Imagine walking down Main Street, USA, at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom only to realize that the cute shoes you’re wearing are starting to give you blisters before you’ve even gotten on the first ride of the day. Finding the right shoes to wear for a full day of walking around the Disney Parks is crucial—blisters and foot pain can quickly cut your day short. With an abundance of different shoe types, brands, and price points to choose from, it can be hard to know what shoes are the best to wear to Disney World, or any theme park, for that matter.
As someone who spent almost nine weeks at Disney theme parks last year, I’ve had a lot of practice in dressing comfortably for long days on my feet. For those who haven’t found their go-to shoe yet, I’ve narrowed down a list of the best shoes to wear when visiting the most magical place on Earth. Whether you’re looking for something to take you from rope drop to fireworks, a pair that will dry easily after summer showers or water rides, or a more casual shoe for an evening at Disney Springs, we’ve got you covered with the most comfortable kicks to wear all day long.
What to look for in a comfortable walking shoe
When it comes to the best shoes for Disney World, look for lightweight options with enough support to wear all day. We recommend looking for arch support or a thicker sole that will keep your feet from tiring out too quickly, and taking them out for a test run before packing for your trip. Quick drying shoes are great too, so if you get wet on a water ride or caught in a Florida rain shower, you won’t be uncomfortable the rest of the day. Additionally, if you’re not wearing them on the plane, look for shoes that are easily packable and don’t take up too much suitcase space so you have plenty of room to bring home souvenirs.
What types of footwear to avoid
It’s best to avoid heels or high platform sandals while you’re walking around theme parks. (Reserve those for fancy dinners out at places like California Grill or Victoria & Albert’s.) You’ll do well to avoid rubber flip flops that offer very little support or protection from the elements, too.
The best shoes for Disney World
The best closed-toe shoes
On Cloud 5 shoe
If you’re looking for a comfortable shoe that’s lightweight and will keep looking good wear after wear, consider the On Cloud 5. The shoe comes in over a dozen colors and is made with breathable antimicrobial mesh so your feet don’t get too hot. The super soft cushioning will keep your feet happy while racing through Epcot to get in a virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
Hoka Bondi 8 shoe
Another shoe brand making waves: Hoka. The Bondi 8 is a great walking shoe for Disney World—its memory foam collar around the ankle will keep the back of your heels comfortable all day. The sole is made from a light foam that is soft to walk on, which is ideal for spending long stretches of time on concrete.
Asics Gel Contend Walker
Asics designs incredibly reliable walking shoes—the kind that ensure your feet will still feel great after walking 10 to 12 miles throughout the park. The best option is the Gel Contend Walker. Available in two wear-with-anything hues (white and black), its gel and foam soles keep feet comfortable throughout the day, and at just over eight ounces, they’re an easy one to pack.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 running shoe
For those who want a durable shoe that combines comfort and style, consider the Nike Pegasus 40. The shoe has a medium level of cushioning that retains its shape so you can wear these day after day and still feel comfortable. The waffle-style pattern on the bottom of the shoe offers solid traction so you don’t have to worry about slipping while rushing to your favorite ride.
Keds Champion Canvas lace-up sneaker
One of my favorite shoes to wear to Disney World is a classic pair of Keds. While they don’t have the most arch support, the lightweight canvas does offer plenty of breathability. The shoes are great for half-days in the park or walking around Disney Springs for a few hours. The abundance of colors also means that there’s always a way to match your shoes to your Disney-inspired outfit.
The best walking sandals
Chaco Women’s Z2 Classic USA sandal
If you’re looking for a comfortable sandal to wear to Disney World, Chaco has you covered. The sporty Z2 Classic USA Sandal comes in over a dozen color combinations and is machine washable. The rubber soles give you plenty of support and grip while walking around the parks. Just be sure to wear sunscreen on the top of your feet so they don’t get burned by the Florida sun.
Keen Women’s Elle backstrap sandal
For function and style, try the Keen Elle backstrap sandal, which has thick straps that keep the shoe in place but are also easy to adjust when you’re ready to take them off. Wear these from day to night: The versatile shoe will keep you from feeling underdressed at a nice dinner inside one of the resorts.
Teva Original Universal
With over 22,000 reviews and an average of 4.6 stars, Teva sandals come highly recommended on Amazon (they’re a summer favorite of at least a few Traveler editors, too). The lightweight sandals are made from recycled plastic and come in a variety of colorways. One thing to note with these sandals is that the plastic hook and loop closure may rub your feet slightly if they hit the wrong spot, so try them out at home before committing to wearing them at Disney World.
Croc Classic Clog
Crocs seem to be everywhere these days, including Disney World. Whether you love the look or hate them, they are a smart option for theme park days: just consider the breathable air holes, durable material, and slip-proof bottoms. The shoes also work well for an afternoon at the resort pool or trip to one of Disney’s water parks. Endless Croc charms exist to customize your shoes and show off your favorite characters.
