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 so on–by means of 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 listing is mainly an extension to our listing of the Greatest 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 “excellent” footwear for Walt Disney World. Private desire, particular person consolation, and the distinctive contours of your toes and physique are large components.
It’s additionally all about tradeoffs. No shoe has all of it–you need to 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 need a shoe with quite a lot of vitality return, whereas others need to really feel like they’re strolling on clouds.
As a basic matter, we’ve each come to understand footwear that with ample cushioning, but in addition a little bit of bounce. Sarah skews extra in direction of plushness, whereas I barely favor responsiveness. We’re each in the identical basic ballpark, although, and would hazard a guess that over half of Walt Disney World vacationers are similarly-situated.
You’re possible searching for all-day consolation. Likelihood is, you’re doing far fewer steps at house than when touring, so there’s a little bit of “system shock” while you go to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and so on. Accordingly, you in all probability need strolling footwear you possibly can put on for tens of hundreds of steps per day with out foot ache, blisters, and so on. If that roughly is correct, you’re the audience for this publish.
In case you’re a marathon runner, health freak, have already got favourite footwear, or are in an occupation the place you’re in your toes all-day, this in all probability is not aimed toward you. That’s, except you’re sad together with your present footwear and wish to strive one thing new. Wherein case, this supplies new choices to think about.
One factor to notice earlier than starting the listing is that we’re not skilled footwear testers, podiatrists or different medical consultants–simply two individuals who have burned by means of quite a lot of footwear touring extensively. Within the final yr alone, we’ve logged over 10,000 steps on almost 200 days, and over 20,000 steps on nearly 100 days. And one in all us did that whereas sporting a child a lot of the time! Furthermore, our strolling is feast or famine, with the remaining days being principally underneath 5,000 steps.
That additionally means this listing shouldn’t be goal or evenly remotely complete. It comes right down to our private preferences primarily based on what we’ve tried and examined. This might be notable given the absence of sure manufacturers, most notably On Cloud. We each ordered On Clouds, used them a bit at house, and returned them. I discovered the trip to be snug (Sarah didn’t). Nevertheless, 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 useful” manufacturers by our readers. This isn’t to be dismissive of Ons, as they’re clearly common for a motive. Slightly, we’re underscoring the above–that there’s no one-size-fits-all “excellent” shoe for Disney. On Clouds aren’t for us, however perhaps they’re best for you!
I’ve additionally worn loads of different footwear that I liked, however not just lately sufficient for relevancy. As an illustration, I swore by Saucony Rides for years, however switched…not for any actual motive, simply to strive one thing new. Level being, should you’re a nurse or prolific walker and have suggestions you’d wish to share within the feedback past what’s on this listing, we’re all ears. The extra opinions, the higher!
With that in thoughts, let’s dig into the listing of the perfect strolling footwear for Walt Disney World and Disneyland journey…
Adidas Ultraboost – I had heard individuals singing the praises of the Enhance foam for years, but it surely 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.
Nonetheless, 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 in some way are additionally responsive and speedy.
After logging at the least 20,000 steps per day in the identical pair of Boosts over the course of a complete month, my toes nonetheless felt nice. For his or her half, the footwear additionally nonetheless seemed nice—they’re sturdy and grippy along with being bouncy. I’m now a Enhance 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 yr, I’ve worn the Brooks Glycerin StealthFit greater than some other footwear. I’ve used a wide range of Brooks, additionally together with the Levitate and Ghost (extra on this beneath). I choose both of these for his or her vitality return when working, whereas favoring the Brooks Glycerin when strolling.
The Glycerin is admittedly much like quite a lot of the footwear on this listing: mushy but responsive cushioning, making for a snug, and versatile shoe that may be worn every day. It’s additionally a workhorse–I’ve put untold miles on my major pair of Glycerins, they usually’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 might be nice–I purchased my latest pair for $79.
For me, the Brooks Glycerin have been the candy spot of high quality, cushioning, and value. As somebody who’s a giant fan of Nike Flyknit and just about any shoe with sock-like uppers, I liked the StealthFit specifically and acquired that model. In taking a look at opinions, not everybody agrees with that sentiment. Like footwear typically, there’s no one-size-fits-all reply!
Crocs LiteRide 360 Pacer Sneakers – From the months of June by means of 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 necessary, 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 smelly toes 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 mushy, gentle, and springy. The Crocs LiteRide Footwear supply softness whereas placing a little bit of pep in your step, with the attribute consolation of Crocs. (In case you assume regular Crocs are snug, you’ll additionally like these; should you discover regular Crocs uncomfortable, these gained’t be what wins you over.)
The Crocs LiteRide Footwear are the perfect of each worlds–the consolation and springy steps of Crocs, coupled with the fashion and construction of footwear. One factor that’s additionally crucial to me in a shoe is velocity. Common Crocs are too loose-fitting and informal for an aggressive rope drop run or logging plenty of steps. They’re a much less critical 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 mentioned, I strive to not put on the Crocs LiteRide on consecutive full days within the parks. Typically that is unavoidable throughout storm season, however even then, I’ve discovered it’s doable to put on these for the wet portion of the day, change to common trainers throughout the noon break, and doing the second half of the day in these. Your mileage might range on that, although.
Nike Pegasus – I used to be late to the Nike Pegasus social gathering, wrongly assuming they have been early Eighties tech, a legacy mannequin of Nikes that point had handed by. The one motive I even tried them within the first place was as a result of they made a Detroit Lions mannequin just a few 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 trip, 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). This can be a mushy and springy shoe with twin Air Zoom items providing a large amount of bounce, together with a ReactX foam midsole that gives an opulent trip. A light-weight, breathable higher helps maintain them snug, and the rubber is sturdy and supplies loads of traction (necessary 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 excellent for the whole lot from the Disneyland Half Marathon (above) to power-walking at rope drop to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and simply usually protecting my legs feeling contemporary.
I’ll typically rotate these with a pair of Brooks, which is the proper combo when logging 20,000 steps per day. Though I haven’t tried them but, I’m wanting ahead to selecting 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 nearly optimistic this might 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 following two entries are the winners for Sarah. There are two large 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 giant, isn’t fairly as monumental.
For its half, the Hoka Gaviota provides sturdy arch help for a extra forgiving trip 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 primary 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 in all 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 best way of consolation.
Hoka Bondi – The Hoka Bondi provides most cushioning for an ultra-plush trip. It’s their softest and least responsive shoe, with a better and large mattress of super-soft cushioning and extra forgiving affect. The Hoka Bondi could be very “cloudlike,” and vastly common for good motive. No doubt, the Hoka Bondi is essentially the most plush shoe on this listing–if you wish to maximize that, it’s the best choice.
It’s additionally one of many ugliest footwear I’ve seen. The only real and heel are large and clunky, comically outsized. They appear to be clown footwear, which I suppose is the fashion lately, but it surely will also be a sensible obstacle. (I don’t like the best way they give the impression of being, in order that they’re a non-starter for me–however additionally they made my toes “get in the best way” of each other whereas testing them.)
No matter appears to be like, 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 nearly each single day. She has since added the Gaviota to her rotation for a ‘leaner’ possibility. 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 absolutely 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 appears to be like within the inventory images–I like it). Since then, I’ve put a ton of miles on it, from gentle runs to 2 journeys to Walt Disney World with intensive Early Entry testing (so mainly, extra gentle runs). I like this shoe, and am debating getting one other because it’s already proving to be a well-liked mannequin and the sale worth 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 sentimental 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 listing (most of that are fairly comparable), is the GlideRoll. This makes for a smoother transition because the shoe “rocks” and supplies a bouncy propulsion from touchdown to takeoff. Exhausting to explain, however the Ghost Max has already shot to the highest of my listing 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 types impressed by the race weekend theme and iconic Disney characters. Right here’s a take 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 possibly can customise your laces with the included themed race badges. With plenty of mushy, 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! Purple-and-white polka dots and a bow element on the heel spotlight Minnie Mouse’s iconic fashion on this limited-edition Ghost Max 2. With plenty of 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 out there in vast.
Ghost Max 2 runDisney Mickey Mouse | $160
Daring pops of coloration paired with hidden Mickey Mouse particulars make this limited-edition Ghost Max 2 match for even the world’s most well-known mouse. With plenty of mushy, 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 out there in vast.
Adrenaline GTS 24 Core runDisney | $150
Carry extra magic to each mile on this limited-edition Adrenaline GTS 24, that includes an iconic Mickey Mouse element and crowd pleasing colours that match the runDisney core merchandise assortment. The Adrenaline GTS 24 trainers function nitrogen infused cushioning for light-weight softness. The trusted GuideRails® help system helps scale back extra movement, and the mesh higher supplies breathable consolation.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study resorts on our Walt Disney World Accommodations Evaluations web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations. To economize on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a singular take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Journey Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the perfect place to begin is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for the whole lot you might want to know!
Your Ideas
What are your favourite footwear for Walt Disney World or Disneyland? Do you go for particular footwear that provides added consolation, help, or springiness when doing the parks, or simply your ‘regular’ footwear? Any choices that carry out significantly nicely within the sizzling, humid, and moist climate of Central Florida? Do you agree or disagree with our recommendation? Any questions we might help you reply? Listening to your suggestions—even while you disagree with us—is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!