Sandals Vs. Sneakers...

Sneakers or Sandals for 5 day park visit

  • Total voters
    68
I use both so didn't answer your poll. But like some PPs, I'll wear my sneakers in the morning, then switch to sandals (Teva flip-flips in my case) after our midday break. I think you can't go wrong by bringing both and seeing what works for you. Have fun!
 
I like sneakers WAY more for the parks. I feel like sandals, even with straps/security, have a greater chance of falling off, getting lost, getting caught on a ride, etc. I've had issue with flip flops or even loose sandals almost falling into the water boarding things like Small World or Pirates, but this may just be me. Sneakers always feel more secure!
 
I have always wore sneakers. Yet I live in Croc and Vionic flip flops all summer! I have flat feet so I like the support from a sneaker as well as I look at Disney as a work out! I was also concerned about a sandal coming off if someone stepped on my foot or getting on a ride. I am also very prone to blisters and I find I get blisters in sandal because there is no barrier. I have never gotten blisters in my sneakers. I do bring a change of socks in my park bag. If we take a break and go to Disney Springs at night I will wear Croc or Vionic flip flops there.
 
I like to alternate shoes. Sneakers are my preference but I HATE wearing wet shoes! We go in September so it rains. That's the time when you get your feet soaked, umbrellas and ponchos do nothing to keep your feet dry. Anyway, I wear Dansko's at work so I enjoy good supportive footwear. At Disney I wear my Brooks running shoes, Keen sandals, and Chacos. I could never walk 20k steps in flip flops!
 


I always wear chacos. They fit and support my feet like sneakers but dry very quickly after water rides. Also in the heat my feet tend to swell....with chacos I can easily adjust all of the straps to fit my foot.
 
UpstateDisney said:
Hello All!

New member looking forward to our big Disney trip in late September/early October. This site has been extremely helpful and has answered so may questions! So I first want to thank all who have posted and answered.

I have not seen this anywhere, and I am not sure if this is the right place to post, but I was wondering if people could chime in.

I am in my mid 40s, not overly active, but mot too heavy. A person who spends most days and weekends at a desk far more than he would like :( I know Disney will be a workout - and we have 5 day park days planned!! My question is it better to go with good sneakers and socks for the extra support? Or, because of rain and ability to breathe, go for an open sandal? For Sandals and Sneakers I am looking at New Balance as they seem to have a good reputation without costing a fortune.

I look forward to hear what people have to say and Thank You!
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My husband wears New Balance as they tend to be a bit wider than other brands and he finds them very comfortable.

We alternate btw sneakers and Crocs sandals. When wearing sandals, make sure to put a little sun block on your exposed feet if it's sunny. Sunburned feet are no fun!!
 
LoveAndHonor said:
When wearing sandals, make sure to put a little sun block on your exposed feet if it's sunny. Sunburned feet are no fun!!
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Excellent reminder! I actually got a weird lattice tan on my feet from sandals when I was a little kid. (Thankfully, not a burn.) I remember it because for some reason my dad was in charge of baths that night (when that was usually my mom's thing) and he didn't realize what had happened. - He kept trying the scrub the "dirt" off my feet in the tub. :laughing:
 


My preference is my Birkenstock sandals (i use a pair with an ankle strap for the parks) though I will wear sneakers or similar if it is cold or raining. I also have a pair of ankle boots made by clarks that I love, Nike cross trainers, some Sperry boat shoes, Merrell Hiking boots and a pair of Chaco sandals. I find them all equally comfortable and wear them to the parks or on non Disney vacations that involve either hiking or a lot of walking. For the parks specifically I tend to wear the birkes or the Nike's since they generally go with what I am wearing.
 
I've always been a sneakers person in the parks, and while I've loved the support my various sneakers have given me throughout the years, I almost always ended up with blisters. However, on my most recent trip to Disneyland, I wore a pair of the new New Balance Fresh Foam Cruz sneakers, and had no blisters after five days. Additionally, my feet felt better than they ever have after a Disney parks trip. I can't recommend this specific pair of sneakers enough.
 
Wore my sketchers saturday...it dumped....my feet never got wet. I did waterproof them, so guess it worked.
 
I didn't vote because I use both. Before my very last trip to Disney, I was a die hard sneaker person. There are a lot of good reasons for wearing sneakers in the park. But last trip one night when I went back after dinner, I forgot I was wearing my Keen sandals. They worked fine. Of course the Keen sandals are the ONLY sandals I wear. I wouldn't be caught dead in flip flops anywhere. But I learned my lesson--good sandals can be as effective in theme park level walking as sneakers. So my recommendation is wear shoes that are comfortable, that are broken in, and that are high enough quality that they give your feet the support they need. Don't sweat sneakers vs. sandals, concentrate on high quality vs. low quality.
 
Two pairs of New Balance sneakers and lots of extra (New Balance) socks wherever I travel. I plan to change my socks sometime during the day when needed.
 
Soon as the weather is nice enough, sandals are on my feet. I've always worn sandals in the parks and have had no problems with my feet hurting or any other issues. I also enjoy how easily and quickly they dry in case of rain. My sneakers are for cutting the yard.
 
ThistleMae said:
It doesn't seem anyone has commented on the sneaker=wet feet. Do people end up with wet feet when wearing sneakers? Lots of people are wearing sneakers. What about on Kali River Rapids or Splash, don't your socks get soaked right through the shoes?
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Yeah they get soaked on Kali, on Splash not so much. I wear sneakers in the parks and on days when I'm going to be riding Kali or Popeye at Uni I bring a pair of sandals in my backpack.
 
I also didn't vote because I use both. I'm crazy about alternating shoes while at WDW. For a five day trip, personally I would pack four different pairs of shoes.
 
I developed a brutal case of plantar fasciitis soon before a major walking and hiking trip in national parks. Just back from that. A got a pair of Keene, lucky enough to have a specialty shoe store in town so could try them on. Sizing varied between every model. Took a week of constant wear to break them in, then they kept my feet walking. Also a pair of vionics sneakers that continue to get better, meaning about a month for them to get well molded. Third was my trust rainbow flipflops that have taken me many miles in WDW. Recommend all 3 for foot issues.
 
I'm not a sneakers wearer. I can't seem to find anything that's not heavy or hot...they're just not for me. Therefore, I rely on sports sandals. I have several pairs from various brands, and they've all withstood the rainy, wet theme park test. Some of my favorites are Easy Spirit, ABEO Bio, and Merrell. I'm in my mid-40s and have foot issues, and all of these brands provide me with the comfort and support I need. They all have very good arch and foot bed support.
 
Sneakers for me, because I walk the soles right off of my feet with sandals.

I'd love love love to find the perfect sandals one day that I could hit the parks in all day long...
 
Just back. Keen's worked the best for all around weather but I ended up getting a water blister on my left foot, never happened before. With my sketcher sneakers, which have never given me problems, They bruised the tops of my big toes on both feet...who knew? I think what happened was I bought some new socks and they were slippery, forcing my feet to slide forward with every step. All in all we had a great time. The heat was incredibly unbearable at times but we made due. So even with the shoes i wear all the time, i had issues. The best choice....bring multi pairs just in case.
 
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