Need shoe recommendations - heavy walking vacation coming up

[aggieamy]

We are going to Disney in three weeks and I'm in desperate need of some shoes.  In the last week I have thrown away three pairs of shoes because they were so old and worn out.  (Two pairs were older than my kids.)  I'm not a gal with many shoes anyway so this has really hurt my wardrobe.  Currently I've got a bunch of dress shoes and a pair of TEVA's in my closet and a pair of running shoes with holes in them that are going to be in the trash tomorrow.    

 

What are your comfortable walking shoes?  I've tried a few different pairs of Keens and haven't found any that fit so that brand is unfortunately out for me.  Sandals would be great.  Casual shoes would be great.  They're going to get some miles on them though.      

[Laura Corin]

I like Eccos.  A lot of people have good luck with Clarks.

 

L

[Aiden]

I enjoy walking in my Birkenstock sandals--but they take a while to break in, and they're not particularly comfortable until then, so you'd need to make an effort there.

 

I also have a pair of Dansko shoes. I'm not sure what to call them, loafers maybe? No laces, just plain black leather, appropriate with jeans, appropriate enough with slacks for someone like me who despises dress shoes. They're very comfortable and were from day 1.

 

If there's a Walking Co. store near you, I'd go there. They're expensive, but they do tend to have really good shoes. Sales associates are hit or miss--some are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful; others are salesmen just tyring to sell the most expensive shoe they can get you into.

[fraidycat]

Definitely Skechers Go Walk for theme park walking. I need to replace mine soon, the tread is worn off the bottom of them. I actually bought them at Universal Studios City Walk when I wanted to chop my feet off after half a day of wearing flip flops at the theme park. I've had them for two years now, they've done Universal Studios, Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland, Sea World, Legoland, and Six Flags. Multiple times. Oh, and I wear them all day, every day (in my house). Most comfortable walking shoes, ever.

 

I toss mine in the wash machine and dryer every now and again and they have stood up very well.

[aggieamy]

Definitely Skechers Go Walk for theme park walking. I need to replace mine soon, the tread is worn off the bottom of them. I actually bought them at Universal Studios City Walk when I wanted to chop my feet off after half a day of wearing flip flops at the theme park. I've had them for two years now, they've done Universal Studios, Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland, Sea World, Legoland, and Six Flags. Multiple times. Oh, and I wear them all day, every day (in my house). Most comfortable walking shoes, ever.

 

I toss mine in the wash machine and dryer every now and again and they have stood up very well.

 

It appears there are 40K different Go Walk options.  Which ones do you like?

 

http://www.zappos.com/skechers-go-walk

[fraidycat]

It appears there are 40K different Go Walk options. Which ones do you like?

 

http://www.zappos.com/skechers-go-walk

Wow! Yes, tons to choose from. :)

 

These ones http://www.zappos.com/skechers-performance-gowalk-heritage-black

[Chris in VA]

I wore my Tevas (sandals) all around the Holy Land--we walked a LOT. Best shoe purchase I ever made. I have occasional Plantar Fascitis flare ups, but these supported my feet so well it was no trouble.

 

They dried quickly, too--if you are going on any water rides, think about squishing around in wet shoes...

 

ETA: I think they are like this, but they have a little purple on them. Tirra

[Redeemed7]

I second the Skechers. I don't have the go walk ones, but I've had four or five pairs of different varieties. Two of them are sneakers and one is mule (slide on tennis shoe). I actually like the mules the best. You can walk a long ways in them plus you can just slide em on and go. They've all been very comfortable unlike my new Nikes that I should trash. In fact, I never had to break them in like some other shoes. They were comfortable from the get go.

[Ottakee]

For sandals I would try on various Teva or Chaco sandals.  They are not cheap but last a long time.  You need ones that fit your feet well.  I tried Chaco and loved them for one foot but the arch bothered the other foot.

 

For running shoes I would go to a local running store and ask for suggestions.  Our local store evaluates your walk and helps you find a brand/style/size to fit you well.  Again, not cheap but I pay $100 for my tennis shoes and $2 at a thrift store for my jeans.

[gingersmom]

Birkenstock

 

Mine are perfect right out of the box

[Amira]

I've walked a lot for years and like Land's End shoes.

[Tess in the Burbs]

I think it depends on your feet.  I see people in cheap flip flops at the park all the time.  I couldn't go an hour in those!

 

For all day walking I prefer getting a solid running shoe that the running store fitted me in so I have the right kind of shoe for my current foot issues lol.  

 

However, I recently bought a pair of Clarks with a heel and wow(!) I could wear those all day walking around.  

 

My teva's are ok but feet hurt the next day.  My chaco's I can't go all day...rubs me wrong on the side of my foot.  

 

I have a lot of foot pain and I can't wear just anything.  So my answer is depends on your foot and what you need.  If it's me....a good running shoe. 

[Lady Florida.]

I have back problems so I need good shoes when doing the theme parks. If you don't go with a good closed shoe (and I'm not sure I would this time of year), then I recommend Birkenstock sandals. They're the only sandals I can wear when I'll be on my feet all day.

[magnificent_baby]

Agree with previous posters and the Skechers GoWalk. They are SO comfortable, much more so than any kind of tennis shoe I've ever owned. I only own the original GoWalks (as opposed to the GoWalk2), but I don't think you can go wrong with either.  

 

ETA: I did not get mine at QVC, however, I've purchased many items from there in the past. Anything I wasn't happy with, I was able to return, no questions asked, even if used. You may think about ordering them from there, in case you aren't happy after wearing them. I think this also applies for shoes. 

 

 

[Jane in NC]

I think this is foot specific.  I can be on my feet all day in Chaco sandals.  My favorite close toe "urban" walking shoes are from a British company called Hotter that has a mail order operation. 

[Just Another Jen]

I have back problems and these are the most comfortable shoes ever: http://www.dsw.com/shoe/clarks+hare+sport+flat?prodId=296000

[shawthorne44]

I too like Eccos.  

For a great deal of walking I switch out shoes.  I also have Vibram 5-toed shoes that I wear for the middle time period.  They are what they sound like.  I will switch out to those to give my toes a chance to spread out.  

[Bensmom]

I used to wear my running shoes on our annual WDW trips. Last year I wore Vibrams and my feet and legs and back all felt so much better. I imagine shoes are a very individual type of thing but Vibrams work for me.

[Kim in Appalachia]

I wore Chacos at WDW, my feet felt great the whole time.   It really depends on what feels good on you.  It's worth finding good shoes.  I'm not one to pay full price for stuff, but I spend money to get good shoes for my feet.  

 

If you don't want sandles, you can do sneakers, and I would suggest running shoes.  Go to a running store and try on multiple pairs.  They will be the lightest shoes option.

 

If you want a shoes or sandles that are not Chacos, I second (third, forth??) the recommendation for Eccos.  

[lavender's green]

I have some amazingly comfortable heeled boots from Clarks, which I can walk for miles and miles in.  I'm going there this week to get some shoes for Disney, too! 

 

Have fun!

[J-rap]

Eccos is my go-to brand for comfort and style now.  :)

 

I have these:

 

http://www.thediscounteccoshoes.com/ecco-shoes-vibration-ii-toggle-p-264.html#.U2lXQsfc27I

 

and these:

 

http://www.classicshoesus.com/ecco-shoes-spin-p-16.html

 

 

[Kareni]

Could someone link to their favorite Chaco sandals, please?

 

I had success with Clarks on a recent trip.  My daughter is a BIG fan of Eccos.

 

Regards,

Kareni

[snickerplum]

I love all of my Born shoes! Most comfy shoes I've ever had.

[Kim in Appalachia]

I currently have these.

 

The Yampa footbed is lighter than their original one, and I prefer the ZX/2.  The toe loop keeps my foot secure, and the two thinner straps were more comfortable than the single thicker one.  But I went to a store and tried several pairs on.  I walked around and found which were the most comfortable for me.  

[umsami]

I've worn Birkis for years ever since I was a massage therapist, but they don't always work at parks with roller coasters where your feet may be dangling. :)

 

I've had good luck with Clarks, Skechers, and New Balance…but my feet tend to be a little wide.

[Jane in NC]

Could someone link to their favorite Chaco sandals, please?

 

I had success with Clarks on a recent trip.  My daughter is a BIG fan of Eccos.

 

Regards,

Kareni

 

I wear the single strap z/2 with unaweep sole.  I also have a pair with the toe piece that I wore successfully for years. After developing an unrelated skin issue with one of my feet, I find it to be more comfortable not to wear the toe piece.  I reserve those for the beach.

 

Due to my moderate climate, I wear sandals for much of the year.  Chacos survive much longer than other brands. Also, you can toss them in the washer.

 

 

 

[MelAR05]

Eccos! :D I have had mine for 3 years and I love them.

 

We are going to Disney World in 2 days and I plan to wear them the whole time. Have fun on your trip! :)

[Kareni]

I wear the single strap z/2 with unaweep sole.  ..

 

Thank you, Jane, the Chaco sandals certainly do look and sound enticing.  (The sole name intrigues me; unaweep sounds so tearful!)

 

Regards,

Kareni

[Indian summer]

I know sandals aren't usually recommended for Disney, but I don't like socks and shoes in hot weather, so I wear Columbia sandals. They are as comfortable as any sneakers and I can walk in them all day. The model I wear are called Nevis and they are suede but breathable.

[KatieJ]

I enjoy walking in my Birkenstock sandals--but they take a while to break in, and they're not particularly comfortable until then, so you'd need to make an effort there.

 

 

Birkenstock

 

Mine are perfect right out of the box

 

 

I wear Birks exclusively for years now.  I bought my first pair just before a trip to Hawaii.  No issues.  However, they do have a soft footbed option that makes any adjustment period just about go away.  The only time I have an adjustment period with a new pair is when I get a thong style.  They have several and each of them fit my foot a little differently. A hammer toe makes it even more fun.  :huh:

[Suzanne115]

Merrel shoes are very comfortable.  I wore them last time I was at Disney.  I bought one of the pairs that dry fast because we love the water rides.

 

Suzanne

[Kim in Appalachia]

I wear the single strap z/2 with unaweep sole.  I also have a pair with the toe piece that I wore successfully for years. After developing an unrelated skin issue with one of my feet, I find it to be more comfortable not to wear the toe piece.  I reserve those for the beach.

 

Due to my moderate climate, I wear sandals for much of the year.  Chacos survive much longer than other brands. Also, you can toss them in the washer.

 

 

I did not realise that!  That's a great idea.  Thanks.

[Slache]

Brooks!!!! Try Brooks!!!! 

[Jane in NC]

I did not realise that!  That's a great idea.  Thanks.

Chaco even says you can wash them!  Link.

[Meadowlark]

Absolutely, Sketchers Go Walk. I had no idea my feet could be so pampered and comfortable. In fact, we are about 5 years away from Disney, but I already know that I will wear them because they are the first shoes that I truly love. They are just so light, unlike traditional tennis shoes, and they kind of hug and cushion your foot. I now wear mine everywhere and will never buy anything else!