Best shoes for little ones?

[WaltzingMatilda]

And big people, come to think of it! The wee ones on our trip are all 4, and while I do expect them to use strollers, I'm wondering if anyone has an opinion on the best walking shoes for them. While I am usually all about matching their shoes to their outfits, I get the feeling strappy flower sandals won't cut it for long days in the park. And if anyone has a favorite walking shoe for adults, I'd appreciate that info too.

Thanks!!

Wish it were September 23....:animwink:

 

[TwoTigersMom]

I am a huge fan of Stride Rites for children. Although they can be expensive, they are the only brand of shoe my 4 year old has ever worn. My 16 month old just got his first pair last week. They seem to be extremely comfortable for them. I am very lucky as we have a huge consignment sale here twice a year called Kids Clothes Connection. I am able to buy gently used stride rites for $2 - $6 a pair. Although, I have had to buy a total of 3 pair (1st shoe for each child and 1 pair for the 4yo when KCC didn't have any in his size one time) at Dillards and they are about $30-$45. DS has had tennis shoes and sandals made by them and has worn both to the parks.
As for adults, I love New Balance and DH loves Nike. Just make sure to start wearing any new shoes at least a few weeks before a trip to any theme park to get them broke in properly.

 

[justducky78]

For the kiddies, I would say any good sneaker. My parents always had me in stride rites growing up - wow, I can't believe they're still around!

For grown ups, I have to agree again. I love my new balance! And my MIL's podiatrist just told her last week to wear new balance...she has problems putting weight on her heel and he said these are great shoes for her or anyone! My dad (almost 70) also wears the new balance shoes.

I rarely wear sandals in the parks. I used to, but learned quickly that although they're cute for short walks or at dinner when you're more dressed up, it's SO worth it to have a good pair of sneakers in the parks all day!

 

[DisneyMarg]

CROCS CROCS CROCS CROCS - for adults and children alike

• Cool colors will match their outfits
• You can stand all day in them and not be tired (be sure to buy "real" crocs and not a cheap knock-off. Those don't have the cushiony stuff.)
• They shed water like a (rubber) duck (think: rain showers, water rides, and playing in the fountains at Epcot)
• They're lightweight
• They're easy to slip on an off

The only downside is that I find them uncomfortable without socks, although I know a lot of people who are fine in them "barefooted".

(And CROCS are ANOTHER thing I first learned about on the wonderful WDWMAGIC boards!)

 

[3fordisney]

I would make sure that the shoes you buy them are broken in good before you leave for your trip. Mine loves Thomas the Train and so his tennis shoes are those and he did fine. We started taking long walks before our trip and my son wore the shoes he was going to wear at WDW. We started our walks slow and then gradually build up to longer walks. It is amazing how much walking you do while you are there.

I like my Reebok and Nike shoes. I also make sure I am not wearing brand new shoes when I go as well. My husband swears by wearing 2 pairs of socks. He says he gets less blisters that way.

Hope this helps. The little ones will have a blast. Mine talked about our trip everyday for months. It is so much fun!:dazzle:

 

[wannab@dis]

Kids: Stride Rites - can't be beat and they last forever

I like Skechers and New Balance. The New Balance don't seem to last as long.

Hints for no blisters... don't ever, ever wear new shoes! Also, someone here suggested anti-perspirant spray and it worked great. My feet didn't get wet from sweat and I didn't have any blisters. Just spray your feet before you put on your shoes each time.

 

[hokielutz]

On the subject of blisters... sometimes you can't help it and feel a hot spot on your feet where a blister may form if you don't stop walking. When this happens, you need to put on "Moleskin." Its a cushiony fabric that can be cut to size and sticks directly on your skin where you feel the discomfort, like a bandaid. It prevents further friction on the affected area. It worked great for me last weekend and kept a potential blister at bay while I continued to walk around the world (showcase).

Everyone else is right on - get shoes that you can break in before traveling and are very comfortable.

 

[Mori Anne]

Both my kids had Stride rite Sandels. They have fabulous flexible soles, and they are pretty comfy. The run aroudn 27-35. Worth it. My kids both have minor foot problems, and was told how important good shoes are for them. I was recommended to use Stride Rite shoes for anything more than "normal" activity for them and have had great experiences with Stride Rite. We also use Sacouny (sp??) Nike, and on occasion adidias and sketchers. If you are worried about price check out your local marshals or TJ Maxx if you have one. I didn't do anything but walking sandels or sneakers. They have some cute other styles, but maybe to Diva'ish for more than everyday use. I used a pedometer at WDW and it was like 16-20 miles per day.. Know we walked back to our hotel (SOG) from the TTC, but still alot of walking. We went in January and the shoes still fit and are great. (son 21 months and daughter is 4 1/2)

Oh yea, we do New Balance as well. They have pretty flexible soles. But, they get dirty fast like other cloth shoes.

 

[Mori Anne]

fyi... if you are flying to WDW and you wear sketchers, take them off before you go through the security thing and put them into a basket. Most sketchers (not all though) have metal inside their soles. You will set the alarm off....lol... My husband did this and that is what the lady told us. My daughters shoes didn't set it off though... Just thought I'd share...lol

 

[tigsmom]

Another parent who loves Stride-Rite shoes for little kids. They have the proper arch support for little feet. As stated before, they ar on the pricey side, but take care of those feet now and avoid problems later.

The DH & I have New Balance walking shoes and the kids (18 & 11) wear Vans, Sketchers or whatever is popular at the time. :lol:

 

[autigger]

My question/concern involves water. I have not been to Disney many years and I am taking my wife and little ones in September. The kids will primarily be in a stroller, however, my son seems to want to walk on his own more and more.

We initially thought well made sandals were a better idea for the kids because of the possibility of getting wet in fountains. If they are getting their feet wet, I would be concerned about tennis shoes. Any suggestions?

 

[TwoTigersMom]

My question/concern involves water. I have not been to Disney many years and I am taking my wife and little ones in September. The kids will primarily be in a stroller, however, my son seems to want to walk on his own more and more.

We initially thought well made sandals were a better idea for the kids because of the possibility of getting wet in fountains. If they are getting their feet wet, I would be concerned about tennis shoes. Any suggestions?

First and Foremost, WAR EAGLE!! Now back to your question lol. There are several options you could go with. Stride Rite sandals have never rubbed any blisters on my son's feet. You could also just take their shoes off when they play in the fountains (this is what I usually do). You could also take 2 pair of tennis shoes (I do this too incase of unexpected wetness). That way while 1 pair dries, they can wear the other. Someone suggested Crocs. I'm not sure how comfie they would be walking barefooted in in the parks or even with socks since they are kind of loose on your feet. I use these for work, where I am pretty much on my feet 8 hours almost continuously. I've been very impressed. My feet never hurt after a shift. I love how light they are too.

 

[wannab@dis]

My question/concern involves water. I have not been to Disney many years and I am taking my wife and little ones in September. The kids will primarily be in a stroller, however, my son seems to want to walk on his own more and more.

We initially thought well made sandals were a better idea for the kids because of the possibility of getting wet in fountains. If they are getting their feet wet, I would be concerned about tennis shoes. Any suggestions?

We usually take pool shoes for our 2yo when she plays in the water areas. They are small and easy to carry. An extra set of sandals is never a bad idea. :lol:

 

[wisconsinminnie]

I am yet another parents who sings the praises of Stride Rite. My son has both the sandals and shoes and we haven't had a problem yet! As for adults, I have always worn New Balance shoes when I've gone to WDW. Make sure they're broken in though!

 

[olive10tails]

Most definitely Crocs--they are lightweight, can get wet and are ventilated if you get the beach style. I wore them every day at work--on my feet for 10 hours a day. I would also recommend New Balance tennies--my husband and I both love ours. We take them every trip-they will be going in Sept!! Yeah! Oh--I wear my Crocs without socks and they are just fine to walk around in, but everyone is different. Have a great trip!

 

[Tweedle Adie]

I am not a parent and have always been a Nike girl so I know nothing of stride rite shoes. However I was thinking that if you had the stride rite sneakers, you could also find a pair for Disney sneakers, like the princesses or buzz light year. These shoes could be a bit more on the fun side and could be worn as a back up pair, since I have seen them at target I don't think they are quite as expensive.

You could also get cute socks if you want to dress up there sneakers. I know the disney store used to sell cotton socks with disney characters one them.

As far as adults shoes go... There are always my nikes! if you want something more like a sandal you can try the "sneaker mules" (I am sure they have a real name). They also sell socks for all kinds of sandals, from mules, to slides, to thongs, I highly recommend wearing socks.

When we were little my mom used to flip our socks inside out to prevent blisters on toes from the seam at the top.

Sorry this was so long

 

[tigsmom]

My question/concern involves water. I have not been to Disney many years and I am taking my wife and little ones in September. The kids will primarily be in a stroller, however, my son seems to want to walk on his own more and more.

We initially thought well made sandals were a better idea for the kids because of the possibility of getting wet in fountains. If they are getting their feet wet, I would be concerned about tennis shoes. Any suggestions?

I've seen parents put bathing suits and aqua shoes on little kids (between 2 & 4 years of age) to let them play in the fountains to cool off then change them back to their shorts/tees. Maybe a quick change would be a good thing for your little guys. *shrugs*

 

[thumper0078]

We leave for WDW in two days and I am taking my Birkenstocks. Mind you, I have been wearing the same pair for nearly a year so they are well broken in. My doc recommended wearing the Birkies for an ankle issue and I haven't worn anything else since. I am also planning on bringing my Nike tennis shoes just in case. For my son, I bought him some Knock off Tevas from Academy and he absolutely loves them. I will also be bringing his tennis' just in case.

 

[justducky78]

CROCS CROCS CROCS CROCS - for adults and children alike

• Cool colors will match their outfits
• You can stand all day in them and not be tired (be sure to buy "real" crocs and not a cheap knock-off. Those don't have the cushiony stuff.)
• They shed water like a (rubber) duck (think: rain showers, water rides, and playing in the fountains at Epcot)
• They're lightweight
• They're easy to slip on an off

The only downside is that I find them uncomfortable without socks, although I know a lot of people who are fine in them "barefooted".

(And CROCS are ANOTHER thing I first learned about on the wonderful WDWMAGIC boards!)

I had never heard of crocs, so I went on their website to check them out. They appear to be good for your feet and very comfortable, but boy are they UGLY! I'm all for comfort but they're basically clogs.

Hee, Hee :lol: I could just see my husband walking around in those!

 

[brich]

I've seen parents put bathing suits and aqua shoes on little kids (between 2 & 4 years of age) to let them play in the fountains to cool off then change them back to their shorts/tees. Maybe a quick change would be a good thing for your little guys. *shrugs*

Ahhh yes... Or like in our case, wet clothes meant a reason for my wife to buy some dry clothes to put on... For the kids that is. We adults suffer the wrathe of wet clothes on air-conditioned rides... Brrrrrrrrrr

We usually put sneakers on our kids (4 & 7). We've had great luck with Nike Shox for them. Buy them in advance so they can break them in but not outgrow them. As for mom and dad, I like a broken in pair of New Balance. Good for my knees. My wife prefers a pair of Born flip flops. She say's she likes them better than her sneakers. What ever you wear, break them in a bit to avoid blisters but no so much that they don't offer those new sneaker comforts and supports. Remember, shoes aren't just for your feet, they impact your entire body...