We all know that a magical day at Disney World is filled with unforgettable experiences, amazing attractions, and, of course, a whole lot of walking. That’s why it’s absolutely essential to choose the right pair of shoes for your Disney vacation. Today, we’ll be talking about the best shoes to wear at Disney World.
I’ve personally walked hundreds (and possibly thousands) of miles inside Disney Parks, and I finally found a pair of shoes that combines comfort, style, and convenience. This is not a sponsored post, but it’s based on my own experience with a pair of shoes that I’ve come to absolutely love.
Although this article contains affiliate links, I wouldn’t have written this article without being inspired by the great time I had wearing these shoes at Disney World.
So, let’s dive in!
Why the Right Shoes are Crucial at Disney World
Disney World is absolutely massive. With four theme parks, two water parks, and numerous resorts, it’s pretty common to log many miles as you make your way from ride to ride.
In fact, it’s not uncommon for guests to clock in over 20,000 steps and walk 8-10 miles in a single day at Disney World. Here are my stats for my most recent Disney World vacation, as captured by my Apple Watch (which is a great accessory for Disney World, by the way).
| Day | Steps | Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 20,865 steps | 7.98 miles |
| Day 2 | 23,298 steps | 9.36 miles |
| Day 3 | 16,693 steps | 6.55 miles |
| Day 4 | 19,218 steps | 7.41 miles |
| Day 5 | 18,265 steps | 7.10 miles |
| Day 6 | 14,029 steps | 5.42 miles |
| Day 7 | 28,068 steps | 10.65 miles |
| Averages | 20,063 steps | 7.78 miles |
Even on our “off days” where we did more relaxing at our resorts, I still covered 5-6.5 miles. And I got in over 10 miles on a day where I went from Early Morning Entry until park closing.
So it’s very likely that you are going to walk a lot more at Disney World than you normally do in day-to-day life.
With all that walking, having the right shoes is crucial to ensure your feet stay comfortable and blister-free throughout your vacation.
The Best Shoes for Disney World: Kizik Shoes
A little bit of background on why I believe Kizik shoes are the best shoes for visiting Disney.
I was unfamiliar with Kizik shoes until my wife bought a pair last year. Their big selling point is their hands-free technology that makes it easy to slip the shoes on and off. This makes it so you don’t need to bend over to put on or lace up your shoes.
This seems like a minor convenience, but it’s an absolute game changer. To put it in Disney World terms, it’s the difference between digging into your wallet to grab your park ticket and wearing a MagicBand to easily tap to enter the parks. Once you experience that convenience, the old way just becomes unacceptable.
After seeing how easy it was for my wife to quickly take her shoes on and off, I decided to get a pair for myself. Now going back to non-Kizik shoes just feels bad. From now on, I will never buy a pair of walking shoes without a hands-free feature. It’s that big of a deal.
So, what makes Kizik shoes the ideal choice for your Disney World adventure? Here are the top reasons:
- Comfort: Both my wife and I find our Kizik shoes to be extremely comfortable for walking. On our most recent Disney World trip, they held up extremely well after a 25,000+ step day. Their insoles offer excellent arch support and cushioning, ensuring that your feet stay comfortable even after hours of walking, waiting in lines, and enjoying rides.
- Style: Who says you have to sacrifice style for comfort? I love how our Kizks look. Kizik shoes offer a variety of trendy designs and colors that can easily match your Disney outfits. No need to worry about looking like you’re wearing “dad shoes” while strolling through the parks!
- Easy On and Off: As I mentioned above, one of the standout features of Kizik shoes is their HandsFree Labs designs, which allow you to easily slip your shoes on and off without having to bend down or use your hands. This is ideal for breezing through airport security, as well as getting out of your hotel room as quickly as possible for rope drop.
Our favorite style is the Athens, which features the HandsFree Cage. The heel springs back when you step into the shoe, making it super easy to slip on and take off just with your feet. This is a great all-around sporty shoe for both casual use and for long active days at the parks. I put my pair of blue Athens Kiziks through the wringer on my most recent trip, and I’ve never been happier with a shoe at Disney World.
Here are the shoes pictured in this article:
Kizik also has many other styles of shoes as well. You can check them out on their website.
In the past, I’ve recommended Sketchers as the best shoes for Disney World mainly due to their comfort. However, they left a bit to be desired in the fashion department. I’m really happy now with Kizik that I can get the best of all worlds: a stylish and comfortable shoe for my days at Disney World.
Tips for Happy Feet at Disney World
Now that you know the best shoes for your Disney vacation, here are some additional tips to keep your feet happy and comfortable:
- Break in Your Shoes: When I ran my first runDisney half marathon, one of the pieces of advice I saw over and over again was to not run a race in a new pair of shoes. The same advice applies to going to Disney World. Before heading to Disney World, make sure to break in your shoes. Wear them around the house or on short walks to ensure they’re comfortable and ready for your Disney trip.
- Pack Sandals and Water Shoes: Don’t forget to pack a pair of sandals or water shoes for Disney’s water parks or resort pools.
- Pack a Backup Pair: If you have room, it’s a good idea to have a backup pair of shoes on hand. This can be helpful if your primary pair gets wet in the Orlando rain or if you just want a change of style.
- Wear the Right Socks: To avoid blisters, make sure to wear socks that cover the back of your heel. Consider moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout the day.
- Pack Blister Packs: Even with the right shoes and socks, blisters can still happen. Be prepared by packing Moleskin blister packs or band-aids just in case.
Step into an amazing Disney World vacation
Now that your feet are ready for your Disney World trip, it’s time to plan a vacation of a lifetime. Guide2WDW is here for you with our expert WDW guides, Disney World tips, and more! Don’t miss our Disney World Packing Guide for more recommendations on what to bring to Disney World.
Here’s to happy feet and magical memories at Disney World!
Let us know in the comments below: What shoes do you recommend for a Disney trip?
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