While exhilarating rides and delicious treats make for a fun trip to Disney, we tend to forget about all the walking we have to do. Whether I’m in Anaheim, Orlando or, heck, any theme park in the U.S, I spend most of my time trekking through different lands or waiting in long lines to hop on the most popular roller coasters. I learned a few years back that the right kind of shoes are important for a whole day at Disney. Now, I have a few suggestions, but I tapped a few of my fellow editors and other theme park lovers (aka my friends) to share the best shoes for Disney. Here’s to making your next trip pain-free.
The 9 Best Shoes to Wear to Disney, According to the Happiest Guests on Earth
No blisters to Magic Kingdom
•
Published Jan 10, 2025
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
Dasha Burobina/PureWow
How I Chose the Best Shoes for Disney
I'm a huge Disney fan, and have been multiple times in both California and Florida, so I’ve done extensive research on the best sneakers to wear all day. Aside from my own personal recommendations, I tapped other Disney-loving folks to share their go-to pairs. I compiled a list that features sneakers that are comfortable, offer different widths and are stylish enough to pair with your Mickey ears. Keep reading to find the best shoes to wear at Disney.
Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.
The Best Shoes for Disney at a Glance
1
Best Overall
Adidas Cloudfoam Pure
read more
2
Most Lightweight
On Cloud X 3
read more
3
Best Waterproof
Nike Free Run Flyknit
read more
4
Best Budget
AllBirds Tree Runners
read more
5
Editor's Pick
Hoka Clifton 9
read more
Best Overall
What We Like
- comfortable
- budget-friendly
- great color range
What We Don't Like
- not waterproof
Adidas
When searching for the best shoes for Disney, the Adidas Cloudfoams ranked high on everyone’s list. They have more than 2,000 rave reviews that specifically call out their comfortability, style factor and price (they’re under $100 BTW). They even have one PureWow staffer’s stamp of approval. “As someone who visits theme parks annually, my go-tos are usually the Adidas Cloudfoam sneakers,” says Dasha Burobina, digital designer at PureWow. “They are lightweight, super comfortable and padded. They’re the perfect pair for a long day of standing in lines and they’re easy on your back.”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 5 to 11
- Colors: 11
Most Lightweight
2. On Cloud X 3
What We Like
- contains recycled materials
- great arch support
- round toe silhouette
What We Don't Like
- needs to size up to fit comfortably
On
These On Cloud sneakers were made for walking all over Magic Kingdom—just ask Assistant Editor of Branded Content Madeline Merinuk, who tells me, “I went to Disney World in April 2024 and wore my Sambas (because I wanted to be cute) on the first day and my feet were killing me by about noon, and I still had a whole day ahead of me. But the next day, I wore my On Cloud X 3s and the difference was CRAZY. My feet felt good all day and I continued wearing them for the rest of the week. They feel lighter than air and are so comfortable to walk in. They're also great for people who are blister-prone (like me. I've never once gotten one with these shoes.”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 5 to 9
- Colors: 3
Best Waterproof
What We Like
- super lightweight
- sole expands and contracts with your movement
- upper is collapsible for easy storage
What We Don't Like
- needs to size up to fit comfortably
Nike
There are plenty of Nike sneakers that I can recommend for the parks, but this Flyknit 2018 pair is loved by reviewers and editors alike. It's praised for being so lightweight it feels like ‘walking on air.’ As VP of Editorial Candace Davison describes, “I've spent multiple days at Disney running from place to place in Nike Flyknits. I like that they're lightweight and breathable, so if my feet swell from running around all day—or, ahem, getting my sodium levels out of control from gorging on turkey legs and chili dogs—they never feel too tight. Plus, they tend to dry easily, which is great if you get caught in an afternoon rainstorm or get splashed on Tiana's Bayou Adventure.”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 5 to 12
- Colors: 2
Best Running Shoe
What We Like
- cushioned foam midsole for a comfy fit
- breathable
- flexible outsole
What We Don't Like
- finicky laces
Nike
Speaking of Nike, there’s another pair that gets high marks from our resident Disney expert. Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay says these running shoes are a tried-and-true for every Disney trip, especially as a mom-to-be. “I use them for running, walking, everyday use and they’ve yet to be dethroned. I wore them on my most recent trip to Disney World and they got me around the parks with ease (while pregnant, might I add). Disney is usually a high step count vacation for me—I'm a rope drop to park close kind of gal—but these shoes got me through an exceptionally long day of park hopping that didn't end until around 1 a.m. Easily over 30,000 steps with lots of standing in between,” she says.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 5 to 12
- Colors: 20
Best Budget
What We Like
- machine washable
- contains recyclable materials
- cushioned midsole
What We Don't Like
- not great for flat feet
Allbirds
Another recommendation from Burobina, the Allbirds Tree Runners have racked up more than 11,000 reviews online. Whether you prefer the classic or limited-edition styles, the sneakers are liked for being breathable, lightweight and machine washable (just in case you spill Disney’s famous Dole whip on them). They’re also crafted from a eucalyptus tree fiber material that’s cooling under the Florida sun *and* they are under $100. One reviewer shares, “My third pair and [they’re] perfect every time. ‘Hazy Cocoa’ has instantly become my favorite color of the three! The Tree Runners are flexible enough to accommodate my wide foot and orthotic inserts.”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 5 to 11
- Colors: 17
Editor's Pick
What We Like
- includes 3mm stacked height
- cushioned foam midsole
- great arch support
What We Don't Like
- a bit squeaky on hardwood floors
Hoka
I’ve been rocking Hokas for three years now and I’m never going back to other brands ever again. I’ve worn the Clifton 9 to Disneyland (twice) and Universal Studios, with no blisters or heel pain. Honestly, I was ready to walk more miles in California and beyond. Overall, they continue to be my traveling pair—park or no park—all thanks to the cushioned sole that molds nicely to the shape of my feet. Also, they offer 3mm in height, which works well for a petite gal like myself.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 5 to 12
- Colors: 18
Best Compression
7. Hoka Bondi 8
What We Like
- features an Ortholite hybrid sock liner
- offers a bouncy feel
- seal of acceptance from American Podiatric Medical Association
What We Don't Like
- not great for low arches or flat feet
Hoka
Another Hoka favorite is the Bondi 8 that has more than 9,000 reviews—including one from a frequent theme park attendee. It’s designed with softer, lighter foams to make walking (or standing) without putting too much pressure on your heels. “The Bondi 8 has compression on the sides with great elasticity, so it squeezes your foot to help with pressure,” says reviewer Samantha A. “They are super cushioned for the parks.”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 5 to 12
- Colors: 13
Best Width Options
8. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V14
What We Like
- breathable
- offers extra cushioning
- seal of acceptance from American Podiatric Medical Association
What We Don't Like
- pricey
New Balance
While comfort is a must, another feature many tend to look at is width. These New Balance sneakers are unique because they come in four different widths for everyone to try out. So whether you have narrow or extra-wide feet, this pair is designed with a cushioned sole that won’t cause any pain or stiffness. “As a girlie who would wear Sambas, Converses or Vans to Disney, I’m new to wearing actual comfortable shoes to Disney,” shares New Balance customer Shley K. “The New Balance 1080 V13 are great, especially for their amazing soles.”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 5 to 13
- Colors: 7
Best for Men
What We Like
- comfortable for long distances
- great arch support
- seal of acceptance from American Podiatric Medical Association
What We Don't Like
- runs small
Brooks
If you’re looking to give the men in your life a comfortable sneaker for Disney, look no further than this Brooks pair, vetted by my very own brother. He tells me, “After years of trying running/walking shoes, I can confidently say Brooks is at the top for me. Even after two years they still feel brand new to me. I can’t recall a time where my feet hurt after wearing these for a long period of time.” Made of recyclable material, they offer a soft and cushiony sole that’s great for climbing the steps of Incredicoaster or walking the long bumpy hallways of Rise of Resistance. Plus, they come in four different widths for a comfy fit.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 7 to 15
- Colors: 14
Frequently Asked Questions
What Shoes Should You Avoid Wearing at Disney?
If you’re prepared to spend all day at the parks, you might want to skip flats and high heels. Trust me, your feet will thank you later. Other shoes you should consider leaving out are strapless sandals or flip flops. Some rides (think: Soarin) may ask you to pack your sandals in a protective pouch to keep them from falling off. If you’re not keen on riding with bare feet, wear closed-toe shoes.
Can You Wear Crocs at Disney?
There are technically no footwear restrictions at the parks except inline skates or shoes with built-in wheels, so you’re more than welcome to sport some Crocs. There are mixed opinions on these (along with Birkenstocks), but do what makes you comfortable! For example, when I polled my Instagram followers for the most comfortable shoes for Disney, one commenter said UGGs were the best decision to wear in Disneyland Paris. He told me, “It was super cold, so I’m glad I wore UGGs. I was at the park from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and wore the Classic Short for men. I will say if you’re doing Florida park, maybe don’t wear these, especially if you plan on getting on water rides.” Huh, noted.
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.