15 Best Shoes for Disney with Plantar Fasciitis & Sore Feet
Going to Disney World or Disneyland is supposed to be fun. But the last thing you want is your excitement to be nullified due to foot pain. So if have Plantar Fasciitis (or just sore feet in general), and you’re seeking out the best shoes for Disney with Plantar Fasciitis, then I’m going to provide you with my picks for the most comfortable and supportive shoes you can buy before you depart on your Disney trip.
The Best Shoes for Disney with Plantar Fasciitis
Hoka Clifton 9
The Hoka Clifton 9 is an exceptional choice of footwear for individuals with plantar fasciitis looking to enjoy a day at Disney World or Disneyland. With its innovative features and superior arch support, the Clifton 9 offers A significant amount of comfort and relief for plantar fasciitis sufferers.
One of our favorite qualities of the Clifton 9 is its exceptionally thick cushioning. Its plush midsole provides an ample amount of shock absorption, effectively reducing the impact on the heel and arch especially when you’re having to walk quickly from one destination to another.
This feature is essential for individuals with plantar fasciitis, as it helps to alleviate pain and prevent further strain on the heel and other affected areas. The shoe’s generous toe box also promotes natural toe splay rather than scrunching toes into a curved shape, allowing for proper foot alignment and reducing pressure on the plantar fascia.
The shoe’s durable outsole provides excellent traction on various surfaces, ensuring stability and preventing any accidental slips or falls, which can be a huge bonus when it’s raining in the parks. The Clifton 9 also features a breathable upper, allowing for proper airflow and ensuring that your feet stay cool and dry, even in the warmest of weather.
New Balance 940 V4
The New Balance 940 V4 is an excellent shoe option for guests with plantar fasciitis who plan to visit Disney. One of the key features of the 940 V4 is its superior stability and motion control. These qualities are essential for individuals with plantar fasciitis as they help to correct overpronation, which is unfortunately a common issue among those with this condition.
The shoe’s dual-density midsole and T-Beam technology work together to provide excellent arch support and prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot (which is something I actually struggle with even in my wheelchair). This helps to alleviate strain on the plantar fascia and reduce pain by allowing the foot to rest at the proper angle.
The 940 V4 features a generous amount of cushioning throughout the shoe, particularly in the heel and forefoot areas which are the areas most likely to endure the most amount of pressure during a park day. This also provides exceptional shock absorption, minimizing the impact on the feet and reducing discomfort caused by the repetitive stress of several thousand steps in a short amount of time.
Saucony Echelon 9
The Saucony Echelon 9 is another fantastic shoe option for individuals with plantar fasciitis who plan to visit Disney. This shoe is specifically designed to provide superior comfort, support, and cushioning, making it an excellent choice for those seeking relief from foot pain while enjoying the Disney experience.
The Echelon 9 features a spacious toe box, allowing for natural toe splay and preventing any additional pressure on the affected areas. This accommodative fit ensures comfort and minimizes the risk of aggravating plantar fasciitis symptoms. The shoe also provides excellent arch support through a very thick layer of padding, which is crucial as it helps to stabilize the foot and prevent overpronation.
The Echelon 9 has a durable and breathable upper material, keeping your feet cool and dry throughout your time at Disney. The shoe’s sturdy construction and reliable traction outsole provide stability and grip even on wet ground, ensuring a safe and secure walking experience on various terrains within the park. This shoe is a great option to wear on water rides such as Grizzly River Run at Disneyland due to how fast it can dry off!
Asics Gel-Nimbus 24
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 24 is an excellent shoe choice for individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis, especially when visiting Disney World or Disneyland where there will be a heavy amount of walking and movement. This particular shoe is specifically designed to provide exceptional comfort and support in the arch, making it ideal for long periods of walking and standing.
The Gel-Nimbus 24 features a renowned gel cushioning system that absorbs shock and reduces impact on the feet, effectively minimizing the strain on the plantar fascia as much as a shoe truly can.
The shoe also offers a spacious toe box, allowing the toes to move freely and preventing additional pressure on the arch. The Gel-Nimbus 24 incorporates a supportive midsole and a durable outsole that provide stability and enhance overall foot protection, while also ensuring traction and safety when on slippery or wet ground. The shoe has plush cushioning and superior arch support, which ensure proper alignment and alleviate the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
While this is technically a running shoe, we think it’s a great fit for Disney!
Teva Verra
The Teva Verra sandal is a game-changer for individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis, who enjoy sandals more than they do regular shoes. This particular sandal provides exceptional comfort and support, making it an excellent choice for long days of walking and sitting in the sun, while also keeping your feet cool.
The Verra sandal incorporates Teva’s signature Spider Rubber outsole which offers outstanding traction and grip on various surfaces found throughout the park, feature that is fairly uncommon in sandals and open toed shoes.
The sandal also features a contoured footbed that provides exceptional visible arch support, promoting proper foot alignment and alleviating strain on the plantar fascia. This supportive footbed helps reduce pain and discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis, allowing individuals to fully enjoy the magical experience Disney has to offer.
The Verra sandal’s adjustable hook-and-loop closure system allows for a personalized fit, accommodating any swelling or changes in foot size that may occur throughout the day (swelling can be common after a long day in the parks). The sandal’s water-ready polyester webbing is durable and quick-drying, making it perfect for water-based attractions or unexpected rain showers in the park.
The Verra sandal provides ample breathability, keeping feet cool and comfortable even on the hottest days.
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Birkenstock Arizona Soft
The Birkenstock Arizona Soft sandal is a fantastic option for just about anyone planning a visit to Disney, but it’s even more effective for folks who suffer from Plantar Fasciitis! This special sandal is specifically designed with the wearer’s comfort in mind, making it an ideal choice for folks who want the perfect and most comfortable shoe.
The Arizona Soft features Birkenstock’s renowned contoured footbed, which is anatomically shaped to mimic the natural curves of the foot. This unique design promotes proper foot alignment and reduces pressure on the plantar fascia, assisting in alleviating pain and discomfort associated with this condition.
The soft suede lining of the footbed adds an extra layer of cushioning and comfort, helping to illuminate the chafing and rubbing that can occur with other shoes. The Arizona Soft also incorporates adjustable straps with buckle closures, allowing for a customized fit that accommodates any swelling or changes in foot size throughout the day.
The open-toe design of the Arizona Soft allows for ample breathability, keeping feet cool and comfortable even during warm weather and long sweaty days. The sandal’s high-quality construction and materials ensure long-lasting durability, making it a reliable choice for future visits to Disney as it will last for years upon years!
Brooks Levitate 4
The Brooks Levitate 4 is an outstanding shoe for plantar fasciitis, and it proves to be an exceptional choice for those planning a visit to Disney. This particular shoe comes equipped with the latest technology and innovation, offering unparalleled comfort, support, and cushioning to alleviate foot pain and provide a blissful experience even when your foot pain is trying to get the best of you.
The Levitate 4 has very thick and soft shock absorbing cushioning, which allows for maximum energy return with every step. This unique technology not only absorbs shock but also propels the wearer forward, reducing strain on the plantar fascia and promoting a natural stride. The shoe’s responsive midsole provides exceptional support and stability, ensuring proper foot alignment and minimizing the risk of further injury to the plantar fascia.
The Levitate 4 is constructed with a flexible yet durable material that adapts to the foot’s shape, offering a snug fit without causing discomfort or irritation on sore spots in the toes. Additionally, the shoe features a roomy box, allowing a hefty amount of space for the toes to splay naturally.
The shoe’s breathable mesh sides and moisture-wicking lining keep feet cool and dry, preventing excessive sweating and potential discomfort from wet socks. The Levitate 4’s overall construction and quality materials ensure long-lasting durability, making it a somewhat reliable and supportive shoe for future trips to Disney too!
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OluKai Upena
The OluKai Upena is an exceptional choice for individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis! One of its key features is its open-toed design, which allows for increased breathability and ventilation, keeping the feet cool and dry and allowing them to dry out far quicker after a water ride.
Additionally, the shoe offers outstanding arch support, which is crucial for those with plantar fasciitis as it helps alleviate pressure on the plantar fascia ligament. This support ensures proper alignment of the foot, reducing strain and discomfort.
The OluKai Upena also has excellent traction, providing stability and preventing slippage, especially on uneven or slippery surfaces. Lastly, the shoe comes in a wide range of vibrant color options, allowing individuals to express their personal style while enjoying the benefits of a shoe specifically designed to help alleviate plantar fasciitis symptoms.
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Altra Escalante 3
The Altra Escalante 3 is an outstanding choice for individuals dealing with plantar fasciitis due to its exceptional structural support and moisture-wicking nature. The shoe offers remarkable structural support in the sole and arch of the foot, specifically designed to aid in reducing the discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis. Its unique construction provides a secure fit and stability, ensuring proper alignment of the foot and reducing strain on the plantar fascia ligament.
Additionally, the moisture-wicking properties of the shoe are highly beneficial for individuals with plantar fasciitis. This feature helps to keep the feet dry and comfortable by effectively wicking away moisture and preventing the buildup of sweat, which can exacerbate symptoms and contribute to discomfort. We also happen to think that it has great color schemes and design choices available for purchase, making it one of the more visually appealing shoes on this list!
Vionic Curran Rechelle
The Vionic Curran Rechelle is an exceptional shoe option for individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis. This shoe is specifically designed to provide optimal support and comfort to alleviate the pain associated with this condition and properly support the wearer’s heels and arches.
The Curran Rechelle features an orthotic footbed that is designed to align the feet properly with the rest of the leg, promoting a more natural and balanced gait. This innovative feature also helps to reduce strain on the plantar fascia and minimize discomfort.
This particular shoe incorporates a deep heel cup that provides stability and helps to distribute body weight evenly, further reducing pressure on the plantar fascia. The Curran Rechelle also has excellent arch support built into the shoe, which is crucial for individuals with plantar fasciitis as it helps to maintain the arch in a supported position and reduce tension on the ligament.
OOFOS Original
The OOFOS Original is an outstanding shoe option for individuals with plantar fasciitis who are planning a trip to Disney. This shoe, like many others on this list, is specifically designed to provide exceptional cushioning and support making it an ideal choice for long days of walking and standing.
The OOFOS Original features a unique technology that provides an incredibly soft and supportive footbed, softer than many of the other options featured in this article. This innovative material absorbs impact and helps to alleviate the stress and strain on the plantar fascia, offering much-needed relief for individuals with this condition.
The OOFOS Original also has a spacious toe box built in, allowing for ample room for the toes to move freely and reducing the chances of irritation or discomfort. The large toebox also allows space for inserts and special socks should they be necessary to aid in symptom reduction!
The shoe features a durable and slip-resistant outsole, offering excellent traction and stability on various surfaces, including the Disney park’s walkways and potentially slippery terrain.
Merrell Bravada 2
The Merrell Bravada 2s an outstanding shoe option for individuals with plantar fasciitis. The Merrell Bravada 2 features a specialized heel cushioning system that helps to absorb shock and reduce the impact on the plantar fascia, offering much-needed relief for individuals with this condition who still want to be able to enjoy the parks.
The shoe incorporates a contoured footbed that provides excellent arch support, promoting proper alignment and reducing strain on the plantar fascia. Additionally, the shoe features a durable and grippy outsole, offering superior traction and stability on various surfaces, including the Disney park’s walkways.
This shoe is also often used in hospital settings due to its ability to grip surfaces and not slip. The Merrell Bravada 2 is constructed with high-quality and breathable materials that offer excellent ventilation and moisture-wicking properties, ensuring that your feet stay cool and dry throughout the day. This is particularly beneficial for those visiting Disney, as the park can get quite hot, sticky and crowded.
The Merrell Bravada 2 is also lightweight and flexible, allowing for a natural and unrestricted range of motion, which is crucial for individuals with plantar fasciitis.
Brooks Ghost 15
The Brooks Ghost 15 features a plush and responsive midsole that incorporates Brooks’ renowned cushioning technology, which adapts to each step and provides excellent shock absorption, reducing the impact on the plantar fascia as well as the foot and knee of the wearer. This innovative cushioning system offers exceptional comfort and helps alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis.
This particular shoe is equipped with a segmented crash pad in the heel area, which promotes smoother transitions over terrain and enhances the overall stability of the foot. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with plantar fasciitis, as it helps to distribute the pressure evenly and reduces strain on the affected area. Additionally, the Brooks Ghost 15 features a supportive and adaptive upper build that wraps around the foot securely, providing a snug and personalized fit.
The Brooks Ghost 15 is also constructed with breathable and moisture-wicking materials, keeping the feet cool and dry throughout the day, which is crucial for those visiting Disney, especially in warm weather. The shoe is a lightweight and flexible shoe, allowing for a natural and unrestricted range of motion, which is vital for individuals with plantar fasciitis.
Hoka Bondi 8
The Hoka Bondi 8 is an excellent shoe option for individuals dealing with plantar fasciitis who are planning a trip to Disney. This shoe is specifically designed to provide maximum cushioning and support, making it an ideal choice for long days of walking and standing.
The Hoka Bondi 8 features a thick and plush midsole that incorporates Hoka’s signature Meta-Rocker technology, which promotes a smooth and efficient stride, reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
This innovative design allows for a more natural and fluid foot movement, minimizing the risk of aggravating the condition. Moreover, the shoe’s midsole is constructed with durable and responsive EVA foam, providing exceptional shock absorption and cushioning, effectively reducing the impact on the feet and heels.
This feature is particularly crucial for individuals with plantar fasciitis, as it helps alleviate pain and discomfort associated with the condition. Additionally, the Hoka Bondi 8 features a wide and roomy toe box, allowing for natural toe splay and reducing pressure on the forefoot. This helps prevent irritation and inflammation, which is essential for those with plantar fasciitis.
Furthermore, the shoe’s upper is made of breathable and lightweight materials, ensuring proper ventilation and keeping the feet cool and dry throughout the day at Disney. The Hoka Bondi 8 also incorporates a supportive and secure lacing system, allowing for a personalized and snug fit. This helps stabilize the foot and reduces the risk of excess movement that can exacerbate plantar fasciitis symptoms.
Additionally, the shoe’s outsole is constructed with durable rubber and features a multidirectional tread pattern, offering excellent traction and stability on various surfaces, including the Disney park’s walkways. This ensures a secure grip and reduces the chances of slips or falls.
Overall, the Hoka Bondi 8 is an exceptional choice for individuals with plantar fasciitis going to Disneyland, as it combines superior cushioning, support, and comfort to help alleviate symptoms and provide a pain-free and enjoyable experience.
Kuru Quantum
The Kuru Quantum is an exceptional shoe choice for individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis. This shoe is specifically designed to provide outstanding comfort and support all day, making it an ideal companion for long days of walking and hopping on and off of rides.
The Quantum features Kuru’s patented a specialized technology which molds to the shape of the wearer’s foot, offering customized support and cushioning precisely where it’s needed. This design helps to distribute weight evenly, alleviating pressure on the plantar fascia and reducing pain in areas where the wearer needs it most, rather than a generalized location on the foot.
The shoe also incorporates a supportive arch system, providing excellent stability and promoting proper foot alignment alongside balance. The Quantum allows toes to move freely, preventing additional strain on the arch.
Additionally, the Quantum is crafted from high-quality materials that are both breathable and moisture-wicking, keeping feet dry and comfortable even during long hours of adventure or when you get soaked after a water ride.
What is Plantar Fasciitis, Anyway?
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that affects the thick band of tissue (called the plantar fascia) which connects the heel bone to the toes. This particular condition typically occurs due to repetitive strain or overuse, although there are other causes as well, which can include poor fitting shoes and prior injury! Pl
Pantar Fasciitis causes the plantar fascia to become irritated, inflamed, and ultimately extremely painful. The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or arch of the foot, especially when taking the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest although it can and will hurt throughout the day!
Factors such as age, obesity, high-impact activities, improper footwear, and certain foot mechanics can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. While plantar fasciitis can be quite uncomfortable, there are various treatment options that you can use to help mitigate your symptoms including rest, stretching exercises, orthotic inserts, physical therapy, and even surgery.
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This article was written by Peyton and edited by Michael.
