Everyone wants to know about the best shoes to wear to Disney World -- and they should -- but they often forget that the right socks are also very important.
After reading this post, you'll know what to look for in a sock, why you might want to avoid socks altogether, plus several specific pairs of socks that will keep your feet happy after hours of walking around the Disney parks.
4 Tips for Wearing Socks at Disney World
Before we get to specific sock recommendations, here are some general things to keep in mind.
Consider Skipping socks entirely.
For the last several years I've worn sandals, sans socks, to Disney World, and I honestly think that makes the whole thing easier. It's one less thing to pack, and you don't have to worry about soggy socks, washing and drying your socks, bringing extra socks, and so on.
If you want to consider the sock-less route, here are some great shoes to try:
Sanuk Yoga Sling Sandal
Teva Women's SandalKeen Men's Newport H2 SandalChaco Women's ZX2 Classic Athletic Sandal
Stay away from cotton socks.
Here's a quick lesson on why you never want to wear cotton socks to Disney World:
- Your feet are almost certain to get wet -- if not from rain or Splash Mountain, then from sweat.
- Cotton socks stay wet for roughly forever.
- When cotton socks get wet, they also get heavy.
- Heavy, wet socks rubbing against your feet for hours is a sure recipe for blisters.
Class dismissed.
Be careful with no-show socks.
Avoid those cute little socks that barely come up to your ankle. There's too much risk of them sliding around and/or leaving an uncovered spot on your heel that will rub against your shoe.
Now having said that, you'll notice that several of the socks recommended below are no-show. That's a little different because they have special tabs to protect your heels and are designed not to slip.
So some no-show socks work well, but in general, be aware of their potential problems.
Bring extra socks.
Always pack an extra pair of socks (or two) in your Disney park bag so you can switch them out if when they get wet.
Don't forget the Body Glide.
This stuff is great. I rub it all over my feet every morning before we leave for the parks. (It's like stick deodorant.) You can also use it on your thighs, arms, neck, whatever.
I've only used the original, but they make one specifically for feet as well.
BodyGlide Foot Anti Blister BalmBody Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm, 2-pack
The Best Socks for Disney World
I asked around, did some research, and found several pairs of socks that will keep your feet dry protected during all that walking around the parks.
Drymax Low Cut Running Socks for Men and Women
Drymax Low Cut Running Socks for Men and Women
These socks claim to be super breathable due to something called "DRYMAX technology," which features dual-layer, moisture wicking knit fabric designed to move the moisture away from your feet and into an outer layer where it can evaporate.
Amazon reviewer hawaii says the become a Drymax "convert" after running a 100 mile race in them:
... this was the best equipment decision I made. The course was wet with ankle deep mud, it was hot and humid, super technical, and I had no moisture related issues with my feet. Zero. These things are magic. I did a few sock changes just for some fresh ones. When I sat down and saw other people feet who were wrinkled, wet, and blistered, I felt sort of guilty looking at my feet which were dry and in excellent shape! When it matters, definitely go for DryMax socks 100%. I was a skeptic, but now I'm converted.
Thorlos Low Cut Running Socks
Thorlos JMM Max Cushion Running Low Cut Socks
Thorlos socks claim to have a special padding that's clinically shown to reduce blisters, moisture, pain, and pressure.
I noticed that several of the positive reviews were from people who had arthritis, high arches, or problems with the balls of their feet. So if you have an "unusually difficult foot" for whatever reason, this might be the pair of socks to try first.
Amazon reviewer Bruno Medina said he and his wife felt a huge difference after they switched to Thorlos:
... perfect fit, incredible comfort and great absorbing all the sweat from my feet. Far more than what I expected, I'll recommend these socks to anyone.
I'm 66 y.o. and my wife is 67 y.o., we walk about 3 miles a day and waring these socks with our sneakers have made all the difference in the world to us. We use to have a lot of burning under and behind our feet before we try Thorlos socks, now with Thorns Socks the burning is gone and we are back enjoying our walk.
Balega Hidden Contour Socks for Men and Women
Balega Hidden Contour Socks For Men and Women
This socks come in 9 different color designs. (including pink!) They have a seamless toe closure, a heel tab helps prevent the sock from slipping, and mesh construction for ventilation.
Amazon reviewer E. Thierauf says these socks are totally worth the extra expense:
These socks may be expensive compared to others, but they are sooooo worth it! Support, padding, no slipping - still breathable. My husband even said he can't go back to regular socks now. Bought some for the whole family prior to Disney World trip, ensuring we all had good foot care while walking 10-12 miles/day. They did make a difference in conjunction with good shoes.
Injinji Lightweight No-Show Toe Socks
Injinji 2.0 Men's Run Lightweight No Show Toesocks
If you hate having moisture build up in-between your toes, check out "toe socks." They fit your toes in the same way that a glove fits your fingers.
Amazon reviewer T. Candace Lillis explains why she loves Injinji toe socks:
... I am a woman and typically wear a 7.5 in athletic shoes. I wear a size small in these. I prefer the fit and feel of the mens version of this sock versus the womens version. They feel sturdier and the toes don't seem as long (I have short toes so this is an issue). I have tried less expensive versions of athletic toe socks but keep returning to these. The first two pair seemed expensive, but they are wearing so well and feel so good that I would rather pay the price for the superior quality and fit.
If you have never worn separate toe socks-they are wonderful!
I am not an athlete. I live in Florida and walk 3 miles a day 6 days a week ... I purchased these to help keep my toes separated-which they do. They also keep my toes from getting all sweaty in the heat and humidity so that my feet feel dry and comfortable for all three miles.
Yes, it does take a few extra seconds to get the socks on properly-but once they are on no additional adjusting is needed. The heels don't slip down, there is no uncomfortable seam at the toes that needs to be moved a mile into a walk or run-they do not twist or bunch ...
Smartwool Light Micro Socks
I wasn't going to include SmartWool socks at first, because when I think "wool," I think "warm."
And I didn't think that many people were concerned with keeping their feet warm at Disney World.
However, it turns out that these shoes are only 57% Merino Wool, with 40% Nylon and 3% Elastane. The fabric is not only moisture-wicking, and odor-neutralizing, but also thermoregulating -- which means it keeps you warm when it's cold, and and keeps you cool when it's warm.
Reviewers just raved about these socks -- there are over 1,190 5-star ratings on Amazon.
Amazon reviewer DKH says these socks are perfect for all kinds of weather:
I wear these 100% merino wool socks all year, every day ... They keep me warm in the winter and breathe in the summer. They are not bulky. When walking, they don't slip into my shoes. They don't itch. My feet are kept the perfect temperature and do not feel clammy from sweat. They are very much worth the price compared to the performance of other socks I've tried ... P.S. I hang them to dry rather than use the dryer.
Feetures Elite Light Cushion Socks
Feetures Elite Light No Show Socks
These socks come in black, white, and grey. They are lightly cushioned and boast a custom-like fit, a special tab in the back to protect your heel, and a seamless toe for less irritation.
Reviewers liked how these socks had cushioning but weren't "squishy." Also, despite being no-show socks, reviewers said that they never slip.
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