The 10 Best Shoes for Disney World: Keep Your Whole Family Comfortable

Trips to Disney World will always be stressful, whether you have children or not. Many newlywed couples choose Disney resort parks as their honeymoon destination. But as always, these locations remain favorite family vacation spots.

With all of the planning and packing, you might forget that your shoes can make or break your vacation. After all, you will be spending all day on your feet!

We’ve reviewed the best shoes for men, women, and children to prepare for a comfortable Disney getaway.

Best Shoe for Disney	Fit	Price	Best Feature
Stride Rite SM Jamie (Infant/Toddler)	Toddlers (infant to 3 years old)	Budget-friendly	Rounded synthetic rubber outsole that propels walking while keeping little feet stable
NIKE Kids Revolution 4	Little Kid (4-8 years old)	Moderately priced	EVA foam midsole for stability, bounceback, and energy return
Asics Kids Gel-Contend 4 GS	Big Kid (8-12 years old)	Budget-friendly	Rearfoot GEL cushioning
KEEN Whisper Sandal	Women's	Moderately priced	Metatomical gender-friendly footbed design that follows natural foot contours
Clarks Wave Trek	Women's	Expensive	Wavewalk technology eliminates foot and leg pain
Skechers Go Walk 2	Women's	Budget-friendly	Rubber rocker outsole with Goga mat technology
Teva Omnium 2 Leather Fisherman Sandal	Men's	Moderately priced	Closed toe sandal with toe bumper for a variety of wet or dry activities
New Balance MW577	Men's	Moderately priced	ABZORB midsole provides shock-absorption and energy return
Skechers Afterburn	Men's	Budget-friendly	Runs wide for a comfortable fit
Crocs Classic Clog	Unisex (men's, women's, and kid's sizes)	Budget-friendly	Lightweight shoe that dries quickly and doesn’t collect odors

Best Walking Shoes to Wear to Disney World

Stride Rite SM Jamie (Infant/Toddler)

If it’s your first trip to Disney with your child, he or she needs a stable walking shoe that can keep up with their wobbly steps. Stride Rite is one of the most reputable names in children’s products. The Stride Rite SM Jamie Infant/Toddler shoe is a budget-friendly walking shoe for toddlers. With stability and flexibility, this model keeps your child planted firmly on his or her feet while moving with them. The mesh upper has synthetic leather overlays and a Velcro hook and loop strap for extra stability. Most importantly, the Stride Rite has a rounded synthetic rubber outsole. This encourages a more natural heel-to-toe transition for unstable walkers, helping them move with confidence.

Pros

• A budget-friendly walking shoe for toddlers
• Mesh upper with synthetic leather overlays
• Velcro hook and loop strap
• Padded collar
• Rounded synthetic rubber outsole that propels walking while keeping little feet stable
• A flexible shoe that moves with your active child

Cons

• Run narrow
• Don’t hold up well
• Velcro can come undone

NIKE Kids Revolution 4 (Little Kid)

As your child grows, they become more secure in their footing. They need a shoe that can keep up with their activity. In the children’s version of the best-selling running shoe, the NIKE Kids Revolution 4 is a moderately priced running shoe for children aged 4-8. The rubber outsole has excellent traction, preventing slipping on wet cement you will encounter at the park. The mesh upper with no-sew overlays moves well with your child’s foot. They protect high-impact areas while preventing unraveling. Although the Revolution 4 has a lace-up design, a hook and loop Velcro strap at the top of the forefoot adds extra protection and stability. These shoes hold up exceptionally well for active children, with an EVA foam midsole that provides bounceback and energy return. The midsole diffuses impact, keeping your child’s feet and legs from becoming sore after long days of running and walking at Disney World.

Pros

• Moderately priced running shoe for children ages 4-8
• Rubber outsole with good traction
• Mesh upper with no-sew overlays
• Hook and loop Velcro strap with lace-up design
• EVA foam midsole for stability, bounceback, and energy return
• Hold up well

Cons

• Mesh is hard to clean
• The velcro strap is too short for children with thicker feet
• Run narrow

Asics Kids Gel-Contend 4 GS (Big Kid)

If you have older children, finding them a quality shoe that matches their style is often a pain. With the ASICS Kids Gel-Contend 4 GS (Big Kid) – inspired by the adult model – your children will get the support they need in their heels and the balls of their feet while sporting a stylish look. Available in many colors, this athletic shoe has excellent arch support and Rearfoot GEL cushioning. This diffuses impact away from the joints, relieving foot and leg fatigue. If the arch support is too much for your child, you can replace the insole with an insert more suited to their feet. The ASICS Gel-Contend’s upper is directly attached to the outsole for more durability, creating a comfortable and supportive shoe for any adventure.

Pros

• Budget-friendly athletic shoe for children ages 8-12
• Available in a variety of colors
• The rubber outsole has great traction
• Rearfoot GEL cushioning
• Reinforced toe bumper
• Removable insole
• Excellent arch support

Cons

• Don’t hold up
• Not for flat feet

KEEN Whisper Sandal

With KEEN’s reputation on creating rugged outdoor footwear, the KEEN Whisper Sandal is our favorite women’s shoe for Disney World. This lightweight closed-toe sandal has a breathable design. Polyester straps hold the feet in a supportive cage without overheating them. With no break-in period, the Whisper’s footbed follows the natural shape of a woman’s foot. Combined with an EVA foam midsole with a TPU stability shank, the sandal guarantees all-day comfort. The multi-directional lug pattern grips the pavements and staircases of Disney easily, so you’ll always keep your footing. With an easy to clean design and odor-control technology, the Keens Whisper Sandal is one shoe that will be able to stand up to the abuse of a week-long Disney trip.

Pros

• Moderately priced
• Women’s lightweight, closed toe polyester sandal with breathable design
• No break-in period
• Waterproof, machine washable, Cleansport NXT odor-control technology
• EVA foam midsole with TPU stability shank
• Multi-directional lug pattern
• Metatomical gender-friendly footbed design that follows natural foot contours
• Bungee laces for easy fastening

Cons

• Colors fade
• Inconsistent sizing
• Runs small and narrow

Clarks Wave Trek

The CLARKS Wave Trek is well-known as a quality work shoe, but it is useful in many other environments. This walking shoe has excellent arch support and a wide toe box, making them perfect for standing and walking for long hours. A rocker outsole propels you forward as you walk, relieving stress on the feet and legs. The sole also has more abrasion-resistant rubber along high-impact areas under the heel and the forefoot so that these shoes will last you well beyond your vacation. With shock-absorbent and odor-resistant features, the CLARKS Wave Trek is great for women who plan to take their Disney vacation in the spring or autumn.

Pros

• Women’s shoe for walking and standing for long hours on sidewalks and concrete
• Wavewalk technology eliminates foot and leg pain
• Great arch support
• Wide toe box and wide heel
• Interior liner has moisture-wicking technology to keep your feet dry
• Shock-absorbent EVA midsole
• Removable Ortholite insole
• Rocker outsole with extra padding in high-impact areas of the heel and the forefoot

Cons

• Expensive
• Run narrow
• Little breathability: best for cooler months
• Break-in period

Skechers Go Walk 2

Although there have been a few updates to this classic walking shoe, the Skechers Go Walk 2 has much more cushion while retaining its best features. The lightweight jersey fabric upper breathes well, and the no-sew design eliminates potential blistering. With a rocker outsole that propels you forward, the Go Walk gives you more energy return with every stride. A shock-absorbent midsole and odor-resistant Ortholite insole diffuse impact from your feet and keep them dry all day long. If you need more arch support, the insole slips out for a custom insert. The pull-on heel hole makes the Skechers Go Walk 2 a durable slip-on shoe that will keep up with your hectic Disney schedule.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• More cushion than upgraded models
• Rubber rocker outsole with Goga mat technology
• Lightweight and flexible walking shoe for long hours on your feet
• Shock-absorbent midsole
• No-sew jersey fabric upper available in many colors
• Removable Ortholite insole
• Wide toe box
• Pull-on heel hole

Cons

• Run large
• Poor arch support
• No wide sizes
• No stability features on the upper

Teva Omnium 2 Leather Fisherman Sandal

If you plan on visiting the water rides, the Teva Omnium 2 Leather Fisherman Sandal is a comfortable closed-toe shoe that suits any wet or dry environment. With good arch support and a nylon stability shank, this option is ideal for men with foot conditions that require a supportive shoe. The leather upper has mesh overlays, with a forefoot and ankle strap for a completely adjustable fit. The bungee lacing system also helps you slip into your shoes and lace them quickly. If your active children are pulling you in all directions of the park, you want to include as much as possible into one day. The Teva Omnium 2 Leather Fisherman Sandal is a convenient stability shoe that will help you get the most out of your stay.

Pros

• Moderately priced
• Leather upper with breathable mesh overlays
• Synthetic rubber outsole with traction
• Nylon stability shank
• Good arch support for foot conditions
• Closed toe sandal with toe bumper for a variety of wet or dry activities
• Adjustable fit with forefoot and ankle strap and bungee laces

Cons

• Ankle strap doesn’t open all the way
• Mild break-in period
• No wide sizes
• Run small and narrow
• Hold up better in dry environments

New Balance MW577

A trip to Disney World requires long days of walking and standing, so why not wear a shoe made for movement? The New Balance MW577 is a men’s walking shoe that comes in several sizes, from narrow to wide widths. The 100% leather upper protects your feet from spills and injury, while the Walking Strike Path technology helps you remain stable on your feet. The extra support under the heel and the ball of the foot has improved traction along high-impact areas. Along with the ABZORB midsole, the features of the New Balance MW577 provide excellent shock absorption and energy return. These characteristics eliminate foot and leg fatigue, so you’ll be ready for another day of adventures.

Pros

• Moderately priced
• Men’s walking shoe available in narrow to wide sizes
• Walking Strike Path technology: extra traction along the center of the outsole
• 100% leather upper
• Padded ankle collar and tongue for comfort
• ABZORB midsole provides shock-absorption and energy return

Cons

• 100% leather upper doesn’t breathe well; better for cooler days
• No arch support
• Mild break-in period

Skechers Afterburn

The Skechers Afterburn is another option from the company that offers superior comfort and support. This budget-friendly walking shoe has a roomy fit without being too loose. Built for long days of standing and walking, the Afterburn’s Articu-Lyte midsole diffuses impact. This keeps you more comfortable by relieving stress off of your feet and joints. With additional comfort features such as a memory foam insole and a padded tongue and ankle collar, the Skechers Afterburn is ideal for men who need extra cushion in their shoes.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Men’s walking shoe for standing and walking for long hours
• Leather upper has mesh overlays around the heel and toe
• Shock-absorbent Articu-Lyte midsole
• Comfort features: padded ankle collar and tongue, memory foam insole
• Runs wide

Cons

• No breathability
• The insole isn’t removable
• Break-in period
• Fall apart within a year

Crocs Classic Clog

Just for fun, we included another shoe to round out our selections. While it may be cliché, we love the Crocs Classic Clog. They are a comfortable and convenient shoe that stands up to everything Disney World will throw at you. They are also available in kids’ sizes, so your whole family can match. Available in many colors and sizes, these extremely comfortable shoes have moderate arch support and a roomy fit. The Croslite material doesn’t hold on to odors, and there are ventilation holes in the upper for more breathability. If you prefer to wear a slip-on clog, the heel strap flips forward towards the upper. This means that you can have a closed-toe sandal or a slip-on clog, both in one shoe. Crocs clean easily with soap and water, and they dry very quickly. If you plan on visiting the water parks, or you have to stand in the path of the spray of water at Splash Mountain, Crocs are the best shoe for you.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Unisex Crocs also available in kids’ sizes
• Available in a variety of colors
• Listed with men’s sizes and corresponding women’s sizes
• Croslite material with ventilation holes for breathability
• Heel strap pivots forward, creating a slip-on sandal
• Lightweight shoe that dries quickly and doesn’t collect odors
• Roomy fit
• Comes in wide sizes
• Slip-resistant outsole
• Easy to clean with soap and water

Cons

• For medium to low arches
• Narrower than previous models
• Ugly but comfortable

Tips for Disney World

To create more lasting family memories at Disney World, wearing the most comfortable shoes for your environment will make the long days in the sun worth it. We’ve listed some helpful advice to keep your feet happy and pain-free.

Choose sneakers or sandals for your Disney Trip

We recommend choosing a quality walking/running shoe, or a comfortable and supportive pair of sandals for your trip to Disney World. These shoes offer more support than a basic flip-flop, and they have comfort features that will relieve foot and leg fatigue.

Wear sunscreen on your feet

This doesn’t seem like a place you would need sunscreen. However, if you have open-toes shoes or sandals, this is a step you shouldn’t miss. The tops of your feet are horrible places for a painful sunburn. You won’t even know how much you move your feet until they are burnt to a crisp.

Make sure your shoes fit

We recommend wearing your shoes for about a month or two before your trip to make sure you break them in all the way. Even if the manufacturer claims that their product has no break-in period, it is always a good idea to wear your new shoes for a few days. Try to wear them when you are doing a lot of walking. This will help you see how your shoes will feel on your feet when you are running after your children throughout the parks.

Bring a backup pair of shoes

No matter how much we prepare, the shoes we buy for our Disney Trip may not work as well as we hoped. Always bring your most comfortable pair of walking or running shoes with you. Preferably, these shoes should be ones that you wear all the time at home. Even if you don’t want to bring your everyday shoes on vacation, it could be a potential lifesaver.

The Bottom Line

While you are stressing over which clothes to pack for your next vacation, have you considered the shoes you will wear, too? Depending on your planned activities, any of these shoes for Disney World would be great options. Many Disney adventurers will buy new shoes to wear on their trip. If these shoes are not comfortable (and you don’t have a backup pair), then you will be in for long days of foot pain and blistering. This can completely derail your planned week of fun in the sun with your family.

Grab one of these pairs (or a pair from our Best Shoes for Walking on Concrete list!) and go! Adventure is out there!

 

Resources:

Hovey, Stacey, and Shannon Albert. “How to Have Happy Feet at Disney World.” Perfect Story Travel Agency. Walt Disney World Prep. https://wdwprepschool.com/how-to-have-happy-feet-at-disney-world/.

“Tips on Shoes for Disney World.” USA Today. https://traveltips.usatoday.com/tips-shoes-disney-world-39734.html