Flip Flops vs Tennis Shoes

[Ringo8n24]

What is your preference to wear at WDW? I prefer tennis shoes at WDW, but someone had a good thought on another thread to pack flip flops in your backpack for when it rains. You can keep those on with your poncho so your tennis shoes do not get wet and you can still keep moving. I am debating about the flip flops and was wondering what was the preference out there especially since flip flops are so "in" right now.

 

[aimster]

If you're going to be doing alot of walking, like at WDW, you definitely need to wear shose that give good support and are comfortable. If you wear flip-flops, you feet would be KILLING you after maybe half a day. Plus depending on the type of flip-flop, if you have the kind where the thong (the thing that goes between your toes) is rubber, it's going to rub after awhile and cause blisters or other foot problems.

I own 2 pairs of sneakers, but the ones that don't give me much trouble until late in the day are my trusty black Adidas. They're actually men's shoes because they don't sell black Adidas in women's sizes. Just bring some band-aids for any blisters that might try to form and maybe some powder to keep your feet dry and cool. And wear good socks too.

 

[tigger248]

On a side note, does anyone remember when thongs were flip flops not underwear? Am I showing my age?

I remember calling them thongs in my younger days! Last year at work, we had a guest come and ask if the park sold child sized thongs. :lookaroun We knew they were referring to the shoes, but it was still funny to hear. We actually made that our stupid guest quote of the day.

In response to the original question, I usually bring a couple pairs of flip flops, a pair of sandals or two, and a pair of tennis shoes. I'm a sandals person and all I wear in summer, spring, and the earlier half of fall is sandals (except when working). I take the tennis shoes because that way if I get tired of wearing the sandals I have those to wear. My feet sweat really bad and when they get wet my skin blisters and peels from wet socks. I don't get that with sandals. I've never ever gotten blisters and the only pain I get is occasionally a little leg pain that I'd probably get anyway from walking around so much. My flip flops are actually more comfortable for me than my tennis shoes (they're skechers and really cusioned).

 

[Ringo8n24]

Thanks for all the good opinions. I have been many times to WDW, but have always worn tennis shoes. This time I thought it would be cooler on my feet to wear flip flops instead, but I wanted to make sure I was not going to get blisters from the way they wear on your feet. BTW, after I posted this thread I heard the Kerry reference of being a "flip flop" and I figured people might think it was a political thread. :lol: Anyway, stay safe to everyone in Frances' path.

 

[Tenny317]

Well I def prefer to wear flip flops....I hate sneakers and shoes...they bother me...however iif this is your first time wearing flip flops to disney be prepared for blisters. The first time I did this i got blisters and now i have nice disney reminders...scars on my feet...lol
But ever since then my feet have been fine in flip flops!

 

[AStarOnMars]

Being from California ... I always go to Disneyland in flip-flops ... in my closet I have 31 pairs of flip-flops and only 2 running shoes ... I will wear my flip-flops in the rain if I can.

 

[Main Street USA]

I'm also in the sneaker group.

I prefer a nice pair of New Balance running shoes. They're VERY comfortable and have some serious support.

Now the EQUALLY important second half of the WDW comfort combo is a high-quality, thin, moisture wicking pair of no show running socks. These suckers don't stretch out of shape, they have like 6 different sections of elasticity, will keep your feet even cooler than if you were wearing NO socks, and fit your feet so well you'll forget you're wearing them.

That, my friends, will cost you about $100, BUT you won't even remember how much you spent when you get back to your selected WDW resort at night, take those suckers off, and your feet are still feeling fresh and new.

 

[DisneyPhD]

well MSU I have never heard of those socks, but they sound great.


Now I have to say "Flips flops are EVIL!!!!!!" I suffered flip flop truma to my toes a a child of the 70's and I won't go anywhere near a pair of shoes that goes between my toes. Also when you walk far with shoes that don't stay on your heal you end up with calf pain from tensing your legs.

Always bring a few pairs of good comfortable shoes with you on vacation. I had a friend who had one shoe that ended up on the side of the highway on a bus trip to wdw, he was suck with no shoes for the rest of the trip.

Now having said that I always bring both comfortable broken in tennis shoes and a few pairs of good sandels that have support and don't flip or flop when you walk. I tend to wear the sandels during the day on hot days and shoes evenings and cooler or wet days. I really like my all weather summer mocs from lands end. Slips on with no laces and keeps feet dry. (my orthotics fit in them too.)

We also always bring some "mole skin" for any blisters or hot spots and love gold bond medicated foot powder.

 

[Main Street USA]

well MSU I have never heard of those socks, but they sound great.

Ah, well, I found a 2 pack at Target for just $3.69. You'll know then when you see them. They should have them in both the women's and the men's department.

As for having not heard of things....mole skin? Where might I find this wonderous item?

 

[Yellow Shoes]

It's made by Dr. Scholl's and you should be able to find it in that section.

It will be with the insoles, corn pads, wart removers, etc.

And I agree--moleskin has saved many a vacation for me.

 

[MKBurn15]

Why not invent shoes that turn into flip flops? :drevil:

And YellowShoes, do you wear yellow mickey shoes to the parks? Cause I would totally do that too!

 

[patricia27]

I`ve got some all terrain sandals made by Salomon, they have a great ridged sole for when it`s wet and look cool!! They are made for all weathers so easily dry out when you get caught in a storm.I wear them every day in the parks and so far haven`t had blisters or tired feet. I take sneakers for going to the gym and in case we hire a bike. You have just got to have the best footwear for you,I always tell Disney newcomers not to wear brand new shoes they need to be worn in.

 

[Yellow Shoes]

And YellowShoes, do you wear yellow mickey shoes to the parks? Cause I would totally do that too!

If I had them, I sure would. But my son just got a pair of BRIGHT yellow socks that are so long (they go past his knees) that his legs look a little like Minnie's -- or perhaps Donald's.

 

[GoofBall06]

Im all about the flip flops. Tennis shoes are a good idea for a lot of walking...but im so used to wearing flip flops all the time.......they dont bother me. I guess it depends on how you feel.

 

[nikimsu2002]

When I'm in the parks I wear either a pair of tennis shoes or leather sandals. They normally work pretty well even in the rain. We were down there during Charley and when my tennis shoes got wet I just switched to my sandals. I took a few pairs of flip-flops with me for the pool or when we went to DTD at night. They also worked great for on the plane so I didn't have to take my shoes off. I am the kind of person who lives in flip-flops during the day. I'd rather wear them than anything else. I even wore them 10-12 hours a day in August when I worked at a marching band camp. I managed to perfect high-step marching in flip-flops, but unfortunately came away with awful tan lines from them (even though I made sure to go barefoot for at least part of everyday).

 

[EpcoTim]

Both.

I normally wear sandals. I hate shoes. I own a few pairs of gym shoes, but would much rather wear my sandals.

And for those in Fla, they sell the best sandals next to birks at Bells outlets. They were 36 bucks, and I gorget the name. But I bought a pair on my first day in Fla in March, and have been wearing them day in and day out since, they just started to fall apart. And Ive abused them, badly.

 

[Tramp]

As for having not heard of things....mole skin? Where might I find this wonderous item?

I've seen "moleskin" in the well-known drug stores...Walgreens, CVS, Eckerd, Brooks...etc. :wave:

 

[figmentmom]

I wear canvas sneakers that have been treated three times with Scotchguard. I also carry an extra pair of dry socks and lightweight waterproof sandals (as opposed to leather sandals) for those downpours where no amount of Scotchguard can keep the sneakers from getting wet! For me, there's nothing worse than slogging around in the parks in a pair of saturated sneakers.

 

[SewIn2Disney]

I'm surprised no one mentioned the Lands End "Sand to Sea Sneakers"
My whole family bought them this summer before we went to Hersheypark. They were great (on a side note, I added a rubber insert into the heel area for extra comfort). They were lightweight, comfy, and were great on water rides and rain!

http://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/prod/...00.html?sid=2967047274384144820&CM_MERCH=SRCH

(those are the mens, I didn't have time to find the womens.)

Here are the specs:
The headline holds water: the Sport Shoe won't weigh you down, even when it's soaked (we dunked it to make certain). But beyond its light weight, this sneaker is ideal for summer activities, on land or at sea. Why? First, it has an airy mesh upper that'll keep you cool in hot weather, and any water will just drain away (the perforated, removable orthotic is made for drainage, too).

Second, walkers will appreciate the comfortably padded tongue, a toggle closure that stays snugly closed, and rubber toe and heel guards that keep tender feet safe.

And there's even more good news: the Sport Shoe has a flexible, dual-density sole, made up of a cushioning layer of EVA and a rubber outsole with treads that offer wet/dry traction. Plus, a molded, exterior shank adds extra arch support. So what does all this tech talk mean? Simply that no other shoe will see you through spring and summer so swimmingly. Imported.

 

[figmentmom]

Sounds like a good shoe to take to WDW! Unfortunately, Lands End shoes tend to be extremely wide on my feet, and generally give me blisters, even with padded socks. That's just me, though.

 

[KaliSplash]

I only wear flip-flops to water parks, around the pool at hotel and
when I first go to Animal Kingdom while riding Kali River Rapids. After that, I change into tennis shoes.