This is a really popular question so I thought you might like it if I put together a list of my favorites and the best shoes to wear at Walt Disney World in 2021! Your shoes are essential to your Disney World trip since every Disney vacation is full of miles and miles of walking! It averages out to about 10 miles a day in fact! When we do quick half-day trips into the park I still find myself clocking up to 7 miles.
First off, we recommend all you ladies out there stay away from heels! It still ceases to amaze me the number of tall pumps I see some ladies wearing around the parks. I can barely make it through a day in the office, let alone a 6-mile day at Disney World!
General Disney Shoe Tips
Most importantly wear what you feel comfortable in. We all have a go-to shoe that we love to wear all the time because they are easy and comfortable. For me, it’s my Sanuk’s, for you, it may be something else.
Wear Broken In Shoes
When we talk about comfort part of that is making sure you are wearing a shoe that you have already broken in. What a secret on how to break in your brand new vacation shoes super fast? Take a hairdryer and for about a minute blast it on those shoes to warm them up so they can flex and mold to your feet. Then put on the thickest socks that you can find and wear the shoes around your house until they have cooled off. You may need to repeat these steps a few times but it is a nice little shoe hack.
Consider Luggage Space
If you are looking for an all-new pair of shoes for your trip there are a few things you should keep in mind when shopping. First off, if they are an extra pair you will want them to not be bulky and take up too much space in your luggage.
Breatheable & Quick Drying
I also like my Disney shoes to have some quick-drying powers. It’s rainy, hot and you will be sweaty on your Disney vacation. In sneakers, you want some nice mesh or breathable fabric. If you aren’t going the sneaker route for your trip then I recommend Tevas or Sanuks I have found both dry out pretty quickly after a rain shower in the parks.
Shoe Style
Lastly, don’t forget to have some fun! Disney World is the place where it is okay to dress up with ears on top of your head every day. Have no fears in breaking out your brightest, boldest shoe at Disney! We have included a few fun ones on the list as well as our favorite practical sneakers for our best Orlando theme park shoes!
The Perfect Shoes for Women at Walt Disney World
Since your Disney styles goals may all be different I have included both classic, comfortable, plain shoes as well as some fun Disney-themed shoes to wear to the Disney parks.
Adidas Women’s Ultraboost
WOW! If there was one good thing 2020 brought me it was the best pair of sneakers I have ever owned. I was skeptical at first the retail sticker price is almost $200 for Adidas Ultraboost but everyone in my fitness group swore up and down over their magic.
When my cousin jumped on the Ultraboost train and confirmed their magic I knew I had to give them a try. Being my frugal self I went on the hunt for. a better price. Amazon came through in the clutch and I was able to score a pair of the 19’s for around $100! No joke my feet do not hurt a bit after a FULL park day. I got to run them around for a family trip and they held up so well I have now converted the rest of my family.
What makes Ultraboosts so special? I find they are all around super supportive great for working out and even been for making it through a long day on your feet in the parks. I think all the magic is in the sole of the shoe. Its rubber is made out of Continental rubber, yup the same one used on car tires!
Disney Vans
Vans released a whole collection of Disney Vans and we are in love with them! They are cute stylish and represent some of our favorite Disney films. To see them all go here!
Toms
Toms Shoes are simple and comfy. They dry out quickly but I still recommend flip-flops over these guys for rainy park days. They fold almost flat so they won’t take up much space in your luggage. Plus, they support a good cause. Tom’s has the one to one promise. For every shoe you buy they donate a pair to a child in need! To see all the options check it out here.
Fun tip: If you bring a pair of new Tom’s with the tags still on them to Curl in Disney Springs they will custom paint Disney designs on them for you!
Colorful Asics
Asics was my go-to for a long day in the parks before the Ultraboost revelation happened. You just can’t beat the comfort that Asics offer for the price. I can pick up a pair of Asics for far less than the Ultraboost so if you are on a budget this is a great option.
I also find I don’t get blisters like I would with some other brands. Plus, they have tons of fun color combos! However, everyone has their brand of sneakers they just love to wear. Go with the brand you are used to and like. If you are in the market for a new sneaker brand totally recommend giving Asics a try.
Sanuk Yoga Slings
I own far too many of these Sanuk Yoga Slings. I LOVE them! They are my summer Disney shoe. With the summer here in Florida, it rains and these guys are perfect, the yoga mat bottoms dry out fast! Plus I like wearing flip-flops in the summer because my feet swell up in hot sneakers and then hurt from being trapped inside a shoe. Check out all the colors and patterns for this shoe here.
Keds Minnie Fashion Sneaker
Recently, Keds released a Disney line of shoes and it has been added to my wishlist. They have several designs each one cuter than the next. To see all the designs shop here!
Melissa Mickey Shoes
You may recognize Melissa from Disney Springs. At the store, they also feature their collection of Disney ballet shoes. These flats bring you comfort along with some great Disney style.
Shoes for Men at Disney World
Adidas Men’s Ultraboost
Of course, I already gushed over these shoes in the Women’s section but the men’s version of this shoe is just is good. After I got mine and spent a week out in the park with them I knew my husband needed a pair. My husband has long been a Nike sneaker wearer but when he tried these on he agreed they were a lot more comfortable.
Best Shoes for Kids at Disney World
Under Armour Kids
A good breathable shoe is always essential for everyone in the family. Another plus to this shoe is the velcro strap makes it easier for kids to put the shoe on or take off even easier.
Teva Kids’ Sandal
If you are planning a summer trip to Disney World a sandal is an essential item to pack. It’s the best option for not just rainy days but to wear down to the resort pool too. Of course, Teva, makes the list for us because of their brand commitment to be more environmentally friendly. Their sandals are partly made of recyclable materials.
As far as the build the sandals have a thick foam footbed that cushions and softly supports. It’s perfect for all day comfort.
Training for Walking at Disney World
If you do decide to pick up some new kicks for your Disney vacation make sure you break them in first! I think a month of wear is a solid amount to make sure your shoes are ready for Disney World.
Overall, I think a Disney trip can be compared to running a marathon. Without training, you are going to have some sore feet and finding yourself miserable by lunchtime. To help prepare your body and feet, try adding extra steps to your everyday routine as soon as you book that trip. It can be as simple as walking a lap around your work building on your lunch break or taking the whole family for a walk after dinner.
On one day at a Disney World park, you can easily walk eight miles! If you have a fitness tracker you use, like an Apple Watch or FitBit you can see what your current activity is at and use that one to judge how much you need to train before your vacation.
Shoe Tips During your Disney Vacation
You may have already heard of, or even use, a product called BodyGlide. It’s an anti-friction stick and it prevents blister and chafing. It’s why it made our list of What to Buy Before your Disney Vacation.
This product saved me more than once on a Disney vacation. In order to use simply apply to any area that can be affected by friction, toes, heel, between your thighs, or even under your bra straps, it’s safe to use anywhere.
What to Do if You Get a Blister at Disney?
If you follow all of our steps above and still end up with a blister don’t panic. First and foremost do not pop your blister if it hasn’t popped on its own. The skin is actually keeping infection out and protecting you. The best thing to do is cover it with a blister pad, which if you don’t have access to a band-aid will suffice as a backup. The blister pads just offer you extra cushioning versus a band-aid. Don’t forget you can always go to the first aid center in which there is a location in all four Disney World theme parks.
Conclusion on the Best Shoes for Disney World
What are your go-to best shoes to wear at Walt Disney World? Is there a pair that you think are the best shoes for Disney? Do you think something else should be on our list of the best shoes to wear to Disney World? Let me know I love hearing from you guys! Also, don’t forget to read What to Buy Before your Disney Vacation so you can save money on your vacation.
I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!
