Going to Japan! Need really good slip on, good arch support and comfy sneakers, recommendations please?

[Jillpie]

I am a Hoka or Ghost Brooks customer for years. But now, going to Japan and know I have to take my shoes on and off in temples etc., I need good slip ons. Any ideas?

 

[E&Cmom]

Following as I am going to Japan and Korea next year. I have been looking at Hoka and On Cloud but didn’t think of the slip ones which makes a lot of sense.

 

[Mle8308]

Hoka now makes slip ons. The colors are a little ugly (IMHO), but it's all relative. Skechers makes arch fit slip ons, too.

 

[BrianL]

I am a Hoka or Ghost Brooks customer for years. But now, going to Japan and know I have to take my shoes on and off in temples etc., I need good slip ons. But they have to be super comfy walking shoes at the same time. Any ideas?

When I visited temples I did not actually go inside - I am not sure they let you in many cases. That may vary. I actually did not find instances of needing to take my shoes off anywhere. If you eat on the tatami mats, then you would, but most restaurants I went had standard seating or a mix (and the mats were always full). Anyway, your mileage may vary on that.

One thing I will mention is that Japan has a ton of stairs! I mean, it's a lot. You will climb a lot of stairs, so good shoes are a must.

 

[Christine]

Do you have good feet? I don't, lol! I also wear Hokas and Brooks Ghost for the stability. I know a lot of people like Skechers and they are soft and comfy, but if you need stability it a shoe, they don't have it (people with great feet would not notice).

I lived in Japan a long time ago and there were very few places, while touring, where I had to remove my shoes all the time. I mean, yes, if I went to a traditional Japanese restaurant with tatami mats, you had to but everywhere else I toured it was not a thing. It's mainly in people's homes.

 

[Jillpie]

Thanks everyone, appreciated. We are going into someone's home as part of the tour, for a home cooked meal. And lots of temples. I also wanted the slip ons for the plane, it's a 14 hour flight, so want to slip them on and off. But good advice, thanks!

 

[NotUrsula]

Merrell makes excellent slip-on walking shoes.

 

[princesscinderella]

My favorite travel shoes are On brand and they must be waterproof. We just went to Japan this summer and we averaged walking 12 miles a day I would not recommend slip on shoes but ones with more stability. The On (I have cloud monster) waterproof shoes are a game changer, never walk around with soaking wet shoes anywhere especially Disney after a rainstorm or water ride.

 

[BayouQueen]

My favorite travel shoes are On brand and they must be waterproof. We just went to Japan this summer and we averaged walking 12 miles a day I would not recommend slip on shoes but ones with more stability. The On (I have cloud monster) waterproof shoes are a game changer, never walk around with soaking wet shoes anywhere especially Disney after a rainstorm or water ride.

Agree that waterproof is the most important thing. It was never a big deal taking them off. Where it's required, they always seemed to have a place to sit down and also a place to put the shoes.

Off topic, but the one thing I'd read about and found to be very real is the lack of trash cans anywhere. And no paper towels in restrooms. I packed the smallest size of waste can liners and a roll of paper towels. DH laughed at me for being so fussy, but we used them. Each day I tucked a trash bag and a few paper towels in my purse and was very glad to have that.

 

[buzzrelly]

I wear Hokas to work every day because I love the cushioning on the bottom but I also added extra inserts for arch support and my feet have felt so much better. I HATE tying shoes so I purchased the no-tie laces from Amazon and basically converted my Hokas to slip-ons, if that makes sense.

 

[MICKIMINI]

Do you have good feet? I don't, lol! I also wear Hokas and Brooks Ghost for the stability. I know a lot of people like Skechers and they are soft and comfy, but if you need stability it a shoe, they don't have it (people with great feet would not notice).

I lived in Japan a long time ago and there were very few places, while touring, where I had to remove my shoes all the time. I mean, yes, if I went to a traditional Japanese restaurant with tatami mats, you had to but everywhere else I toured it was not a thing. It's mainly in people's homes.

I find Sketchers comfy initially, but my weird feet hurt within minutes. DH has a collection of Skechers and loves them and picked up a couple pair of slip ons for our October trip. He also wears Olukai and they are comfy and he can walk around EPCOT with minimal complaints. Me, on the other hand wear Hoka and Brooks for stability. Both companies are changing their styles and neither IMO are what they were 2-4 years ago. It is aggravating.

 

[Rogue1677x]

I've got terrible plantar fascitis and two brands that I'm able to wear are Aetrex and Kuru. I did okay with Sketch slip on and even Naturalizer shoes, but not for significant walking.

 

[tony67]

Tried many different shoes - my go to is Sketchers - they work for me.

Others in my family have more feet issues - like the PP mentioned.

Orthofeet is a really good option and they have decent sales. They also have a lot of styles including sandals that work really well.
Walking around the hills of Lisbon in Portugal for 8 hours a day was no issue at all for those sandals.

 

[Southernmiss]

Skechers arch fit for me. I wear them most every day.

I don't care for other types of Skechers.

I just wore 2 different pair in Alaska with walking and wet conditions.

I sprayed them with Scotch guard to water proof them before we left.

We are hoping to go to Japan in the spring! Enjoy!

 

[EACarlson]

I would deal with tying the shoes and taking them on and off. I've got a pair of the Skecher's slip ins, but no way would I walk all day in them. For that I'm only going with my Hoka Bondi.

 

[Mle8308]

I find Sketchers comfy initially, but my weird feet hurt within minutes. DH has a collection of Skechers and loves them and picked up a couple pair of slip ons for our October trip. He also wears Olukai and they are comfy and he can walk around EPCOT with minimal complaints. Me, on the other hand wear Hoka and Brooks for stability. Both companies are changing their styles and neither IMO are what they were 2-4 years ago. It is aggravating.

I love my Hoka Bondi 7's from 2 1/2 years ago. The new versions (both the 8 and the re-released Bondi 7) are not the same - I totally agree! I still like them, but my old 7's are my favorite!

 

[cabanafrau]

Merrell makes excellent slip-on walking shoes.

I do really well with Merrell. I've been especially happy that all the ones I've had have been lightweight, which really helps avoid fatigue.

 

[China Expat]

Not a slip on, but I am a new HOKA convert after Saucony. Best shoes ever.

 

[Jillpie]

OP here. Thanks again everyone! I need to clarify, the slip ons will not be my walking shoes, I have Hoka for that (and thanks for the person that suggested the no tie laces). I need these slip ons, strictly to throw in my backpack for times that we have to take our shoes on and off in temples or homes, they won't be walking shoes. I went to a couple of places today, and wound up buying OOfoo sport slip on sandals with the toe closed. I think they'll be terrific on the long flight, in the hotel room, and when I need them all over in Japan. Oh and I did try Merrills and Sketchers, they didn't work for me? but thank you!

 

[Rogue1677x]

OP here. Thanks again everyone! I need to clarify, the slip ons will not be my walking shoes, I have Hoka for that (and thanks for the person that suggested the no tie laces). I need these slip ons, strictly to throw in my backpack for times that we have to take our shoes on and off in temples or homes, they won't be walking shoes. I went to a couple of places today, and wound up buying OOfoo sport slip on sandals with the toe closed. I think they'll be terrific on the long flight, in the hotel room, and when I need them all over in Japan. Oh and I did try Merrills and Sketchers, they didn't work for me? but thank you!

I think you'll be happy with your choice. My mother wears those and absolutely loves them. Enjoy Japan! It's been 30 years since I've been there and I wish I could go back soon.