Today we’re sharing the best shoes for Disney World. It’s no secret that long days at Disney parks mean a LOT of walking. And if you’re like our family, you might cross the park a few times within a day, (looking at you, Lightning Lanes!)
No worries though, we’ve tested many shoes in the parks and today we are revealing our favorite shoes for a day in the awesome Disney theme parks.
Let’s dive in and find the perfect shoes for your Disney Vacation!
Pro Tips for the Best Disney Shoes
No Brand New Shoes
First things first. Don’t wear new shoes. The best shoes for Disney are ones that you have taken the time to break in.
I’ve personally made this mistake. You need to wear a pair of shoes regularly for at least a month before you put them to the test at Disney World.
So, if you need new shoes for Disney, buy them right away so you can start breaking them in.
Also, keep in mind that if you haven’t worn a pair of shoes in a while, you need to rebreak them in (hello Birkenstocks after a long winter!)
Pack Sneakers
A pair of sneakers is going to be your best option.
Sneakers are always going to win the prize for the best walking shoes.
You can’t beat the great support and comfort they will provide for long distances.
Plus, there’s something to be said for great shoes that fully protect your feet (so that no one steps on your bare toes!)
No Flip Flops
Don’t wear flip flops. There’s no support and by the end of the day you will fully regret your shoe choice.
Even the best flip flops aren’t fit for a theme park trip. (I have a sandal option to share with you that’s way better!)
Invest in Good Socks
Great socks make a HUGE difference in the amount of blisters you’ll have at the end of the day.
Not near enough people realize that your socks matter just as much as your shoes do!
- Cushioned in the foot for comfort and durability.
- Moisture-wicking yarn keeps your feet dry from sweat.
- Arch compression for a secure fit.
I personally use these Adidas socks – I love that they protect the back of my heel from getting blisters.
And as a long distance runner, my daughter wears these socks for her cross-country practices and meets – they are THAT good!
Pack 2-3 Pairs of Shoes
Lastly, be sure to pack several pairs of shoes.
It’s good idea to have options!
That way, if you soak your shoes on one of the water rides or get caught in a downpour rain shower, you don’t have to wear wet shoes the next day.
I like to pack 2 pairs of sneakers and 1 pair of comfortable sandals.
List of the Best Shoes for Disney
Alright, here’s our top picks for the most comfortable shoes for your Disney trip!
1) Nike
- Plush mesh is placed at the forefoot and along the collar for a comfortable feel. Additional skins throughout add durability.
- A foam midsole delivers a softer ride than the Revolution 5.
- The outsole has a computer-generated design that creates a natural piston effect as you run, providing more cushioning and flexibility.
- They combine for durable traction.
- Touchpoints at the heel and tongue create a natural feel as you take the shoe on and off.
Nike sneakers are always a great option for your Walt Disney World Vacation.
These athletic shoes are my personal top choice as they fit well and I have happy feet at the end of the day!
The last thing you want is sore feet at the end of a long day. These Nike sneakers provide all day comfort and support.
2) Under Armour
- Under Armour’s mission is to make all athletes better through passion, design and the relentless pursuit of innovation
- Where we started? It all started with an idea to build a superior T-shirt
- The technology behind Under Armour’s diverse product assortment for men, women and youth is complex, but the program for reaping the benefits is simple: wear HeatGear when it’s hot, ColdGear when it’s cold, and AllSeasonGear between the extremes
- The technology behind Under Armour’s diverse product assortment for men, women and youth is complex, but the program for reaping the benefits is simple: wear HeatGear when it’s hot, ColdGear when it’s cold, and AllSeasonGear between the extremes
My daughter and I both own a pair of Under Armour shoes that we wear regularly.
She actually runs cross country in hers, so you know they are comfortable!
I love that Under Armour shoes are high quality and you can find them in so many different colors!
3) Birkenstocks
- Slide sandal featuring adjustable straps with buckle closures, contoured footbed, and cork midsole
I can’t speak for all Birkenstocks, but I personally wear this style of Birkenstocks to the parks regularly.
I especially love to wear these to Animal Kingdom because I know that Kali River Rapids will leave my feet completely soaked.
These are the perfect water shoes as they won’t leave you in soaked socks all day long. (You will want to let them dry out the next day back at the hotel though.)
4) New Balance
- Cushioned Running Shoes: ABZORB midsole technology in this runner absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance, and the rubber outsole provides strength and durability
- Built-In Off-Road Technology: Toe Protect technology helps protect feet from rocks, roots and debris, while AT Tread on the outsole provides versatile traction during both on- and off-road activities
- Plush, Cushioned Running Shoes: These runners feature lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsoles to provide lightweight cushioning and an NB Soft + Supportive Insert for memory comfort that lasts
- Built to Last: With an all-over durable construction and an aggressive lugged outsole, these trail running shoes are designed to stand up to all of your outdoor activities
- Athletic Aesthetic: With synthetic and mesh uppers that deliver breathability and a top-quality fit, these running shoes also boast a stylish look to fit in with your active lifestyle
New Balance sneakers are a good option as well.
Our family has worn New Balance shoes to amusement parks for many years and has found that this brand is a great choice for lots of walking.
5) Hokas
- Hoka One One
- Womens Shoes
- Running Shoes
- Blue Fog/Plein Air
- Synthetic
Hokas are another good choice for Disney park shoes! If you are looking for something comfortable, well made and light – you’ve found a great option.
Hokas come in lots of different styles but you can be sure that after a full day at Magic Kingdom your feet will still be happy!
6) On Cloud
- Breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays for structural support
- Breathable textile lining for comfort
- Removable, dual density insole for cushioning and support
- CloudTec cushioning technology active only during the foot strike
- Lightweight and flexible CloudTec sole unit made from Zero-Gravity foam
Want to feel like you are walking on a cloud? These On Cloud shoes are great for a long hot day at a Disney park! These shoes will provide the stability and support you need for a fun day!
7) Brooks Running
- THIS WOMEN’S SHOE IS FOR: Runners looking for a smooth ride, with great cushion and trusted GuideRails support that won’t distract from the fun of the run. This Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. We recommend ordering Brooks running shoes 1/2 to one size larger than your dress shoe.
- SUPPORT AND CUSHION: Provides just the right amount of stability and support, great for overpronation while providing high energizing cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Adrenaline GTS 21
- BALANCED, SOFT CUSHIONING: The updated midsole is now 100% DNA LOFT cushioning paired with the Segmented Crash Pad for an even softer, smoother ride and easier flow from landing to toe-off.
- MODERNIZED FIT: More strategic use of the 3D Fit Print upper technology offers the structure and proven fit the Adrenaline is known for without excess bulk.
- GUIDERAILS HOLISTIC SUPPORT SYSTEM: We’ve shifted our focus beyond the feet to the most injury-prone part of a runner’s body: the knees. GuideRails keep you moving comfortably by keeping excess movement in check.
Brooks Running shoes are another solid choice. When you want good shoes that are well known have soft cushioning and amazing support!
8) Ryka
- BEST FOR: High-performance fitness walking
- PERFORMANCE TECH: RE-ZORB responsive cushioning for shock absorption + impact protection
- MADE FOR WOMEN FIT: Designed for a woman’s unique foot shape, muscle movement, and build with a narrower heel, roomier toe, and softer foot cushioning
- MATERIALS: Breathable engineered mesh, iridescent overlays, + soft Lycra-lined tongue and collar with built-in cushion
- OUTSOLE: Eight-piece rubber sole for increased traction + durability
Looking for tennis shoes that will put a bounce in your step and fit well? Check out these Ryka sneakers. Perfect for days when you’ll be walking a long time!
I hope you’ve found some great options for Best Shoes for Disney World! Just remember that the most important thing is that you don’t wear a new pair of shoes to the park. Always, absolutely always break in your shoes for at least a month or more!
If you don’t – then you are going to get blisters and your feet will be covered in this handy dandy stuff – Moleskin. Ask me how I know – yup – on a recent trip to Disney I put on some sneakers that were just 2 weeks old – basically new – and got a LOT of blisters.
Learn from my mistakes and make sure you break in those shoes long before your trip, wear great socks, and of course, always pack Moleskin – just in case!
More Disney Tips
Looking for the best shoes for kids for your Disney trip? Don’t miss our recommendations here for the best Kids Shoes for Disney.
You can find all the Ride Height Requirements for Disney World here. We’ve listed out every single ride and how tall you have to be to ride it!
Wondering what else to pack for your Disney Vacation? Be sure to check out our Ultimate Disney Packing List. You can grab a free printable packing list to make sure you don’t forget any of the essentials!
Want to explore the best rides in the parks? You can find the Best Rides at Magic Kingdom for Adults here.
We’ve ranked the Best Rides at Epcot here.
And you can check out the Best Animal Kingdom rides here (and which one to skip!)
You can find the Best Disney World Tips for First-Timers here. So many things to know before your first trip!
My favorite way to learn about Disney is via YouTube. I made a list of all of my favorite Disney Vloggers here. Don’t waste time on shaky video and poor content – check out the Best Disney YouTubers here.
