After I first noticed the e-mail inviting me to Disney World for a piece journey, my interior youngster screamed “YES!” I grew up in Los Angeles and had been to Disneyland a handful of occasions, however in some way, at 34-years-old, Disney World was nonetheless sitting fairly on my bucket record.
As I began fascinated by what to pack for the sticky Orlando, FL warmth, my thoughts instantly went to at least one factor: footwear. I’ve been working from house for the previous 3.5 years, so I don’t precisely put on footwear on daily basis—slippers and fuzzy socks have been holding me down. That meant no matter I introduced needed to be snug sufficient to outlive eight-plus hour days and not less than 10,000 steps, if no more.
With just some days to spare, I panic-ordered two new pairs of sneakers and introduced alongside an previous trustworthy for backup. First up: a recent pair of New Balances. Supportive, dependable and excellent for lengthy stretches of standing. Then got here the Salomons. When you’ve got flat ft like me, these are a recreation changer. They dealt with inclines, uneven paths and all of the random uphill terrain the Disney parks throw at you with ease. And eventually, my well-worn Adidas—my go-to pair that I’ve had for years and nonetheless don’t thoughts carrying all day if wanted.

All three sneakers had their second to shine and fairly actually saved my ft from the agony I do know I might’ve been in if I had chosen poorly from among the cuter however not-so-functional sneakers in my closet.
Every night time, I’d crash into my lodge mattress and verify the Well being app out of curiosity. It constantly advised me I’d walked between 15,000 and 20,000 steps per day. And the true kicker? On those self same days in 2024, I had solely clocked round 300 steps—in all probability simply shuffling round my tiny NYC condominium. I needed to chortle… and gag just a little.
All in all, I’m glad I invested in these sneakers as a result of I do know they’ll be clutch once more when NYC summer time rolls round. Between dodging subway stairs, sweating by lengthy days, and pretending I’m not melting on the sidewalk, these footwear are about to earn their maintain.

Worth: $150
Store at Foot Locker

Worth: $140
Store at Salomon

Worth: $100
Store at Adidas
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