When I travel, my biggest concern is my feet. Blisters and foot pain may occur destroy Getting to Walt Disney World in sweltering Florida comes with its own set of challenges. It’s hot, humid, sweaty, and you’re walking *a lot*.
When the Scary Moms team recently had the opportunity to visit the park, our team included moms from all over the country. Southerners in this group are more accustomed to heating and have different solutions for managing it all. I’m from Boston and I found the weather to be shocking – I really wasn’t prepared for it. Step out of an air-conditioned hotel in the morning and you’ll immediately feel the swamp-like heat. I brought a variety of shoes, but the theme of comfort over style won out. If you’re not used to hot weather and walking 20,000 steps a day, you’ll need a shoe that wicks away sweat and has enough room for swollen feet.
TL;Doctor? Bring a pair of very durable shoes. Sandals, running shoes, and breathable shoes are all favorites among our group. Here’s our checklist (annotated) so you can plan accordingly. If you’re worried about a pair of shoes, don’t wear them or keep some Band-Aids in your bag if you start to develop blisters.
Coveted sandals: Tevas
I almost couldn’t believe it, but I managed to complete my entire Disney trip—taking at least 15,000 steps a day—wearing my Teva Hurricanes (in this cool ’90s colorway). I pulled out my Brooks Ghost 15s and wore them for half a day, which helped a lot, but the Teva soles are thick, cushioned, supportive enough, and basically got the job done, and my feet didn’t feel that way in the hot Florida sun. Pain and sweating. — Kelly Fairblot, Executive Editor
Like Kelly, I get a huge kick out of these ’90s Tevas. 20K steps in and my feet never hurt as much as they did in Hokas (!), although by the end of the second day I had blisters on my little toes. —Meaghan O’Connell, senior features editor
Main force: All-day Altras
When I’m not wearing my classic Tevas, I’m wearing my go-to everyday shoe, the Alta Lone Peaks. I swear, there is a fan club for this shoe. I’ve worn them all over Glacier National Park (near where I live) and carried them on many 15 mile days. They are the main force who never give up! I love the wide toe box and how lightweight and breathable they are. The perfect day hiking and walking shoe. — Sarah Aswell, deputy news and community editor
Disney’s main product: a good pair of Brooks
When I travel I bring a few different pairs of shoes because I think switching them out gives your feet a rest and helps prevent a blister somewhere. After trying Reef sandals and getting small blisters, I switched to Brooks sandals. My sneakers have a wide toe box so they don’t pinch, rub or get blisters. I’ve spotted the Brooks on many others at Disney – definitely a fan favorite shoe. — Katy Elliott, Senior Editor, Personal Stories
For Flip Flop Lovers: Crocs
Yes, I’m the one wearing flip-flops omnipresent– Side effects of living in the south. Also, if my feet are hot, I get general discomfort. I probably won’t win any fashion awards for wearing Crocs in the park, but they sure are comfy AF. I tend to have more problems (blisters, pain, etc.) when I try to switch to sneakers instead of these. —Julie Sprankles, associate editor, Lifestyle & Entertainment
The best in slip-on shoes: Super lightweight Naots
I bought these shoes a few years ago and they have become my go-to shoe for “getting ready for a lot of walking.” They have taken me on vacations all over the world and to Disney World. They are very comfortable and easy to put on and take off. — Jamie Kenney, deputy news and entertainment editor
Gen Z-approved choice: Aesthetic Atom
These shoes are very lightweight, breathable, and very soft inside. They are designed for people with wide feet (hello, that’s me) and provide extra room for my toes and save me from a lot of blisters. I love that they are designed to require zero break-in period – so you can buy them before you travel worrying about that – and that their antibacterial thread and machine washability help keep them from getting smelly. With some quick-drying quarter socks, I had no issues at all. —Katie McPherson, associate editor, Lifestyle & Entertainment
Chic Sandals: These Strappy Sorels
These shoes have never let me down. I’ve worn these shoes all over New York, so I know they’ll stand up to Disney. Oh my god, they did it! These are comfortable, not overly padded and breathable, which is key because I hate sweaty feet. Plus, I didn’t get a blister the entire time I was there. — Kate Auletta, Editor-in-Chief
Cute and Affordable Winner: Target Nikitas
I bought these because I thought they were cuter and lighter than my usual sneakers, and OMG they are “perfect” for Disney. From the shorts and tank top to my Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party tutu, they all look adorable, and I think the memory foam footbed makes them great. Plus, they’re nice and light! —Samantha Darby, senior editor, Lifestyle & Entertainment
Katie Elliott is the personal stories editor for Scary Mom. She enjoys cooking, gardening, and chatting with people about everything from how much you love your kids to how much your kids annoy you. She is a mother of two and lives in Marblehead, Massachusetts.
