We’ve spent the final two years looking for our favourite strolling footwear for Walt Disney World and different journey. Within the course of, we’ve put numerous manufacturers–Nike, Brooks, Hoka, Adidas, and many others–via the paces, fairly actually, logging 10,000+ steps in dozens of various fashions. This lists our favorites and likewise shares particulars about runDisney’s new kicks.
This checklist is principally an extension to our checklist of the Finest Footwear for Walt Disney World. As we shared when first publishing it, that was a work-in-progress. We additionally acknowledged that there’s no one-size-fits-all “good” footwear for Walt Disney World. Private choice, particular person consolation, and the distinctive contours of your ft and physique are large elements.
It’s additionally all about tradeoffs. No shoe has all of it–you must optimize for weight, dimension, cushioning, drop, responsiveness, breathability, stability, dryness, traction, and so forth. And everybody has totally different preferences concerning the allocation of those traits. Some desire a shoe with lots of power return, whereas others wish to really feel like they’re strolling on clouds.
As a common matter, we’ve each come to understand footwear that with ample cushioning, but in addition a little bit of bounce. Sarah skews extra in the direction of plushness, whereas I barely favor responsiveness. We’re each in the identical common ballpark, although, and would hazard a guess that over half of Walt Disney World vacationers are similarly-situated.
You’re seemingly in search of all-day consolation. Likelihood is, you’re doing far fewer steps at dwelling than when touring, so there’s a little bit of “system shock” while you go to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and many others. Accordingly, you most likely need strolling footwear you may put on for tens of hundreds of steps per day with out foot ache, blisters, and many others. If that roughly is correct, you’re the audience for this publish.
For those who’re a marathon runner, health freak, have already got favourite footwear, or are in an occupation the place you’re in your ft all-day, this most likely is not geared toward you. That’s, until you’re sad together with your present footwear and wish to attempt one thing new. Wherein case, this supplies new choices to contemplate.
One factor to notice earlier than starting the checklist is that we’re not skilled footwear testers, podiatrists or different medical consultants–simply two individuals who have burned via lots of footwear touring extensively. Within the final 12 months alone, we’ve logged over 10,000 steps on almost 200 days, and over 20,000 steps on virtually 100 days. And one among us did that whereas sporting a child a lot of the time! Furthermore, our strolling is feast or famine, with the remaining days being largely underneath 5,000 steps.
That additionally means this checklist will not be goal or evenly remotely complete. It comes right down to our private preferences based mostly on what we’ve tried and examined. This shall be notable given the absence of sure manufacturers, most notably On Cloud. We each ordered On Clouds, used them a bit at dwelling, and returned them. I discovered the journey to be snug (Sarah didn’t). Nonetheless, I couldn’t get previous the development of the higher, which felt low cost and was not snug.
Once more, that is purely subjective! On is talked about particularly right here as a result of it was one of many “most really helpful” manufacturers by our readers. This isn’t to be dismissive of Ons, as they’re clearly in style for a purpose. Reasonably, we’re underscoring the above–that there’s no one-size-fits-all “good” shoe for Disney. On Clouds should not for us, however possibly they’re best for you!
I’ve additionally worn loads of different footwear that I cherished, however not just lately sufficient for relevancy. For example, I swore by Saucony Rides for years, however switched…not for any actual purpose, simply to attempt one thing new. Level being, in case you’re a nurse or prolific walker and have suggestions you’d wish to share within the feedback past what’s on this checklist, we’re all ears. The extra opinions, the higher!
With that in thoughts, let’s dig into the checklist of one of the best strolling footwear for Walt Disney World and Disneyland journey…
Adidas Ultraboost – I had heard folks singing the praises of the Increase foam for years, however it wasn’t till pulling the set off on a ‘life-style label’ pair of Boosts that I lastly realized the footwear lived as much as the hype. Sadly, their designer went off the deep finish.
However, the consolation of the Boosts was instantly obvious and wore them extensively throughout a month-long journey to Japan. The footwear have an incredible quantity of cushioning and are plush consequently, however by some means are additionally responsive and speedy.
After logging no less than 20,000 steps per day in the identical pair of Boosts over the course of a whole month, my ft nonetheless felt nice. For his or her half, the footwear additionally nonetheless regarded nice—they’re sturdy and grippy along with being bouncy. I’m now a Increase believer, and fully get the cult-like following. I’ve but to discover a model that’s as plush as my beloved 350v2s, however the brand new 5X is admittedly shut (simply clunkier).
Brooks Glycerin StealthFit – Within the final 12 months, I’ve worn the Brooks Glycerin StealthFit greater than every other footwear. I’ve used a wide range of Brooks, additionally together with the Levitate and Ghost (extra on this under). I desire both of these for his or her power return when operating, whereas favoring the Brooks Glycerin when strolling.
The Glycerin is admittedly just like lots of the footwear on this checklist: tender but responsive cushioning, making for a cushty, and versatile shoe that may be worn each day. It’s additionally a workhorse–I’ve put untold miles on my main pair of Glycerins, and so they’re solely starting to point out indicators that it’s time to retire them. The difference-maker for me in shopping for (extra) pairs of Glycerins is that the gross sales may be nice–I purchased my latest pair for $79.
For me, the Brooks Glycerin had been the candy spot of high quality, cushioning, and price. As somebody who’s an enormous fan of Nike Flyknit and just about any shoe with sock-like uppers, I cherished the StealthFit specifically and purchased that model. In opinions, not everybody agrees with that sentiment. Like footwear generally, there’s no one-size-fits-all reply!
Crocs LiteRide 360 Pacer Sneakers – From the months of June via October, these at all times get thrown into my suitcase for Walt Disney World. The large promoting level of Crocs is how nicely they deal with warmth, humidity, and storm season. Between the climate and my physique’s pure skill to provide appalling odor, breathable footwear are a should for me.
Equally as essential, Crocs are quick-drying. Afternoon showers can come out of nowhere at Walt Disney World, and I’ve had pairs of footwear completely ruined on account of the one-two punch of my pungent ft and getting (and staying) moist at Walt Disney World. With the Crocs LiteRide Footwear, I merely swap out my socks after a day storm and am able to roll.
The froth insoles are tender, mild, and springy. The Crocs LiteRide Footwear supply softness whereas placing a little bit of pep in your step, with the attribute consolation of Crocs. (For those who assume regular Crocs are snug, you’ll additionally like these; in case you discover regular Crocs uncomfortable, these received’t be what wins you over.)
The Crocs LiteRide Footwear are one of the best of each worlds–the consolation and springy steps of Crocs, coupled with the model and construction of footwear. One factor that’s additionally essential to me in a shoe is pace. Common Crocs are too loose-fitting and informal for an aggressive rope drop run or logging numerous steps. They’re a much less severe shoe, and that turns into evident the longer you put on them. The LiteRides can deal with early mornings to late nights, permitting you to do 10,000+ steps with out blisters or ache.
With that stated, I attempt to not put on the Crocs LiteRide on consecutive full days within the parks. Generally that is unavoidable throughout storm season, however even then, I’ve discovered it’s potential to put on these for the wet portion of the day, swap to common trainers in the course of the noon break, and doing the second half of the day in these. Your mileage could range on that, although.
Nike Pegasus – I used to be late to the Nike Pegasus social gathering, wrongly assuming they had been early Eighties tech, a legacy mannequin of Nikes that point had handed by. The one purpose I even tried them within the first place was as a result of they made a Detroit Lions mannequin a couple of years again and I managed to attain a pair on sale. All I anticipated was a pointy wanting shoe to match my gear. I used to be shocked by the consolation of the journey, and have purchased a number of pairs of Pegs since.
Nike now sells a ton of various variations of the Pegasus, with the tried and true being the numbered mannequin (presently Nike Pegasus 41). It is a tender and springy shoe with twin Air Zoom models providing a large amount of bounce, together with a ReactX foam midsole that gives a luxurious journey. A light-weight, breathable higher helps maintain them snug, and the rubber is sturdy and supplies loads of traction (essential for wet days within the parks when the sidewalk will get slick).
The Nike Pegasus is extremely well-rounded and sturdy, and there’s a sure ‘pep within the step’ the Pegs have that I can’t get from different footwear. They’re good for all the things from the Disneyland Half Marathon (above) to power-walking at rope drop to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and simply typically retaining my legs feeling contemporary.
I’ll usually rotate these with a pair of Brooks, which is the right combo when logging 20,000 steps per day. Though I haven’t tried them but, I’m wanting ahead to choosing up a pair of the Nike Pegasus Premium with a triple-stack of full-length ZoomX foam, an Air Zoom unit, and ReactX foam basis. I’m virtually constructive this shall be my favourite shoe for Disney…I’m simply ready for it to go on sale, as $210 is a bit steep!
Hoka Gaviota – The subsequent two entries are the winners for Sarah. There are two huge variations between the Gaviota and the Bondi. The primary is that the Gaviota is a stability shoe, whereas the Bondi is impartial. The second is that the stack on the Gaviota, whereas nonetheless massive, isn’t fairly as huge.
For its half, the Hoka Gaviota presents robust arch assist for a extra forgiving journey that also by no means feels agency regardless of the secure development. It nonetheless options the luxurious stack for leg-saving consolation that typifies Hokas. The composition contains two foams, the principle cushion for consolation whereas the firmer layer is located in high-impact areas for higher stability and safety. The tip result’s extended walks with contemporary legs and no discomfort.
All in all, it’s only a actually well-rounded shoe. Not everybody wants stability, so it’s not one among Hokas best-sellers (the following entry very a lot is), however Sarah loves it. The marginally decrease profile design (by Hoka requirements) additionally makes it a extra nimble shoe with out sacrificing a lot in the way in which of consolation.
Hoka Bondi – The Hoka Bondi presents most cushioning for an ultra-plush journey. It’s their softest and least responsive shoe, with the next and massive mattress of super-soft cushioning and extra forgiving impression. The Hoka Bondi may be very “cloudlike,” and massively in style for good purpose. Certainly, the Hoka Bondi is essentially the most plush shoe on this checklist–if you wish to maximize that, it’s the most suitable choice.
It’s additionally one of many ugliest footwear I’ve seen. The only and heel are large and clunky, comically outsized. They appear to be clown footwear, which I assume is the model as of late, however it may also be a sensible obstacle. (I don’t like the way in which they appear, so that they’re a non-starter for me–however in addition they made my ft “get in the way in which” of each other whereas testing them.)
No matter seems, Sarah loves them. We logged roughly 20,000 steps per day on common for 2 months final summer season whereas touring, and Sarah wore the Hoka Bondi virtually each single day. She has since added the Gaviota to her rotation for a ‘leaner’ choice. She by no means had any foot ache or accidents (apart of the norm) and she did so whereas babywearing more often than not.
Brooks Ghost Max – Runners rave concerning the Brooks Ghost, however the common variations by no means fairly lived as much as the hype for me. It felt like compromising an excessive amount of on consolation, whereas not totally getting that again in responsiveness. The Brooks Ghost Max modified the equation for me. I discover no lack of responsiveness right here, whereas gaining a way more plush midsole.
That is my latest shoe, having bought it a few months in the past on sale for 40% off (simply as a heads up, the Coconut/White Sand/Chateau is pictured above; it’s lighter than it seems within the inventory photographs–I adore it). Since then, I’ve put a ton of miles on it, from mild runs to 2 journeys to Walt Disney World with in depth Early Entry testing (so principally, extra mild runs). I really like this shoe, and am debating getting one other because it’s already proving to be a preferred mannequin and the sale value is hard to beat.
From my perspective, the Brooks Ghost Max is someplace between the Glycerin and Hoka Bondi. It’s plush whereas nonetheless being responsive, and has a big stack of soppy DNA Loft foam, however isn’t squishy just like the Bondi. What I actually love concerning the Ghost Max, and the way it distinguishes itself from the opposite footwear on this checklist (most of that are fairly related), is the GlideRoll. This makes for a smoother transition because the shoe “rocks” and supplies a bouncy propulsion from touchdown to takeoff. Onerous to explain, however the Ghost Max has already shot to the highest of my checklist on account of this one function. It’s a enjoyable shoe, and one I’ll maintain it in rotation with the Pegasus in good climate, and the Crocs throughout storm season.
Talking of the Brooks Ghost Max, Disney has revealed their first limited-edition shoe drop from Brooks x runDisney, that includes 4 kinds impressed by the race weekend theme and iconic Disney characters. Right here’s a have a look at the choices:
Ghost Max 2 runDisney Springtime Shock | $160
Commemorate the 2025 runDisney Springtime Shock Weekend with this limited-edition Ghost Max 2. Daring colours representing totally different race themes come collectively to make you’re feeling like a superhero crossing the end line.
Plus, you may customise your laces with the included themed race badges. With numerous tender, light-weight cushioning, a rocker form that actively helps you progress from touchdown to toe-off, and a broad base for added stability, the Ghost Max 2 is able to roll.
Ghost Max 2 runDisney Minnie Mouse | $160
Yoo-hoo! Pink-and-white polka dots and a bow element on the heel spotlight Minnie Mouse’s iconic model on this limited-edition Ghost Max 2. With numerous light-weight cushioning, a rocker form that actively helps you progress from touchdown to toe-off, and a broad base for added stability, the Ghost Max 2 is able to roll. Additionally accessible in huge.
Ghost Max 2 runDisney Mickey Mouse | $160
Daring pops of shade paired with hidden Mickey Mouse particulars make this limited-edition Ghost Max 2 match for even the world’s most well-known mouse. With numerous tender, light-weight cushioning, a rocker form that actively helps you progress from touchdown to toe-off, and a broad base for added stability, the Ghost Max 2 is able to roll. Additionally accessible in huge.
Adrenaline GTS 24 Core runDisney | $150
Convey extra magic to each mile on this limited-edition Adrenaline GTS 24, that includes an iconic Mickey Mouse element and attention-grabbing colours that match the runDisney core merchandise assortment. The Adrenaline GTS 24 trainers function nitrogen infused cushioning for light-weight softness. The trusted GuideRails® assist system helps scale back extra movement, and the mesh higher supplies breathable consolation.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about motels on our Walt Disney World Lodges Opinions web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Opinions. To save cash on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Suggestions for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a singular have a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Journey Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, one of the best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for all the things it is advisable know!
Your Ideas
What are your favourite footwear for Walt Disney World or Disneyland? Do you go for particular footwear that provides added consolation, assist, or springiness when doing the parks, or simply your ‘regular’ footwear? Any choices that carry out notably nicely within the scorching, humid, and moist climate of Central Florida? Do you agree or disagree with our recommendation? Any questions we may also help you reply? Listening to your suggestions—even while you disagree with us—is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!