Monday, August 19, 2013

Theme Park shoe options


As Dumbo gets closer, I'm starting to plan out my packing and my plans. Since I'm not as familiar with Disneyland as Walt Disneyworld, I've been spending a lot of my time reading up on all the tips and tricks to maximize my time. For the record, I'm still thoroughly confused on The World of Color situation and a tad bummed there isn't more of a variety for character dining. But I digress.
 

I'm not putting as much effort as you think, but I will spend extra time trying to pack the most comfortable shoes possible. 19.3 miles in 2 days ON TOP of the miles of walking in the parks is no joke, people. So, comfort is a must. Especially when the majority of the tips are talking about moisture wicking socks (check!) and comfortable shoes, I figure, you can't be too safe. 

Good ol' fashion Crocs.

I've already planned on my crocs for post race. Go ahead and make fun, I don't even care and my feet will feel amazing. Karen told me about this tip during marathon weekend and I haven't looked back. But even I draw the line at actually wearing them in the parks (or do I?:). So what's the next best thing? 

Along with working on tired legs to my race day training, I've been trying to "test" some prospects while I run errands on the weekends. Here are a few options I've come up with: 

TAKE


Sanuk. 

I have seen a few people sing their praises on social media, so I decided I needed to try them. The verdict is these are ridiculously comfortable. How can they not with the tagline "This is not a shoe, it's a sandal". Admittedly, I haven't had the chance to give them a thorough wearing, but when I have worn them, they're insanely comfie. 



An alternate pair of running shoes. 

I don't know the state my feet will be in and I don't know if they'll want to squeeze in another pair of running shoes- they might suffer from some serious PTSD! But I will be packing an extra pair just in case. Thank goodness for free checked baggage!  

POSSIBLE


Plain ol' flip flops. 

As easy as they are to pack, I don't know if I can rock them for an entire day. Maybe in short spurts? BUT I do have the Sanuk yoga mat flip flops, that might be bearable for an entire day of walking around the parks? 
For the record, no I am NOT a Sanuk representative (but definitely wouldn't oppose it! :) I'm just a huge fan of their shoes.  


LEAVE

Tar-jay fun flats! 

Aren't they adorable? I got them from Target for $15! They were fine when I wore them to the office, but a day of brunch and shopping didn't do well. I think they would it ok, if they were my only option that didn't have support/ cushion. Since I'm already torn on 2 other pairs that might work better, these guys are going to have to sit this one out.

Another pair on the cutting room floor? 



Toms

In previous years, Toms were my to-go summer shoes. Sadly, I cannot keep a pair in presentable shape for more than one summer season, which says a lot. As a New Yorker, I know I walk more than average, but I'm also a very lazy New Yorker, which says even more. I know they have a great mission, but I just cannot shell out that kind of money for less than a summers worth of wear. 

What are your to-go theme park shoes post-race?

28 comments:

  1. I agonize over what shoes to wear in the parks in the days before a race! Sneakers are the most comfortable for me, but I hate being a sneaker wearer all the time. I have some FitFlop sandals that are like walking on clouds, so those are my go-to shoes. Post-race my feet need to breath! So ore sandals. But I do wear a pair of sneakers every now and then.

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    1. I hate wearing sneakers all the time, too!! But I think they might be a necessary evil. I will have to check out FitFlop. Thanks, Karla!

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  2. OMGOSH ID RACE FOR THOSE SKULLLL TARGET SHOES!!

    (flipflops ;-))

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    1. hahaha, right?!?! These were so amazing I had to have them!

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  3. I'd say it depends on how many hours you intend to spend at the parks. I have one friend I do nonstop Disney and CA Adventure with from opening until closing. We do a lot of going back and forth to get fastpasses in. I wore Chucks one day and regretted it. Padded running/walking shoes are the best bet for that kind of tromping, as much as I'd love to flip flop it. I've never had Crocks though, so I can't speak to those. Have fun, whatever you decide!

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    1. Thanks, Jennifer! I'd like to think we're going to be on our feet a lot. I could imagine the pain your were in with Chucks!

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  4. I am 100% loyal to my Crocs! I have the Crocs flip-flops and I have walked for miles and miles all over the WDW parks, including after running the Princess Half, and NEVER had a problem with my feet. My second choice are Teva Mush flip-flops!

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    1. Ohhh! I never thought about Croc flipflops! I will have to look into those and the Tevas. Thanks, Jennifer!

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  5. I have my "running shoes" and my "non-running running shoes" that I'm bringing. The former will be the Saucony's that I actually race in, and the latter are a pair of Brooks that I use for every day attire. The Brooks will be loosely ties and able to slip on and off when not walking. I'm afraid anything else will cause blisters or chaffing.

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    1. How do you loosely tie running shoes to make them slip ons?!

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    2. I just loosen up the laces all the way down the front to the point of them not being too tight to get my feet in and out. There's barely enough lace to make a bow, but it works for me.

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  6. As a major park opener to park closer I change my park shoes and race sneakers each day. I wear Dansko sandles and Tevas - and bring flip flops for the pool.

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    1. So, you're going to pack about as many pairs of shoes as I'm sure I am? :) Never heard of Dansko, I will look into them.

      PS- can't wait to see you again!

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  7. I LOVE sanuk (and P.S...they have a store at Downtown Disney!! I'll be hitting it up after the DL 10k :)

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    1. Don't tell me that! I'm going to be so broke after that weekend! (But really, thank you for telling me and fingers crossed they have a Labor Day Sale!!)

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  8. I don't care how un-cute they are I always, always opt for tennis shoes at theme parks. My feet are # one priority and they are the only way to go for all day comfort (in my opinion). Some other may be comfy on a day to day basis, but can't cut it when it comes to standing on your feet for hours.

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    1. Right? And we can always crop my feet out of the photos ;)

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  9. I'm a total flip-flop person, but even for me a whole day in the parks with them can be a bit much! I usually wear sneakers around the parks the days leading up to the race when I'm concerned about "saving" my feet, but after the races it's all flip-flops!

    World of Color is AMAZING, all I can say is you MUST see it! What are you confused about with it? The fast pass/ dining options??

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    1. I think the pre-race it will be tennis shoes and I'll just have a bunch of options for post- thank goodness for free checked bags!

      For WOC, what if I don't want to go to the 1st show? Do I have to hang around and wait for the 1st show's fastpasses to sell out?

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    2. Oh gotcha...I'm actually not sure about that, I've never gotten the FastPasses, I did the dinner package last time I was there. Whatever you do make sure to go see it and make sure to get a good spot, it was amazing!

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  10. So I found these K-Swiss recovery shoes and I love them - its like they are hugging my feet!! Although guess what I just realized - they are at my old home and I won't be back before Dumbo so now I need shoes! So this post just got even better!!! Haha - love how this comment is pure stream of consciousness? :)

    World of Color is AWESOME!! I really, really, really wish they had a soundtrack for it, because I would buy it. The fast pass is over by the Grizzly River Rapids - and its just so you can be assigned to a section. The fast pass dining option is pretty neat - the section is a little closer if I remember right.

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    1. Oh no!!But I'm glad I could help, everyone needs new shoes ;)

      Good to know about WOC! I was thinking dining option so I dont have to deal with fastpass.

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  11. I'm going with good 'ol Crocs post race. These aren't just any Crocs, they're Mickey Crocks. ;) You've got me thinking about Sanuks, might try a pair.

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  12. I'm wearing my good 'ol Mickey Crocs post race, maybe my Croc sandals that I had to buy at DCA recently because I wore the wrong shoes to the park. I might finally check out Sanuk, they are in Downtown Disney after all. :)

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    1. NICE! I might need to get me some Mickey Crocs. I think That Sanuk store is going to get me in sooo much trouble!

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  13. I usually just bring my running shoes and Reef flip flops to Disney races. Yes, Reefs are expensive, but they are extra comfy. Plus they last a long time. I just retired my last pair after 2 years and since I live in AZ, I wear flip flops 9 months of the year (even to work. Yay for relaxed dress codes).

    I usually throw my flip flops in my back pack when I go to the parks so I can change out shoes, but my running shoes are so bulky. I'm going to need to check out the Sanuks before I go.

    As for World of Color- on whichever night you plan to see it, go to California Adventure right when it opens (which is usually an hour after Magic Kingdom) and get a Fast Pass. It guarantees you a spot for the show and there's usually 2 a night on weekends and holidays. You HAVE to see it. It's way better than the one at Epcot.

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    1. Someone just told me about Reefs the other day!

      WOC is definitely on the list, I'll just follow you!

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  14. I am all about my reef flip flops as well! I also have an older (but not totally beat up) pair of running shoes that I keep to walk around the park in since my feet are already used to having them on for miles :P

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