Looking for the best runDisney running shoe options? Check out our top 5 picks!
Are you ready to lace up for your next magical runDisney race? Whether tackling the Princess 5K or conquering the full Walt Disney marathon, having the right pair of runDisney running shoes can make all the difference!
In this post, we’ll review our top five picks for runDisney footwear, covering everything from performance features to which types of feet they are best for (and check out the bonus pick for your non-running park day). Let’s check out some awesome choices for comfort and pixie dust for your next runDisney adventure!
RunDisney race overview
The runDisney race experience draws participants with its blend of themed courses and Disney fan camaraderie. Runners traverse iconic Disney parks, surrounded by their favorite Disney characters and fellow Disney fans.
Before we dive into our favorite runDisney running shoes let’s check out the runDisney race choices- there’s something for everyone!
runDisney 5k races
The runDisney 5K offers a fabulous first runDisney experience for runners of all ages and skill levels. Participants can immerse themselves in a run or walk as they wind through Disney parks. This event encourages both seasoned runners and families to join the fun, often with Disney-themed costumes that add to the vibe. RunDisney offers a variety of 5ks, from Princess theming to Pixar to the classic characters of the Walt Disney World or Disneyland race weekends.
runDisney 10k races
The 10k races step it up a bit, both in minimum pace (see my full blog for more details) and distance—this 6.2 mile run is also offered on Princess, Wine and Dine, special rotating theme weekends, and Walt Disney World and Disneyland race weekends.
runDisney Half Marathon, Marathon, and Challenges
And don’t worry—if you like distance running, runDisney has you covered! At any of the classic weekends, you can do 13.1, 26.2, or a combination of the above runs as a challenge, though the specially themed rotating runs often offer a 10.2 option instead of the half marathon.
How to Choose the Best runDisney Running Shoe for You
If you are a beginner with runDisney or running you may be wondering how to pick a good running shoe. Here are some guidelines that I follow and the runners in our group follow, as well as many other runDisney participants:
- A good running shoe should feel like an extension of your feet, in other words you shouldn’t be actively aware of the shoes when you try them on. They should feel comfortable, not too tight, not too loose, and not pushing your toe to the front of the shoe or be uncomfortable on your arches.
- Take them for a test run. You can do a short run in the shoe store or check the store/online stores return policy and be sure that you can return them after a short test run outside. Most good running shoe stores will encourage you to try your shoes out and do a test run. But most running shoe stores are expensive so if you find the shoes via an online seller with a free return policy you should be covered and get a better price.
- Allow about the width of your thumb’s length between the end of your great toe and the end of the shoe. You may have to go up half a size from your normal size (except with Adidas, see below, they run big for many people).
- Bring a few pairs of your running socks with you and try the shoes on with the socks.
- Try on shoes later in the day, as your feet can experience some swelling and expansion during the day.
Top 5 runDisney running shoes
Now, let’s break down our top 5 runDisney running shoe choices. Comfort, durability, cushioning, and support are critical when choosing a good running shoe—particularly for longer distances. Any of the following offers just that, but remember that your mileage may vary. Often, you can get a better deal online, so check out the links, but you may want to try these on before ordering.
Brooks Ghost running shoe
The Brooks Women's Ghost 15 is great for neutral or high arches, shock absorption, and soft cushioning!
The Brooks Ghost running shoe is a top choice for runDisney participants. Best known for its exceptional cushioning, the Ghost is a great daily trainer. It is lightweight, comfortable, and awesome for daily training and both short and long races. The shoe’s breathable mesh upper enhances ventilation, keeping feet cool during those warm Florida days. Additionally, the responsive midsole provides excellent energy return, and it’s great for those who need arch support.
I also love the colors in this particular style. Though a good running shoe is not all about color, many runDisney participants use their running shoes as an extension of their costume, so this could work for Cinderella, Aurora, Jasmine, or any runDisney costume that has blue and pink tones!
New Balance Fresh Foam X running shoe Review
The Fresh Foam X V4 offers exceptional cushioning and comfort!
The New Balance Fresh Foam X V4 running shoe is a great option for runDisney participants seeking comfort and performance. Engineered with Fresh Foam technology, this version of the fresh foam shoe delivers exceptional cushioning, and every pair I have had has lasted me a long time and been comfortable during races and long runs. They have a lightweight design and a breathable mesh upper for ventilation, keeping feet cool during warm races. Additionally, the shoe features a supportive fit that adapts to various foot shapes, which I have found to be essential because I have a wide foot and a flatter type arch. And some of my running friends have a higher arch yet still find the Fresh Foam X V4 to be a good fit for them too.
Asics Gel Excite Running Shoe Review
This more affordable option in the Gel line offers lots of cushioning and comfort at half the price of the others!
The Asics Gel Excite running shoe is a budget-friendly, high-performing choice for runDisney racers, seamlessly marrying comfort, performance, and budget. Gel technology absorbs shock, providing a cushioned, comfortable experience even over long distances. The Gel Excite also comes in SO many different colors, you are bound to find one for your Disney-bound (see what I did there?).
However, as I recently discovered, this option might not be the best choice for those with low arches. I used to love Asics Gels, but my feet have changed over the years, and they just don’t work with my arches anymore.
Adidas Ultraboost Running Shoe Review
We love the Adidas Ultraboost for comfort, stability, and cushioning- and they are so fun to wear!
Adidas has become one of my favorite shoes over the years- both for running and just for fun and style! The Ultraboost has been my favorite Adidas running shoe so far, but I’m also a big fan of the Adidas Swift running shoe too and it’s more budget friendly. Anything in the Adidas brand will be lightweight and breathable, perfect for those ever so warm runDisney races!
The Ultraboost received our “best overall” rating because it is a stable yet comfortable, cushioned, and lightweight shoe. Adidas shoes do run big so some people have to order them a size down from their regular running shoe size (which is typically half a size larger than your regular shoe size). This is a favorite of many of the runners polled for its overall performance.
Saucony Triumph 21 Running Shoe Review
The Saucony Triumph 21 is great for high arches and overall performance!
Saucony has always been one of my favorite brands and was the brand I ran my first race in. I don’t wear them anymore because my arches have dropped over the years, but they are superior in comfort and performance and are fabulous for support and fit if you do have high arches. They are also built to last, so if you are putting in a lot of miles, this is a great option for you!
The Triumph 21 comes in lots of colors- I thought the yellow one here would be great for someone that is looking for a runDisney running shoe themed towards Belle or Pluto or any of the characters that wear yellow. But they have lots of other colors and some of them run cheaper than this yellow version so scroll through the colors if you are looking to save some money!
Honorable Mention for a Cute Park Day Sneaker
If you are looking to wear a Disney-themed sneaker on your non-runDisney day, Main Street Bella has some super cute “fitness” shoes you may want to check out. With themes like Mary Poppins, Little Mermaid, Haunted Mansion, and more, these shoes could be a nice alternative for walking around the parks.
They also have themed leggings, tees, and tanks that might be great if you want an easy Disney-bound or runDisney outfit. You can also check out my blog on 5 runDisney costume ideas you will love and my blog on runDisney princess costumes for grown-ups.
The Wrap Up
RunDisney is the most magical race series out there (in my opinion) and a tremendous amount of fun for any Disney fan looking to combine their love for fitness with Disney! Whether you choose to go full-on runDisney costume territory or just sport your runDisney t-shirt, you will need to find a comfortable, supportive, and durable runDisney running shoe, and you can’t go wrong with any of these top five choices.
Let me know in the comments what your favorite runDisney running shoe is.
Happy Running!
You May Also Enjoy:
- 5 RunDisney Costume Ideas you’re going to Love!
- Train Like a Disney Princess: Game-changing Tips for RunDisney 5K Training
- 11 Ways to Slay RunDisney Training
Shelley has been going on Walt Disney World trips since she was a toddler growing up in South Florida. Since then, she has expanded her interests and passion to include Disneyland and runDisney trips. She is a Disney College of Knowledge-certified Travel Planner, runner, Physician, mom of three, and all-around Disney fan. She believes the magic is in the details of any Disney or runDisney trip!
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