The Great NC Outdoors Mom

Tag: supportive walking sandals

  • The Best Shoes for Walking the North Carolina Zoo (From a Mom Who’s Walked It for Years)

    If you’re planning a visit to the North Carolina Zoo, prepare to walk…a lot.

    Quick Answer

    Short on time? Here’s the quick answer.

    Do not, I mean do not wear uncomfortable footwear! Tevas save my feet in the summer and on cooler months when we visit I wear my Brooks with insoles. And don’t forget to pack a hat!

    Before We Dive In…

    If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent more time worrying about sore feet, uncomfortable gear, or whether you’re packed well enough than actually enjoying time outside with your kids.

    I’ve learned through plenty of North Carolina trails, splash pads, playgrounds, and family adventures that the right gear doesn’t have to be expensive—it just has to work.

    Why You Can Trust My Recommendations

    Hi! I’m Sara, a North Carolina mom of three boys who spends weekends exploring trails, parks, splash pads, and outdoor adventures with my family.

    After dealing with postpartum foot pain myself, I became determined to find outdoor gear that actually keeps moms comfortable while chasing kids.

    Everything I recommend is something I’ve personally used, thoroughly researched, or would confidently recommend to my own friends and family.

    Visiting the Zoo

    Several years, our family will get the annual membership to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, and it’s one of our favorite day trips in North Carolina. My boys never seem to get tired of watching the polar bear swim, looking at the giraffes, or racing to the gorilla exhibit.

    But if you’ve never visited before, there’s one thing every mom should know before packing the snacks and loading the stroller:

    You’re going to walk miles.

    In fact, the North Carolina Zoo is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, and that means the animals have huge, natural habitats that spread across hundreds of acres. It’s incredible for the animals—and amazing for visitors—but it also means your feet are definitely going to get a workout.

    By the end of most visits, my watch shows somewhere around 15,000 steps, even when we use the trams between sections. If you explore most of the zoo’s walking paths, you’ll cover close to five miles during the day.

    Why Comfortable Shoes Matter More Than You Think

    A few years ago, I wouldn’t have been excited about all those steps.

    After having my third son, I developed plantar fasciitis and ongoing foot pain that lingered far longer than I expected. Family outings that should have been fun often ended with aching feet before lunchtime.

    I remember standing in front of the giraffes, trying to enjoy watching my boys, while quietly wishing I could sit down because every step hurt.

    If you’ve dealt with postpartum foot pain, plantar fasciitis, or simply don’t have supportive shoes, a full day at the zoo can quickly become uncomfortable.

    That’s one of the reasons I started paying much more attention to the shoes I wear for outdoor adventures.

    My Top Picks

    Best Shoes

    Tevas Sandals

    Comfortable shoes for walking the zoo, they go with everything, last years and can go from wet to dry easily.

    Teva Women’s Comfortable Sandals

    Why I love these: I can wear them all day, walking miles at the zoo, and my feet feel fine at the end of the day. The best sandals for zoo walking.

    Best Hat

    This hat is not only ADORABLE but has great sun protection for your shoulders and neck.

    Eppie Wide Brim Straw Hat

    Why I recommend it: Thinking about what to wear to the North Carolina Zoo I used to not even think about a hat, and while there are lots of shady areas, I’m so grateful to not have to squint when I’m standing in a sunny spot seeing animals. The gorilla and monkey areas are not very shaded and my kids tend to linger by those animals.

    Best Shopping Source

    A few years ago I discovered ThredUp – the EASIEST way to consign clothes online. Literally stuff a bag or box of stuff you aren’t wearing anymore and send. They sort, price, and sell. You then have a credit to use toward clothes you need. Or you can simply shop their site. I’ve found some of my favorite outdoor wardrobe staples this way, including athletic tops, lightweight layers, and even supportive walking sandals. If you’re planning a day at the North Carolina Zoo, it’s a great place to look for comfortable clothing and trusted brands like Teva, Brooks, Columbia, Patagonia, and Athleta—often at a fraction of retail prices.

    ThredUp Shopping

    What I Wear to the Zoo

    After many visits, I’ve settled into a simple routine, one that prioritizes comfortable shoes for walking the zoo.

    Cooler Months

    When temperatures are cooler, I wear my Brooks running shoes paired with my Super Feet inserts. The extra support makes a huge difference when we’re covering several miles on an outdoor adventure.

    Summer Visits

    During North Carolina’s hot summers, I almost always reach for my Teva sandals.

    They’re supportive enough for long walks while still keeping my feet cool in the heat. Since many zoo paths alternate between sunny stretches and shaded forests, breathable footwear makes the day much more comfortable.

    These have become my go-to sandals for most of our outdoor adventures and the zoo is no different. The zoo has a few water areas and misting stations and they dry easily so that is key!

    Don’t Forget Sun Protection

    One thing I appreciate about the North Carolina Zoo is the mix of shady wooded trails and open sunny areas.

    Even though you’ll find plenty of shade, there are long stretches where the North Carolina sun can be intense—especially during summer.

    I usually wear:

    • A lightweight tank top
    • Sunscreen
    • Sunglasses
    • My favorite wide-brim Eppie Hat

    The wide brim helps shade my face, neck, and shoulders while still feeling comfortable enough to wear all day.

    If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you already know this hat comes with me on almost every outdoor adventure.

    Helpful Planning Resources

    If this is your first visit, I highly recommend checking out the excellent planning guide from NC Tripping. They have great tips about the North Carolina Zoo for families. It covers everything from parking and tram routes to what food is offered and what animals live in which section. From their guide they state that the NC Zoo has: “1,800 animals and 200-plus species”!

    Final Thoughts

    The North Carolina Zoo is one of my favorite places to spend a day with my kids. We have explored it in different seasons and watched our boys grow from stroller rides to walking the entire zoo themselves.

    Yes, you’ll probably hit 15,000 steps before you head home.

    But when you’re wearing supportive shoes, staying cool, and protecting yourself from the sun, those miles become part of the adventure instead of something you’re dreading.

    If you’re planning a visit to the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, pack comfortable footwear, grab a wide-brim hat, and enjoy one of North Carolina’s best family attractions. Your feet will thank you by the end of the day.

    Before You Head Outside…

    💜 I hope this guide helps make your next adventure just a little easier.

    Whether you’re heading to a neighborhood park, the North Carolina zoo, or your favorite splash pad, I hope you spend less time worrying about gear and more time making memories.

    See you outside!

    — Sara

    Affiliate Disclosure

    This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe are worth your money and that I’d recommend to my own friends and family.

  • Finding Time for Yourself Outdoors: summer self-care for moms – my day with the sunflowers under the longleaf pines.

    Summer Self-Care for Moms: Journaling Outdoors with Kids

    Somewhere along the way, summer became all about making memories for my kids—and I forgot it could be for me too. Simple ways I find summer self-care for moms.

    On one of the hottest afternoons of the summer, my youngest son and I packed snacks, binoculars, plenty of water, and headed to Raleigh’s sunflower field… every summer the city plants acres of sunflowers in a once unused field that is slowly progressing to become a unique city park. Today I threw in this journal – one that I’ve really come to love, something tangible, something that helps, something summer self-care for moms.

    Journal Link

    Grateful to have grabbed my supportive walking sandals, plenty of water and some activities for my son we really enjoyed chill time after seeing the sunflowers. Luckily this park strategically placed hammocks under the long leaf pines providing ample shade from the North Carolina summer sun.

    This is your summer too – how can you work in a few moments of self-care outdoors?

    The journal prompt I chose today was about reflection – which about brought me to tears thinking about how time has passed. The first trip to see the sunflowers was with my older two and our old dog long before my youngest was in the picture. I think back to that time and self-care for moms to me was booking a spa appointment or making sure to book a girls night.

    Outdoor self-care

    The reality is that like most adventures, the novelty of this experience wears off pretty quickly for my kids. And in the summer heat the whining can be frequent. Over the years their discomfort and boredom was often something I struggled to find enough energy for. Especially when I myself was uncomfortable.

    Summer self-care for moms

    I’ve realized that taking care of my own comfort isn’t selfish, it’s one of the best ways I can take care of my kids. When my feet don’t hurt, when I’m hydrated, when I’ve had ten quiet minutes to myself, I’m a calmer, more present mom. Coming back to supportive walking sandals that are comfortable – it may seem silly but the difference this makes for me cannot be understated. Its not just the spa, self-care can look like prioritizing my physical comfort, choosing to sit in the shade and experience the calm of journaling outdoors. Slowing down in a shady spot while the kids wander, noticing the sound of the birds.

    Comfortable sandals for moms

    Today I chose a favorite pair – always reaching for my comfortable walking sandals for our all-day adventures. Mine are over five years old now. They’ve been to splash pads, playgrounds, botanical gardens, state parks, and countless North Carolina summers. They stay secure when I’m chasing kids, they’re supportive enough for hours of walking, and now knowing how after pregnancies my feet have changed I’m so grateful for these.

    :

    They actually don’t sell the colorway in my picture anymore so including my solid black Teva Sandal for reference...

    Teva Midform

    We both have our own hammocks, the shade from the long leaf pines, the sunflowers off in the distance and I’m not doomscrolling, I’m leaning into a little self-care with this space to color.

    “Studies have shown that expressive writing — which involves writing about emotional experiences — enhances neural processing in areas related to cognitive control and memory (DiMenichi et. al, 2019). This isn’t just about feeling better in the moment, but building long-term mental and emotional strength.”

    – Child Mind Institute https://childmind.org/blog/how-journaling-rewires-your-brain-for-resilience/

    Sitting quietly beneath the longleaf pines, I could actually feel that happening. Instead of merely replaying old memories in my head, I was giving them somewhere to land, leaving me feeling more grounded.

    Emotional writing – reflecting on phases and stages of life. How is that not going to bring forth emotions. Journaling about these helps my brain process those emotions in real time and gives those emotions kind of like a physical transference – a place for them to go. Depositing emotions on paper in this environment is my opportunity for mom mental health outdoors.

    Why Journaling Outside Feels Different

    The sunflowers were beautiful, but they weren’t what I’ll remember most. Years from now, I think I’ll remember sitting beneath the longleaf pines with my youngest nearby, realizing this wasn’t just another summer for my kids—it was my summer too.

  • Why Pregnancy Changed My Feet (and the Supportive Sandals That Finally Helped)

    Quick Answer

    Short on time? Here’s the quick answer.

    Pregnancy changed my feet – after years of struggles I finally figured out why (the relaxin hormone) and what helps (yoga + supportive sandals)

    Gear Guide

    Before We Dive In…

    If you’ve experienced post partum foot pain, know that you’re not alone. There is science behind why this happens and its not an issue you have to just live with. Pregnancy changed my feet and with the right arch support plus stretching today I no longer struggle with foot pain.

    Why You Can Trust My Recommendations

    Hi! I’m Sara, a North Carolina mom of three boys who spends weekends exploring trails, parks, splash pads, and outdoor adventures with my family.

    After dealing with postpartum foot pain myself, I became determined to find outdoor gear that actually keeps moms comfortable while chasing kids.

    Everything I recommend is something I’ve personally used, thoroughly researched, or would confidently recommend to my own friends and family.

    In This Guide

    ✔️ The science behind why pregnancy changes women’s feet

    ✔️ Stretching exercises that make a huge difference

    ✔️ Comfortable sandals that I rely on postpartum (and where to find them secondhand for a deal!)

    ✔️ Real life examples

    My story

    Something that really doesn’t get enough attention is how pregnancy can change your feet. Of course we all bemoan the challenges of having swollen feet during those last few months of pregnancy but what about in the years after?

    My feet were absolutely wrecked after pregnancy.

    Somewhere between multiple pregnancies, constantly carrying kids, and spending years on the go, I developed foot pain that just would not go away. I dealt with tendinitis in my foot, ankle pain, and constant discomfort that made everyday life harder than it needed to be.

    I tried everything:

    • X-rays
    • MRIs
    • physical therapy
    • dry needling
    • different sneakers
    • inserts
    • stretching routines

    And honestly? What finally helped the most surprised me.

    Supportive sandals and regular stretching.

    Specifically: Teva sandals and consistent yoga stretches like downward dog. Find secondhand options on ThredUp for a DEAL!

    I know — it sounds overly simple but literally after all the appointments and expensive treatments wearing comfortable sandals postpartum with real arch support completely changed things for me.

    Pregnancy Can Actually Change Your Feet Permanently

    It turns out there’s real science behind this.

    Research has shown that pregnancy can permanently affect the arch structure of women’s feet. During pregnancy, your body produces the hormone relaxin, which helps loosen ligaments and joints in preparation for birth.

    Unfortunately, that loosening does not just happen in your pelvis.

    It also affects the ligaments in your feet.

    Add months of extra body weight and pressure on your arches, and it makes complete sense why so many women experience:

    • fallen arches
    • foot pain after pregnancy
    • bigger shoe sizes
    • plantar fasciitis
    • tendinitis
    • ankle instability

    And if you’ve had multiple pregnancies? The effects can compound over time.

    Now add in spending years carrying toddlers, standing all day, and running after active kids in unsupportive shoes and suddenly it all starts to make sense.

    Why I switched to supportive sandals

    For years, I kept trying to wear cute flat sandals that offered basically zero support.

    Big mistake.

    Once I finally accepted that my feet needed actual support — especially during hot North Carolina summers — everything improved.

    Teva sandals ended up being the best supportive sandals for my postpartum feet because they:

    • have real arch support
    • stay secure while walking
    • work for parks, creeks, and everyday outdoor life
    • do not leave my feet aching at the end of the day
    • hold up incredibly well over time

    I can wear them for full days outside with my kids without immediately wanting to rip them off when I get home, which honestly feels miraculous compared to where I was a few years ago.

    Archies flip flops are my number one go to for daily activities that don’t involve long walks or chasing. I also wear these around the house on days where I feel some lingering pain return because the support is critical on keeping that pain at bay.

    Mom Tip

    If pregnancy changed your feet, read this:

    If you’re struggling with foot pain after pregnancy, stop forcing yourself into flimsy sandals with zero support just because they’re cute.

    Your feet have been through a lot.

    Find supportive sandals that actually work for real life, prioritize arch support, and add regular stretching into your routine. It made a bigger difference for me than almost anything else I tried.

    My Top Picks

    I love these for style, comfort, arch support and the neutral color goes with every outfit.

    Teva Hurricane XLT2
    Search ThredUp too!

    For casual backyard activities, a low key park day, a day at the pool or wearing around the house I LOVE my Archies flip flops. I own 7? pairs and wear them on rotation constantly.

    Archies Flip Flops

    Final Thoughts

    If I were recommending just one option to my best friend, I’d choose Teva Sandals bought from REI. When you’re a busy mom spending a lot of time outside with your kids, these cannot be beat – plus REI’s a retailer I trust for returns, customer service and more.

    Remember—getting outside with your kids doesn’t require perfect gear. It just helps when you’re comfortable enough to enjoy the adventure.

    Before You Head Outside…

    💜 I hope this guide helps make your next adventure just a little easier.

    Whether you’re heading to a neighborhood park, a North Carolina trail, or your favorite splash pad, I hope you spend less time worrying about gear and more time making memories.

    See you outside!

    — Sara

    Affiliate Disclosure

    This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe are worth your money and that I’d recommend to my own friends and family.

    https://pin.it/5sJZUL34l