Disney ParksSyndicationTips
Top 5 Comfortable Shoe Picks for All-Day Strolling at Disney World

Whether you’re fulfilling a lifelong dream as an adult or treating your kids to their ideal vacation, there’s a lot of preparation that goes into a trip to Disney World. But with so much mileage to cover across all four parks, getting through the theme park unscathed can do a number on your feet (you can easily walk 20,000 steps in a single day!). Thankfully, we rounded up the best shoes for Disney World that’ll help reduce pressure on your feet, promote breathability in scorching temps, and keep you looking stylish for all those family photos. You can even use some of these picks for a runDisney race!
As a personal trainer and shopping writer, I’m constantly making recommendations to my clients and readers about the best shoes for their unique lifestyles. If you’re ready to have the most comfortable trip of your life, stick around for this list of best shoes for Disney World. We also recommend having more than one pair of sneakers to alternate each day, so you may find yourself nabbing more than one.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: New Balance 990v5 – $149.95 at Amazon
- Most Supportive: Hoka One One Arahi 7 –
- Best Budget: ASICS GT-1000 11 Running Shoes – $69.95 at Amazon
- Most Practical: Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Sneaker – $49.28 at Amazon
- Best For Women: Lululemon Blissfeel 2 Running Shoe –
Reviews of The Best Shoes for Disney
1. Best Overall: New Balance 990v5
With its wide toe box to help with the swelling that occurs when walking for miles to its dad shoe-like aesthetic that keeps up with the times, this popular retro walking shoe hits every high note. It features a comfy foam sole to relieve your feet from pressure (which you’re likely to experience while standing in long lines), and it offers plenty of stability as you walk over bridges to the different lands the parks have to offer. A durable rubber bottom has incredible traction so you feel sturdy on slick or wet terrain (that Florida weather can be pretty unpredictable), and the mesh material offers extra ventilation and breathability, so your feet stay dry and chafe-free. They’re truly one of the best shoes for Disney!
These shoes are a bit trendier for all the photos you’ll be taking, though we do recommend walking in them a bit to wear them out before your trip to prevent any blisters.
The Specs:
- Colors: 4-colors for women, 6 colors for men
- Sizes: 5-13 W; 7-16 M
- Mesh upper
- Rubber outsole
The Pros:
- Supportive for all day walking
- Sturdy
- Wide toe box
- Stylish for photos
The Cons:
- Made big
- Might stretch with wear
What Others are Saying:
These sneakers have over 10,000 Amazon reviews across both men’s and women’s sizing with an average 4.6-star rating. They are also highly rated from publishers like Reviewed, GQ, and Verywell Fit, and were named one of the best walking shoes by The Strategist.
Buy the Women’s New Balance 990v5:
Buy the Men’s New Balance 990v5:
2. Most Supportive:
Hokas are known for offering stylish yet orthopedic sneakers, and are perfect for preventing aching feet for your Disney trip of a lifetime. These ultra-plush podiatrist-approved stability running shoes work to cradle your foot from every angle, offering unparalleled support, cushioning and steadiness. Thanks to their curved J-frame footbed, they make it comfortable to keep on moving, so it’s easier than ever to cover the most ground across the park (with energy to spare at the end of the day!).
The mesh uppers are made from recycled materials that are surprisingly breathable in the hot, humid air and are a more sustainable option. You can even try them on virtually to get a better sense of whether they’re the right Disney shoe for you.
The Specs:
- Colors: 13 for women, 18 for men
- Size: 5-12 W; 7-15 M
- Wide sizing
The Pros:
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Minimizes effort
- Sustainable materials
The Cons:
- Large logo at the heel
- No pull tab
What Others are Saying:
The Hoka Arahi 7 sneakers have nearly 2,700 reviews and a 4.4-star rating on the site. They have also been reviewed positively by Runner’s World, RunRepeat, and Reviewed.
Buy the Women’s Hoka Arahi 7:
Buy the Men’s Hoka Arahi 7:
3. Best Budget: ASICS GT-1000 11 Running Shoes
You don’t need to spend too much to still get comfortable footwear for the thousands of steps you’re bound to walk in Disney. These popular running shoes will serve you well in your quest to log dozens of miles with the breathable mesh material, designed to keep your feet dry in sweltering temps, and the plush heel keeps your feet from aching after a few hours. There’s also a foam midsole and rearfoot gel insert that absorbs impact and reduces pressure.
They’re available in wide sizing for women and wide and extra-wide sizing for men, and come in nearly every color under the sun, whether you’re looking for Cinderella-inspired blue or black and red to twin with Mickey and Minnie. Plus, because they’re cheaper, you can always swing for two to alternate each day at the park.
The Specs:
- Colors: 23 for women, 21 for men
- Sizes: 5-12 W; 7-15 M
- Mesh upper
The Pros:
- Moisture-wicking
- Pressure-relieving
- Good for swelling
The Cons:
- Not enough arch support for flat feet
- Prone to holes in the fabric
- Not ideal for running
What Others are Saying:
These budget-friendly sneakers have over 1,000 reviews on Amazon, and were named the best value running shoes by Runner’s World and best ASIC sneakers for wide feet by Verywell Fit.
Buy the Women’s ASICS GT-1000 11 Running Shoes:
Buy the Men’s ASICS GT-1000 11 Running Shoes:
4. Most Practical: Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Sneaker
When covering this much ground and surrounding yourself with clumsy toddlers (or serving upon serving of melting DOLE Whip), it pays to opt for an affordable, no-frills pair of sneakers that go back to the basics. You can definitely walk a mile (and many more) in these shoes! The Sketchers Go Walk series has been recommended by many Park goes. Why? They offer all-day comfort through their cushioned memory soles, breathable mesh material, and moisture-wicking liner to help prevent blisters.
They come in a variety of styles for adults and kids, including a super easy slip-on option. Plus, you don’t need to be too precious around these: A quick pop in the washing machine, and they’ll look and feel good as new.
The Specs:
- Colors: 6 5 to 13
- Sizes: 5-13W; 7-16M
- Mesh upper
The Pros:
- Breathable
- Cushioned insole
- High traction
- Machine washable
The Cons:
- Colorways all look fairly similar
- Tends to run small
What Others are Saying:
These practical sneakers with over 6,700 Amazon reviews have rave reviews from Travel+Leisure, Tom’s Guide and EatingWell.
Buy the Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Sneaker:
Buy the Skechers Men’s Gowalk 5 Sneaker:
5. Best For Women:
Shopping for a woman’s sneakers can often come with its own set of challenges — as women’s feet have a unique shape and specific biomechanics — especially if you’re planning on being on your feet all day. These running shoes were created by using scans from over two million women for the perfect fit, so you’re guaranteed an impeccable step every day of your Disney trip. Plus, they’re great to use if you’re planning on doing a runDisney 5k in the morning.
These lighter-than-air sneakers won’t weigh you down when covering several miles a day, and remain breathable and dry thanks to their seamless moisture-wicking liner. A foamy midsole alleviates pain and swelling for all-day comfort whether you’re chasing after young ones or standing up watching the fireworks, while a pressure-mapped outsole provides serious traction on terrain of all types.
The Specs:
- Colors: 11
- Size: 5-12W
- Neutral running shoe
The Pros:
- Moisture-wicking
- High-traction
- Arch support
- Designed specifically for women
The Cons:
- Tend to sell out fast
- No pull tab
- No men’s option
What Others are Saying:
With over 2,400 reviews on the Lululemon site, these running shoes also have good reviews from Reviewed and Runner’s World.
Buy the Lululemon Blissfeel Running Shoe:
Other Shoes for Disney World to Consider
These stylish sneakers are a good choice for walking through Disney and beyond. These waterproof sneakers are made with sustainable materials and are a solid bet to help combat any slips from inclement weather. However, they get dirty quickly and some people find the angled platform a bit destabilizing during long walks across the park. The and are available at Allbirds for $125.
Teva Original Universal Sandal
If you prefer an open toed shoe in Florida, these are a safe option. These sandals offer great ventilation for your feet, and the adjustable straps are secure without giving you blisters. But they have zero arch support and you need to be careful to avoid cuts due to the open toe, so we don’t recommend them as a top pick for all-day wear. The Teva Original Universal Sandal is available in Women’s and Men’s sizing on Amazon from $31.44.
These punk rock-inspired sneakers are a classic for a few reasons: They’re easy to style, come in more colors than you can count, slip on and off in a flash, and are comfortable enough to wear for moderate amounts of time. But if you’re going to be walking in them all day, you might end up with blisters (especially if you wear them without socks or overly low socks, which is a popular way to wear them). The Vans Unisex Low-Top Sneakers are available at Amazon from $54.11.
OLUKAI Lae’ahi Men’s Slip On Sneakers
These sneakers are a great option for wearing not just around Disney, but in your hotel room or lobby for their breathability, gel inserts and drop-in heel that allows them to function as both a sneaker and a beach slide for the average traveler or those suffering from plantar fasciitis. However, they don’t feature the cushioning or padding you’ll need to stay on your feet for hours at a time and don’t come with laces to help adjust your fit. The OLUKAI Lae’ahi Men’s Slip On Sneakers is available at Amazon from $99.99.
Why You Can Trust Us
As a certified personal trainer and shopping writer with a focus on fitness and fashion, I make sneaker recommendations nearly every day of my professional life. I have a deep personal interest in helping clients and readers lead more comfortable and efficient lives through their footwear, and I know this begins with proper and practical sneakers that don’t only help them feel good, but look good too. I narrowed down my selection based on rigorous personal testing, prioritizing features like breathability, versatility, cushioning, arch support, grip and materials while also relying on Inside The Magic’s expertise as a top resource on all things Disney.
Everything to Know Before Buying Shoes for Disney

What to Consider Before Buying Shoes for Disney
There are numerous factors to consider when buying the right shoes for your Disney trip, so your feet can last up until the fireworks at the end of the night.
Stability: Shoes with stability offer extra support in the midsole, or arch area, which can help your feet stay in a neutral position. Oftentimes when our feet get tired they tend to pronate due to exhaustion, so this extra support can be crucial towards the end of a magical day at Disney.
Arch support: Arch support doesn’t only cradle your foot where you need it most, but it can also help support proper spine alignment, reducing overall pain. Arch support also helps reduce shock placed on your feet and knees, helping you go for longer and with less effort.
Breathability: Florida is known for scorching temps, especially during July and August, so if you plan on visiting the park during the hottest months, prioritize breathable materials like mesh linings or other perforated fabrics to allow for ventilation. If your perfered shoe doesn’t have that, look for moisture-wicking linings to help offset some of that moisture or perspiration to help ward against chafing and blisters.
Traction: With extended wear and tear, our sneakers tend to lose some of their rubber grip at the bottom, which can contribute to slips and falls. Stay safe, secure and comfortable across the park with a shoe featuring a textured tread pattern that can help you stay balanced while walking or standing — especially on slick terrain.
Cushioning: The ideal walking shoe for Disney should feature enough cushioning and padding to help absorb shock and reduce effort with each of your thousands of steps, though not so much that it compromises your natural gait and contributes to overuse injuries.
What Are the Best Shoes for Walking Around Disney World?
The best shoes for walking around Disney World feature arch support, breathability, good traction, and a moderate amount of cushioning. However, the best shoes for Disney depends on the makeup of your foot. If you tend to over pronate, you’ll want a stability shoe that will keep your feet on track when walking miles and miles. But if you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you’ll want a shoe with a little more cushioning to account for any aches and pains you’ll feel. There are shoes on this list that target both, but make sure your shoe of choice also matches the outfits you plan to be Disney bound.
Are Running Shoes Good for Walking?
Running shoes are certainly a wiser option for walking than, say, flat sandals or stiletto heels, thanks to cushioned midsoles and breathable fabrics from mesh to perforated fabrics that help prevent moisture build-up and blisters. Running shoes are also meant to help get the wearing through many miles at a time, so they can be more supportive than traditional sneakers
However, you’ll want to keep a few factors in mind: If you plan to also wear your running shoes for heavy training, know that logging miles can compromise their quality, grip, and overall fit. Additionally, running shoes tend to feature more cushioning designed to absorb force and impact placed on the joints, which can contribute to overuse injuries during low-impact walks.
What Are the Best Walking Shoes for Women and Men?

The line has been recommended by many Park goers and it is a true lifesaver when helping you stay on your feet for extended periods, which is why they’re a practical option for Disney. They feature a semi-flat sole to accommodate your natural walk while absorbing the force of any heavy steps through a high-rebound cushion insole. Plus, they come in several different styles, so you can pick the best kind for you and your family
How Long Do Running Shoes Last for Walking?
According to Harvard Health, research suggests replacing your running shoes for walking every 300 to 500 miles, or every 12 months if you walk around 30 minutes a day five times a week. Keep in mind, however, that while running shoes may feel more comfortable off the bat due to their increased cushioning, they might not allow for the natural rolling motion of your walk in the way a flatter walking shoe would.
Prices were accurate at time of publication.
This post originally appeared on Inside the Magic.