One of the most popular questions asked when it comes to Walt Disney World, is what are the best type of shoes for Disney?
It’s a very important question, because when you head to Walt Disney World you will be spending a lot of time on your feet.
All that time on your feet is definitely spent enjoying the most magical place on earth, but it helps to have happy feet in order to ensure you have a great time!
Let’s take a look at the 3 best shoes I recommend for Disney World, and shoes I don’t recommend, to wear while enjoying the parks.
3 Best Shoes for Disney World
1. Running Shoes
Shoes specifically made for running are perfect for the parks. Running shoes that were specifically fitted for your feet at a local running shoes store are even better. As with any shoes, make sure you break in your running shoes. No matter how good they feel in the store, you never know if a spot or two is going to rub you the wrong way. Make sure you know how the shoes are going to affect your feet so you don’t get any unexpected blisters.
My current favorite pair of running shoes are the Brooks Ravennas. I spent some time with a few running gurus and a local running shoes specialty store to help me narrow down the best fit. My feet are happy, which makes me happy!
2. Tennis Shoes
Running shoes can be pretty expensive. If you don’t want to dish out a $100+ for a pair of running shoes you just plan to use for walking, then don’t. However, it wouldn’t hurt to head to a local running store to have them guide you in the correct direction regarding the type of shoes to purchase. Once you know the style and shape they recommend, you could always buy a lower end pair of running shoes from their store. Or find something in a similar shape, elsewhere. Anything that is ‘breathable’ is going to be a good bet. This helps to keep your feet feeling good. No matter what pair of shoes you decide to get, just make sure they are the correct fit. This is the most important piece! One of my favorites are actually a pair of Dr. School’s due to their comfort and breathability. These Vans are a close runner up. Plus them come in a Mickey Mouse print.
3. Boat and Slide-On Shoes
I’m a fan of boat and slide-on shoes. I don’t know why, I don’t have any desire to own a boat! That thought aside, boat and slide-on shoes are actually pretty nice to wear at the parks. As long as you get a pair that are super supportive and are broken in before you hit the parks, they are bound to help keep your feet comfortable. One nice thing about boat shoes is they can be a little more breathable than some tennis or running shoes. The weather gets warm in Florida, so the less material covering your skin, the better. Your feet included!
For both women and men, I highly recommend Vans. Not only are they comfortable and supportive, they are also super cute.
Have you seen all the different Mickey and Minnie Mouse styles they are offering? Here are a few of my favorites:
Extras
Insoles
Insoles can be a great addition to the pair of shoes you decide to wear to the Disney parks. Just make sure they are the right insoles for you. All that extra cushion isn’t going to help keep your feet happy if they don’t meet the needs of your feet. Meaning if you have a high arch or supinate, but purchase an insole to help with pronation, it might end up doing you more harm than good. Be sure to talk with your doctor or with a local running store if you plan to purchase a pair of insoles. You want to have the correct fit before you hit the parks!
Kids Shoes
The rules above for adult shoes usually apply to kid’s shoes. Just as you want a pair of supportive shoes to help you make it through the parks, your kids are going to need a pair of supportive shoes as well. Kids seem to have a million more options when it comes to incorporating Disney into their footwear. They sure are lucky! A few of my favorites have been listed below.
The only difference when it comes to kids, relates to the younger ones. Kiddos who might not spend a ton of time on their feet or walking through the parks. Maybe they are going to spend a lot of time in a stroller or a baby carrier. Whatever the case might be, you might be able to swing shoes that are more on the cute side and less on the practical side. Take these cute shoes for example:
Again, as with adult shoes, be sure to have your kiddo try their shoes out before they head to the parks. Sore feet might just be annoying on adults, but on kids they could break the trip!
Well-Fitting Shoes
Whatever pair of shoes you decide on from the above list, please, please, please be sure to try them out before you hit the parks.
Not just a quick run down the aisle in the shoe store.
Instead, really try them out.
Take them for long walks. The longer the better! Take them to the grocery store, see how they feel as you shop for an hour.
Even better, are you on your feet all day at work? Wear them to work and see how your feet feel at the end of the day.
Odds are if your feet are aching while standing at work all day, they are going to be a mess at the end of your park days at Disney.
Having a new, but sufficiently broken-in pair of shoes is going to save you so much pain and trouble on your Disney vacation.
Happy feet translate into a very happy person and an overall happy adventure at Disney!
4 Shoes Not Recommended for Disney World
Crocs
I know I might go against popular opinion, but I do not recommend wearing Crocs for a full day at the parks. Especially when the weather is hot outside and your feet start to sweat.
Those Crocs start to get, what can best be described as, slimy. Maybe I’m alone in this phenomenon and you’ve never had issues with Crocs.
Please feel free to move these up the recommended shoe list if you find them to be comfortable.
Just keep in mind, the Crocs need to last you the entire day. If you’re concerned, you could always bring a backup pair to change into.
However…
That being said, I find that Crocs are PERFECT for your days off from the parks.
Crocs are super easy to slip off and on, making them perfect for a quick run to the pool or food court. Plus, there are so many cute Disney styles when it comes to crocs. This is especially true for kids!
Click on the Crocs links above or any of the images below to see a few of my favorites.
Also, these Kadee Minnie Mouse sling backs are kinda irresistible.
Worn Out Shoes
Do you have a pair, or two, of shoes at home that you just can’t seem to get rid of? We all do. These are the shoes that are perfectly broken in and fit like a glove.
The problem is, in reality, that broken-in-ness is actually worn-out-ness. Those shoes you love so much have barely any sole left and are probably being held together by the thinnest amount of material.
Or maybe it’s love holding them together.
Whatever the case might be, you know that your tried-and-true shoes are not meant for walking around the parks.
Leave them at home. Your back and your feet will thank you!
Flip Flops
Not recommending flip-flops goes against every summer loving bone in my body. I could, and basically do, live in flip-flops during the summer months in Michigan. I’d love to include flip flops in my list of the 3 best shoes for Disney World.
Guess what though? They are not supportive and are not ideal for walking around the parks. It’s sad, I know. Oh, and if you see me wearing flip-flops in the parks, remind me of my post and remember to do as a I say, not as I do!
As I mentioned above with the Crocs, flip-flops might not be idea for the parks and walking around all day. Same is true for flip-flops. However, they are perfect for slow resort days or a day at the pool.
Or even a day at Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, then you best have on a pair of flip-flops or you risk having wet socks and shoes! There are so many cute Disney style flip-flops, but a few of my favorites can be found by clicking on the images below.
Oh, and look at these 101 Dalmations ones. Those need to come in adult sizes!!
Another style of sandal that has come highly recommended, but I have not had the chance to try out are Chaco sandals. I have friends who have owned these shoes and have confirmed that they last FOREVER. Plus, she has park tested them and they have kept her feet super happy.
High Heels or Wedges
It probably goes without saying, high heels or wedges are not idea shoes to wear to Walt Disney World. At least not when you plan to spend a whole day at the parks.
The shoes don’t provide the support needed to get you through the day without your feet aching like crazy. It actually can be pretty hard to say no to the high heels or wedges if you have specific Disney outfits planned. Especially if you plan to do some Disney bounding.
It’s completely understandable that you want to have a certain look with all the pictures that are happening all day at Disney. Please trust me on this one, especially if you are a first timer to the parks, you don’t want to be walking around in heels all day long.
What About Photos?
If you must have them for a photo or two, such as a specific character photo, try packing them along in your Disney park bag. This way you will have happy feet for most of the day and can change into the high heels right before your pictures.
Alternatively, let’s say you have a date night planned and are heading to a specific spot within Walt Disney World. Let’s say you are heading to Italy in the World Showcase at Epcot. Or you are heading to Disney Springs to have a fancy smancy dinner.
Guess what? Heels and wedges will work here as you probably won’t be spending a ton of time on your feet.
Contradicting Recommendations
Can you notice a little trend with all my not recommended shoes? I don’t recommend wearing crocs, flip-flops or high heels all day at the Disney parks. However, for your resort days, a pool day or a date night out, anything goes! Although, even like the 3 best shoes for Disney World mentioned above, make sure any type of shoe you bring with you to Walt Disney World is broken in and comfortable to you.
Conclusion
There ya go! A quick list of the recommended the 3 best shoes to wear at Walt Disney World. Remember, everyone’s feet are different.
Just make sure to test out whatever pair(s) of shoes you plan to wear. Do extensive trial runs in the shoes to make sure they are the best fit for your time in the parks. You won’t be able to control every aspect of your trip, but you might be able to set yourself up for having happy feet with the 3 best shoes for Disney World.
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