What brand of shoes to buy in Japan: A guide to popular shoe styles and brands in 2023
In recent years, Japanese footwear brands have attracted the attention of consumers around the world with their unique designs, high-quality craftsmanship and comfortable wearing experience. Whether it is sports shoes, casual shoes or formal shoes, Japanese brands can meet the needs of different groups of people. This article will take stock of the Japanese shoe brands and popular styles that have been hotly discussed on the Internet in the past 10 days to help you choose your favorite shoes.
1. Inventory of popular Japanese shoe brands

| brand name | Main types | Price range (yen) | Popular styles |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASICS | sneakers | 10,000-25,000 | GEL-KAYANO 30, GEL-NIMBUS 25 |
| Onitsuka Tiger | casual shoes | 8,000-20,000 | MEXICO 66、SERRANO |
| Mizuno | sneakers | 9,000-22,000 | WAVE RIDER 27, WAVE PROPHECY 12 |
| Yohji Yamamoto | designer shoes | 30,000-100,000 | Y-3 QASA, Y-3 KAIWA |
| Suicoke | sandals/slippers | 15,000-40,000 | DEPP-V, KISEE-V |
2. Recommended popular Japanese shoes in 2023
According to the search data of the entire Internet in the past 10 days, the following shoes have attracted much attention in Japan and overseas markets:
| Shoe name | brand | Features | Suitable for the crowd |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASICS GEL-KAYANO 30 | ASICS | Upgraded cushioning technology, suitable for long-distance running | professional runner |
| Onitsuka Tiger MEXICO 66 | Onitsuka Tiger | Classic retro design, versatile and casual | daily wear |
| Y-3 QASA | Yohji Yamamoto | Avant-garde design, full of technology | Trend lover |
| Suicoke DEPP-V | Suicoke | Functional sandals, comfortable and durable | summer travel |
3. Tips for buying shoes in Japan
1.Size selection: Japanese shoe sizes are usually in centimeters, so it is recommended to measure your foot length in advance. Some brands (such as ASICS) offer half-size options, which are suitable for people with special foot shapes.
2.Purchase channels: In addition to physical stores, e-commerce platforms such as Amazon Japan and ZOZOTOWN often have discounts. Popular styles may require advance booking.
3.Tax refund policy: Foreign tourists can enjoy a 10% consumption tax reduction when shopping over 5,000 yen in duty-free shops. Remember to bring your passport.
4.seasonal discounts: January and July are Japan’s traditional discount seasons, with discounts of up to 50% on some shoes.
4. Why choose Japanese shoe brands?
1.Exquisite workmanship: The Japanese brand’s control over details is almost rigorous, and everything from stitching to material selection has been rigorously tested.
2.Technological innovation: ASICS' GEL cushioning gel, Mizuno's WAVE technology, etc. are all professional technologies proven by athletes.
3.unique design: Whether it’s the retro style of Onitsuka Tiger or the futuristic feel of Y-3, Japanese brands can always lead the trend.
4.Comfortable and durable: Japanese consumers have extremely high requirements for comfort, which makes local brands particularly outstanding in ergonomic design.
Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a fashionista or a daily commuter, Japanese footwear brands have something for everyone. It is recommended that you go to a physical store to try it on before making a decision based on your own needs and budget. I hope this guide helps you find your perfect pair of shoes!
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