day (and this is when I was a teenager, can’t imagine how it would be as an adult). I haven’t tried sandals, but I’ve heard Birks have been fine to wear.

But the last few trips I’ve worn Nike Free RN. They’ve been great! Great cushion, and are lightweight. I would suggest going up a half size since Nike runs small.
https://m.footlocker.com/index.cfm?uri=product&model=260534&sku=31509001

I have the same shoes and I did have to go up 1/2 size. Glad it's not just me.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

If you have a store near you that specializes in walking shoes, e.g. The Walking Co., pay them a visit to try on different brands and styles and ask the salespeople questions. If allowed, try walking in the shoes on different surfaces, like carpet and a hard surface. It can make all the difference if you can actually try on a shoe. Make sure to invest in good, supportive, wicking socks (makes a huge difference in the parks!). We love Smartwool socks (you can find lower prices on Amazon.com if you're not picky about colors). Never had a blister yet with those! For us, (DH has plantar fasciitis and I have high arches), Keen shoes work really well. We both use arch supports when a long park day is planned. And arnica gel for tight muscles and sore spots works great, both in the parks and overnight.