best shoes to wear in parks

[helenm29]

Hey there! I have had two knee replacements in the past year and am figuring how to walk again. I have no idea what type of walking shoes/sneakers I need for Disneyworld! I have practically no arch in my feet and I tend to walk heavy. Most of the shoes I've looked at have arch support which makes my feet & legs hurt. Any of you fantastic people have some bright ideas? I'm at a loss but I want to be comfortable. Thank you!

 

[bdrex28]

Hey there! I have had two knee replacements in the past year and am figuring how to walk again. I have no idea what type of walking shoes/sneakers I need for Disneyworld! I have practically no arch in my feet and I tend to walk heavy. Most of the shoes I've looked at have arch support which makes my feet & legs hurt. Any of you fantastic people have some bright ideas? I'm at a loss but I want to be comfortable. Thank you!

My advice...

Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist and let them evaluate and suggest for YOUR particular needs. You could then use your HSA to purchase etc

 

[scrappinginontario]

People will respond but while you wait, if you search ‘shoes’ on this board, many threads will come up. There is also a similar thread that’s active right now with many who have responded to a similar question.

 

[MICKIMINI]

I too have had a TKR and struggle with very expensive shoes. I have had luck with hoka and brooks in the past (2022) but they have changed their styles and are not nearly as comfortable now. At about $160-175 a pair it is disappointing when they feel great after a fitting but after a day out, the pain is excruciating. I tried sketchers and they do not have enough support though DH has 3-4 pairs and loves them. I ordered orthofeet recently and those cause awful achilles pain. I hope someone has a different brand to try. Good luck to you.

 

[bdrex28]

Outside of the podiatrist, I have found that going to running specialty stores can help. Many of them have laser modelers that scan your feet as you stand and can tell how your arches and your gait are. Then they can recommend shoes.

Due to sports and military injuries from the Marine Corps, I have a plate in my ankle and I've had 7 knee surgeries. I also had about a 2 year ordeal with plantar fasciitis. I have found for MY feet a few shoes that works best and I use inserts as well. Currently, for me, the New Balance Foam X More V4 work great, so do the OnCloud Monster2 shoes. Another pair that works great are AllBirds. Generally shoes such as Brooks, New Balance and Asics are very supportive. Until this recent pair, OnCloud were always terrible for me. When I was dealing with my Plantar Fasciitis I found Newton shoes to be great.

But that's for me, I just find it's best to do some things that help because everyone has different needs.

 

[neverlandsky]

I like my Under Armour running shoes. Very comfortable and light weight. The Under Armour brand for me is a shoe you never have to worry about breaking in. DH wears a lift and Under Armour is comfortable for him as well.

 

[FamilyGuy]

Good suggestions above. Podiatrist, running shoe pros, etc.

I would suggest "training" for WDW by walking at home daily, and increasing the distance little by little - whatever shoe works well on concrete and pavement for you should work well at WDW.

Having shoes that have been comfortable for longer walks at home should translate to the same in the parks.

 

[cedricandsophie]

Yiu might g9 to a good podiatrist who can make you customized inserts for your shoes.

I had tendinitis a few years ago, My physical therapist recommended OOFOs. Usually yiu can only find them online. They have built in support. They have flip flops as well as covered shoes, I have walked in them all over the world. Not cheap but well worth it.

The other thing I recommend are socks called Feetures, available on Amazon or good shoe stores. There are a variety of styles but my favorites are those with built in support. You get socks for the right and left feet because the support is on the instep, they can fit a bit tight but something you can walk in all day.

 

[Iris2]

Go to a running store - we have fleet feet near me- and try on a bunch and walk on the treadmill in the store with them. I love my hokas but they have a bunch of different ones with different types of support and cushioning levels.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Better than a running store even, is to find someone with a degree in Pedorthic medicine at a store that specializes in footwear for diabetic/medical needs. (Or someone at a running store with this degree.) It might help to ask your podiatrist for suggestions near you.

The owner of a shop near me knew more about finding proper footwear than the podiatrist did. (Mind, the footwear specialist states clearly that they do not treat foot conditions, and that they only help people find the best footwear and orthotics.)

Some better footwear brands to consider are Drew, Strive, Dansko, Vionic, Ecco. But a specialist will help you find the best options within each brand. Nationally, Nordstrom carries some of these brands.

 

[anonymousegirl]

The best tip I have is to find two pairs of comfortable shoes so you can alternate daily, or even morning and evening. I have bad feet and find my feet are happier if I am not wearing the same shoes every second of a long hard walking day.

 

[Team Wendy and Nana]

Hi! I haven't been on the boards in a long time, so unfortunately I don't know you -- but if you're female or like female shoes, I will be honest, some of the most comfortable sneakers I own are from the LOFT. That sounds crazy I know, because they don't specialize in shoes, but I have two pair and they're some of my favorites to wear for all day at Disney! I don't know if they would work for you, but just thought I would throw the idea into the ring!! Good luck!

 

[Giraffe_Zen]

I want to echo a few others here who have said to see a Podiatrist and let them determine what is best for you.

As far as shoes that are my go-to on a daily basis as well as for Disney visits: Brooks or Mizuno. Those have worked best for my feet with their issues, as well as knee and hip issues, ankle tendonitis, very high arch pain, and foot swelling from walking long intense amounts of time in Florida heat/humidity.