My Kids and I Visit Disney Parks Twice a Month, and These Shoes Keep Me Blister-Free Every Time (2024)

My kids are teenagers now, but we’ve been visiting theme parks since they were toddlers—and these days, we’ve been known to visit Disney World multiple times a month. As a travel writer, it’s certainly fun to write about the latest Mickey Mouse-shaped snack or the newest roller coaster to open at Universal Orlando, but my job also requires me to walk miles and miles through theme parks on any given day. Translation: I’ve learned a lot about shoes (and, unfortunately, blisters).

During my family’s marathon-like trips to Disney World, I’ve tested so many pairs of shoes for features like comfort, support, and breathability. These days, if you run into me at the park, you’ll find me wearing one of the following pairs of comfy shoes, which start at $27. From my favorite Brooks sneakers to supportive Birkenstock sandals, these travel writer-approved shoes are up to 58% off—just in time for your summer trip to Disney.

Brooks Glycerin 20 Running Shoe

I first fell in love with Brooks running shoes when I wore a pair of Glycerins straight out of the box for a 13-hour theme park visit, resulting in no blisters or foot pain at the end of the day. These breathable sneakers have a well-cushioned sole and feel firm and supportive on my feet from the time I enter the park to the time I exit. They’ve received more than 3,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, too. “These have become my go-to shoes that I wear every day,” said one parent of a toddler. “My feet don’t hurt as much when I wear them or at the end of the day.”

Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Sandal

If your family likes the water rides (or if you’re traveling to Florida theme parks during the rainy summer season), these Birkenstocks are a total lifesaver. Made of EVA, a naturally stretchy polymer material, the sandals bounce back fast from getting wet, something that can really come in handy at Disney. Like many Birkenstocks, they also have adjustable straps and a super-supportive footbed, so whenever I wear mine, I know my feet will be pain-free at the end of the day.

Hey Dude Wendy Slip-On Loafer

Having a slip-on, loafer-style sneaker is a must for a Disney vacation, and these Wendy slip-ons from Hey Dude fit the bill. I love my Hey Dudes because they are comfortable right out of the box with no need to break them in. They’re also incredibly breathable on hot park days and come in a ton of colors so they match my outfits perfectly. Plus, you can get them for as low as $27 right now.

More than 10,000 Amazon shoppers have given these loafers a five-star rating, with one parent saying, “I wore them in the hospital after giving birth to twins…they are literally SO easy, comfortable, and pair with everything.”

Crocs Mega Crush Sandal

After seeing lots of TikTokers praise these platform Crocs for their comfort while at theme parks, I had to give them a try. The Mega Crush sandal was easy to slip on and off while still feeling supportive and sturdy when I walked. What’s more, I remained blister-free through an eight-hour day at Universal Orlando. The popular Crocs style gets hundreds of five-star ratings on Amazon, too. “My feet don't get sore like they do in heels,” said one purchaser, while a 66-year-old grandparent shared, “It’s like walking on a cloud….Now I want other colors.”

Brooks Adrenaline Running GTS 22 Shoe

My absolute favorite shoes to wear in theme parks are Brooks running shoes. In addition to owning a few pairs of the Glycerins I mentioned earlier, I love my Adrenalines too. And I’m not alone—the sneakers have received more than 16,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. “I’m on my feet all day running around, from work to home with the kids,” explained one parent, who called the shoes “comfy” with “great support.” Another shopper, a massage therapist who spends 12 hours on their feet every day raved, “My feet don’t hurt at the end of the day and neither do my calves!

Birkenstock Uji Nubuck Leather Sandal​

When my theme park outfit doesn’t quite go with a pair of sneakers, I turn to these surprisingly chic leather Birkenstock sandals. I can comfortably wear them all day while looking a bit more put-together when wearing a dress or skirt, and I especially appreciate the supportive soles: At the end of a long day of wearing these at Disney, my feet don’t even ache. Plus, the straps on these sandals are adjustable, so I can fit them perfectly to my feet and get a bit of extra support from the straps.

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Malden Street Mid-Top Sneaker

I was watching a parade at Universal Studios Florida when I noticed a fellow parkgoer wearing these cute mid-top Converse sneakers with a skirt. I loved her look, so I immediately did an online search for mid-top Converse and clicked “add to cart.” Since getting my own pair, I’ve become a true believer in the durability, support, and stylishness of Converse sneakers. One purchaser on the Converse website describes these mid-top gems as “something that still has the classic Chuck look and feel but with a little bit more cushioning,” and I’d agree completely.

Shop More Deals for Parents

• These 10 Under-$40 Amazon Swimsuits Are So Flattering—Including My Go-To Postpartum Pick
• Here's What Your Kid Should Wear to Preschool, Says A Former Teacher (There's More to It Than You Think)