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:

 

[brich]

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

Umm I've had mine for 2 years now...:lookaroun
Although I don't wear them to the parks, they are extremely comfortable. Unlike clogs, they do have a strap that fits around the back of your foot. My wife wears them everyday at work (Pediatric office) and my 7 year old loves his...(and his 4 year brother likes to borrow them)
For a shoe to get to the pools or to the beach? None better in my opinion...:sohappy:

 

[december]

I work in Crocs almost every day (teacher) and I love them. I also walk in them. My kids wear them to school. My mother is a cafeteria worker and is on her feet on concrete all day. All she can stand is Crocs-has a pair in every color!

We plan to take crocs in our backpacks for water rides and rainstorms, but wear our tennis most of the day when we go in July (1st time!).

I read about CoolMax socks on Allearsnet.com, but they were really expensive online. Target has them for $3.99 a 3 pack. They are supposed to keep your feet dry and prevent blisters. I've been walking in them all week, and they do feel good on my feet. They also had some in kids sizes.

 

[DisneyMarg]

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!

Yep - that's what I first thought when I saw the website and I entertained NO idea of hubby wearing them. Then I got my first pair as a gift and fell in love. I raved about them so much, that he tried one on and reluctantly said, "well they probably would feel good after a race" (he's a marathoner). So, I bought him a pair for Christmas - just for after races, of course. Now he rarely takes them off.

They are trendy in some cities and you will see people wearing them all time. They don't even look wierd to me anymore.

And the other big diff with clogs (besides the strap) is that they are so cushy - not hard like wooden clogs.

 

[justducky78]

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.

Yep - we just bought a pair when we were there! I only saw socks with Mickey on them, but I'm sure they have other characters as well...

 

[Testtrack321]

I sware by New Balance/Addidas for the parks, get ones that allow for good ventilation, combined with shorter socks to keep the feet cool.

 

[WaltzingMatilda]

CROCS CROCS CROCS CROCS - for adults and children alike

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

I am definetely going to check these out! Went to the website and realized I've seen these before - mainly on healthcare proffessionals. I think they are so "ugly" that they're cute! Had no idea they came in so many styles/colors.

And we will for sure be getting the kids new Stride Rite sneaks. You all are right - they are a classic and we've never had a complaint.

Thanks everybody - your advice and insight are invaluable. You make the wait seem almost bearable! :animwink:

 

[SpenceMan01]

I think that the biggest tip is to break in a new pair of shoes before wearing them in the parks. You have to get your feet accomodated to the shoes, otherwise your puppies are going to be howling after the first day. I've got my New Balance shoes that I love because I can get them in extra wide to fit my fat feet

I also have to thank DisneyMarg for mentioning Crocs. My fiancee's birthday is in a week and I haven't, for the life of me, been able to figure out what to get her. When the Crocs came up, I remembered that she was looking at a knockoff pair a couple months ago. I think I might get her a pair of those! (and one for me too!)

:sohappy: