When faced with the daunting task of being on your feet all day and walking many miles a day, the biggest priority is finding a shoe with the highest comfort level possible. Many people that go are not used to walking that far every day and it will wear your legs, feet, and entire body out. Picking a shoe that has a padded sole and extra cushioning is at the top of the list of desires.

You would not wear high heels or cowboy boots, as your feet would hurt within minutes of setting out on your adventure for the day. Some people prefer to wear flip-flops versus athletic shoes, and that is okay. Some people feel more uncomfortable in shoes that surround the feet, instead of letting the foot spread where it may. Also, some people have feet that sweat in sneakers, so they choose to wear something like Crocs instead. Whatever is going to make your feet the most comfortable is the shoe style that you should buy.

If you aren’t used to wearing sneakers and go purchase a pair just to wear at Disney World, then that will be a mistake. First, your feet might retaliate and just not feel good. It would be expensive to have to purchase a matching pair of your beloved flip-flops that you left at home because everyone said, “wear sneakers.” Secondly, purchasing any new pair of shoes the day before your journey starts, won’t give the shoe adequate time to break in, get acclimated to your foot, and your foot time to get acclimated to the new shoes, even if it is the same as a shoe you previously have purchased. Make sure to purchase shoes a few weeks in advance and give them time to see if they are comfortable on a daily basis before you plan to wear them for many miles a day during your vacation. Nothing will ruin a trip faster than blisters on your feet. You won’t be able to possibly even walk if you get blisters on your heel or toes the first day at the parks.

Supportive shoes, no matter the style, are the second highest priority to find when researching footwear for Disney World.

Overall, the type of shoe you should be looking for will have plenty of arch support to support the tendon at the bottom of your foot, preventing it from working overtime. A high heel cup can also be beneficial as it will properly align your feet, ankles, knees and hips, and won't result in joint pain. Look for footwear with a toe box wide enough to let your toes to naturally splay, as this will prevent rubbing or blisters between your toes, and will even make your steps more effective.

Some shoes don't come with enough support, and that's OK as well, as long as they can accommodate a custom insole or orthotic. If you suffer from known foot health problems, just use your own orthotics, and your foot will be in the correct position to prevent any unwanted pain. It's also a good idea to plan resting time on your visit to the resort, so that your feet don't suffer too much.

Certain individuals prefer to have flip-flops, as opposed to sneakers. As long as the flip-flop has a good sole and construction, it should be fine to wear flip-flops. Many brands of flip-flops, through the years, have observed consumer’s desire to have an everyday wearing flip-flop and have thoroughly redesigned them to not just be for the beach or pool.

Most flip-flops can be purchased in styles that have very thick, gel footbeds for support and comfort. Be careful to watch for blisters on the soles of your feet, as sometimes the friction of the foot sliding around on the sole will cause them. Again, nothing ruins a vacation to Disney World more than if you cannot walk, as a result of a blister forming on the foot. One other caution regarding flip-flops is: water being trapped between the skin and the sole of the flip-flop, especially if going on one of the many water features and attractions Disney World has. This can cause athlete's foot, as well as, blisters. Keep feet dry when not in a water area. Carry napkins in your pocket if you think getting to a bathroom is not going to be convenient to dry your feet at.

Disney World is hot, due to the location and the thousands of square feet of surface area that is concrete and asphalt, two massive heat conductors. Your feet will be standing on the pavement scrunched against thousands of people and their body heat. Your feet will get hot!! It is wise to find shoes that are made of a breathable material, such as mesh if you are looking for tennis shoes, per se.

Also, try to avoid leather, as it is, usually, not considered to be one of the more breathable materials. However, leather will keep your feet drier than a mesh shoe, if you are trying to avoid being in wet tennis shoes from a water attraction. Don’t let flip-flops fool you because they are open and you think they will let all of the heat out. Sometimes, flip-flops, because of the sole material, will be major heat retainers and they will burn your feet up.

Some of the models listed above are closed styles, but have moisture wicking linings which can do a great deal in helping prevent overheating, as well as odor build up. In addition to getting such a product, you should also consider the type of socks you wear. Investing in a pair of moisture wicking running socks can actually keep your feet cooler, and may even help prevent blisters.

Traction is important when selecting a shoe for most occasions. You will find yourself walking on many different surfaces, some could have water on them and some might not. Bathrooms, carpeting, concrete, etc. all have different textures and falling while at the Happiest Place on Earth, won’t make you a happy camper. You could end up in the hospital with a broken body part.

Some of the rides will have water aspects. Having a shoe with at least some traction pattern will possibly prevent a fall and injury. You do not need a high traction, as if you were going to be in the snow and ice, but it is best to find a shoe with a tread design that will not make the sole of the shoe slick.  It is a good idea to test the shoe out on different surfaces and in different weather elements before going to Disney World. Make sure that you are confident in walking on slick floors and water before your trip.

Although you may not think much about the amount of cushioning needed for long days of walking and standing, it’s inevitable that a full day at the Florida entertainment complex will be a strain on your feet, even if you’re in top physical shape. Walking on hard surfaces can generate a lot of force, and when it all adds up, you may find yourself suffering from pain in your ankles, knees, hips or back. All of this is even worse if you already suffer from certain podiatric problems such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis or heel pain. To ensure your family adventure isn’t spoiled by pain and fatigue, a good choice of footwear is essential.

Some of the models on this list were chosen exactly because they offer generous amount of cushioning underneath the foot, protecting you from the force. With shock absorbing technologies located in the midsole and insole of shoes, you’ll easily choose the option that works best for you.

For the most basic amount of shock absorption, go with a simple sneaker with an EVA midsole, or one of the sandals listed above. If you want something more protective, opt for a running sneaker, as it’ll be more likely to keep your feet comfortable, but will still allow a good amount of breathability that won’t make you feel like you’ve put your feet in a pot of hot water. Finally, if you suffer from foot health issues, you may want to splurge on a maximalist model such as the Brooks Glycerin that’ll surely comfort you while walking long distances, and will even offer a good amount of support so that you are perfectly aligned and pressure is distributed evenly.

Do note, however, that foam materials will lose their cushioning abilities when wet, so we would advise that you let your shoes dry thoroughly at the end of each day. Remove the insoles and put them in a well ventilated place away from direct sources of heat. This way, you should have dry footwear in the morning, and it’ll do a good job at comforting and protecting your feet.