Mount Dora knows how to throw a festival. From the nationally recognized Mount Dora Arts Festival to seasonal favorites like the Mount Dora Craft Fair, Blueberry Festival, Plant & Garden Fair, and holiday events like Light Up Mount Dora, there’s always something happening downtown — and always something worth walking for.
But as anyone who’s spent a full day exploring booths, sipping lemonade, and strolling those charming (but uneven!) brick streets can tell you… your feet feel it by the end of the day.
In this post, we’ll share what to wear on your feet for a full day of fun at Mount Dora’s festivals — including tips from our comfort experts and a few favorite shoe picks you can find right here in town.
Why Mount Dora Festivals Are a Workout for Your Feet
Mount Dora’s festivals are part of what makes this town so special — but they’re not for the faint of foot.
From overflow parking areas to the brick-lined streets of downtown, festival days can easily turn into 8,000+ step adventures. Add in warm Florida sun, standing in line at food trucks, browsing vendor booths, and wandering from one end of town to the other — and by late afternoon, your feet may be begging for a break.
These festivals attract everyone from tourists on weekend getaways to longtime locals and active retirees, and while each person’s style is different, one thing stays the same: supportive footwear is a must if you want to enjoy the whole day without ending it with aches, blisters, or sore arches.
If you’ve ever left a festival thinking, “Why did I wear these shoes?” — this post is for you.
How to Choose Festival-Friendly Footwear
Festival shoes need to do more than just match your outfit — they need to carry you comfortably for hours. Whether you’re walking from booth to booth, waiting in line for kettle corn, or taking in a live performance, the wrong footwear can leave you limping by lunchtime.
Here’s what to look for when picking shoes for Mount Dora’s festival days:
Key Features of a Great Festival Shoe:
- Arch Support: Prevents foot fatigue and keeps your stride aligned
- Cushioned Sole: Helps absorb shock from hard pavement or brick walkways
- Secure Fit: Avoid slip-ons that flop or rub — especially if you’re walking a lot
- Breathable Materials: Essential for Florida warmth and avoiding sweaty feet
- Low Profile or No Heel: Skip high heels or wedges; uneven surfaces + long hours don’t mix
Flat flip-flops or unsupportive slides might feel fine for short errands, but on festival days, they’re often the culprit behind sore arches, aching heels, and painful blisters.
Pro tip: If you’ll be out from morning to evening, consider a shoe with removable insoles so you can add custom arch support — something our team can help you with in-store.
Our Favorite Shoes for Mount Dora Festival Days
Finding the perfect festival shoe doesn’t mean giving up style — you just need to start with comfort-first brands that blend support and design. At Becker’s Best Shoes, we carry several lines that our local customers swear by for long days on their feet.
Here are a few of our go-to picks for festival season:
Vionic Sandals
Great for: casual-chic looks, warm weather festivals
These podiatrist-designed sandals offer built-in arch support and heel stability without sacrificing style. Choose a neutral leather pair or something with a pop of color — perfect for a cute dress or capris.
Birkenstock Arizona or Mayari
Great for: artsy comfort lovers, weekend wanderers
Classic cork footbeds that mold to your feet over time, with a supportive feel you can walk in all day. Ideal for festival browsing and brunch afterward — and right at home in Mount Dora’s laid-back vibe.
Spring Step or Rieker Sandals
Great for: elevated festival style
These offer dressier options with European-inspired design and surprising comfort. A great match for sundresses or linen pants when you want to look pulled-together but still feel supported.
Hey Dude Shoes
Great for: easygoing walkers, younger festival goers
Ultra-lightweight and breathable, these shoes are great for strolling without the stiffness. They pair well with shorts or jeans and are perfect for low-key festival days.
Every foot is different — and that’s why we always recommend trying shoes on and walking around in them before committing. Even the best brands feel different from one style to the next.
Need help finding your festival pair? Just stop in — we’re right in the middle of downtown Mount Dora, and our team is happy to help you find your fit.
Festival Foot Tips from Your Mount Dora Neighbors
Comfortable shoes are key — but there are a few extra tricks Mount Dora locals have learned over the years to keep festival days fun (and blister-free).
👣Here are a few tried-and-true tips:
- Take short sitting breaks. Grab a bench in Donnelly Park or duck into a café between vendor stops. Giving your feet a 10-minute break every hour or two can make a big difference.
- Bring a second pair of shoes or socks. If you’re attending an all-day event, switching shoes halfway through the day can relieve pressure on different parts of your feet.
- Avoid brand-new shoes. Wear something you’ve already walked in, or give your new shoes a trial run before the big event.
- Use foot powder or moisture-wicking socks. Florida warmth + walking = sweat. Keep your feet dry to avoid hot spots and blisters.
- Plan your parking. Lots fill up fast. Expect to walk — and walk some more — from wherever you park to the heart of downtown.
Mount Dora festivals are a blast — but only if your feet make it to the finish line. A little planning (and the right shoes) can help you enjoy every step of the experience.
Visit Becker’s Best Shoes Before Your Next Festival Day
Whether you’re heading to the Mount Dora Arts Festival, the Blueberry Festival, or Light Up Mount Dora this season, don’t let foot pain cut your day short. The right pair of shoes — with the right support — can turn a long day on your feet into a walk in the park.
At Becker’s Best Shoes, we specialize in comfort footwear that’s built to handle busy days in downtown Mount Dora. Our team can help you find a fit that works for your feet, your style, and your plans — whether you’re looking for something casual, dressy, or sandal-ready.
📍 Swing by the shop next time you’re downtown — we’re just steps from all the action.
💬 And don’t forget to join our VIP list for insider updates, comfort tips, and sale alerts year-round.
Your feet will thank you — and so will your future festival self.