I walked over 10 miles in one day at Disney World — and I did it in flip flops.
Listen — there’s no easy way to say this, walking around Disney World all day long is HARD on your feet and body. While we’re constantly testing ways to stay cool and hydrated, we’re also very concerned with your foot health. And if you’re anything like me and (despite our best efforts to convince you otherwise) insist on wearing flip flops to Disney World, there’s a few things you’ll need to watch out for before your visit begins.
Hi, I’m Myranda, the resident flip-flop aficionado here at AllEars. Despite my family, friends, and co-workers’ wishes, I tend to spend the majority of my time in flip flops and sandals when walking around Disney World’s parks, hotels, and Disney Springs.
To get a few of your preliminary questions out of the way, yes: I’m of sound mind and fully understand the choice I make when opting to wear my flip-flops over my shoes, and no: usually, my feet are quite accustomed to it and therefore, it doesn’t hurt on most days. However, I recently had an opportunity to help my friend, Quincy, out with one of the biggest challenges anyone could hope to complete around Disney World, and sadly, didn’t quite think my footwear of choice through in advance.
So naturally, even as someone who’d typically rather wear flip flops at Disney World over tennis shoes and sneakers, I learned a hard lesson or two (and that makes them even MORE worth sharing).
Lesson #1: Color DOES Matter
Deciding to trek over 10 miles around Disney World in one day in flip flops can and will subject you to all kinds of elements, but especially the heat. It’s ok to be choosy about which colors you opt to wear when you might find yourself standing in around for a while in the sun.
Embarrassingly, I learned this lesson the hard way, wearing dark black flip flops when I’ve got plenty of other colors that would have reflected the sun’s strong rays (probably) better. When choosing your flip-flop colors, consider how much time you might be spending in the sun and if that color will draw in more of the heat from the beating rays than others.
Lesson #2: You’re Going To Need Some MAD Support
Speaking of standing around in one place for a while, let’s talk about how much support your flip-flops will lend to help you out. If you plan on spending some time standing in lines, especially if you’re not nearly as used to it as I am, you could grossly underestimate the amount of support your feet will need.
Trust me, it’s better to overcompensate in this situation rather than underestimate and make sure it’s capable of withstanding quite a beating walking-wise that won’t compromise the bounce and support the soles of your feet will be aching for by the end of the night.
Lesson #3: They Aren’t Quite As Good In The Rain As You Might Think
Remember how I said they’re probably your best option for a quick dry out in the rain? Well, that was probably the most positive side to them. The flip side of that is dangerous and can get ugly.
Orlando weather (especially in the summer) is known for its sudden thunderstorms and intense rain, and if you get caught out in it in flip-flops, it could spell disaster. When wearing flip flops, make sure that after you’ve reached where you’re walking, you’re drying your feet thoroughly; otherwise, you could make yourself susceptible to getting a blister somewhere on your foot or on the underside of your foot where you step.
Also, be extra cautious after it rains because some places you could step are extra slippery in flip flops after a quick shower than when they’re hot and dry. I may have learned this one from a few hard falls in my practice, and now I know when I need to step around a particular spot.
Lesson #4: Listen To Your Body
When your body (especially your feet) has had enough, it will tell you!
There’s nothing worse than trying to power through your day or the remainder of your visit to Disney World in pain. If you find yourself aching, stop for a break, get off your feet, and find some place you can rest for a while. If you find that you’re still having a hard time after a break, it’s likely time to consider switching up your footwear.
Lesson #5: Break In Your Shoes BEFORE Wearing Them At Disney World
I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve seen it (and I’ve been guilty of it too), where folks are so excited to go on vacation that they bring brand new outfits (including their shoes) with them on vacation.
If you’re breaking in new flip flops for their first spin around such a strenuous environment, the chances of you developing blisters on your feet are much higher. Make sure you’ve taken some time to break in the flip flops before you attempt to take them out for a full day around Disney World.
Lesson #6: You’ll Never Go Wrong With A Backup Plan
Again, another lesson I’ve learned from time and time. Have a contingency plan — whether that’s another pair of shoes, sandals, or flip flops, just make sure you have a spare!
I’m way too guilty of doing what I call “getting a flat tire” when the tongue of my flip-flop wears out and breaks wide open, preventing me from walking in my shoe before I fix it. This could be a costly mistake if you’re not prepared, so be sure to have a backup plan just in case!
If you can pick up a few helpful tips and reminders from my hard lessons, I feel like I’ve done my due diligence. However, if my points have made you question your footwear choices before your trip, then I would suggest sticking to your favorite pair of tennis shoes or sneakers for such a rigorous visit!
We’re always sharing our best tips, tricks, and strategies for how to “win” your next trip to Disney World! Be sure to check back in with us for even more firsthand experiences.
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Which types of shoes do you find most comfortable to wear to Disney World? Tell me all about your favorites in the comments below!
I’m with you Myranda! Flip Flops are my 1st choice especially in the heat of summer. I wear ones with arch support and can walk all day comfortably in them!