When you are planning your visit to the Disney Parks, there are so many things to consider while you pack. You’ve obviously got those cute outfits and accessories tucked away and ready to go, but believe it or not, which Minnie Mouse Ears to take might not be your biggest decision. Any seasoned park-goer will tell you that the most important choice you can make is what to wear on your feet. A good selection can set you up for the perfect vacation, filled with all the fun and excitement you can handle. A poor selection, on the other hand, can be your ticket to an early resort room return sprinkled with disappointment. It’s a controversial topic, with some hard-core fans sticking with their unpopular choices and fighting to the death in their honor. Here are a few of our picks for the worst shoes you can wear on your Disney Parks vacation:
5: Ballet Flats
I know, they probably look adorable with your Disneybouding outfit that has been perfectly curated to match your destination and mood. But, and there is always a but, if they don’t have a really fitted arch, you might be regretting them before the day gets started. Not all flats are created equally. If you have some that you regularly wear for a full day, with high-intensity walking, then go for it. Trust your tried and tested shoes to show you all the magic of Disney. But if these are a new and perhaps cheap pair of flats, you’d best be giving them a test drive first.
4: Strappy Sandals
In theory, it could be the best of both worlds. Sandals that let air circulate around your feet are cooler, and the straps keep them secure and in place, right? Well, yes, but they can also present a few other issues along the way as well. Just like ballet flats, sandals often offer virtually no support to the shape of your foot, making your feet tired and sore very quickly. Have some bandaids on hand in case the straps start to rub you the wrong way, and you need to avoid blisters.
3: Flip Flops / Thongs
There will always be a handful of people who disagree with this one, and honestly, that is great. That tells me that you’ve managed to find the right pair of casual slip-on shoes (or mostly just soles) that suit your feet. A needle in the haystack, if you well. However, for the rest of us, most aren’t so lucky. With flimsy connectors and materials, you can often learn the hard way that your choice of shoe isn’t up to the task. Symptoms of a poor choice of flip flops (thongs in Australia) can include but are not limited to sore feet, wet feet, cold feet, aching arches, lower leg pain, tripping hazards, blisters, and slippery in the wet. etc. You get the idea. And yes, I know, but they keep your feet cool. Got it.
2: Ugg Boots
Yes, even though I am Australian and genetically predisposed to loving this sheep’s wool-lined footwear, even I can tell you there is a time and a place. Your home, that’s the place, basically anywhere else outside of that, is not. Wearing your Ugg boots to the local market would be bad enough, but I’ve seen people wear these to Disneyland, and I will admit, my face was quite expressive when I saw them. Sure, they might be comfortable for a short time, but with no arch support, they won’t feel that way for long. You also won’t want to get these wet, and it’s very easy to overheat while wearing them.
Photo by Apostolos Vamvouras on Unsplash
1: High Heels
No matter how much of a high-heeled warrior you are, no one should subject themselves to a full Disney Parks day in a pair of high heels. In fact, if you do and make it out the other end unscathed, I’d have to wonder if you were doing Disney correctly to start with because your feet should hurt after those 20,000 steps, no matter what you are wearing. Gloria from Modern Family became the perfect example of what wearing heels to Disney looks like, ditching her stilettos for a pair of comfy Minnie Mouse slippers halfway through the day. High heels, or really heels of any kind, are definitely at the top of our list of worst shoes to wear to Disney.
Are your shoes on the list? If you are looking for the perfect shoes for your vacation, you can always consult our expert DIS Community on our discussion boards. Let us know what your favorite shoes to wear to Disney are.
Zoë Wood is a travel writer from Sydney, Australia. Since her first visit to Disneyland at the age of 6, she has spent her years frequently visiting Disney Parks and traveling around the world.
Join Zoë as she lets you in on all the tips, tricks, anecdotes, and embarrassments that arise from her family adventures.
