Anybody know of some really good socks for WDW?

[proudnavymom]

I'm starting to prepare for our trip to WDW (Jan. 24 - Feb. 2), so I bought a pair of Easy Spirit walking shoes. They're nice, but I think I might also go try on a pair of New Balance (premium model), as I see many folks on this site like them. My question is really about socks...I want to buy the best cushioned socks (quarter crew style, not no-show) with wicking ability I can find. Any suggestions? Thanks!!

[bennette]

Hmm. Try this thread.

If you read all the way down to post #50 (or just scroll to it), I really like the UnderArmor wicking socks I got. I only took two pairs and just washed one out every night. Made a HUGE difference for me but my issue is possible blisters, not cushionng. Mine were no-show but they make other kinds.

Drince will hopefully be here soon with more info. She runs and will have the best advice.

[proudnavymom]

I checked out the UnderArmour website...cool stuff. Do you know if they sell the socks at sporting goods stores? We have an Academy store in Tulsa, but I've never been in there... I am concerned about both blisters and sweaty feet & it seems as if the UnderArmour socks address both issues. The last time I went to a theme park, my feet were quite unhappy. I'd like to make them happy this time! Thank you for the tips!

[bennette]

I got mine at a Big 5 Sporting Goods store, in the back (on sale!). That's a chain we have here.

I think you might have the best luck at a store that specializes in running/walking shoes and equipment but it can't hurt to try any regular sporting goods store.

[proudnavymom]

Wish there was a Big 5 closer to my house! The closest one is in Lawton, OK, which is more than an hour from us. There are lots of running shoe stores in Tulsa, though. I'll be checking them out (thanks for the advice!). I bought a pair of New Balance running shoes today - really comfortable. I think I'll break them in on the treadmill for a while before wearing them anywhere outside the house.

[TinaMouse]

The wicking ones I bought from Target were great too. $2.99 or 3.99 a pair.....

[proudnavymom]

That's a good deal! Thanks!

[Drince88]

If you go to a running shoe type store, you'll probably be paying more than at Target or a general sporting goods store. However the running shoe store will have someone to help you select socks. You may be able to find someone at the sporting goods store as well. Avoid cotton.

MOSTLY it's just about personal preference. Do you want cushiony or not. No show, knee high, or somewhere in between? Before you buy expensive no-show socks, though - MAKE SURE your feet in the shoes you have can handle no-show. You really don't want to develop blisters at the top edge of your shoe because you chose no-show socks.

I HIGHLY recommend, if you can, having two different pairs of shoes to switch between. If there are problem points with your shoes, each style will have slightly different points and switching between them each day may help prevent issues that could creep up after multiple days. This can be really important if you go during rainy season - so you don't have to worry about your shoes drying out each night! (Though paper towels or newspapers in the toes can really help.)

Here's one article from Runners World that talks about different socks. There's also a link to 'see more articles' that likely will have additional reports.

[proudnavymom]

Here's one article from Runners World that talks about different socks. There's also a link to 'see more articles' that likely will have additional reports.

Great article, Cathy! I do have two pairs of new shoes I'm going to try to break in at home before the trip: one pair New Balance running shoes, and a pair of Easy Spirit walkers. Both very comfortable so far, but love the New Balance. Now, it's time to get the socks. I'll be heading to Academy Sports or one of the runner's shoe stores in Tulsa. I think you're right - better to get the spendier socks, if they're going to perform like I need them to at WDW.

BTW, how do you run in LA in the summer?? I love to go on long-yet-brisk walks, but I'm also a humidity wimp, which means I'm on the treadmill at home from late spring through early fall. Kudos to you if you're able to run outdoors in LA!

[Drince88]

First, I walk - I don't run.

And my training for the DL half (it was Labor Day weekend) REALLY suffered from the temps here. Plus then I had an issue with my shins the last 2 weeks that kept me from training at all. I learned an important lesson --- don't train for a long-distance race during July, Aug, or Sept. I'm still really trying to get into a CONSTANT swing of things, so hopefully next summer I'll have figured something out to at least keep a base going.

[proudnavymom]

First, I walk - I don't run.

And my training for the DL half (it was Labor Day weekend) REALLY suffered from the temps here. Plus then I had an issue with my shins the last 2 weeks that kept me from training at all. I learned an important lesson --- don't train for a long-distance race during July, Aug, or Sept. I'm still really trying to get into a CONSTANT swing of things, so hopefully next summer I'll have figured something out to at least keep a base going.

I really admire your drive to get out there and walk in marathons. The longest I've ever walked was 12 miles during a walk-a-thon. Talk about sore feet! I know DH and I need to "train" a bit for our trip to WDW in January...the cooler weather is making it easier!

[Drince88]

The longest I've ever walked was 12 miles during a walk-a-thon.

12 miles! A half marathon is only 13.1! So you TOTALLY could do it if you decided you wanted to!

[proudnavymom]

12 miles! A half marathon is only 13.1! So you TOTALLY could do it if you decided you wanted to!

Oh, wow - I had no idea! Might be a fun challenge to do a half marathon one day, once I get used to those long walks again (after a summer spent indoors with the treadmill). Cool!

[adriennek]

Oh, wow - I had no idea! Might be a fun challenge to do a half marathon one day, once I get used to those long walks again (after a summer spent indoors with the treadmill). Cool!

Princess Half is the first weekend in March at WDW... I'm just sayin'.






Signed,
Adrienne K, WDW AP holder because it was cheaper to upgrade after my trip last week than to buy a new Park Hopper for Princess.

[proudnavymom]

Princess Half is the first weekend in March at WDW... I'm just sayin'.


Signed,
Adrienne K, WDW AP holder because it was cheaper to upgrade after my trip last week than to buy a new Park Hopper for Princess.

I wish!! It would definitely be a challenge to get my DH to take a trip in March after taking one in January...hmmm...nothing is impossible, though

[adriennek]

I wish!! It would definitely be a challenge to get my DH to take a trip in March after taking one in January...hmmm...nothing is impossible, though

Did I say you have to take him?





Ok, ok, that wasn't very nice. I know. But it will help with the budget....

Adrienne (Who, yes, is leaving her husband (and kids) home in March.)

[proudnavymom]

did i say you have to take him?

The emoticons say it all...

[mkraemer]

Adrienne (Who, yes, is leaving her husband (and kids) home in March.)

Adrienne inspired me to train for the Princess Half Marathon in March because she proved that you don't have to be a runner to train for and complete a half marathon.

I'm training with my oldest daughter, and we're meeting our cousins from Pennsylvania who thought it would be really fun to *walk* the half marathon with us. We* are leaving our husbands and kids at home too!

This stuff is infectious. I tell ya.

*I'm the exception; I'm bringing one kid with me. But she's participating!

PS: When I registered for the Princess, I discovered that the park admission tickets are *very* reasonably priced for race participants!
V-e-r-y.

[adriennek]

PS: When I registered for the Princess, I discovered that the park admission tickets are *very* reasonably priced for race participants!
V-e-r-y.

Noooooo. Don't tell me that! Did I miss the boat upgrading to AP?

Adrienne