15 BEST Shoes for Disneyland for Walking All Day [2024]

Reviewed by Elina Ansary
Last updated:

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TL;DR: The best shoes for Disneyland are the Allbirds Tree Runners and HOKA Clifton 9. After testing Allbirds for 3 years and Hoka for 4 months, we chose them because they’re comfortable and supportive options suitable for long days of walking at Disneyland. Allbirds offer affordability and style, while Hokas cost more, but also provide premium features like enhanced arch support.

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably planning an adventure to Disneyland in California soon.

I remember during my last trip to Disneyland there was so much to see, smell, do, and just take in. 

The last thing I wanted to focus on was how uncomfortable my feet were.

Two pairs of feet dangling from green roller coaster seats with a clear blue sky in the background.

Happy feet mean a happy day, so foot pain and sore feet are definitely not welcome at the happiest place on earth.

If you’re visiting Disneyland, you’ll need comfortable walking shoes because there’s a lot of ground to cover (500 acres, to be exact, if you include California Adventure Park).

This goes without saying, but it’s worth making sure you have a comfortable pair of shoes for standing and walking all day. 

Though Disneyland is smaller than Disney World and in a different state, these recommendations will be applicable to a Walt Disney World vacation, too. 

These are the best walking shoes for Disney parks (and the best shoes for walking around amusement parks in general). 

Two sets of women's legs wearing jeans and comfortable walking shoes, some of the best shoes for Disneyland, strolling on a concrete sidewalk on a sunny day.

#1 Allbirds Tree Runners

Product image for the Allbirds Tree Runners in grey.

If you want a sleek but supportive shoe to wear at theme parks, look no further than the Allbirds Tree Runners

Hands down, these are some of the most comfortable shoes for Disneyland and a fan-favorite shoe of The Atlas Heart team. 

They’re perfect for things like Disney vacations that will require a considerable amount of walking and standing around all day. 

As a bonus, Allbirds is known for using sustainable materials in their shoes and their eco-friendly initiatives as a brand.

Their knit upper is made from eco-friendly eucalyptus tree fiber and is super breathable even on the warmest of days. 

On super hot days, you don’t even have to wear socks with these shoes. They’re designed to be worn without socks if you want (although it’s fine to wear socks, too!). 

The Brazilian sugarcane midsole offers plenty of bounce and support for walking all day. I also like that the insoles are removable in case you need more support. 

These tennis shoes are also washable, so they’re easy to throw in the washer after a long weekend at the Disney parks—a must with what shoes go through at amusement parks! 

Plus, they come in a lot of fun colors that are constantly rotating with the seasons, so you can pick whichever pair suits your mood. 

Finally, the price point of Allbirds Tree Runners really isn’t that bad for the type of support and quality these shoes offer. 

They’re consistently priced lower than comparable shoes, which makes me feel like they have good value. 

Our editor, Mimi, swears by Allbirds and has tested multiple pairs over the years, including the Tree Runners. You can read her full review of the Allbirds Tree Runners here.

Looking for more Allbirds styles? Read our reviews on Allbirds Tree Runners vs Wool Runners, Allbirds Tree Dashers, Allbirds Tree Breezers, and Allbirds Wool Loungers.

Check Price on Allbirds

#2 HOKA Clifton 9

HOKA Clifton 9

Athletic shoes (aka tennis shoes) or running shoes are some of the best shoes for days of walking.

We’ve been testing Hoka Clifton 9 shoes for about 4 months, and they’re exceeding our expectations.

HOKA sneakers have a reputation for being top-of-the-line comfortable walking shoes. They’re supportive shoes that help avoid foot pain and provide excellent arch support.

That does come at a price, though—Hokas are pretty expensive.

However, if you’re looking to invest in a shoe that can truly handle it all, you can’t go wrong with the Hoka Clifton 9. It’s the perfect walking shoe for theme parks.

It has thick soles and good arch support that will help you avoid any foot struggles like plantar fasciitis (inflammation in your heel area) or tendonitis (inflamed tendons in your ankle or sole).

The HOKA Clifton 9 is designed with comfort and cushioning in mind, making them the best Hoka shoes for Disneyland.

Plus, they come in regular and wide-foot sizing to make sure you can find a perfect fit no matter how narrow or wide your foot is.

Disney fans will likely make multiple Disney trips in their lifetime, so investing in a good shoe could serve you well for many years to come.

#3 Cariuma IBI Low Shoes

Product image for the Cariuma IBI Low Shoes in black.

Cariuma is a shoe brand with sustainability at the forefront–buying one pair of their shoes plants two trees.

And the IBI Low Shoe includes key Cariuma components that make this brand so unique in the first place.  

These shoes are made from bamboo fibers and recycled polyester, and they come with the Cariuma insole made of cork and memory foam (which is removable, by the way).

Overall, the IBI Low shoes are some of the best shoes for Disney because they’ll serve you well while standing in line all day–and hey, they’ll also serve the world well in general!

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#4 VIVAIA Waterproof Slip-On Sneakers

Product image for the Vivaia Waterproof Slip-On Sneakers in black.

Though no one wants a rainy day at Disney, maybe you’re on a Disney vacation, and the weather has flipped on you. 

If that’s the case, the best shoes for visiting Disney when it’s raining is a waterproof option.

Fully waterproof sneakers are also a great choice for anyone keen on water rides.

VIVAIA is a newer shoe company founded in 2020 with the mission of creating stylish and sustainable footwear with exceptional quality.

And already, in the past few years, The Atlas Heart team has fallen in love with this brand, testing out four different VIVAIA styles with more to come.   

These VIVAIA waterproof slip-on sneakers are a lightweight shoe and a clear winner in terms of their comfort and flexible design.    

With where the two parks are located, the best shoes for Disney World and Disneyland will need to be breathable shoes

For being a waterproof shoe, these slip-on sneakers still excel at that with a breathable upper and insoles. 

Looking for more options? Read our complete VIVAIA shoes review

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#5 Birdies Roadrunner

Product image for the Birdies Roadrunner in white and grey.

Birdies Roadrunners are good shoes for Disneyland (or Disney World) for a number of reasons. Most notably, they combine cool design elements with comfort. 

Like other shoes on this list, they provide cloud-like comfort with their thick and cushioned heel, which is so important for any theme park vacation.  

Beyond the supportive heel, the materials of the Birdies Roadrunner are made from high-quality and durable leather and suede. 

These stylish shoes also include fun accents, like pom poms, tassels, and beads on the shoelaces. 

The Roadrunners boast a removable insole as well, allowing for additional space and easier upkeep.

If you’re interested in more Birdies styles– but the roadrunner design is a little too much for you– another favorite of mine is the Cardinal.

Looking for more Birdies styles? Birdies is another brand that we’ve tested out first-hand. You can read our complete Birdies shoes review here.

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#6 Olukai Huia / Holo

Product image for the Olukai Huia in black.

Olukai is a shoe brand that transports you to vacation, whether you’re on one or not.

Inspired by Hawaii and made with the ocean and island lifestyle in mind, their designs aim to recreate the comfort of bare feet in wet sand.

The Olukai Huia and Holo Sneakers are vegan shoes built with mesh uppers and a bouncy underfoot that provides a good amount of support.  

Mesh upper shoes also have the advantage of being lightweight and breathable, making them some of the best shoes for Disney parks. 

If you’re picturing yourself in the California or Florida heat, having breathable material might sound more appealing than a heavier lace-up sneaker.

They also have a collapsible drop-in heel, making them easy to slide on and off. 

And they have removable footbeds that are easy to wash or replace for more supportive ones if needed. 

Lastly, the Wet Grip Rubber on the bottom of these shoes will keep you upright even when waiting in the slippery line for Splash Mountain or walking over soda spills. 

Note: we’re currently in the process of testing out our own Olukai shoes, and we’ve been loving them so far! 

Check Price on Olukai

#7 Reef Cushion Breeze Flip Flops

Product image for the Reef Cushion Breeze Flip Flops in black.

I know you’re probably wondering why flip-flops, sandals, or any form of open-toed shoes are on this list.

Hear me out: I recommend flip flops, but not only flip flops. 

I’ve had multiple pairs of Reef flip-flops throughout my life, and I’ve always found them to be a very comfortable shoe option. 

Another thing I love about Reefs is that they’re slim and easy to throw in your bag, which is why I’ve included them in this list.

I’d recommend having your comfortable shoes be one of the sturdier options mentioned but have these flip-flops as an additional shoe to change into. 

This way, you can give your feet a break if they feel too hot at any point throughout the day. 

Reefs aren’t the most supportive shoes for a Disney vacation, but you can change into them when you’re heading to water rides if your primary comfortable shoes aren’t waterproof. 

And, to be fair, if you’re going to wear flip-flops, these are one of the more supportive options for happy feet. 

They have a thick, cushioned EVA footbed and don’t need much breaking in, if any. 

These Reef flip flops also have decent traction on the bottom, which again, is perfect for the days where you’ll be focusing on water rides or you’re more worried about slips. 

In addition to another shoe from this list, you could have a dream team on your hands when it comes to mastering the Disney theme parks.

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#8 Brooks Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe

Product image for the Brooks Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe in black.

Don’t let the word “running” fool you–a running shoe makes a great walking shoe (and, therefore, a good Disney shoe as well).

And the Brooks Ghost 14 Neutral Shoes are at a manageable price point while still providing a ton of support and comfort. 

These shoes have been designed to handle a variety of terrains and long distances, so they’re good for a variety of different uses besides just a Disneyland or Disney World trip. 

Another feature of these shoes is that they easily mold to different foot shapes and gaits, which means they’re very comfortable for a wide range of people. 

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#9 Rothy’s Original Slip-On Sneaker

Rothy’s Original Slip On Sneaker

A higher-end option for a slip-on sneaker is from Rothy’s, another sustainable shoe brand that we’ve tested first-hand.

Made from plastic water bottles, Rothy’s Original Slip-On Sneakers are cute shoes with functional perks. 

While these shoes aren’t fully waterproof, they are moisture-wicking, meaning they have non-absorbent fabric that moves sweat to the outer part of the shoe. 

This is ideal for those hot Southern California days at a crowded amusement park. 

And the durable outsoles on these shoes can keep up with hours of hitting the pavement or waiting in line.  

They’re also completely washable, so it’s easy to get that theme park grime off after a full day at Disney. 

In terms of comfort, they have a cushioned midsole that provides a decent amount of support, and the shoes conform to your foot once you start wearing them. 

Plus, the removable insole means you can easily replace it with one that’s as supportive as you need. 

To differentiate themselves from other slip-on sneaker options, Rothy’s has a signature stylish blue and white stripe on the heel, which I like. 

Read our complete Rothy’s shoes review. 

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#10 Dr. Scholls Slip-On Fashion Sneakers

Dr. Scholls Slip On Fashion Sneakers

There’s nothing I love more than a good slip-on sneaker. 

Perhaps it has to do with the fact that I love it when a product is designed to feel quick and easy (or that I’m not the most patient person).

I’ve owned a pair of these Dr. Scholls Slip-On Sneakers for years, and I can’t say enough good things about them. 

They have a memory foam insole, which makes every step feel undemanding on my foot. 

I find these to be some of the best women’s shoes for Disney and, in general, for people who need more overall support. 

Dr. Scholls has gotten a bad rap over the years, with millennials and Gen Z seeing them as not being very stylish and usually worn by an older clientele. 

However, the Madison Altitude and Valiant Sneakers are surprisingly stylish and cute shoes while still providing the utmost comfort. 

The one caveat to slip-on sneakers is going to be making sure you select a pair that fits your foot snugly. 

The only thing flying at Disney parks should be the elephants, not your shoes.

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#11 Teva Original Sandals

Product image for the Teva Original Sandals with pink, blue, and orange pattern.

If you’re looking for the best sandals for Disney, you can’t go wrong with Tevas.

Teva Original Sandals are some of the most comfortable and best sandals out there for Disneyland adventures.  

Our team recently tested them out while walking all over Europe for a month. We put them through the toughest tests to make sure they were worth adding to this list. 

These sandals offer major it-factors, such as being lightweight and breathable and having easy-to-use adjustable straps. 

If you’re wearing sandals, adjustable straps are especially nice to make sure they fit your foot perfectly. 

It’s also a good feature to have in case you need to readjust if you end up with a blister or sore spot. 

And even though these comfortable sandals are open-toe, unlike flip flops, you don’t have to worry about them flying off while on a fast ride. 

Tevas are some of the best shoes for Disney World or Disneyland on scorching and humid days when you just want your feet to feel more free. 

They also have a rubber sole, which helps when it comes to slip-resistance and keeping your feet on the ground. 

Another positive to Teva sandals is that they come in a variety of colors, styles, and prices, including kid sizes. 

This means you can easily match with any of your Disney kids who are tagging along on your theme park adventures.

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#12 Adidas Grand Court Sneaker

Product image for the Adidas Grand Court Sneaker in white and black.

I’m including the Adidas Grand Court Sneakers on this list because classic Adidas shoes have proven to be timeless throughout the years, and for good reason.

I know many friends who wear these athletic sneakers throughout their multi-month travels in Europe. The reason? They’re super comfortable and durable. 

Another pro is that these sneakers will go with nearly any outfit, making them good shoes for everyday use outside of Disneyland, Disney World, and other theme parks. 

Whether you’re looking for the best men’s walking shoes or the best women’s walking shoes, the style of these comfy shoes is fairly unisex. 

Lastly, at their price point it means that if you eventually wear them out, they’re easy to replace. 

I always enjoy having a constant shoe I can rely on that goes with everything in my closet. 

If you’re looking for the best white shoes for Disney that stand out in photos, you can’t go wrong with this classic Adidas style. 

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#13 Nike Revolution 5 Running Shoes

Product image for the Nike Revolution 5 Running Shoes in light grey.

Of all the shoe companies out there, Nike is one of the most well-known brands that has a vast and endless array of options.

Even though the amount of options might seem a bit overwhelming, the Nike Revolution 5 Shoes are one of the best Nike shoes for Disneyland for a number of reasons.

Most notably, these shoes are super lightweight while still providing a decent amount of cushioned comfort and a reinforced heel. 

And they’re just the right amount of flexible while still offering stability and structure for your foot. 

Although these are one of the more athletic shoes on this list, it’s also nice that they’re versatile enough for long runs, walks, or standing on your feet all day. 

Basically, they’re supportive enough for whatever you want to put your feet through.  

Another feature that a lot of the shoes on this list have in common is that they offer good traction to keep your from slipping on slick surfaces. 

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#14 On Running Cloud 5

Product image for the On Running Cloud 5 shoes in pink.

If you don’t mind an athletic running shoe option but want an eye-catching look, the On Running Cloud 5 shoes have a very captivating and comfy design. 

The On Running Cloud 5 shoes are made of 44% recycled materials and are named for their cloud foam base. 

This base cushions each step and literally makes you feel like you’re walking on clouds, even after making a few laps around a Disney park.  

The On Running shoes also come with what’s called a speed lacing system (aka laces you don’t have to tie because they adjust to your foot as it moves). 

If you find this lacing system isn’t your thing, a pair of regular laces comes with each set as well.

On Running offers a regular and waterproof option for this shoe (in addition to lots of vivacious color choices). 

Check Price on REI

Check Price on On Running

#15 Kizik Athens

Product image for the Kizik Athens in black.

Kizik brands themselves as the hands-free slip-on shoe. 

As someone who has ruined a pair of sneakers by crunching the back heel area to slide my foot in, my interest was peaked as soon as I heard about this brand. 

Kizik makes a variety of different shoe designs, but the Kizik Athens option is my favorite.

The signature feature on this shoe is called the cage: a plastic detailing around the heel, which provides support for the hands-free design of the shoe (and aesthetic appeal!). 

Plus, the thick Rabbit Foam padding on the heel lifts your foot and adds cushioning to each step. 

And, similar to the Allbirds Tree Runners, the breathable knit upper on these shoes means your feet won’t feel suffocated even on hot days, a must for Disney vacations.  

I also love the rubber traction pods on the bottoms of the Athens to prevent slips, an important feature for amusement parks that are full of slick surfaces and spilled drinks. 

Additionally, the adult shoe options have removable insoles–something that has a lot of perks.

Having removable insoles means you can make extra space in the shoe if needed.  

Even more important, it makes it easy to use a different insole better suited to your foot’s individual needs, which is nice to have for Disney shoes. 

Having insoles you can take out of your shoe also means it’s easy to throw them in the wash and keep odor down. 

Lastly, Kizik offers kids’ shoes as well, allowing you to have matching shoes for the whole family to up the cuteness on your Disneyland photos. 

The slip-on-ability of this shoe definitely makes these my pick for some of the best kids shoes for Disneyland on this list. 

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Frequently Asked Questions:

A turquoise roller coaster car full of people beginning a steep descent with a softly cloudy blue sky in the background.

Should I wear nice shoes to Disneyland?

If you mean nice in the sense of nice quality, then yes! 

If you’re referencing nice as in dress shoes or heels (shoes you would wear to nice events) the answer is a definite no. 

The best shoes for Disney are going to focus more on comfort, breathability, and good traction. 

Do you need to wear closed-toe shoes for Disneyland? Are flip-flops okay? How about sandals?

It’s smart to bring sandals and other open-toe shoes in addition to other closed-toe shoes, whether that’s a running shoe, sneaker, or hiking shoe. 

If you’re going to Disneyland for a shorter amount of time (like a half day), depending on the quality of your sandal, you may be able to make it through without foot pain. 

But if your Disney trip is for a full day (or multiple days), you’ll be better off with a more substantial shoe. 

Is it smart to wear Crocs to Disneyland?

Crocs offer pros that other sandals do: breathability and comfort. 

They come with the same cons as well: they’re not as secure or supportive in the long run.

In general, Crocs just aren’t the best shoes for theme park walking and therefore aren’t great shoes for Disney parks. 

Unless you have a tried and true pair that has supported you through long walking days in the past, I’d advise against wearing Crocs. 

What shoes are recommended to wear at Disney?

Close-toed shoes are recommended as the best walking shoes for Disneyland, as they offer more protection and support than open-toed shoe options.

Do shoes get wet at Disneyland? Should I wear waterproof shoes?

If you go on any sort of water ride–yes! 

You can anticipate plenty of splashes and wet shoes by the end of the ride (I’m looking at you, Splash Mountain). 

The best Disney shoes might be waterproof shoes if you enjoy water rides, you’ll just want to make sure they’re still breathable. 

Many waterproof shoes lose out on breathability because they’re sealed so well. 

So, if you’re going on a hot day, good shoes for Disneyland might be more quick-dry shoes as opposed to fully waterproof. 

What’s the Disneyland shoe policy?

Disneyland (and Walt Disney World) require that a shirt and shoes must be worn at all times. Meaning, no barefoot walking through the park. 

However, there aren’t any restrictions on any specific type of shoe. 

The only time Disney or other theme parks may ask you to remove your shoes is if you’re wearing loose shoes that might fall off your feet during the ride, such as flip flops. 

Conclusion: Our Pick for the Best Shoes for Disneyland

A lower view of a crowd of travelers' legs wearing walking shoes, with one person holding a Disney park shopping bag.

So, what’s our pick for the best shoes for Disney?

After testing out a number of brands first-hand and doing a ton of research, the Allbirds Tree Runners are the best shoes for exploring Disneyland.

We’ve tested Allbirds for about 3 years now, and they’re easily one of the most comfortable walking shoes on this list.

The Allbirds Tree Runners shoes all combine to make the perfect Disney shoe—from breathability, cushioned support, washability, plus the added bonus of being sustainable.

If you’re looking for something a little more athletic, the best running shoes for Disney with great arch support are the HOKA Clifton 9 shoes, which we’ve tested for 4 months.

However, these come at a higher price point, so, overall, I think the Tree Runners are a better value.

I’d recommend the HOKA Clifton 9 shoes for people who need more serious support due to foot problems like plantar fasciitis and tendonitis.

Ultimately, the best Disney walking shoes are going to be shoes that you don’t notice!

If you last the day without thinking about sore feet, a lack of arch support, or having the wrong shoes, you’ve won.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Monroe Dziersk Profile Pic

Monroe Dziersk

Monroe Dziersk was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. After discovering a world outside of Midwest winters, she was quickly drawn to the southeastern coast of the United States. While attending Elon University, she studied abroad in Florence, Italy. A switch was flipped, and she quickly fell in love with European culture and lifestyle.

Now, she lives in Italy and is always on the hunt for stylish, comfortable shoes that can hold up on cobblestones. She has traveled to more than 20 countries and plans to continue the tally while looking stylish.


Looking for more shoe recommendations? Read our related guides below! 

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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