I pride myself in being a light traveler and only in the rarest of cases do I check baggage. One way I keep it light is by not packing shoes, bringing only the shoes on my feet. When I first visited Japan, I would wear light weight, laced shoes with arch support inserts. These would work great for walking long distances and for the constant up and down stair climbing at train stations. In my particular case, they were unfashionable, but during travel comfort must come first. Of course, the problem was they slowed me down in the frequent removal department...at homes, hotels, temples, some restaurants and so on.

So, solution two came along, something like this (http://clarks.zappos.com/n/p/dp/16439382/c/281.html). They have been great for slipping on and off, but as a function of that ease, they fit a bit loose, so during long walks they move around and dog my feet.

At home, the shoe I use for almost all non-work situations, is the Birkenstock Arizona (http://www.birkenstockmainstreet.com/biarsainmoor.html). Wearing this shoe, in Japan, seems great, since I would feel comfortable wearing it for many mile walks and I can slide in and out of it quickly. The other advantage is that during constant use, the sweaty feet are allowed to breath. I have two concerns, however. One is that someone will crush my exposed toes on a crowded train and the second is that they will somehow fly off the train platform and into the no man's land of the train tracks. My you, I've never had much of a problem with these Birkies flying off, but I hate to find myself shoeless in Japan.

I'm hoping others can share their specific Japan shoe experiences and recommendations, particularly those who are partial to Birkenstocks. Maybe a model with a heel strap will work? In advance, thank you.

Another take:

* aelexneb
* Nov 2nd 2006



I dignity myself in being a beacon traveler and only in the rarest of cases do I foil bag. One way I keep it aspect is by not packing cringe, bringing only the cringe on my feet. When I first visited Japan, I would wearing kindle load, laced cringe with roguish enforce inserts. These would cultivate desperate for walking extensive distances and for the invariable up and down stair climbing at chain stations. In my single lawsuit, they were unfashionable, but during voyages relieve must separate first. Of assuredly, the fine kettle of fish was they slowed me down in the familiar eviction district...at housing, hotels, temples, some restaurants and so on.

So, working two came along, something http://clarks.zappos.com/n/p/dp/16439382/c/281.html. They have been neat for downward on and off, but as a r“le of that well-being, they fit a bit unfettered, so during big walks they move around and dog my feet.

At abode, the shoe I use for almost all non-exertion situations, is the http://www.birkenstockmainstreet.com/biarsainmoor.html. Tedious this shoe, in Japan, seems spanking, since I would sense undisturbed punishing it for many mile walks and I can glide in and out of it rapidly. The other asset is that during patient use, the sweaty feet are given to exhalation. I have two concerns, however. One is that someone will crumple my vulnerable toes on a full indoctrinate and the minute is that they will somehow fly off the chain stage and into the no man's terra firma of the accustom tracks. My you, I've never had much of a enigma with these Birkies flight off, but I rancour to find myself shoeless in Japan.

I'm desirous others can voice their categorical Japan shoe experiences and recommendations, custom those who are bigoted to Birkenstocks. Perchance a exemplary with a run-down flog will industry? In forward, thanks you.

At home, the shoe I use for almost all non-work situations, is the Birkenstock Arizona (http://www.birkenstockmainstreet.com/biarsainmoor.html). Wearing this shoe, in Japan, seems great, since I would feel comfortable wearing it for many mile walks and I can slide in and out of it quickly. The other advantage is that during constant use, the sweaty feet are allowed to breath. I have two concerns, however. One is that someone will crush my exposed toes on a crowded train and the second is that they will somehow fly off the train platform and into the no man's land of the train tracks. My you, I've never had much of a problem with these Birkies flying off, but I hate to find myself shoeless in Japan.


Use the Bs. Your toes will be fine & if they don't fly off at home, they won't here.

If they do, go to an outdoor market or ABC Shoe Mart & get cheap replacements.

Wow, I have the doors open now & the taikos are drumming @ Yasakuni Jinja for "Cultural Day" festivities. :cool:

The best shoe that I know is the SAS comfort shoe. I first learned about it from consumers reports. Not available in Japan as far as I know.




Wow, I have the doors open now & the taikos are drumming @ Yasakuni Jinja for "Cultural Day" festivities. :cool:[/QUOTE]

I can hear them here with the doors closed.

I can hear them here with the doors closed.

So you're in teh hood? ;)

I'm at work now & all I'm getting is the right-wingers with their fn loud trucks. :mad:

When I was recently in China and Japan, my fashionable friend had shoe problems, plus at 9 US her feet were, according the the sales clerks, too big to fit! But she just couldn't walk in the shoes she had brought. Eventually, she found an Italian shoe brand, Geox, which had a store in Shanghai and bought a couple of pairs on sale there. They saved her. And look great. They are well made and the selling point is that they breathe through the sole via special goretex like technology.

They were a lot cheaper in China than in the US (they were on sale in August).

Then, we went to Tokyo and found a Geox store on the Ginza. Shoes were also on sale there, even cheaper and she bought some more. Says she loves em and can walk anywhere in em.

SAS shoes are little too retired, white belt for me. But, they are comfortable.

I just got a pair of the classic Converse Chuck Taylors and, you know, they are really comfortable. I'll bet the Japanese would love em. Especially my new ones patterned in the Stars and Stripes! :cool:

I just got a pair of the classic Converse Chuck Taylors and, you know, they are really comfortable. I'll bet the Japanese would love em. Especially my new ones patterned in the Stars and Stripes! :cool:

These (http://www.rakuten.co.jp/kutu-lead/417170/417760/712464/) are actually a little more popular. ;)

Puma Trainaway - stylish, with collapsable heel and built-in hotel key card holder.

A gadget worthy shoe, deserving of a Japanese visit:

http://viacomit.free.fr/wp-content/uploads/Pictures/0002/Puma_Train_Away.JPG

http://www.trainaway.puma.com/pindex.jsp

I'm hoping others can share their specific Japan shoe experiences and recommendations, particularly those who are partial to Birkenstocks.Sunnyhere, I live and die by my Birkenstock Arizonas (BA). I wear them nearly year-round here in Sunny Southern California. Having just come back from Japan last month, I wore them about 90 percent of the time (i.e. on subways, shinkansens, taxis, walking through Ginza, Temples, Shinkjuku and Shibuya) and never had a problem! The only time I switched to my Nike's was during anticipated rainstorms (which never happened) and when I went out drinking one night and I knew it would be a late night. Both times, I could have easily kept on my BA's as I incorrectly thought it would be an issue. BTW, last year when I to Tokyo when it was a lot warmer, the BA's never left my side (or feet, I should say!). So, my advice is - you'll be fine. My toes were never unexpectedly crushed.

... So, my advice is - you'll be fine. My toes were never unexpectedly crushed.Danke! Arigato! That's exactly the reassurance, from real world Japan experience, I was hoping to hear.

This thread reminds me of the time when I had to hunt for size 12 US mens size shoes in Tokyo. Ugh.. Had to deal with a seperating sole on one shoe while searching for a new shoe. That sucked, but I didn't mind dropping 11,000 yen to buy new shoes which I needed urgently!

Sanosuke!

That's exactly the reassurance, from real world Japan experience, I was hoping to hear.

So what am I, chopped レバー? ;)

I actually found a store in Tokyo which had my sizes, a few blocks from the Dai Ichi Hotel Annex, next to the railroad tracks. And, even more amazingly, they were having a big sale. Love the super XXXL (japanes size) shirts I bought. And they had shoes too. But, I was wearing my Chucks!

Doesn't Eddie Bauer deliver to Japan?

Doesn't Eddie Bauer deliver to Japan?[/QUOTE]

Yes,

Doesn't Eddie Bauer deliver to Japan?

Alternatively, just go to your local Eddie Bauer store and pay US price + 10-15%.

Alternatively, just go to your local Eddie Bauer store and pay US price + 10-15%.

I suspect that the Eddie stores in Tokyo have a rather small selection of anything other than very very small. :) But, I haven't been in one to take a look.

Use the Bs. Your toes will be fine & if they don't fly off at home, they won't here... Domo, Domo, Domo Arigato...your words are manna from heaven! ^ I love chopped レバー, with raw onions and natto!

I suspect that the Eddie stores in Tokyo have a rather small selection of anything other than very very small. :) But, I haven't been in one to take a look.

This logic is flawed.

Personally, I like New Balance shoes (but that's just a personal preference) in terms of choosing shoes specifically for Tokyo I go for personal hikng shoes or trainers designed for walking, but then I'm someone who'll walk for up to four stations rather than take the subway (time allowing). Because Tokyo is such a big sprawling city that forces you to think carefully about your travel route, I prefer to just walk and free my mind from schedules and train maps and transit options.

In the rainy season you'll need something that dries out quickly - I suggest taking three pairs of shoes for this time. Although I don't myself, people do wear sandals, but you can always get caught out. Really clever people carry flip flops in their bags!

But be warned! I once walked home through a particularly bad typhoon (serious enough to stop the buses) and found I was wading through quite a lot of potentially dangerous debris (glass shards in particular), and for this reason I prefer to keep my feet protected in wet weather.

As we are on the subject of shoes, with leather shoes (not trainers) I found the ones I bought in the UK to be more comfortable and better ventilated. Athletes foot was a common problem in Japan, people don't seem to complain so much about it now, I don't know why this is... My dad has a funny theory that the Japanese just don't know how to make shoes like the Europeans but that's just an old man's conjecture, whether there is any truth in it, I will leave to your own judgement.

Finally for those who may try and do a survey of what the locals wear, from my own casual observation people wear anything and everything, but people seem to be divided into walkers and non walkers, and they both tend to be rather extreme in their practice. (i.e. non walkers will get taxis and other public transport options to get absolutely everywhere, walkers spurn these options whenever possible).

There is also cycling, but that's another topic...

My dad has a funny theory that the Japanese just don't know how to make shoes like the Europeans but that's just an old man's conjecture, whether there is any truth in it, I will leave to your own judgement.

The podiatrists at the big hospital down the road from here (who know a thing or two about shoes) agree with your dad.

A few months with plantar fasciitis makes the theory seem less funny...

One of the reasons why sales of 5 finger socks are still doing well in Japan (supposed to help against fungal infections).

I think my husband meant 'difficult to prove scientifically' funny rather than 'hah hah' funny. He's in complete agreement with his Dad over this.

Personally, I like New Balance shoes ...Two of my Japanese friends claim New Balance shoes are the best shoes "for Japanese feet." Maybe there is something to that. ...then I'm someone who'll walk for up to four stations rather than take the subway (time allowing). ... I prefer to just walk and free my mind from schedules and train maps and transit options....That's exactly how I feel! Mind you, when I'm in Japan (usually Tokyo) I'm seldom under time constraints...I'm just there to soak it all in.

Something that puzzles me to no end, is number of women wearing outrageous high heels up, down and around subway stations. Maybe a few can pull it off, but so many I see are seemingly practicing a painful, masochistic fanstasy.

I think my husband meant 'difficult to prove scientifically' funny rather than 'hah hah' funny. He's in complete agreement with his Dad over this.

The "science" that I remember from the doctors that I spoke to was something along the lines of:

- The width of Japanese shoes has not kept track of increasingly narrow feet in Japan. (Hence the docs preference for New Balance - since they offer multiple widths).

- Some Japanese shoes have too much flexibility (too little rigidity) in the middle, because the shank is too short

- Generally a tendency to have "easy slip-on/slip-off" shoes leads people to wear wrong size (too large) and shoe makers don't build shoes that fit closely. (and people destroy the heels of their shoes)

There were some other points that I have forgotten.

I think this will go some way to soothing MrLapLap's Dad's grumblings once we pass this information on. He'll be delighted his suspicions have been formally validated. Thanks!

And it's a complete surprise to my husband that his preference for New Balance is echoed so loudly amongst other Japanese people who take their footwear seriously (the things you learn in this forum... ;) )

As for heels - it seems to be a real problem, even for people who've chosen seemingly sensible shoes. It bothered me when I spent a week practically on my feet at a huge conference centre recently. Some of the ladies who worked there and did this all the time (and I'm talking 8am to 11pm shifts) were being terribly served by their 'reasonable' footwear. As you described, the middle part that's supposed to support the insole would be flexing towards the ground and pushing out the heel so it was at a 100 degree angle to the sole. When it was time to say "otsukare sama desu" I'd mean it with all my heart.

I guess if you're going to knacker your feet anyway, you might as well do it with stilletoes rather than more humdrum options.....

And it's a complete surprise to my husband that his preference for New Balance is echoed so loudly amongst other Japanese people who take their footwear seriously (the things you learn in this forum... ;) )


Disclosure - One of my best friends works for New Balance and allows me to buy at the staff discount rate. I am correspondingly biased.

As far as sneakers are concerned New Balance always ranks as the best in consumers reports. A few years ago they rated SAS shoes as the most comfortable walking shoe...I have been wearing them ever since. :)

Perhaps the Birkenstock designers read FlyerTalk. They now have a Birkenstock Tokyo (http://www.birkenstockusa.com/styles/61193/manager=ProdDisplay&brand=100&category=20o40o120o140&sub_clogs=Yes&user_id=0&store_id=0&page=0&cat=men)!*

*OK, maybe they had them before but I hadn't noticed them. I found them, today, because I was looking for "closed toe shoes" for the SFO Mega Do United Maintenance Facility Tour. I didn't buy them because I'm too cheap and I found some ugly-colored Eaton Suede Clogs. Can I dye suede black? (easily and cheaply)

Perhaps the Birkenstock designers read FlyerTalk. They now have a Birkenstock Tokyo (http://www.birkenstockusa.com/styles/61193/manager=ProdDisplay&brand=100&category=20o40o120o140&sub_clogs=Yes&user_id=0&store_id=0&page=0&cat=men)!*

Aren't they just leather crocs (http://shop.crocs.com/pc-13-4-endeavor.aspx?reqid=13&reqProdTypeId=41p&subsectionname=footwear&section=products)? :confused:

I've not been shopping for over 6 months and most of this year's fashions have completley passed me by, but even I've noticed the recent rubber strapped clogs boom. Is this the Birkenstock version?

These Crocs (http://shop.crocs.com/pc-16-4-cayman.aspx?reqid=16&reqProdTypeId=41p&subsectionname=footwear&section=products) might be good for the tsuyu/typhoon season.

Late to the discussion but maybe some interesting info to share.

I have been running/racing 5Ks and 10Ks for the last 10 years so I know a little bit about shoes.

Japanese running shoes are some of the best out there. My alternate training shoes are a Mizuno Wave Inspire and an Asics Kayano (and a Saucony Labyrinth for the occasional trail run in summer) and I race in a Mizuno Wave Precision. I go through each pair in approximately 5-6 months on running 30-miles/week. Somebody mentioned New Balance: their shoes are all over the map - some seriously good shoes but a lot of junk as well. Mizuno on the other hand, make only serious runner shoes.

I am a moderate overpronator (which means I have issues with running mechanics i.e. heel-strike on the outer side rolling into the inner), flat arches etc so I've had to deal with injuries: plantar fasciitis, shin splints etc. So shoes are important to me. YMMV but I've gone through many types: Saucony, New Balance, Brooks, Etonic etc but Mizunos and Asics work for me.

So while Japanese casual footwear may be not so good (I have no experience here so I trust this board's opinion), they have pretty good running shoes. They are all made in China anyways :)

Two words:

Flip Flops

...If they do, go to an outdoor market or ABC Shoe Mart & get cheap replacements...This past trip I noticed ABC Marts, for the first time. At first I assumed they were imports from Hawai'i...until I noticed all the shoes.

One of the reasons why sales of 5 finger socks are still doing well in Japan (supposed to help against fungal infections).
.I've always been amused by the five fingered socks and this past trip I found a sizable stash at a 100 Yen store. I stocked up on them and some two fingered socks. Too early to tell, but I hoping the five fingered socks will help to keep my otherwise crammed together toes separate, reducing the occurrence of fungal infections.

I normally prefer well broken in leather sole Bass loafers at home (sometimes Aroizonas too). But these are not practical for any kind of travel. So I use Rockports with a Vibram soles for travel. These are good for going to meetings, sightseeing and running in airports.

If I am going on a serious walking trip such as the Huang San, China trip last year; then a extra pair of Vans or New Balance.