The Best Shoes for Disney World – Keep Your Kids’ Feet Happy!
When planning a trip to Disney World, wearing functional shoes is more than just a preference—it’s essential. A day at the park involves extensive walking, standing in lines, and sometimes navigating wet or uneven surfaces. The wrong type of footwear can lead to discomfort, blisters, and even long-term foot issues that could cut the day short. Crocs and flip-flops, for instance, may seem convenient due to their easy slip-on nature and breathability, but they lack the necessary support for a day filled with walking and standing. Such shoes can increase the risk of foot fatigue and injury, turning what should be a magical day into a painful experience.
Why the Right Shoes Matter
If you are planning a trip to Disney World with your kids, you must be aware that their expectations will be high, therefore, everything should go perfectly. There is certainly a lot of walking, jumping, and even running involved. There are also a few rides that will leave your kids’ feet wet and put their shoes up for a test! Choosing the right shoes for your child can prevent discomfort, blisters, and even injuries.
Types of Shoes to Consider for Ensuring a Comfortable Fit
Waterproof Kids’ Shoes. Water rides and unexpected rain showers are part of the Disney World experience. Waterproof shoes can prevent soggy socks and shoes, which can lead to blisters and discomfort. Look for shoes made from water-resistant materials or those specifically designed to handle wet conditions.
Non-Slip Kids’ Shoes. Safety is always a concern in crowded theme parks. Non-slip shoes can provide extra grip on wet or uneven surfaces, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Choose shoes with rubber outsoles for the best traction.
Shoes That Stay On for Rides. Shoes that stay securely on your child’s feet are important, especially for certain rides that require secure footwear. Avoid shoes that easily slip off, like flip-flops or loose sandals. Instead, opt for shoes with adjustable straps or laces that ensure a snug fit.
What Shoes Work Best for Disney World?
Teva and Keen are two of the most popular and reliable sandal brands for kids during the summer—especially for long, adventure-packed days like those at Disney World.
We all learned that you need to wear the right type of shoes that will guarantee you feel well and comfortable. Of course, I wouldn’t advise wearing any type of flip flops, water-shoes and Crocs to Disney World, even though they might be comfortable, they are not supportive enough and won’t be up to the task of walking, standing, jumping, and running all day long.
Best Shoes to Wear at Disney World – Recommended Shoe Brands and Models
Be sure to read the description below each shoe recommendation to see if it suits your child’s specific foot shape. Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you.
1. Newport by Keen. These closed toe Keen sandals for Disney World provide a supportive outsole and a protective toe cap to support and protect your child’s toes.
- Order the sandal Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Psyclone by Teva. These Teva sandals for Disney World are equipped with adjustable straps that make it easy to achieve a snug fit, accommodating several different foot shapes.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Psyclone XLT1 by Teva on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports your child’s feet
- Rubber outsole for great traction
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Seaturtle by Kamik. These open-toe sandals for Disney World combine style with functionality. They offer great traction and multiple adjustable straps to accommodate different foot shapes.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Wander by Kamik on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Triple velcro straps for easy on and off
- Quick drying moisture wicking lining
- Vegan-friendly
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs. The open design and cushioned insole provide maximum comfort, allowing for all-day wear without discomfort. Parents praise these sandals for their affordability and durability, making them a practical choice for Disney World.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Triple hook-and-loop closure system for easy on and off
- Excellent grip
- Lightweight MD footbed is cushioned for all-day comfort
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
5. Jefferson by Natives. This breathable shoe is the perfect Disney World shoe for kids who need something lightweight, breathable, and easy to slip on and off. Made from odor-resistant EVA material, it keeps feet cool and dry throughout long days of walking.
- Order the Jefferson water shoe by Natives on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- The EVA upper is flexible and features all-over perforations so their feet can breathe
- Perforations control temperature and let feet breathe
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
6. Hurricane by Teva. These Teva sandals for Disney World offer robust support and the adjustable straps ensure a snug fit, accommodating wider feet comfortably.
Key Features
- Order the sandal style Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
7. Miles by Natives. The Miles by Native is a great choice for Disney World thanks to its lightweight, slip-on design and breathable perforated upper. It’s made from cushy, odor-resistant EVA material that keeps kids’ feet cool and comfortable, even after hours of walking.
Key Features
- Order the Miles water shoe by Natives on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- The EVA upper is flexible and features all-over perforations so their feet can breathe
- Rubber outsole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Reach Out for Specific Shoe Recommendations
If you’re unsure which shoe is best for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out for specific recommendations. I can offer personalized advice based on your child’s foot shape, size, and any specific conditions they may have. This can be invaluable in selecting the perfect shoe that will provide optimal comfort and support.
Disney Shoes for the Entire Family – Keep Up with Your Kids!
To enjoy your time at Disney World and keep up with your kids, it’s just as important for you to wear the right shoes. With all the walking, standing, and waiting in lines, comfort and support are key.
If Keen sandals work so well for kids, why not try them yourself? I’ve personally worn Keen sandals for years—they’re incredibly versatile, durable, and comfortable. Here’s a bonus tip for women: if you wear a size 8½ or smaller, you can fit into the kids’ version of Keen sandals—and save around 40% compared to the adult version! I even wrote a post explaining how to convert your size.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of Keen kids’ sandals that women (with shoe size 8½ or smaller) can wear comfortably and confidently to the parks.
Keen Moxie
Key Features
- Order the sandal Moxie by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap with bungee closure for a secure fit
- Machine washable
Keen Elle
- Order the sandal Elle Backstrap by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Built with lateral support to help stabilize the ankle and heel
- Machine washable
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
Additional Tip: Bring Extra Socks
Packing extra socks is always a good idea. Changing into a fresh pair of socks midday can prevent moisture build-up and reduce the risk of blisters. Look for moisture-wicking socks to keep feet dry and comfortable. This can be especially important after water rides or on particularly hot days when feet tend to sweat more.
The Importance of Wearing Functional Shoes
Don’t underestimate the amount of activity that you engage in when going to Disney World. My family and I were so excited about going to Disney that we didn’t really think about the functionality of the shoes we were taking with us. So, let’s not get caught up in the excitement without first considering what type of shoes to wear to this marvelous place!
