I'm looking for a good shoe that will keep me walking through Disney all day and night (except for naptime!). Would the Shapeups be a good choice, or are those only for walking shorter periods? Also, we will be standing in line a lot. If not these shoes, than what others. Same advice needed for my 5 yr old girl and 10 yr old boy.
I have a pair of Sketchers and I wear them all day everyday. I would not wear anything else to Disneyland. As embarrasing as it is to admit, I just hit over 200 lbs (I am 34 wks along) but I say that as a testimony as to how good these shoes make me feel. Even if they don't tone for me, the cushion is unbeatable and totally worth it.
Shape ups at first are only for short walking periods. They really work your legs and butt. You don't want to be sore within an hr of getting there.
Just get a pair of shoes with some of those gel insoles. And get there early and get fast pass for the rides you MUST ride. we were there in october and we did't stand in line that much. Start in the morning at the back of the park and work your way forward.
I had the same question last year. Now that I have a pair of shape ups, I wish I had purchased them for the trip to DisneyWorld. All that walking in those shoes would have been a much greater benefit to me. Hate I missed out on it. But I would suggest that you wear and adjust to the shoes before the trip. They are different and you want to make sure you're comfortable in walking in them.
I walked all around Disney last summer in FitFlops, but they were comfortable. I could feel my leg and butt muscles working hard, but it wasn't horrible.
I would recommend comfortable walking shoes, which would most likely be some gym shoes that are already broken in. You don't want to be wearing new shoes and getting blisters.
Have a great time!
Hi A.,
I don't have Shape-ups but I do own MBTs which is what the Sketchers are patterned after. These shoes will last much longer than any other shoe if you're going around Disneyworld. You will have less foot problems and be able to walk the next day. I would wear mine.
The downside is they are little heavier than regular tennis shoes so if you're not used to wearing them your legs may become more fatigued. (I use a great energy bar that keeps my muscles from getting sore so I've pushed it with 18 hour days in them.) They are curved on the bottom so balance is slightly different. Walking, standing and waiting in line is fine but if you have to chase your 5 year old it might be difficult. They also make me taller so the adjustment to reaching and bending is awkward for me but I NEVER wear heels so that may just be an issue I have.
Hope I helped!
M.
No matter what shoes you take along, always break them in before the trip. Changing anything about the way you walk before lots of that activity will be challenging. And possibly painful.
The Boy Scouts get ready for their big trips by hiking on the weekends in area parks a few months before their huge expeditions. Start your family out walking once or twice a week. Together. Gradually increase the distance. You will have a great time, get exercise and be ready for Disney!!!
For the 1st time last weekend, I tried Shape-Ups all day without a problem - it's not as if you'll be walking non-stop for 8 hours - you walk a little, stop & stand in line, walk some more, etc. While you're standing, you can rock on them & stretch your calves. I definitely noticed significantly decreased back pain (& my legs did not get worn out) from wearing the Shape-Ups this last time, compared to previous Disney visits - this was one of the reasons I bought the Shape-ups after reading reviews of them. While the Shape-Ups are about $100 everyplace, if you have a Kohl's charge, use the coupons you get in the mail--sometimes for as much as 30% off, plus 10% for using your Kohl's charge. For kids, just make sure they wear really comfortable sneakers with socks, not flip-flops or sandals. Have a blast -
Any sort of "Shape up" shoes will wear you out. Get teh most comfortable walking or running shoes you can get, with soft insoles. I recommend "New Balance" walking shoes. I have lots of issues with my feet, but wearing these sensible shoes makes all the difference for me. You can spend over $100 on a good pair of walking shoes, and $20 or $30 on good, soft insoles, but it is worth it when your feet don't hurt as much.
I really love Asics with the gel in the heel. (Can't remember the exact name for this style but anyone at the shoe store will know.) They are very supportive and extremely comfortable. I have a bad knee and have to be careful about shoes, and these are wonderful.
Have a fun trip!
