food IS a theme park
Disney World is technically a judgment-free zone. Wear your matching family shirts. Put seven trading pins on your hat. Carry the popcorn bucket that requires its own seat on the Skyliner. Live your truth.
Magic Kingdom
But when we asked our team what they quietly judge people for bringing to Disney World, there was one VERY clear category: impractical shoes. And within that category, two particular offenders kept coming up.
In need of some new shoes for your next Disney World trip? We’ve got you covered!
Brooks Ghost 17s
We’re in the parks nearly every day, which means we see what people most commonly choose to wear. Right now, one shoe brand that’s rather popular is Brooks, which you can actually purchase on Amazon. So let’s check out some of the most popular options!
Disney World is very good at convincing us to spend money. Suddenly, a $40 tumbler feels essential because it has tiny Orange Birds on it. A $90 backpack becomes a vacation investment. And after walking through EPCOT for six hours, you may be prepared to hand over your credit card to anyone offering comfortable shoes and an air-conditioned chair.
©Disney
Some pricier purchases really do earn their place in your suitcase, though. We’re talking about the things our Disney experts have owned for years, carried through multiple vacations, and used far beyond the parks. They cost more upfront, but they don’t fall apart after one humid afternoon or disappear into the back of a closet once the vacation is over. Break the price down by the number of times you’ll actually use them, and these Disney World splurges start looking surprisingly sensible.
Having the right shoes for Disney World is incredibly important, and we know that firsthand.
©Brooks
We can’t tell you how many blisters we’ve gotten, painful walking days we’ve endured, and how many times we’ve told ourselves we’d NEVER choose style over comfort again in Disney World, and now we pass that wisdom onto you so you can avoid the same pain we’ve faced. We have a lot of favorite shoes for the parks that keep you comfortable all day long, and Brooks are high up there on the list. If you’ve been thinking of getting a pair, now is the perfect time, because not only are new shoes going live today, but some of them are ON SALE!
We talk a lot about shoes because the shoes you wear to Disney World are going to matter. It could mean the difference between being able to make it around four parks in four days while still keeping a bounce in your step or spending your last few days of vacation limping your way around World Showcase in EPCOT.
On Cloudswift Sneakers
Well, we know a lot of our readers love On Cloud shoes, and now that new Colorways (aka unique combinations of colors, patterns, or finishes) have dropped, you can now find new shoes to match any of your Disney outfit aesthetics!
You’re not the only one noticing these shoe brands growing in popularity at the Disney Parks…
Hoka Women’s Clifton 10 Sneakers
We like to follow all kinds of Disney World trends — including which essentials guests are sporting at the parks! We asked our DFB reporters which shoes they’re seeing a lot of at Disney World these days, and a few kicks were extra-popular. We’ve actually tested out these shoes, so we can see why Disney World fans are falling in love with these picks!
When it comes to walking miles and miles around Disney World, it’s SUPER important to make sure you have the best shoes that work for you.
HOKA Clifton 10
Some of the most popular shoes on the market are HOKAs and New Balances, and then there comes the question: how do you decide what works best for you? Well, that’s a question only you can answer, since everyone’s feet are built differently (what works for a family member may not work for you!), but we’ve had NUMEROUS members of our team try out tons of different shoes in the parks, specifically New Balances and HOKA shoes, and when it comes down to which is best, our findings may surprise you.
Having the right shoes is an ESSENTIAL part of making sure your time in Disney World is as magical as possible!
Brooks Ghost 17
You’ve spent countless hours (and dollars) planning the Disney World vacation of your dreams. But if you treat your footwear as an afterthought, all that work could be derailed by some seriously painful problems!
I sacrificed my feet for science…and real-world Disney experience.
What shoes do you wear in the parks?
If you’re trying to decide between Brooks and HOKA shoes for your next Disney World trip, you’ve found the right Disney World reporter, who’s been there, done that, and lived to tell the tale. I’ve tested multiple versions of popular shoe brands during my days at Disney World in search of a clear winner. While you might be thinking, “Both brands should have held up well, duh!” I’m most invested in breaking down exactly what “well” means for your feet and how that might affect your upcoming trip.
Don’t listen to what people are saying — there IS such a thing as the perfect shoes for Disney World!
Avia Women’s Runners
We all know that Disney days consist of a lot of walking, a lot of standing, and 10+ hour days. Having comfortable shoes is a must when you go on your Disney World vacation. The question is, which shoes are the best? Well, that’s exactly what we’re here to tell you!
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