The Best Shoes for Disney World – Keep Your Kids Feet Happy!
I recently went to Disney World with my sister, aunt, and two cousins. Our expectations were exceeded, and we had an amazing time at the parks. I would definitely go back again without any hesitation. Although I must say that we realized how important and necessary it is to wear the right type of shoes to Disney World—it’s the only way to maximize your experience and enjoy it to the fullest!
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!
About my Disney experience, I’ll tell you that I only had issues with wearing the wrong type of shoes, and I want to share this with you so that you don’t make the same mistakes or better yet, have a more enjoyable time at Disney.
Due to the high amount of walking and standing involved, it’s crucial that your child wears shoes that are supportive, lightweight, flexible, breathable, waterproof, and with great traction. I will show you which are the best shoes your child should wear to Disney World, but first I want to share with you our lessons learned.
Lessons Learned: Right Shoes = Happy Feet + Enjoyable Time!
As I mentioned, I would like for you to take the opportunity to consider our lessons learned so that you can maximize your Disney World experience.
In my case, I decided to wear a pair of Havaianas flip-flops, because I was in a bit of a rush and couldn’t find my pair of Keen sandals before heading out. Also, I might have underestimated the level of activeness involved.
In addition, one of my cousins decided to wear a pair of water shoes and the other decided to wear a pair of Crocs, which after a while both choices of shoes turned out to be not so comfortable and supportive.
On the other hand, my sister and my aunt decided to wear pair of Sketchers slip-on shoes, which they claimed, were the most comfortable shoes they had ever worn. Although, they realized that the shoes took a long while to dry after they got wet.
The Importance of Wearing Functional Shoes
Another important lesson learned is not to 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!
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! Here is a snapshot of all of us:
Wearing the Wrong Type of Shoes to Disney World: Avoid Crocs and Flip Flops!
To get into more detail I will talk about the challenges that my family and I went through for not wearing the right type of shoes.
The first challenge I faced happened when I was riding the Harry Potter roller coaster. Besides the fact that I was terrified to ride it (it looked pretty intimidating), I didn’t know that the shoes that I was wearing were going to cause such a big problem. While I was up there being turned around in all different ways, I felt like my flip-flops were about to fall off!
I was having a hard time using my big toe to keep the flip-flops on my feet. Right now, it might not sound like a big deal, but when you are up there in the air, trying to enjoy the ride, you don’t want to worry about keeping your flip-flops on! That’s when I started to miss my pair of Keen sandals. This is the reason why I definitely recommend a pair of shoes that come with some sort of closure either velcro or shoelaces.
The second challenge came up when we went on the water rides. My flip-flops kept sliding when they got wet, and it was really hard to walk in them after the ride.
My cousins had issues with their footwear as well. Their heels started slipping out of their shoes once they got wet. Without a velcro strap, their water-shoes didn’t secure their feet properly.
My point and our takeaway is that we all could have worn better types of shoes. The last thing you want to worry about is being uncomfortable because you are wearing the wrong type of shoes. Regardless of this, it did not ruin our overall experience!
What Shoes Work Best for Disney World?
If you are planning on going to Disney World and have been wondering what type of shoes you should provide for your child (or for yourself), I will provide you with a selection of the best type of shoes to wear to Disney World!
Keep in mind that Disney is a place for kids and adults to be happy and have a great time, so it’s also important that your feet are happy and that they can get you through the hectic day, especially for the great adventures prepared for you by Disney!
Have you ever heard of Keen sandals? They are the most popular and versatile summer sandals for kids, they can be used for the summer camp, beach, swimming pool, you name it. These sandals are the best type of footwear your kids can wear to Disney World!
Keen sandals provide great support, stability, and they dry fast! They come with velcro and toggle closure, which will secure your kids’ feet even when they are riding the wildest rides!
Did you know that Keen sandals are the number one choice for summer shoes for children? Parents love how versatile and indestructible these sandals are. Let me emphasize the word indestructible. It doesn’t matter how rough your kids are with their shoes, I can guarantee you that your child will outgrow these sandals before they destroy them!
The Best Shoes for Disney World
Below you can find a selection of the best Keen sandals for kids, these styles will fit a child with medium or wide feet. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.
Keen Newport and Keen Knotch Creek: Fits Medium and Wide Feet
- Shoe style Newport H2 by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Newport H2 by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Newport H2 by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet
- EVA insole with arch support for all-day comfort
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Newport H2 by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Machine washable
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Newport H2 by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet
- EVA insole with arch support for all-day comfort
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Newport H2 by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Knotch Creek by Keen
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Double velcro straps
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style River by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Open-toe with support and protection underfoot
- Two adjustable hook-and-loop straps for easy on/off and an always-secure fit
- Machine washable
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Keen Seacamp: Fits Narrow and Medium Feet
- Shoe style Seacamp by Keen
- 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
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Seacamp II CNX by Keen
- 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
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Seacamp 2 CNX by Keen
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Machine washable
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Seacamp 2 CNX by Keen
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Keen Moxie: Fits Narrow and Medium Feet
- Shoe style Moxie by Keen
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Moxie by Keen
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Moxie by Keen
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Machine washable
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Moxie by Keen
- Fits narrow and medium
- 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
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Keep in mind that Keen sandals don’t come in half sizes, so if your child measures a shoe size 9, you will have to provide him/her with a shoe size 10. I know I said you only needed a half a size longer to allow for growing room but keen sandals are not available in half sizes so instead of 9 1/2 you will have to provide your child with a size 10. Does it make sense?
Do You Have a Child Who Has Extra Wide Feet?
If your child has extra wide feet I suggest that you take a look at the article on the best summer sandals.
Disney Shoes for the Entire Family – Keep Up with Your Kids!
To keep up with your kids and have a great experience at the same time, you must ensure that you too, wear the right type of shoes to Disney World. Remember, you will have to undergo a lot of walking and standing in long lines, and therefore, the shoes you choose for yourself are important too.
Let’s make it simple. If Keen sandals are so great for children, why wouldn’t you make the same choice for yourself? I have been wearing Keen sandals for years and I love how versatile and comfortable they are!
But wait, that’s not all. I have even better news for women. Did you know that if you wear a shoe size of 8 ½ or smaller, you can fit in the kid’s version of the Keen sandals and SAVE a lot of MONEY? That means you will end up paying at least 40% less than what you would have paid for the adult version of the shoes! I wrote a post where I describe how this shoe size conversion works in more detail.
Below you can find a selection of the Keen kids’ version of the sandals that you will be able to fit in as long as you wear a women’s shoe size 8 1/2 or smaller!
- Shoe style Moxie by Keen
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Machine washable
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Moxie by Keen
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Machine washable
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Now that you know which are the best shoes to wear to Disney World, you are ready to make a better and more informed decision.
Finding Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
If you want to be 100% sure about what shoe size to order online, I suggest that you follow the instructions in another post.
It is crucial for you and your children to wear the correct type of shoes to be comfortable and prevent all sorts of foot issues, and Keen sandals will allow your kids to walk around all day without complaining about their feet or legs hurting.
Let’s face it. When you are in Disney World with your children, there is hardly a thing that can ruin your whole experience. However, never underestimate the importance of wearing the correct type of shoes! You will truly appreciate your choice after a long day of walking and waiting in long lines.
Keen sandals are by far the best choice when it comes to choosing footwear for Disney World! You will realize how important they are once you are there.
Have you ever been to Disney World with your kids before? Is there a particular shoe style that you would recommend for families going to Disney? Please share your thoughts and experiences below so we can all benefit from them!