When planning to visit Mickey on an Orlando vacation, you should consider your footwear.
Long days at any theme park can take a toll on your feet. So, finding the right shoe for your visit to Central Florida is key.
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Do you have to wear sneakers at Disney World?
Most of the time I recommend wearing sneakers at Disney World.
They’re generally going to do the best job of keeping your feet comfortable while you do a lot of walking. It’s best to look for styles with great cushioning that are also lightweight and breathable.
That being said, there are a few instances in which another type of shoe may be advised. In the summer when afternoon rain showers are often in the forecast, sandals or even Crocs may serve your feet well. You may be tempted to try flip-flops or slides, but it’s probably best to stick with something with a backstrap for a more secure fit.
I typically advise my junior men to opt for Crocs if rain is expected or if we plan to do a water ride like Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom since soggy sneakers can get pretty unpleasant.
Plus, the dreaded duo of moisture and friction can and will cause hot spots or blisters.
Some of this, of course, is unavoidable in Orlando’s heat and humidity. That’s why I recommend packing a band-aid (or several) in your backpack.
It’s also a good idea to pack a variety of footwear options in your suitcase if you’ll be visiting for more than a day or two.
With this in mind, to help jump-start your search for the most comfortable shoes on the market, I’ve compiled a list of the best shoes for your Disney trip:
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1. HOKA ONE ONE men’s running shoes
I am a massive fan of Hoka ONE ONE. In fact, I saw my dad wearing a pair back in 2016 and I made fun of him HARD.
I think I called them “moon shoes” because of their distinctively exaggerated stack height. He shrugged and invited me to make fun if I wished. In his opinion, they were the most comfortable pair of shoes he’d ever worn.
As a result, I made the switch and trained for and completed my second and third marathons in Hokas.
The Bondi is Hoka’s maximum cushioned road running shoe designed for marathoners. I have a pair in my running rotation, and I think they’re the best Disney shoes out there. The men’s running shoes retail for about $169.95 on Amazon.
2. Nike men’s Air Monarch IV cross trainer
My father also personally recommended these shoes. He said, “They may not be the most stylish footwear, but they are great, especially if you are going to be on your feet all day!”
Unfortunately, guys who wear these could risk being made fun of, even by their own family members. But older guys know a thing or two about staying on your feet during a long Disney day!
He’s been taking kids (including me) to Disney since the 1980s, so he certainly has significant operational experience. They retail for about $88-95 on Amazon.
3. KEEN Men’s Clearwater CNX Lightweight Water Sandals
These sporty waterproof sandals are perfect for when rain is in the forecast. They were originally designed for outdoor activities like hiking and camping, so you know they are comfortable.
KEEN is also known for its wider toe box and reinforced toe cap. These features protect your toes from both pinching and stubbing. They are currently listed on Amazon for $108.
4. KEEN Men’s Newport Closed Toe Leather Sandals
KEEN also makes a leather version of the above-mentioned sandal ($159 on Amazon) which is nice on non-waterpark days. This is my husband’s best friend’s go-to while at the parks.
5. Crocs unisex classic clogs
Ahead of our most recent Disney trip, I ordered my husband his first pair of Crocs. He later reported that his favorite feature was the little bumps that give the soles of your feet a tiny massage as you walk.
This unisex style comes in over 70 different colors. Also, they’re offered in sizes up to a men’s 17!
Pro-tip: try wearing socks with your Crocs to prevent blisters. They currently retail for $49.99 but are discounted to $28.22.
6. New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V7 running shoe
These babies are ultra-lightweight and breathable. They might be a more conservative option if you’re not quite ready to step out in bright pink Crocs and socks.
Also, there’s no need to worry about getting wet and trudging around a theme park in soggy shoes.
New Balance is known as a wide-foot-friendly brand. One of my junior men usually needs a wide size, and he often ends up in New Balance shoes. They retail for about $59.99-79.95 on Amazon.
7. Asics Gel-Venture 8 running shoes
My husband has a couple of pairs of these shoes in different colors. As a brand, Asics is known for its wider standard fit. Plus, this shoe is available in extra-wide sizes, too.
Also, even if you typically don’t need a wide size, you might consider a wider shoe at Walt Disney World. Everybody’s feet tend to expand later in the day, especially if it’s hot or you’re spending a lot of time standing or walking. They currently retail for about $70 on Amazon.
8. Adidas Lite Racer Adapt 4.0 running shoe
If you’re not worried about width when searching for the right shoes, then you might like these shoes.
My oldest junior man loves this style because they’re lightweight and easy to slip on and off. He can be a bit particular about the fit of his shoes.
I think the seamless one-piece construction of the uppers works well for him. Sometimes with classic lace-up shoes, the tongue can slip to one side and irritate him. Instead of laces, these shoes create a snug fit with a wide elastic strap that hugs the top of the foot for extra comfort.
They retail for about $70 but are currently discounted to $51.95 on Amazon.
9. Altra AL0A5475 Provision 6 running shoe
The Provision was voted Runner’s World’s best stability shoe in 2022. Altra is known for its foot-shaped wide-toe boxes. They can also be an excellent option for giving those piggies space to spread out as Disney fans get their steps in.
Importantly, Altra is known for its “zero drop” shoes. This means that your heel sits no higher than the ball of your foot in the shoe. Comparatively, most of the popular sneakers are designed with a 5-10 millimeter drop height.
You might find that your calves are a bit sore as you break in your first pair of zero-drop shoes. Over time, all those little muscles in your feet and ankles will get stronger. This may help decrease foot pain in the long run. They retail for about $53.74 on Amazon.
10. Brooks Beast ’20 Supportive running shoe
These motion-control shoes are designed with stability and arch support to prevent overpronation. My brother-in-law swears by them as his go-to Disney shoes.
This is a great shoe for folks prone to plantar fasciitis or heel pain. They retail for about $119.95 on Amazon.
11. Saucony Cohesion 15 running shoe
These are a great budget-friendly option for shoes that offer comfortable support.
They retail for about $75 on Amazon. But at the time of this writing, they are discounted to $44.95.
12. Mizuno Men’s Wave Rider 26 running shoe
According to Mizuno, these shoes were designed for “high-mileage runners”. Also, they’re durable, lightweight and breathable.
Fortunately, they’re available in sizes 7-16 with a wide option as well. Check out their storefront on Amazon.
What is a favorite Disney shoe for the men in your crew? Let us know in the comments!
