Imagine walking down Main Street, USA, at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom only to realize that the cute shoes you’re wearing are starting to give you blisters before you’ve even gotten on the first ride of the day. Finding the right shoes to wear for a full day of walking around the Disney Parks is crucial—blisters and foot pain can quickly cut your day short. With an abundance of different shoe types, brands, and price points to choose from, it can be hard to know what shoes are the best to wear to Disney World, or any theme park, for that matter.
As someone who spent almost nine weeks at Disney theme parks last year, I’ve had a lot of practice in dressing comfortably for long days on my feet. For those who haven’t found their go-to shoe yet, I’ve narrowed down a list of the best shoes to wear when visiting the most magical place on Earth. Whether you’re looking for something to take you from rope drop to fireworks, a pair that will dry easily after rain showers or water rides, or a more casual shoe for an evening at Disney Springs, we’ve got you covered with the most comfortable kicks to wear all day long. But first, let us answer a few common questions you might be wondering about.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
FAQ:
Does Disney World have restrictions on the types of shoes you can wear to the parks?
There are some restrictions for footwear at Disney World. Namely, shoes with wheels are prohibited at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
What should I look for in a comfortable theme park shoe?
When it comes to the best shoes for Disney World, look for lightweight options with enough support to wear all day. I recommend opting for a shoe with arch support or a thicker sole that will keep your feet from tiring out too quickly, and taking them out for a test run before packing for your trip. Quick drying shoes are great too, so if you get wet on a water ride or caught in a Florida rain shower, you won’t be uncomfortable the rest of the day. If you’re not planning to wear them on the plane, look for shoes that are easily packable and don’t take up too much suitcase space (after all, you never know what souvenirs will be coming home, too).
What types of footwear should I avoid?
Avoid heels or high platform sandals—they might look cute, but they won’t serve you well while walking around theme parks all day. (Reserve those options for fancy dinners out at places like California Grill or Victoria & Albert’s.) You’ll do well to avoid rubber flip-flops that offer very little support or protection from the elements, too.
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The best closed-toe shoes
On Cloud 5 shoe
If you’re looking for a comfortable shoe that’s lightweight and will keep looking good wear after wear, consider the On Cloud 5. The shoe comes in over a dozen colors and is made with breathable antimicrobial mesh so your feet don’t get too hot. The super soft cushioning will keep your feet happy while racing through Epcot to get in a virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
Hoka Bondi 8 shoe
Hoka’s Bondi 8 is a great walking shoe for Disney World—its memory foam collar around the ankle will keep the back of your heels comfortable all day. The sole is made from a light foam that is soft to walk on, which is ideal for spending long stretches of time on concrete.
Allbirds Tree Dasher 2
Finding a shoe that is both comfortable and stylish can be challenging. And since you’ll be meeting Disney royalty at the theme parks, you should look your best while remaining comfy. That’s where the Allbirds Women’s Tree Dasher 2 steps in. The knit active shoe is lightweight at just 8.56 ounces, so it won’t weigh down your suitcase or your feet. We love that the shoe has a single-piece upper knit, so it’s easy to pull on at the start of the day and off before crashing into your hotel bed at night.
Therafit Paloma Lite sneaker
Women looking for fun, brightly colored shoes will love the Therafit Paloma Lite athletic sneaker. The shoes feature deep heel cups for added stability, adjustable cushioning, a padded lining, and a contoured footbed to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the day. I love the pink and teal colorway best, but the shoes also come in dark gray with teal accents, light gray with teal accents, and navy with hot pink accents.
Under Armour Phantom 4 Luxe sneakers
For the perfect mix of style and comfort, consider the Under Armour Unisex UA Phantom 4 Luxe shoes. They offer the structure of a good walking shoe with the aesthetics of a streetwear sneaker. The sole cushion reduces the impact of all those steps, and the molded sock liner keeps your feet comfortable even through a long day of park hopping.
Asics Gel-Kayano 30 running shoe
Asics designs incredibly reliable walking and running shoes—the kind that ensure your feet will still feel great after walking 10 to 12 miles throughout the park. If you’re on the market for a new shoe that can go from a morning workout at the hotel to afternoons racing through the park, the Asics Gel-Kayano 30 running shoes are the best option. These come in a multitude of colors and are designed for maximum comfort. Features include a breathable stretch knit upper, a heel counter to keep your foot stable, and Rearfoot PureGel for softer landings.
Kuru Flex Via sneaker
This minimalist shoe is designed with fewer seams to reduce friction and potential sore spots on your feet. The heel of the shoe nearly hugs the back of your foot so you’re not slipping out of the shoe throughout the day. The grooves on the bottom of the shoe are designed to make each step as easy and seamless as possible. You’ll feel like Cinderella going to the ball in these, sans the lost glass slipper.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 running shoe
If you’re a fan of runDisney races like I am (I’ve done 50 of them!), you’ll know that Brooks Running is the official running shoe of runDisney. But the sleek shoes that take runners to the finish lines of 5k’s and half marathons are also great park shoes for those who may not want to run 13 miles before the parks open but will walk 13 miles over an entire day. The Adrenaline GTS 24 is a fantastic option, with GuideRails that reduce excess motion and a breathable upper mesh. At just 10 ounces, these shoes are lightweight enough to wear for multiple days in a row and pack in your suitcase when it’s time to go home.
Keds Champion Canvas lace-up sneaker
One of my personal favorite shoes to wear to Disney World is a classic pair of Keds. While they don’t have the most arch support, the lightweight canvas does offer plenty of breathability. The shoes are great for half-days in the park or walking around Disney Springs for a few hours. The abundance of colors also means that there’s always a way to match your shoes to your Disney-inspired outfit.
The best walking sandals
Teva Original Universal
These bestsellers are a favorite of several Traveler editors. The lightweight sandals are made from recycled plastic and come in a variety of colorways. One thing to note with these sandals is that the plastic hook and loop closure may rub your feet slightly if they hit the wrong spot, so try them out at home before committing to wearing them at Disney World.
Crocs Classic Clog
Crocs seem to be everywhere these days, including Disney World. Whether you love the look or hate them, they are a smart option for theme park days: just consider the breathable air holes, durable material, and slip-proof bottoms. The shoes also work well for an afternoon at the resort pool or trip to one of Disney’s water parks. Endless Croc charms exist to customize your shoes and show off your favorite characters, too.
Keen Elle Backstrap Sandals
For something a bit more elevated but just as functional, try this Keen sandal, which has thick straps that keep the shoe in place but are also easy to adjust when you’re ready to take them off. Wear these from day to night: The versatile shoe will keep you from feeling underdressed at a nice dinner inside one of the resorts.
Crocs Classic sandal
There’s nothing worse than getting caught in those pesky afternoon rain showers that always occur in Florida. Enter: Crocs’s Classic Sandal. They’ll allow your feet to dry quickly after a storm or water ride like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and can be customized like the brand’s classic clog with Disney character Jibbitz or whatever suits your fancy. The sandals come in eight different colors, ranging from neutrals to bright pink. The two straps at the top of the sandal will keep your feet in place all day long without digging into the sides of your feet and causing blisters.
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