If you haven’t been traveling, you might underestimate how long you will be walking when exploring another country. Most people can easily walk over 20,000 steps a day when travelling in Japan. Unless your itinerary is filled with cafes and restaurants, a good pair of comfortable walking shoes or even hiking shoes is essential to ensure a pleasant trip.
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The Benefits of Wearing a Good Pair of Walking Shoes
When you travel, the last thing you want is foot and ankle pain or even blisters resulting from long walks. Thus, a good pair of footwear that supports arches and heels is important to reduce stress and cushion your feet and knees. The shoes will also absorb shocks in the heel and under the ball of your feet.
Factors to Be Considered When Choosing Your Walking Shoes
- Fit: Regardless of how well the walking shoes are designed for comfort and durability, they must provide a good fit for your feet to maximize their benefits.
- When wearing shoes, a good fit means there should be a finger’s width between the heel and the end of the shoe. Ensure that you can wiggle your toes too!
- If your feet feel cramped or bulge over the sides of the shoes, consider getting a pair of wide-fitting shoes.
- Ensure that the shoes are suitable for your orthopaedic needs and foot shape.
- Arch Support: Understand Your Arch Type. The shoes and insoles must match your arch type.
- Cushion: Only the toe area should bend when the shoe is pushed up on the forefoot area. The arch shouldn’t bend. Moreover, wear it to see if your feet feel supported.
- Traction: The shoes should grip the surface properly.
- Take terrain into account: Road shoes feature cushioning designed to absorb shock from harsh surfaces and durable rubber to withstand abrasion. Trail shoes have lugs on the outsole to add traction on uneven surfaces.
- Check for removable insoles: A great feature if you want to add custom orthotic insoles to a shoe.
The Best Walking Shoes for Japan
If you are after the best shoes for walking in Japan, read on for our our recommendation for the best travel shoes. No matter which country you visit, we are confident that the shoes we introduce in this article are the most comfortable shoes.
The Top Three Walking Shoes for an Overseas Trip
Here are the brands we go for when we need another pair of good walking shoes. These companies offer top-rated walking shoes recommended by orthopaedic surgeons. Our feet were fine after walking for 8 hours during the day. We have also trialed them on rainy days and rough pavements.
In addition to the brands we will discuss in more detail in this article, other brands that are highly regarded for hiking and long walks include:
- Merrell has great, heavy-duty shoes, albeit they are usually heavier. The company excels at crafting well-padded walking and hiking boots/shoes, offering a wide range of wide-fit shoes.
- Keen offers great all-rounder shoes that are great for long walks.
- Allbirds are great for casual walking shoes.
- On is most known for its CloudTec cushioning, made with lightweight EVA foam.
- We especially recommend the On Cloud series for everyday walking and running.
- Frankie4s offers comfortable and stylish women’s footwear that is also good for foot health (i.e. prevent and relieve heel, arch, and forefoot pain, as well as plantar fasciitis).
Please note that we receive a small commission from Amazon for any referred sales.
Hoka
Exceptional Cushioning That Appeals to a Wide Range of Foot Types and Ages, Lightweight, Superior Support, Slip-Resistant, and Design Variety
Hoka is the brand we often opt for when it comes to long trails. The shoes are exceptionally lightweight, albeit with plush cushioning. But this doesn’t mean that the shoes’ stability is compromised. In fact, Hoka shoes provide remarkable shock absorption, reducing the strain on the feet and joints. Your feet will be well-supported, even when walking on uneven surfaces.
Moreover, the brand offers a variety of designs that cater to a wide range of preferences, allowing you to express individual styles in comfort.
While founded in 2009 in France, Hoka is a leading shoe brand recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association. The company’s products have been reviewed by APMA’s podiatrists to ensure that they promote foot health. Engineered to provide superior support for your feet, most people find Hoka’s shoes comfortable to wear for long walks.
If you work in the front line of the healthcare industry, you might also consider buying a pair of Hoka. The brand is loved by nurses and clinical staff whose work requires physical strength and endurance. Hoka’s comfortable shoes can also help reduce fatigue from long shifts on foot!
Hoka Arahi Series: Long runs and Flatter feet
Hoka Arahi is one of the best travel shoes with extra stability you can get.
The shoe’s firm foam would wrap around your heel and line the medial side of the shoe. The feature creates additional support when you land. Hoka Arahi is great for those with flatter feet.
Hoka Bondi Series: Superior cushioning, High-arch support, and Good for wide feet
The Bondi series is known for its comfort. If you have high arches, the Bondi 8 would be an ideal choice for you due to its softer foam footbed and increased stack height. The shoe is also great for those who suffer from conditions like metatarsalgia and those who have lost the fat pad on their foot.
Most people found the Bondi 8 extremely cosy to wear. You can expect zero discomfort from the very beginning. Chafing, blisters, or sore spots are unlikely experiences with the Hoka Bondi 8. Furthermore, due to its shock-absorbing cushion, your feet won’t be tired after a long day of walking. Even your knees are protected too!
The best news is that the shoe is designed to prevent your feet from getting too hot!
Hoka Clifton Series: Long walks
For a pair of neutral running shoes, go with the Hoka Clifton. The Clifton is lightweight. That being said, it offers great cushioning and support, thanks to its Achilles heel tab, a lighter and more responsive midsole, and an extended heel crash pad. These features allow you to walk longer without knee or hip pain. The shoe’s shock absorption feature means that your steps will be smoother as well.
Compared to the Hoka Bondi, the Clifton is lighter and has a lower stack height. It is also more flexible and suitable for long and easy runs.
Brooks
Outstanding Breathability, Wider Range of Widths, Relatively Inexpensive, Excellent Stability
The best choice for individuals with flat feet who need extra stability and support is Brooks. It is another brand recommended by Podiatrists. The shoemaker also has a wider range of widths. With narrow, wide, and extra-wide shoes on offer, the brand is also recommended for those who find regular-sized shoes uncomfortable. But note that the Brooks tend to have a narrower toe box. If you have a wider foot or toe deformity, try on the shoes first to determine which width suits your feet better.
Brooks usually has a more traditional look than Hoka. But don’t be deceived by their ordinary look. Brooks is one of the top biomechanical shoes you could come across! Some even said they feel like a part of them when worn.
Brooks Adrenaline Series: Flat feet
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 will save your life if you have flat feet. The shoe is equipped with outstanding polyvalences, such as a thicker and wider cushion designed to maximize stability, ensuring that the impact of landing is evenly dispersed for flat-footed individuals.
Furthermore, sizable ventilation holes throughout the upper side of the shoe ensure that your feet can breathe properly, even on a hot summer day!
However, just note that Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 won’t be ideal for forefoot strikers as the forefoot cushioning is less than that of average running shoes.
Brooks Ghost Series: Do-it-all shoe
Brooks’ Ghost series is loved by Brooks fans due to its exceptional support and stability that the shoe provides. It is a great choice for those with a neutral arch that neither overpronates nor supinates. You are unlikely to get blisters or foot pain from wearing it either.
The series is known for its neutral support, breathability, soft midsole, and segmented crash pad, providing smooth running transitions. Thus, many people wear Brooks Ghost for workouts and long-distance walking. It is also good for recovery runs.
Please note that the series is particularly suitable for heel strikers. This means that it probably won’t be ideal for mid-to-forefoot strikers as the forefoot cushioning is less than that of average running shoes.
Brooks Glycerin Series: Corrective shoes and Long runs
Consider the Brooks Glycerin series for a pair of extremely comfortable shoes that can push the limits over long distances. The Glycerin provides a truly adaptable fit, with plenty of room in the toe box. The long lacing helps keep the foot securely in place with the ankle locked properly. The outsole offers incredible grip on wet floors and light trail paths.
For extra comfort, go with the Glycerin Stealthfit. It would be like stepping on a mattress, and the shoe is a part of your foot. The shoe would gently nudge your foot into the right position. Instead of a feeling of wearing shoes, the upper would feel more like wearing socks! The heel padding ensures that your heels are wrapped comfortably. Its airiness is a lifesaver in the summer as well.
In addition, it has a heel and ankle tab, making putting on the Glycerin Stealthfit a breeze! Moreover, the Glycerin feels lighter and more plush than the Ghost series.
Please note that the sock-like upper may not fit everyone. If the shoe is too tight or loose, go for the standard Glycerin.
Salomon
Exceptional Durability, Lightweight, Grip, Long Hikes, and Gore-Tex
Salomon is another brand we love for comfortable walking shoes for travel that are suitable for enduring rainy days, long walks, and rough pavements. Many experienced backpackers love Salomon for its comfort. Many of Salomon’s trail shoes are designed for rocky and mountainous terrain, providing ample cushioning.
Furthermore, it is another brand recommended by those working in the physical therapy field.
However, if you have a wide foot, remember to opt for their wider-width model, as Salomon’s fit can be narrow, depending on the series.
Salomon Speedcross series: Exceptional traction, supportive with arch support and a wide shoe box
The Speedcross series is one of Salomon’s top-sellers. The Speedcross 6 is renowned for its arch support feature and is particularly suitable for individuals with wider feet. The shoes are lightweight and comfortable, making them ideal for everyday use or running on trails. These shoes feature a sticky grip that allows you to wear them on rough surfaces. Your steps are grounded when walking through mud and creeks.
You will be impressed by the Speedcross 6 dirt and rocks prevention design. Its lugs are spread widely apart, so the shoes won’t pick up as much mud and debris as other shoes. The anti-debris mesh used to make the upper also helps prevent dirt and rocks from getting in. Moreover, unlike typical trail shoes, Speedcross 6’s midsole provides responsive cushioning and energy return.
Like many other Salomon shoes, the Speedcross 6 features a Quicklace system that allows for easy foot entry into the shoe. The laces won’t come your way when kept in the lace pocket.
Please note that while the Speedcross 6 is great for cold weather, you wouldn’t want to wear it on a hot summer day. The shoe’s breathability isn’t its strength. Furthermore, these shoes wouldn’t suit midfoot to forefoot strikers either.
Salomon X Ultra series: Supportive shoe for backcountry hiking adventures
If you plan to hike during your trip, consider getting a pair of shoes from Salomon X Ultra series. The series is one of the top favorite among hikers. The X Ultra offers an exceptional blend of comfort, on-trail performance, and durability for a wide range of purposes. The shoe’s high stability and support can handle moderate to challenging terrain. It has proper underfoot support, durable traction, and usually fits comfortably. Those with a high arch would find these shoes comfortable to wear as well.
Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex is probably the most popular shoe in the X Ultra series, especially for more rigorous terrain. You will find that the traction the Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex provides is incredible. The outer lugs can bite into loose terrain, and the soft rubber handles the rocky surface well. Thanks to the ADV-C chassis, you will have a strong base when walking on uneven, loose, or slippery terrain. With so many functions, the weight is surprisingly light, albeit not the lightest in the lineup.
You might think the Gore-Tex feature means that the foot can get hot and/or the wet foot can get stuck inside the shoe. However, this assumption isn’t true based on the many positive feedbacks!
The drawback is that the width remains narrower than that of other models. Also, try not to wear low-cut socks as the extended heel tab can rub.
Salomon Genesis series: Good for short to medium walks/runs
The series is best known for its versatility. Genesis’s 4.5mm lugs grip and transition well on many surfaces. These shoes can handle snow and thick mud terrain. Compared to many other Salomon’s models, the shoe’s Energy Foam is lighter, softer, and more accommodating. With 4.5mm lugs, these shoes provide excellent grip on all surfaces, including snow and ice. Additionally, these shoes feature a design that protects your toes from bumping into hard surfaces. It also has a quick lace system. The quick lace will secure your foot into the right position with minimal effort!
If you have a wider foot that doesn’t fit Salomon’s narrower models, you might find that the Genesis fits well as it is roomier. It has a wide room through the midfoot and heel. However, if your forefoot requires more space, try the Genesis on before making a purchase.
The last thing to note is that some users may find the Genesis ‘pinchy’ at the toe box. Try on the shoes and walk downhill to see if your toes scrunch.
Tips for Planning Your Next Japan Trip
Japan, where traditions, culture, and history intersect with the most advanced technology and modern conveniences, also boasts some of the most picturesque landscapes. It is no wonder that Japan has been voted one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world!
So if you are planning to travel to this beautiful country, refer to our article, Plan Your Next Japan Trip – When and Where to Start, for some helpful information, advice, and tips to keep in mind when planning your visit.
