Sarah & Tom’s Top 7 Shoes for Disney Travel
We’ve spent the last two years trying to find our favorite walking shoes for Walt Disney World and other travel. In the process, we’ve put countless brands–Nike, Brooks, Hoka, Adidas, etc–through the paces, quite literally, logging 10,000+ steps in dozens of different models. This lists our favorites and also shares new runDisney styles for 2026!
Let’s start by acknowledging that there’s no one-size-fits-all “perfect” shoes for Walt Disney World. Personal preference, individual comfort, and the unique contours of your feet and body are huge factors. It’s also all about tradeoffs. No shoe has it all.
You have to optimize for weight, size, cushioning, drop, responsiveness, breathability, stability, dryness, traction, and so on. And everyone has different preferences about the allocation of these characteristics. Some want a shoe with a lot of energy return, whereas others want to feel like they’re walking on clouds.
As a general matter, we’ve both come to appreciate shoes that with ample cushioning, but also a bit of bounce. Sarah skews more towards plushness, whereas I slightly favor responsiveness. We’re both in the same general ballpark, though, and would hazard a guess that over half of Walt Disney World tourists are similarly-situated.
You’re likely looking for all-day comfort. Chances are, you’re doing far fewer steps at home than when traveling, so there’s a bit of “system shock” when you visit Walt Disney World, Disneyland, etc. Accordingly, you probably want walking shoes you can wear for tens of thousands of steps per day without foot pain, blisters, etc. If that more or less is accurate, you’re the target audience for this post.
If you’re a marathon runner, fitness freak, already have favorite shoes, or are in an occupation where you’re on your feet all-day, this probably is not aimed at you. That is, unless you’re unhappy with your current shoes and are looking to try something new. In which case, this provides new options to consider.
Before we dig into our favorites, let’s start with an update on the new Brooks x runDisney shoes that are being released in late February 2026. Not coincidentally, a couple of these are among our favorite models…
2026 runDisney x Brooks Shoes
The latest collection of runDisney x Brooks running shoes for Spring 2026 has arrived! There are three brand-new styles, plus two returning from previous collections.
Sales started during the 2026 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, but are now being sold on the regular Brooks x Disney website. To gain access to the limited-edition Brooks x runDisney Collection, you’ll need to become a Brooks Run Club member. The good news is that’s free, and comes with a variety of other perks. (We’re Brooks Run Club members, and can confirm it’s worth getting their emails.)
One thing to note is that many/most smaller sizes of the new shoes are already sold out. Or should we say, are currently sold out. It’s possible (if not probable) that there will be a restock, as some of the older Brooks x runDisney shoes are available in every size.
We mention this to implore you NOT to purchase these via eBay pirates (which is why the purchase limit exists in the first place–no runner needs 10 pairs). Don’t overpay out of FOMO; wait it out. Plus, the fan community cannot complain about pirates on the one hand, and then support them on the other.
Here are the three new styles, followed by the returning fan-favorites:
Ghost 17 Rapunzel – $170 (NEW!): The limited-edition Ghost 17 turns Rapunzel’s iconic hair into braided laces, complete with floral lace keepers. Our princess painter’s creativity is unmatched, splattering paint across the midsole, and even a ruffled satin path. And don’t forget her chameleon companion, Pascal, hiding next to the reflective sky lantern that symbolizes hope, guidance, and family.
Men’s Ghost 17 size range: 7–15 | Women’s Ghost 17 size range: 5–12 *available in wide for women’s only (subject to availability)
Glycerin 23 Belle – $185 (NEW!): This limited-edition Glycerin 23 was inspired by her beautiful gold ball gown and the Enchanted Rose, highlighting intricate vine details on the path. If you take a closer look, white accents of her dress surround Belle’s unforgettable silhouette.
Men’s Glycerin 23 size range: 7–15 | Women’s Glycerin 23 size range: 5–12 *available in wide for women’s only (subject to availability)
Adrenaline GTS 25 Moana – $175 (NEW!): Moana’s love for the ocean inspired our special-edition Adrenaline GTS 25 so you can dive deep into her world. Float along your run with an oceanic gradient on the midsole and a bubbling water-inspired path, reminiscent of beach time fun! Specialty lace tassels along the tongue and inner lining are inspired by the artistry of her dress.
Men’s Adrenaline size range: 7-15 | Women’s Adrenaline size range: 5-13 *available in wide for women’s only (subject to availability)
Adrenaline GTS 25 runDisney – $165: Brooks x runDisney was formed over the shared belief in celebrating the run, every step along the way. What better way to commemorate this collaboration than with this special-edition Adrenaline GTS 25? A gradient from blue to white across the whole shoe makes a bold splash, while subtle nods to Mickey Mouse and the runDisney motto add magical flair.
Men’s Adrenaline size range: 7-15 | Women’s Adrenaline size range: 5-13 (subject to availability)
Ghost 17 Mickey Mouse – $170: This limited-edition Ghost 17 was designed with the world’s most famous mouse in mind. A sharp, contrasting color palette sets the stage for 3D details like a tufted Mickey Mouse silhouette on the heel and raised knit Brooks path on the side. Finished off with Mickey’s signature, this pair has whimsy written all over it
Men’s Ghost 17 size range: 7–15 | Women’s Ghost 17 size range: 5–12 *available in wide for both genders (subject to availability)
We’re not professional footwear testers, podiatrists or other medical experts–just two people who have burned through a lot of shoes traveling extensively. In the last year, we’ve logged over 10,000 steps on nearly 200 days, and over 20,000 steps on almost 100 days. And one of us did that while wearing a baby much of the time! Moreover, our walking is feast or famine, with the remaining days being mostly under 5,000 steps.
That also means this list is not objective or evenly remotely comprehensive. It’s our personal preferences based on what we’ve worn. This will be notable given the absence of certain brands, most notably On Cloud. We both ordered On Clouds, tested them a bit at home, and returned them. I found the ride to be comfortable (Sarah did not), but I couldn’t get past the uncomfortable and cheap construction of the upper.
Again, this is purely subjective! On is mentioned specifically here because it was one of the “most recommended” brands by our readers. This isn’t to be dismissive of Ons; they’re obviously popular for a reason. Rather, we’re underscoring that there’s no one-size-fits-all “perfect” shoe for Disney. On Clouds are not for us, but maybe they’re right for you!
I’ve also worn plenty of other shoes that I loved, but not recently enough for relevancy. For instance, I swore by Saucony Rides for years, but switched. Not for any real reason, just to try something new. If you’re a nurse or prolific walker and have recommendations you’d like to share in the comments beyond what’s on this list, we’re all ears. The more opinions, the better!
With that in mind, let’s dig into the list of the best walking shoes for Walt Disney World and Disneyland travel…
Adidas Ultraboost – I had heard people singing the praises of the Boost foam for years, but it wasn’t until pulling the trigger on a ‘lifestyle label’ pair of Boosts that I finally realized the shoes lived up to the hype. Unfortunately, their designer went off the deep end.
Nevertheless, the comfort of the Boosts was immediately apparent and wore them extensively during a month-long trip to Japan. The shoes have a tremendous amount of cushioning and are plush as a result, but somehow are also responsive and speedy.
After logging tons of steps in the same pair of Boosts over the course of an entire month, my feet still felt fresh. For their part, the shoes also still looked great—they’re durable and grippy in addition to being bouncy. I’m now a Boost believer, and completely get the cult-like following. I’ve yet to find a version that’s as plush as my beloved 350v2s, but the new 5X is really close (just clunkier).
Brooks Glycerin StealthFit – In the last year, I’ve worn the Brooks Glycerin StealthFit more than any other shoes. I’ve used a variety of Brooks, also including the Levitate and Ghost (more on this below). I prefer either of those for their energy return when running, while favoring the Brooks Glycerin when walking.
The Glycerin is really similar to a lot of the shoes on this list: soft yet responsive cushioning, making for a comfortable, and versatile shoe that can be worn on a daily basis. It’s also a workhorse–I’ve put untold miles on my primary pair of Glycerins, and they’re only beginning to show signs that it’s time to retire them. I always pick up last season’s models when the new ones come out.
Brooks Glycerin hits the sweet spot of quality, cushioning, and cost. As someone who is a big fan of Nike Flyknit and pretty much any shoe with sock-like uppers, I love the StealthFit and buy that version. Not everyone agrees with that sentiment, though.
Crocs LiteRide 360 Pacer Sneakers – From June through October, these always get thrown into my suitcase for Walt Disney World. The huge selling point of Crocs is how well they handle heat, humidity, and storm season. Between the weather and my body’s natural ability to produce appalling odor, breathable shoes are a must for me.
Equally as important, Crocs are quick-drying. Afternoon showers can come out of nowhere at Walt Disney World, and I’ve had pairs of shoes totally ruined as a result of the one-two punch of my stinky feet and getting (and staying) wet at Walt Disney World. With the Crocs LiteRide Shoes, I simply swap out my socks after an afternoon storm and am ready to roll.
The foam insoles are soft, light, and springy. The Crocs LiteRide Shoes offer softness while putting a bit of pep in your step, with the characteristic comfort of Crocs. The Crocs LiteRide Shoes are the best of both worlds, also offering the structure of shoes so you can wear them for longer without discomfort. The LiteRides can tackle early mornings to late nights, allowing you to do 10,000+ steps without blisters or pain. I could never do that with regular Crocs.
With that said, I try not to wear the Crocs LiteRide on consecutive full days in the parks. Sometimes this is unavoidable during storm season, but even then, I’ve found it’s possible to wear these for the rainy portion of the day, switch to regular running shoes during the midday break, and doing the second half of the day in those.
Nike Pegasus – I was late to the Nike Pegasus party, wrongly assuming they were early 1980s tech, a legacy model of Nikes that time had passed by. I quickly learned the error of my ways after trying on my first pair. I was shocked by the comfort of the ride, and have bought several pairs of Pegs since.
Nike sells a ton of different variations of the Pegasus, with the tried and true being the numbered model. This is a soft and springy shoe with dual Air Zoom units offering a great amount of bounce, along with a ReactX foam midsole that provides a plush ride. A lightweight, breathable upper helps keep them comfortable, and the rubber is durable and provides plenty of traction (important for rainy days in the parks when the sidewalk gets slick).
The Nike Pegasus is incredibly well-rounded and durable, and there’s a certain ‘pep in the step’ the Pegs have that I can’t get from other shoes. They’re perfect for everything from the Disneyland Half Marathon (above) to power-walking at rope drop to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and just generally keeping my legs feeling fresh.
I’ll often rotate these with a pair of Brooks (every other day in the parks), which is the perfect combo when logging 20,000 steps per day. If they ever go on sale, I’m picking up a pair of the Nike Pegasus Premium with a triple-stack of full-length ZoomX foam, an Air Zoom unit, and ReactX foam foundation.
Hoka Gaviota – The next two entries are the winners for Sarah. There are two big differences between the Gaviota and the Bondi. The first is that the Gaviota is a stability shoe, whereas the Bondi is neutral. The second is that the stack on the Gaviota, while still large, isn’t quite as enormous.
For its part, the Hoka Gaviota offers strong arch support for a more forgiving ride that still never feels firm despite the stable construction. It still features the luxurious stack for leg-saving comfort that typifies Hokas. The composition includes two foams, the main cushion for comfort while the firmer layer is situated in high-impact areas for better balance and protection. The end result is prolonged walks with fresh legs and no discomfort.
All in all, it’s just a really well-rounded shoe. Not everyone needs stability, so it’s not one of Hokas best-sellers (the next entry very much is), but Sarah loves it. The slightly lower profile design (by Hoka standards) also makes it a more nimble shoe without sacrificing much in the way of comfort.
Hoka Bondi – The Hoka Bondi offers maximum cushioning for an ultra-plush ride. It’s their softest and least responsive shoe, with a higher and enormous bed of super-soft cushioning and more forgiving impact. The Hoka Bondi is very “cloudlike,” and hugely popular for good reason. Without a doubt, the Hoka Bondi is the most plush shoe on this list–if you want to maximize that, it’s the best option.
It’s also one of the ugliest shoes I’ve seen. The sole and heel are huge and clunky, comically oversized. They look like clown shoes, which I guess is the style these days, but it can also be a practical impediment. (I don’t like the way they look, so they’re a non-starter for me–but they also made my feet “get in the way” of one another while testing them.)
Regardless of looks, Sarah loves them. We logged roughly 20,000 steps per day on average for two months last summer while traveling, and Sarah wore the Hoka Bondi almost every single day. She has since added the Gaviota to her rotation for a ‘leaner’ option. She never had any foot pain or injuries (aside of the norm) and she did so while babywearing most of the time.
As Sarah has become a hardcore Hoka fan, she’s found the ‘sweet spot’ for sales on the most popular models (Bondi, Clifton, etc.) to be right as new models come out. When the latest model of the Hoka Bondi was released last year in January, the 8s went on sale immediately–with clearance prices peaking a couple of months later.
She ended up scoring pairs for an unprecedented 50% off. You won’t find deals that good right now. The best shoe deals revolve around product cycles and clearancing out old unsold inventory. The longer you wait, the more you save–you there’s also the risk of sizes and colorways selling out.
Brooks Ghost Max – Runners rave about the Brooks Ghost, but the regular versions never quite lived up to the hype for me. It felt like compromising too much on comfort, while not fully getting that back in responsiveness. The Brooks Ghost Max changed the equation for me. I notice no loss of responsiveness here, while gaining a much more plush midsole.
Now that the Ghost Max 3 is available, the Brooks Ghost Max 2 is being clearanced out at relatively deep discounts (by Brooks standards). I’ve tried the newer model and, honestly, I think I prefer the previous pairs. I love this shoe, and am debating getting another as it’s already proving to be a popular model and the sale price is tough to beat.
The Brooks Ghost Max is somewhere between the Glycerin and Hoka Bondi. It’s plush while still being responsive, and has a large stack of soft DNA Loft foam, but isn’t squishy like the Bondi. What I really love about the Ghost Max, and how it distinguishes itself from the other shoes on this list (most of which are quite similar), is the GlideRoll. This makes for a smoother transition as the shoe “rocks” and provides a bouncy propulsion from landing to takeoff.
It’s hard to describe, but the Ghost Max has already shot to the top of my list as a result of this one feature. It’s a fun shoe, and one I’ll keep it in rotation with the Pegasus in nice weather, and the Crocs during storm season. These may not be as trendy as the Hokas or On Clouds, but for my money, Brooks cannot be beat. Your mileage may vary, literally and figuratively.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
What are your favorite shoes for Walt Disney World or Disneyland? Do you opt for specific footwear that offers added comfort, support, or springiness when doing the parks, or just your ‘normal’ shoes? Any options that perform particularly well in the hot, humid, and wet weather of Central Florida? Do you agree or disagree with our advice? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback—even when you disagree with us—is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Loved the Hoka bondi! Have multi pairs. As someone who had plantar fascittis surgery, with the fascia release, it was all Hoka after that in 2021. Now 4 years later, I replace the shoes once or twice a year. The bondi 8/9 are bulky but so comfortable and I still throw an orthotic insert in there as they do wear down over time. I like the plain black with white bottom, the others are ugly. I also like this shoe offers extra wide. I also recommend the hoka flip flop and slide as well for walking around the resort or back in the hotel or at home!
Any thoughts on which of these shoes runs narrow? Most of the shows you mentioned are really wide in the toe box (for me).
Thank you!
Ultra boost is pretty good for cushioning but a little sloppy on my foot.
Hi Susan,
I have the same issue and recently found New Balance 860 v14 (these are very different from v 13 which you will likely find on sale now). They are know for stability, support and comfort and they are also available in a narrow width but I found the medium to be perfect. For context I was a huge fan of Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 before they changed the style with the 20s and beyond. I loved these so much that when I realized they changed the style I bought a couple of back up pairs. I’ve tried Brooks Ghost Max, and Hooka’s Gaviota 14 and while these are great comfy shoes they are too wide and I can’t get a good supportive fit. I used both clocking 10k miles in the parks. Another contender is the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 in a narrow width. The only downside is there is only 1 color available now and I don’t care for it. In fact I’m returning these for another pair of the New Balance 860s.
Hope this helps.
Jennifer-
Thanks for the insight! I have also had the issue of falling in love with a shoe model only to have them “improve/ruin” them with an update.
I’ll check out your recs.
For me, personally, the go-to shoes for all day on my feet have been the Merrell Chameleons, with a set of Spenco Orthotic Arch inserts in them to help with the dreaded plantar fasciitis. I usually wear them with a pair of merino wool hiking socks – not stylish necessarily, but don’t rub your feet the wrong way. I’ve tried various sneakers in the past but haven’t found them to be durable – the Asics Gel Cumulus, for example, only lasted about four months, where I get about six out of the Merrells.
Thank you for this list! As a bunion girlie my whole life (I was born with old lady feet, lucky me), I love a New Balance. The 990 Made in USA and 530s are my go-tos for getting steps in.
I know this list is entirely focused on sneakers, but I also swear by the Teva Hurricane XLT2s, especially in Central Florida weather. I’ll rotate my NBs and Tevas on warmer trips and it serves me very well.
I have to say I love Asics Noosa Tri 15 and Dynablast 2. They are so comfortable with that walking in Disney. I got one of them wet and they dried really quick when I left them on the balcony. You always want a shoe that is lightweight that will not weight your feet down. I will look into the ones that you posted on Brooks. I know my nephew and his wife love these and they are runners.
Oh Tom, there is a sneaker that has it all: Allbirds! They are lightweight, cushy, and responsive. There are two upper options, one made of eucalyptus and one of wool. I definitely recommend the eucalyptus which is cool in temperature, lightweight, and very stretchy. My pinky toe bends outwards since having children, which is common for women. Nearly every shoe rubs it so that it hurts. But, not my Allbirds!
I tried Allbirds for the first time in 2022 for a Disney World trip. I realized only a couple weeks out that my super old sneakers were not going to work for a 10 day Disney trip. So, I frantically searched the internet for the ultimate sneaker in comfort, since there wouldn’t be any time to break them in. I kept coming across Allbirds, which was also an eco-friendly option. Amazing.
The first day I wore these sneakers was on the flight. So, they were worn to Disney without ever being worn or broken in. I brought my old sneakers and another new brand thinking I would need to rotate. But, I never changed out of my Allbirds. They did not need to be broken in. They were incredible.
I wore the line Tree Runner, which is still my favorite sneaker. My experience convinced many others to buy them. My husband and father now live in their Tree Dashers. My mother and father have also tried other lines and love them just as much. We have all worn our Allbirds on every trip since 2022, including going back to Disney. Anyone I have spoken to that has Allbirds will never buy another sneaker. It is a must try!!!
Test the New Balance Vongo (I have been buying Vongo V5’s)!!!! Amazing support, bounce back, cloud-like feel, and has the fly-knit uppers!!! Worth a shot
Thanks for the recommendation–that is NOT a shoe that was previously on my list!
My go to shoe for Walt Disney World days is the New Balance 1080. It’s a neutral shoe with fresh foam for a bouncy feel with a layer of firm support. A close second it the Brooks Glycerin.
The New Balance 1080 is actually on my list of shoes to try in the future if I can find a good deal on them–already have an alert set. I’ve heard great things!
For my last WDW trip I tried a pair of ON CloudRunners. Yeah, amazing shoes! By the end of the trip my dogs were really barking, but no doubt the ON shoes made it much better. They have a lot of cushion and a lot of bounce.
I discovered Diadora shoes at Fit2Run at Disney Springs and they are the only brand I wear to Disney now. I’m also an ER nurse and I wear them for my 12 hour shifts. My feet have never hurt. I have 4 pairs and won’t wear anything else.
Asics Gel Kayano has been my go to, I spent a week last month at Disney with the Gel Kayano 31 Platinum and I was not disappointed, but I wouldn’t mind getting the Ghost Max 2 Mickey colorway unfortunately re-sellers are asking $399 for a size 11 Men…
As someone with MS whose feet and legs are unreliable on my best days, wearing regular Croc clogs on my last trip (with socks, unless it was raining) was a game changer. It’s hard to describe what’s wrong with my feet, since it’s a side effect of an autoimmune disease and not a foot issue itself, but generally speaking, pounding pavement wreaks havoc on them. Sketchers, Nikes, Asics, and others over the years never really worked well, and I’m hesitant to spend too much on shoes when I never know what’s going to work or not. So I did Crocs one day just to see how it went, and my feet/legs were in better shape at the end of the day than my non disabled friends in all their fancy sneakers. Everyone’s feet are different, but if you already have a pair of Crocs, I’d say they’re worth a shot. They did rub without socks, but Disney is no place for vanity. Socks and Crocs are my new motto. I was able to wait in line longer than I ever was before, even before I was disabled. (Also, for what it’s worth, I have wide feet, so the wide toe area of Crocs may have made as much of a difference as shock absorbent material.)
I still tend to wear Goretex hiking shoes (Salomon) if conditions will be wet as they keep my feet dry and breathe well. Yes they are heavier, but that doesn’t really bother me. If I want a lighter shoe, I’ve recently been wearing Altra’s – they are zero drop (not for everyone, including probably me!), but have a nice roomy toe box which I need.
I’ll play the oddball out here. Nike really hurts my feet and I don’t buy them. I am also not a fan of Hoka and never tried Brooks. I always wear my adidas (various styles), Vessi for water, and Hey Dudes. I’ve never had an issue, but I also walk an avg of 5-7 miles a day so they’re worn in and I am not ‘new’ to walking long distances. I’ve never had blisters or otherwise, luckily. I switch between pairs throughout the stay (normally an 8-10 day stay) so I’m taking about 6 pair of shoes. Multiply that by all of my group (typically 10-18 of us) and it’s a LOT of footwear. We have cubbies in the car to transport them or use our Owner’s Locker.
Perhaps, one day soon, I’ll try some Brooks to see if they live up to the hype.
As someone who has had 8 foot/ankle surgeries from 1989-2018 including a total ankle replacement of my left ankle in 2015, I’ve tried many brands over the years. My favorite are my Skechers. However I can wear multiple brands now along with my orthotics since my ankle replacement and toe surgeries. It’s amazing that once things are fixed, you don’t really think about it anymore! Hated Hokas as they were big and spongy and they looked like clown shoes. It’s really an individual thing as we all have different needs.
Thank you for mentioning Skechers! I am old and have a loss of mobility. I need a shoe that I can just step into like my Skechers but I’d love all the cushioning of the sneakers mention. If Tom Bricker or anyone else has any suggestions I’d love to hear. Thank You!
Those parameters make it tough. Have you tried regular Crocs? That might be your best slip-on change of pace option.
I have 2 pairs of crocs that I love but haven’t used for Disney. I take them to Disney Hilton Head where there’s less walking.
I have horrible feet including bunions, hammertoes, and Morton’s neuroma in both feet which I’ve treated with orthotics, cortisone shots, and cryosurgery, and I absolutely love the Brooks Ghost Max 2 so I was super excited when I realized Brooks actually made the Minnie Mouse shoes in wide and then so disappointed when I realized they wouldn’t be available online.
Try the tear-shaped Morton’s neuroma pads at Hapad. My doctor was recommending surgery, but when I tried these pads, my Morton’s neuroma cleared up.
Wow, I can’t understand how so many people think Crocs are good for all-day walking. Crocs don’t have the support or stability that I need, plus they make my feet sweat like crazy and give me blisters. If you already have feet, legs, or back problems, definitely talk to your doctor before trying to wear Crocs for anything more than casual wear.
To highlight the “your mileage may vary” part of the equation – my 16 year old daughter recently returned from a trip to Disneyworld with her high school orchestra. She wore broken in high-top Converse All-Stars (famous for having zero cushion) the entire time and reported no discomfort whatsoever.
Her being 16 might be the most important part of that equation though.
Oh Tom, I love this article. Shoes are sooooo important to our Disney travel. Having worn just about every shoe on your list (except Crocs, for some reason Crocs and tennis shoes just don’t go together in my mind lol). My current favorites are the Brooks Ghost Max. Having only worn them a few months, I love them.
I am a nurse, who works all day on their feet, and caps the day off with a four mile walk (gotta train for WDW). For years my go to was Hoka (Bondi). Recently (about a year or so) they changed somehow and now I cannot wear without having extreme knee pain. Based on conversations w/co-workers Hoka has fallen off their list of favorites too. My daughter is a marathon runner, her go to is the Brooks. So I tried them and made the switch. I may recommend trying the Nike based on your recommendation.
I think the key is switching shoes during a long day in the parks, as you said. Great advice! Now to go look at the link for Brooks Disney shoes lol.
“Recently (about a year or so) they changed somehow and now I cannot wear without having extreme knee pain.”
Interesting that you mention this, because Sarah just bought (and returned) a pair of Bondi that weren’t nearly as plush, and she assumed they were fakes. I was a bit skeptical of that, as they came from a legit U.S. seller, but maybe she was on to something? In any case, she picked up the previous iteration of the Bondis as well as the Gaviota on sale and was pleased. Guess it’s time to stock up on the old models?
Thanks for the head’s up on the Hoka changing…. I was about to go to my go-to shoe store and get a new pair. I will definitely ask their staff if they have had any feedback from clients on Hoka not seeming the same .
I’ll have to take Sarah & Tom’s list with me for my next pair of shoes…..
I got the Croc sneakers when you first recommended them because I liked the sound of a waterproof shoe and like my normal Crocs. I love them! They’re now probably my most worn shoe, not just for Disney days. I do agree with not wearing them on consecutive walking days, especially if you wear them without socks. The bumps start to rub the soles of my feet too much, and I’m ready for a change by the next day. I haven’t tried them with socks because I love the breathability and practicality in the rain without.
Interesting that it’s the bumps–for me it’s the uppers. I can’t wear any footwear (Crocs included) without socks, though. That’s just wild to me. More power to you, though!
I bought the Crocs LiteRide last week during the amazon sale – they were around $25 – hoping to wear them for a day at Disney next week. I have worn regular Crocs occasionally (not at Disney) for years so am familiar with them. Did a 3 mile walk beforehand without socks and got a blister, so no go this trip, but maybe I need more break-in time and/or to wear with socks. I have a pair of Teva sandals that have been my go-to during rainy weather at Disney. Otherwise, I usually wear Alta running shoes.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I haven’t needed a break-in period with the Crocs, but have needed socks. Everyone’s feet are obviously different, though.