It’s time to get very real for a second. For years, I went to Disney World every single day to report on in-park changes, review tons of new snacks, and find the best tips and tricks for your vacation. What I found most days was a whole lotta foot pain!
There was a time when I was quite literally limping out of the park after a long filming day. I have tried tons of different shoes to help avoid the pain, and there are 3 products that genuinely saved me each day. Now, years later, I won’t even go to the parks without these shoes!
I am here to share my pain, so hopefully we can avoid yours together! At the ripe age of 24, I developed plantar fasciitis in my feet due to strain and tightness in my body. This was a big problem for someone whose literal job was walking a few miles a day on any given day! After some failed tests, I finally landed on two shoes and one accessory that saved me so much pain on any Disney World day.
These tennis shoes were the first that made a genuine difference in my pain. They were recommended to me by several professionals, so I finally decided to bite the bullet. These shoes aren’t just trendy, they’re so supportive! This retro design matches all of my outfits, and the ABZORB cushioning under the foot removed any problems I had, even during 16-hour days. I used these until I literally walked holes through them!
After my beloved New Balances finally bit the dust, I wanted to try a new shoe that I had heard a lot about. The HOKA Clifton 10s were a splurge, but I am so in love with them.
In the spirit of transparency, I really struggled when it came time to pay for my HOKAs. They were some of the most expensive shoes I had ever purchased, so trust me when I say these are so worth it. I wouldn’t tell you that if I didn’t mean it. These tennis shoes are like walking on a cloud. They give me tons of support and an extra bounce in my step to keep me going all day long. They’re also breathable during hot days, which are frequent in Orlando. I take them with me everywhere and for good reason!
Finally, if you are being super serious about your feet, a good pair of shoes won’t be your only need. The thing that helped me the MOST with my pain was Orthotic Insoles.
Yes, insoles! I’ve spent quite a bit of money on shoes, and even in my 20s, I already struggle to wear certain boots or heels for a long period of time because of my foot health. Finding the right shoe inserts for my pain didn’t just improve my Disney experience; it improved every experience! I can move these insoles to any shoe I’m wearing to make them supportive and cushioned as needed. These insoles helped me more than any other shoe!
I’m not saying every day is perfect, but these three products changed my life when it comes to getting around without pain! A combination of inserts plus good shoes can make any good day into a great one. Be sure to keep following AllEars for more packing tips, tricks, and more for your Disney vacation. We’re very serious about fun!
I only wear New Balance. I have about a dozen pairs and I wear a different pair each day as I take long walks every day. That being said: do not buy them without trying them on. And walking in the store wearing them.
Each model is different. Some have a narrower toe box , for example, and are very uncomfortable for me. When its time to replace a pair, even discount stores have them, so you can pay far less than at a specialty shoe shop like a running store.