If you’re going to spend a prolonged period of time at either Disneyland  or Walt Disney World – prepare to take a lot of steps. Tens of thousands of them. It’s a real test of more than just your Fitbit. When you add in the fact that good chunks of time get spent waiting in line surrounded by way more people that you can imagine – the importance of a good shoe cannot be understated. It’s the best tip I can give to anyone visiting the parks. Take care of your feet. How?

If you’re a sandals person – don’t wear flip flops. That’s for sure. If Birkenstocks are your jam – go wild with your most comfy pair. Some people even advocate for Crocs. If they’re comfy, sure – why not? Personally – I think sandals are gross. No one needs to smell your foot sweat. Contain your toe jam svp.

But if you are the type to wear your most comfy sneakers – I got your back.

If you have a store in your area that specializes in running/walking gear – go there and get a gait test. It should be free. Basically there are 3 types of ways people step. Some land square with every step (neutral shoe), some are a bit off-centre and their ankles/heels flex/pronate a bit so they need a shoe that counteracts that movement (stability shoe), and some people over-flex/pronate and they need a shoe that really accounts for that movement (motion-control shoe). Around these parts we have Running Room. I don’t know what the US/UK equivalent would be. But having the right shoe for the type of stepper you are makes a HUGE difference. Modern running/walking shoes are engineered to take the type of punishment a park day delivers. I’m a New Balance fan but Asics, Saucony, Mizuno, Roku, Brooks, Nike all are stellar too. Figure out whether you’re a Neutral, Stability or Motion-Control walker, get at least 2 pairs to rotate through (a shoe should have a day to recover from the type of punishment WDW can deliver) and combine them with a good pair of performance or running socks.

So there. Take care of your feet. It’s a marathon. Not a fashion show.