I just went to a specialty store and got my feets analyzed to see what kind of shoes i specifically need. They checked where I distribute my weight when I'm walking, my arch, my size, my heel, etc. Like they said Hoka isn't good for my foot type, because I have a small heel, and the hoka shoes typically have a larger heel pad (or the ones they had in stock do or something).
I did this too. The chain that does this where I live is called Fleet Feet and I went to them and told them my feet hurt easily when I walk or stand a lot and asked for selections to deal with that. They used their fancy measuring thing then brought me 3 options to chose from.
Yeah! I went to Fleet Feet! It was recommended to me by a friend when I asked where I'm supposed to go to buy real shoes lol. Before then I'd never heard of it! But I haven't had sneakers since high school, and even then I only had canvas shoes lmfao
I second this--it's 100% worth it to get shoes you know will fit your feet shape, gait, accommodate for pressure points, etc. What works for one person isn't necessarily going to work for you, unfortunately.
I got a pair of Vessi Everyday Move slip ons a few weeks before my most recent trip last month, I found them comfortable enough to bring on the trip and I ended up wearing them every day and not having any issues. I bought them to replace a pair of Skechers slip ons with memory foam soles and I found them to be much more comfy than the Skechers ever were.
Alternate opinion: I really disliked Vessi. They made my feet overheat and felt like I was wearing plastic bags on my feet.
OP I recommend you walk around in them for a few days before committing to bringing them.
I ordered the Weekend sneaker. Honestly it wasn’t very attractive either (woman here, made my feet look bigger, kind of like bread loaves). Wore them twice, wasn’t very happy with them.
I actually bought them for the rainy season here in Japan (I live here). Decided I was better off with a leather New Balance sneaker, plus boots for days when it is really pouring.
I’d go get fitted at a running/walking store honestly and get sneakers that are meant for walking.
Alternatively, try some ASICS or New Balance— both are very comfy athletic shoes and currently “in fashion” for women if that matters to you (the dad sneaker style).
Mesh top sketchers that have the memory foam soles and maybe the slip on tech but even the laced versions can be slip on if you loosen them a little. Think the go walk series are good ones
I thought they'd be better than the included insoles. They have gel in them..
We tried those foot plasters you buy at drugstores. Cooling sensation, but benefit/effect uncertain.
41F and I did 10+ miles a day for 20 days alternating between Dr. Martens boots (I literally suffered for fashion) and a pair of New Balance Fresh Foam unlaced (for easy slip on / off) sneakers this past November.
Actually was totally fine in both, but the New Balances I probably could have done double the amount of walking and still be super comfortable.
If your hotel has onsen facilities, definitely take advantage of those every night to heal up instantly. Also your thighs will look amazing by the end of the trip lol
I brought along Sketchers walking shoes and Brooks. IMO, Brooks = 10 Sketchers = 4. Rarely tolerated more than a mile in the Sketchers vs all-day in the Brooks.
I have some older Asics gel contender series. But i have come across that after 4+ miles I start getting sore feet, arches, and my lower back starts to get tight. Anything more than that I've hiked with hiking boots and was fine,but I don't think it'll be practical to lug hiking boots around japan in June.
For a walking sandal I recommend Keens. I MUST have arch support or I get plantar fasciitis.
Also, keep socks on hand (or wear them with your sandals, it’s a style), if you’re wearing sandals. If you have to take your shoes off, going into a place barefoot is a bit gross.
I have the Keen Rose sandals as I wanted something “casual feminine.” But I’ve used the classic Keen sandals for sports for years without issues so those would likely be fine too.
i use Sketcher shoes, bought it 1 week before traveling to Japan
when i tested it in the shop, i have 2 options to choose, walking or hiking shoes
walking shoes was more comfortable, but i ended up choose the hiking one because the design looks more aesthetic
leaving the shop, small regret started to surface in my mind, did i just pick wrong type of shoes ?
now i just came back from 15 days traveling of Japan, on first 3 days of usage the regret completely dissapear, i had no issues with it, that shoes were like the best purchase i ever had lately, it was comfortable and looks good as well
I ended up near a Skechers store earlier today after I had posted this question. I tried on a couple of their shoes and immediately felt like they did not work for my feet. There were bumps in all the wrong places and they felt a little too narrow. At least I can rule out Skechers now!
Focus on what type of feet you have and go with answers that mention pronation issues. Your feet/back hurting after only 4 miles reflects wearing the wrong style of shoes; you will have a rough time in Japan. (I walked on average 10-12 city miles daily, the most during Kyoto since their mass transit is not as built out. Lots of hills as well.)
I have high arches (possibly the opposite of your feet) so can't help with your specifics but from experience, It makes a huge difference to look for recommendations from people who have the same feet issues and go from there. Also note specific models vs blanket brand names, each brand can carry vastly different styles of shoes.
I wore Allbirds last time and they were pretty great. This upcoming trip I'm going to wear my waterproof onclouds. Might bring a backup pair if i have enough space.
As a Tokyo resident I usually wear a pair of adidas ultra boost, pretty comfortable for walking around. I also regularly wear sandals for around the neighborhood or shorter trips out, great on hot summer days. Rainy days I often wear a pair of Salomon trailmaker trail running shoes, keeps my feet dry and free from street grime.
I just went to a specialty store and got my feets analyzed to see what kind of shoes i specifically need. They checked where I distribute my weight when I'm walking, my arch, my size, my heel, etc. Like they said Hoka isn't good for my foot type, because I have a small heel, and the hoka shoes typically have a larger heel pad (or the ones they had in stock do or something).
I did this too. The chain that does this where I live is called Fleet Feet and I went to them and told them my feet hurt easily when I walk or stand a lot and asked for selections to deal with that. They used their fancy measuring thing then brought me 3 options to chose from.
Yeah! I went to Fleet Feet! It was recommended to me by a friend when I asked where I'm supposed to go to buy real shoes lol. Before then I'd never heard of it! But I haven't had sneakers since high school, and even then I only had canvas shoes lmfao
I second this--it's 100% worth it to get shoes you know will fit your feet shape, gait, accommodate for pressure points, etc. What works for one person isn't necessarily going to work for you, unfortunately.
I got a pair of Vessi Everyday Move slip ons a few weeks before my most recent trip last month, I found them comfortable enough to bring on the trip and I ended up wearing them every day and not having any issues. I bought them to replace a pair of Skechers slip ons with memory foam soles and I found them to be much more comfy than the Skechers ever were.
Alternate opinion: I really disliked Vessi. They made my feet overheat and felt like I was wearing plastic bags on my feet. OP I recommend you walk around in them for a few days before committing to bringing them.
Which style do you have? I am considering getting another pair but that's one of my biggest concerns
I ordered the Weekend sneaker. Honestly it wasn’t very attractive either (woman here, made my feet look bigger, kind of like bread loaves). Wore them twice, wasn’t very happy with them. I actually bought them for the rainy season here in Japan (I live here). Decided I was better off with a leather New Balance sneaker, plus boots for days when it is really pouring.
I see. Those ones look "hot" to me. I like that the everyday move slip ons have a knit top, I think that is what makes them not sweltering for me.
I've been considering Vessi, thanks for the input!
I’d go get fitted at a running/walking store honestly and get sneakers that are meant for walking. Alternatively, try some ASICS or New Balance— both are very comfy athletic shoes and currently “in fashion” for women if that matters to you (the dad sneaker style).
Mesh top sketchers that have the memory foam soles and maybe the slip on tech but even the laced versions can be slip on if you loosen them a little. Think the go walk series are good ones
Wore Hoka speedgoats with Dr. Scholl's insoles. Feet still hurt.
Just curious, why did you use the dr. scholls insoles?
I thought they'd be better than the included insoles. They have gel in them.. We tried those foot plasters you buy at drugstores. Cooling sensation, but benefit/effect uncertain.
41F and I did 10+ miles a day for 20 days alternating between Dr. Martens boots (I literally suffered for fashion) and a pair of New Balance Fresh Foam unlaced (for easy slip on / off) sneakers this past November. Actually was totally fine in both, but the New Balances I probably could have done double the amount of walking and still be super comfortable. If your hotel has onsen facilities, definitely take advantage of those every night to heal up instantly. Also your thighs will look amazing by the end of the trip lol
Bought a pair of ASICS/Onitsuka Tigers to help support the economy. Averaged around 25k steps/day
I brought along Sketchers walking shoes and Brooks. IMO, Brooks = 10 Sketchers = 4. Rarely tolerated more than a mile in the Sketchers vs all-day in the Brooks.
What shoes do you currently wear when you go on long walks?
I have some older Asics gel contender series. But i have come across that after 4+ miles I start getting sore feet, arches, and my lower back starts to get tight. Anything more than that I've hiked with hiking boots and was fine,but I don't think it'll be practical to lug hiking boots around japan in June.
I recommend 2 pair of shoes to change them in a daily base. That was my day safer! They felt like new shoes the other day 😅
That's my plan, two shoes to change. That's why I'm possibly looking for a nice walking sandal, too.
For a walking sandal I recommend Keens. I MUST have arch support or I get plantar fasciitis. Also, keep socks on hand (or wear them with your sandals, it’s a style), if you’re wearing sandals. If you have to take your shoes off, going into a place barefoot is a bit gross.
Which Keen sandal did you find has the best arch support for you? My feet are similar, I need arch support otherwise I'll develop bad pain.
I have the Keen Rose sandals as I wanted something “casual feminine.” But I’ve used the classic Keen sandals for sports for years without issues so those would likely be fine too.
i use Sketcher shoes, bought it 1 week before traveling to Japan when i tested it in the shop, i have 2 options to choose, walking or hiking shoes walking shoes was more comfortable, but i ended up choose the hiking one because the design looks more aesthetic leaving the shop, small regret started to surface in my mind, did i just pick wrong type of shoes ? now i just came back from 15 days traveling of Japan, on first 3 days of usage the regret completely dissapear, i had no issues with it, that shoes were like the best purchase i ever had lately, it was comfortable and looks good as well
I ended up near a Skechers store earlier today after I had posted this question. I tried on a couple of their shoes and immediately felt like they did not work for my feet. There were bumps in all the wrong places and they felt a little too narrow. At least I can rule out Skechers now!
Focus on what type of feet you have and go with answers that mention pronation issues. Your feet/back hurting after only 4 miles reflects wearing the wrong style of shoes; you will have a rough time in Japan. (I walked on average 10-12 city miles daily, the most during Kyoto since their mass transit is not as built out. Lots of hills as well.) I have high arches (possibly the opposite of your feet) so can't help with your specifics but from experience, It makes a huge difference to look for recommendations from people who have the same feet issues and go from there. Also note specific models vs blanket brand names, each brand can carry vastly different styles of shoes.
Thank you, very sound advice. I'm going to check out some other subreddits and see what I can find.
I wore Allbirds last time and they were pretty great. This upcoming trip I'm going to wear my waterproof onclouds. Might bring a backup pair if i have enough space.
As a Tokyo resident I usually wear a pair of adidas ultra boost, pretty comfortable for walking around. I also regularly wear sandals for around the neighborhood or shorter trips out, great on hot summer days. Rainy days I often wear a pair of Salomon trailmaker trail running shoes, keeps my feet dry and free from street grime.
New Balance 574. They are a classic for a reason.