Trying to make it through a day at Disney World with wet shoes? That’s one of the fastest ways to ruin the magic.
I’ve personally tested tons of gear in the parks — ponchos, bags, water bottles, souvenirs you can get signed by characters — you name it. And even after all the research I’ve done on the most comfortable shoes for Disney, nothing could convince me that these babies were capable of holding up when a Florida storm rolled in — so I tested them out myself!
If you know anything about me, you know this: I’m the one AllEars team member who hates wearing shoes. Like… passionately. I’m that person known for rocking flip-flops around the parks and resorts, rain or shine.
But even I’ll admit, being a reporter for AllEars means long days on my feet, often against the elements. And as much as I loathe it, sometimes sneakers are a must—especially when there’s rain in the forecast. The worst part, arguably, is walking around in soggy, squelching shoes. All. Day. Long.
And it’s not just the weather that’ll get you soaked. Disney World has several water rides that can leave you drenched. I cringe at the thought of getting off a ride and having to slosh around for the rest of the day in wet socks and shoes. Just the mere thought is torture enough! Seriously, though — how are you doing a full day at Disney World in wet shoes? Inquiring minds want to know (it’s me — I’m inquiring minds).
So when my editor came to me with a potential solution, I was curious. Our team wanted to try out something new in the parks, and being me, I was up for the challenge. What I didn’t realize was that the “challenge” would require me to not only wear shoes the entire day but also wear literal plastic bags around my shoes. Yep, you heard me right — plastic shoe covers.
Honestly, I figured it couldn’t be worse than soggy sneakers by the end of this experiment. And at the very least, I’d walk away with a decent story and an “I told you so” to doll out to a few of my fellow co-workers. When the waterproof shoe covers arrived, however, it hit me like a ton of bricks as I opened the package and came to the quick realization that I was really about to wear these…in public…all day long.
Let me say this—if you order the brightest color combo they come in (like I did), they’re not exactly subtle. But hey, if neon blue’s not your thing, there are plenty of more low-key options out there.
Being in Florida, I didn’t have to wait too long to test these babies out. As soon as I hit Main Street, U.S.A. and felt those first stormy drops and gusts of wind, I knew it was go time.
The shoe covers were surprisingly easy to put on—they stretch right over your shoes and zip up with ease. I’d recommend going toe-first to make it easier, though.
These covers come in several sizes, and they’re designed to fit a range of shoe sizes within each category. If you’re in between sizes, I’d suggest sizing up to keep the zipper from digging into the front of your ankle. And then they were officially on my shoes, kind of like Dorothy’s ruby slippers (but, ya know… plastic).
From that moment on, I was hooked and like, seriously hooked. The rain was coming in sideways, and I barely cared. I didn’t have to avoid puddles or tiptoe around wet spots—my shoes and socks were protected, and I could enjoy the parks without dreading the rainy weather.
And the best part? Despite my skepticism (and initial mocking), they worked. My socks and shoes mainly stayed dry. They’re not immune to rain dripping down your leg and into your sock, so the tops of your socks might get a little wet. But the soles of my feet? Dry. Cozy. Not swampy and squelchy.
Taking them off is even easier than putting them on—just unzip and slide them off. I hang mine up to dry and give them a quick hand wash, then they’re ready for wear again.
So what of it all now, you might ask? I’m no longer embarrassed to admit they’re a permanent part of my Disney World essentials in my bag. And when people see me wearing them around Disney World on a rainy day, I’m ALWAYS asked about them! If you happen to see me out on a rainy day at Disney World, check out my footwear — I’d love to show these waterproof plastic bags off to you in person (and you’ll probably be so impressed you want to snag a pair for yourself, too)!
So yeah. The joke’s on me. I went from roasting these ridiculous-looking things to refusing to do Disney World without them. I’ve already tried them out with several different shoes (thanks again in part to my editor “experimenting” in the name of research). I can confidently say that they’ve worked great with all of the shoe types I’ve tested them in already. If you asked me what one product I won’t do Disney World without anymore, this ALWAYS tops my list of essential items.
In the meantime, we’ll be keeping an eye out for the latest Disney deals, so make sure you stay tuned to AllEars for more!
We had these growing up. Called rubbers. They keep your shoes from being ruined by rain!
These are updated old fashioned galoshes (sp) that we were forced to wear as kids over our shoes to school in the rain and snow & I love them!!!
You are too young to remember goulashes. Wore them most of my life growing up in Minnesota. The were heavy, slipped over your shoes, and were a necessity for ice and snow.
Nothing new here. Except for the bright color, I wore these to school on rainy days circa 1963.
Those look awful… Just get Vessi sneakers. Comfy, look good and waterproof. Wore them around DW all day when it was dry and it was great.
We wore these back in the 1950s forward. They were red with a covered elastic that went to the other side of boot covering the button. Some were still worn in the 1960s and yes boys as well as little old ladies. Best “ boots” ever, lasting generations. Fabulous idea and so well needed when walking a lot on your trip. Good for England as rain is common! At least you get – colors – to choose from as we had “red” or black”.
I’d really like to know how slippery they were to walk in when entering stores or restrooms. Seems like they would have no grip.
In extreme heat and humidity, weren’t your feet baking in the rubber galoshes since they don’t allow your feet yo breath?
Where do you get these amazing shoe bags? I did see any address in the article.
Hi Jim! The links are in the article. They look like blue boxes.
Click on any picture of the shoe covers in the article. It’s a direct link to Amazon.
I saw on there that it said Amazon for them.
I got to get myself a pair
Galoshes with zippers instead of one button. Yeah, I’m from Washington state, we’re more or less used to damp feet (joke here is we have webbed feet). You just get I sed to it.
I always wear sandals to theme parks. specially adidas adissage sandals! My feet never get stinky from being stuck in foot sweat, and wet feet will dry and its not uncomfortable. However, I have been wearing sandals basically most of my life (even in snow and ice sometimes). So I am used to walking long periods in them.
My daughter is a caregiver and her job is to give people baths who are receiving hospice services. She loves what she does but absolutely hated spending the entire day with wet feet. I got her these shoe last year and it solved her problem.
I bought rain boots for WDW last year for the Food & Wine Festival and luckily, didn’t have to use them.
But I did have to use them on the last day of my trip in May and they worked just great! They are now a
permanent part of my vacation staples. Good investment!