Best Shoes for Disney Parks – Why I Love Sandals!

Comfortable Shoes for Disney

Why I love Open-toed Sandals:

• They allow for feet swelling; All that pavement stomping can cause feet to puff up and even just the tiniest bit of swelling can be uncomfortable. The last time I wore closed-toed shoes (a ballet-flat type) at Disneyland my feet had swelled so much by mid-afternoon I was developing blisters. My husband trekked back to the car to fetch me another pair of shoes.
• Sandals are cool and lightweight.
• If you’re schlepping through rain in Disney World, you’ll find that sandals that dry quickly are so much better than soggy shoes and socks!
• They look cute! Sandals are much more flattering when wearing shorts or capri pants than socks and sneakers ever look. They also showcase pretty Disney-style toe nails so nicely!

Primary.com outfits for the kids in comfy, breathable cotton.

Things to Consider when Choosing an Open-toed Style:

• Are these going to be appropriate for concrete walking? Flat beach-type plastic flip-flops aren’t going to offer the support you need for walking on concrete all day.
• What is the support they offer? I highly recommend shoes with cushioning and a bit of a lift in the back for a comfortable shoe that you can wear all day.
• Does the shoe have traction on the bottom? Especially when walking around puddled areas near water rides or after a Floridian downpour, you’d hate to slip and fall. Choose a shoe with traction (all of my choices have it).

Best Disney Parks Shoes for Women

Crocs Womens Women’s A-Leigh Floral Flip Flop

I not only wear these to Disneyland, I also took them with me on my European Adventure. They held up just as well on the pavement as they did on uneven cobblestones. The leather upper is soft and flexible and they feature Croslite™ material footbed cushions. The cork-wrapped wedge gives a little lift in the heel which makes being on my feet more comfortable.

And how can you resist the pretty floral accent? I have these in black but think I will have to pick up the lovely pink ones, just because!

 Coach Women’s Jada Signature Jacquard & Leather Thong Sandals 

On our last Disney World trip, it POURED several days of our trip. Fortunately my mother-in-law had brought several pairs of her Coach sandals and I wore a pair each day it rained. I loved how quickly they dried out, that the bottoms were non-slip and they were extremely comfortable, even after hours of walking in them while wet.

Wearing our Coach sandals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Hi-Tec Women’s Soul Riderz Strap Sandal

This was my go-to shoe for the past few summers, including my European Adventure. They are flexible and feature a cushioned footbed and sculpted EVA midsole that absorbs impact. I appreciate the adjustable hook-and-loop straps so I can accommodate for any foot swelling at the end of the day.

The straps on these shoes have a soft lining that wicks away moisture and never rubbed or caused blisters. These shoes are also extremely light weight!

More Sandal Suggestions

Fitflop Women’s Flora Flip Flop
I’ve had a pair of FitFlops for the past 3 years and they are a summer staple. FitFlop doesn’t appear to carry the bejeweled black pair that I have anymore, but I was really drawn to the elegant etched and laser-cut details on this pair. The patent and leather are soft and comfortable for all-day walking.

For sure you need to get your body used to FitFlop’s “Microwobbleboard midsole” before trying to walk in them all day or your thighs will be screaming by the afternoon!

Nike Womens Comfort Thong Flip Flops

Like walking on a cloud! I’ve had two pairs of the Nike Comfort flip-flops; one in black and another in white and turquoise. They have a soft memory foam foot bed that simply hugs and comforts your feet while you walk.

NATURAL SOUL Women’s Amore Sandal

These are seriously the most comfortable walking shoes! I wore them every day on my last Disney World trip without any discomfort. They have a hook and loop closure on the side so you can adjust and the shoe doesn’t slip off even on roller coasters. The best part? The sides of the shoe have elastic to allow for foot swelling and ultimate comfort. I have the Natural Soul Amore in blue and cream but I’m buying several more pairs in other colors to have them for my next trip!

Taking on Disney’s Hollywood Studios in my Natural Soul Amore sandals!

Other Open-Toed Shoe Options

I don’t own these sandals but have them on my radar to try as potential Disney Park shoes in the future!

• Skechers Go Walk Move Solstice
• Vionic Womens Rest Amber Strappy Open Toe Sandal
• Naturalizer Women’s Cassie Gladiator Sandal
• Vionic Muir – Womens Strap Sandal
• Teva Women’s Verra Sandal

Best Disney Shoes For Kids

My son in his Flex Sahara Red sandals at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom.

My littlest has been wearing pediped since he was born! I love pediped for kids because they are lightweight, durable and very soft and flexible. This means there is no “breaking in” period and are comfy from the first wearing. Also a very nice feature is that many pedipeds are machine washable. While I do recommend sandals for little ones, I suggest not choosing open toed shoes. Pediped has some wonderful sandals that have a covered toe to prevent stubbing or tripping.

• This is my son at Walt Disney World wearing his pediped Flex Sahara Sandal.
• Flex Nikki Sandal by pediped
• pediped Flex Navigator Water Sandal
• Sidra Flex Dress Sandal

These pediped are so sweet and pretty and much more comfortable on little feet than the plastic dress up shoes that I see some of the tiny princesses shuffling around the Parks in!

On stage at Raglan Road for an Irish dance lesson in her sparkly pediped sandals.

Please, leave the plastic shoes at home and make sure your sweetie has a comfortable pair of shoes that she can wear all day. These pediped Delaney Flex Mary Jane are perfect because they are a rubber soled shoe disguised as sparkly Princess attire! My daughter met Elena of Avalor wearing her pediped gold Lynn. Or choose the pediped silver sparkle Delaney which are a beautiful sparkly silver that doesn’t flake off!

My two littlest ones at Disney World, both wearing their pedipeds!

Other Disney Parks Shoe Tips:

• Bring an alternate pair of socks & shoes and keep them in a backpack or rental locker. When your socks get soaked on Splash Mountain you’ll have a replacement and if your shoes are irritating you for any reason (like mine did), you’ll have a pair to switch into.
• Read these ideas on how to have pain-free feet on vacation, using compression socks and inserts.
• “Break” your shoes in first and wear them several times before wearing them in the Park.
• Bring along items in your travel First Aid kit that can easy any foot issues. I have New-Skin Liquid Bandage that can be painted onto the skin and when it dries, leaves a waterproof “bandage” that eases friction.
• Beware of sandals with multiple straps that may potentially rub or pinch skin.
• Consider wearing orthotics inside your shoes. Read more about how orthotics can help relieve back pain.

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For more tips on the best shoes for Disney:

This post on Traveling Mom talks about the Most Comfortable Walking Shoes for Theme Park Travel, including tennis shoes.

My friend Heidi’s Head shares her tips for the best No-Nonsense Shoes for Disney Comfort.