While Walt Disney World is one of the most magical places on earth, it's not very magical when your toddler complains of sore feet at the end of a long, hot day.
It can be difficult to find cute toddler shoes that are also durable enough to handle long days walking in the Florida heat -- but finding the right shoes is critical for happy feet.
After reading this post, you'll be able to choose the perfect shoes so your kids won't have tired feet.
I broke this post down into two sections:
- In the first, shorter section, I list toddler shoes that are Disney themed
- Then I describe shoes that just are just regular shoes, but they have great support for little feet, staying comfortable even after long hours of walking and standing in lines. They can withstand water rides, and rain. (And which, as you'll see in a moment, can also be "Disney-fied" if you want.)
The Two Biggest Tips for Toddler Shoes at Disney Shoes
These tips are really true for anybody, but are especially true for little kids:
- Make sure they break in the shoes first. Some people specifically don't even buy their kids special kids for a Disney trip for this reason. Instead, they just bring the shoes the kids are already comfortably wearing and enjoying.
- Bring two pairs of shoes per person. There are at least two good reasons for this:
- If the first pair of shoes get drenched, it gives them a day to dry.
- If you bring a pair that you think will be great but end up making your feet sore, you have a back-up option.
Toddler Crocs with a Disney Theme
If you like Crocs (and some people love them, especially in the summer), you can just your kid a new pair with one of their favorite Disney characters on them.
Ta-da! Disney shoe shopping completed.
Crocs Kids' Frozen Elsa Light-Up Clog
Crocs Kids' Disney Princess Light Up ClogCrocs Kids' Mickey Mouse Light Up ClogCrocs Kids' Disney Mickey Mouse ClogCrocs Kids’ Pixar Lightening McQueen ClogCrocs Kids' Disney Princess Clog
Disney-Themed Sneakers for Toddlers
By the same token, if your kids are more into sneakers and you're not too picky about which, just type "Disney themed sneakers for kids" into Amazon and have fun shopping!
Pixar Cars Boys' Laceless SneakersDisney Frozen 2 Girls Fashion Sneakers - Anna and Elsa (Toddler/Little Kid), Size 12 Little Kid, Silver Light UpMickey Mouse Red and Black Infant ShoesDisney Minnie Mouse Girls Shoes | Lightweight Sneakers | Toddler and Little Kid Casual Running Shoes Fuchsia
However, if your main concern is not whether or not Minnie Mouse is on the shoe, but whether or not your child is crying in pain while standing in line for Dumbo, here are some great comfortable shoes:
Crocs Classic Cross-Strap Sandals for Toddlers
Crocs Kids' Classic Cross-Strap Sandals for Toddlers
Some toddlers have trouble walking in the regular clunk Crocs without tripping -- or they still have chunky little baby feet that rub against the edges of the shoes.
For these kids (and others who just want a more lightweight shoe), these Crocs Sandals are a great choice.
They come in a several different colors, including Ice Blue (pictured above), Pink Lemonade, Pistachio, and Lavender.
Parents love how these shoes are easy to wipe clean, making them perfect for puddles, the beach, pools, parks, or rainy days.
Kids like how these shoes are both comfortable and cute ... so even though your 2 year old can easily take them off, they won't be doing it unless they need to.
And hey, don't worry that these Crocs aren't specifically "Disney shoes." You can easily dress them up as much as you like with Disney shoe charms like these:
Native Shoes Toddlers
Native Shoes, Lightweight Sneaker for Toddlers
Natives were another shoe that Disney-goers raved about for their toddlers, and a great lightweight alternative if you want your child's toes covered.
Like the Crocs sandals above, Natives are lightweight, make a great water shoe, and are easy to clean. They come in tons of colors, front "Pink Bling Glitter" to "Grasshopper Green" to "Popstar Orange," so your child to sure to find a style that they love.
Another thing that parents liked about Natives is that they can be worn either with or without socks, depending on your preference or what you'll be doing that day.
This Amazon customer says their 4 year old son want to wear these every day:
I got these to replace my 4 yr old son's water shoes ... He quickly abandoned his sport sandals and began putting these on for everyday activities. They work for everything--running, dirt, water, sand, bike pedaling, scootering, tree climbing, trail walking, museum outing.
He never has any redness that you might expect from spending the day in a rubber shoe without socks, not even when the shoe is wet. And, aside from being dirtier than when we got them, these shoes look exactly the same. Very little wear and tear after two months of daily use by a very active boy.
Pediped Flex Sneaker Sandal
pediped Flex Sahara Water Sandal
Parents love Pedipeds because they combine the lightweight flexibility of a sandal with the sturdy support of a sneaker.
They also liked the nice grips on the bottom and, the great arch support, and how the toes are covered, but there is still air flow from the sides (a particular plus if your kids tend to have sweaty feet).
Yes, these shoes are a bit pricey for toddler shoes, but several reviewers said they were worth the extra cost.
See Kai Run Sneakers for Kids
KEEN Toddler (1-4 Years) Newport H2 Sandals
KEEN Toddler (1-4 Years) Newport H2 Sandals
No one in my family has ever worn Keen sandals, but they're definitely one of the top choices on Disney forums, both for kids and adults. People say they're great option because they're comfortable, durable, versatile -- plus they have a great grippy tread sole.
Amazon reviewer Stephanie Roether says these were great shoes for her 4 year old to wear to Disney World, but points out one minor thing to watch out for:
Keen Newport H2 Sandals are our favorites for water/outdoor play! They dry pretty quickly and don't end up smelling terrible the way other water-resistant shoes do.
They were comfortable enough for my kids to wear all day at Disney World (which is quite a lot of walking). Definitely worth the money! *The only drawback to the "little kid" vs. the "toddler" sized Keens is that the drawstring/clip combo is difficult for an almost 4 year old to maneuver.
Teva Sport Sandals for Kids
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