Best Shoes to Buy in Japan in 2026: 10 Japanese Brands Worth Shopping

There’s something dangerously tempting about shoe shopping in Japan. You walk into a store in Harajuku looking for a comfortable pair of sneakers, and suddenly you’re admiring beautifully crafted leather shoes, limited-edition ASICS, and minimalist canvas trainers that look suspiciously like something you’d find in a Tokyo design museum.

Japan has a serious footwear obsession, and it goes well beyond the famous international brands.

From Onitsuka Tiger’s retro sneakers to Mizuno’s performance footwear and Hender Scheme’s handcrafted leather creations, Japanese shoe brands have developed a reputation for quality, clever design, and sometimes wonderfully unconventional manufacturing techniques.

Some are surprisingly affordable. Others will make your credit card reconsider its life choices.

And the best part? Shopping in Japan gives you access to domestic collections, unusual colorways, and specialty labels that aren’t always easy to find overseas.

Whether you’re looking for comfortable walking shoes, stylish Japanese sneakers, elegant women’s footwear, or something genuinely made in Japan, here’s our guide to the best shoes to buy in Japan , including where to find them and which pairs are worth your money.

Best Shoes to Buy in Japan: Quick Comparison

Brand	Best for	Shoe worth checking out
Onitsuka Tiger	Retro Japanese sneakers	Mexico 66
ASICS	Comfortable sports and lifestyle sneakers	GEL-KAYANO 14
Mizuno	Technical and retro running shoes	Wave Rider 10
MoonStar / Shoes Like Pottery	Traditional Japanese-made canvas sneakers	Shoes Like Pottery Low
Hender Scheme	Premium handcrafted leather footwear	Manual Industrial Products
RFW	Minimalist Japanese casual sneakers	Sandwich-Lo
DIANA	Fashionable women’s shoes	Leather loafers and pumps
Achilles	Comfortable everyday and wide-fit shoes	Achilles Sorbo
Seven Twelve Thirty	Elegant heels and dress shoes	LovelyWalk pumps
visvim	Luxury Japanese designer footwear	FBT

Prices vary significantly between models, and not every shoe from a Japanese brand is manufactured in Japan. We’ll explain how to recognize genuinely Japanese-made footwear further down.

Best Shoes to Buy in Japan:

1. Onitsuka Tiger – Best Japanese Sneakers for Retro Style

Best for: Retro sneakers, streetwear enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a distinctly Japanese fashion souvenir.

Price example: Mexico 66 – around ¥16,500.

If there’s one Japanese sneaker brand you absolutely should check out while shopping in Tokyo, it’s Onitsuka Tiger.

Its slim, retro-looking sneakers are everywhere, from Harajuku’s fashion boutiques to the feet of stylish commuters navigating Tokyo’s famously crowded train stations.

But Onitsuka Tiger isn’t just another brand riding the vintage sneaker trend.

Its history stretches back to 1949, when Kihachiro Onitsuka founded the company in Kobe with the ambition of encouraging young people to participate in sports.

The business initially focused on basketball shoes before expanding into other athletic footwear.

In 1977, Onitsuka became part of the merger that created ASICS. The Onitsuka Tiger label was subsequently revived as a heritage-inspired fashion brand.

Today, its sneakers combine designs drawn from decades of Japanese sporting history with contemporary colors, materials, and fashion collaborations.

Best Onitsuka Tiger Shoes to Buy in Japan

Mexico 66

The brand’s signature sneaker, inspired by the running-shoe designs developed during the 1960s.

Its recognizable crossed stripes, low-profile silhouette, and vintage appearance make it easy to wear with jeans, dresses, shorts, or casual trousers.

The yellow-and-black version is especially iconic, although you’ll find plenty of more understated color combinations.

Serrano

A slim, lightweight sneaker inspired by traditional track shoes.

It’s a good alternative if you like vintage running-shoe styling but want something slightly different from the Mexico 66.

Mexico 66 Deluxe – NIPPON MADE

If you’re willing to spend more, the NIPPON MADE collection is particularly interesting.

These premium shoes celebrate Japanese craftsmanship through carefully selected materials, detailed finishing, and more labor-intensive production.

They’re also a more compelling purchase if you’re specifically looking for shoes made in Japan, rather than simply a Japanese brand.

Where to Buy Onitsuka Tiger in Japan

The brand has dedicated stores throughout major Japanese shopping districts.

In Tokyo, the Onitsuka Tiger Shinjuku Flagship Store is an excellent destination, offering an extensive range of sneakers, premium collections, and accessories.

You can also browse stores in Omotesando and other central shopping neighborhoods.

Our verdict: The Mexico 66 is one of the most recognizable Japanese sneakers you can bring home. Just remember that its slim, relatively flat construction won’t necessarily be everyone’s favorite choice for walking 20,000 steps around Tokyo.

Browse Onitsuka Tiger’s official Japanese store

2. ASICS – Best Shoes To Buy in Japan for Comfort and Everyday Wear

Best for: Running shoes, cushioned sneakers, long walking days, and sporty streetwear.

Price example: GEL-KAYANO 14 – around ¥22,000 for a regular model, although some versions cost more.

If you’ve ever spent an entire day exploring Tokyo on foot, you’ll understand why comfortable shoes matter.

ASICS is one of Japan’s most internationally successful athletic footwear manufacturers, with decades of experience developing shoes for runners and other athletes.

The company’s name is an acronym derived from the Latin phrase Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning “a sound mind in a sound body.”

ASICS is particularly well known for its running shoes, although its retro-inspired lifestyle collections have become increasingly fashionable.

And yes, those chunky, metallic-looking sneakers you keep seeing on fashionable people in Tokyo are probably ASICS SportStyle models.

Best ASICS Shoes to Buy in Japan

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 14

Originally inspired by the design language of technical running shoes from the late 2000s, the GEL-KAYANO 14 has become one of the brand’s most recognizable lifestyle sneakers.

Its combination of mesh, synthetic overlays, and visible GEL cushioning creates a distinctly retro-futuristic appearance.

The silver and white colorways are particularly popular.

Although it retains cushioning technology, the modern SportStyle version is primarily a lifestyle sneaker rather than a substitute for a current performance-running model.

ASICS GEL-NYC

A chunky lifestyle sneaker mixing design elements from several archival ASICS running shoes.

It’s worth trying if you prefer substantial-looking footwear with a sporty silhouette.

ASICS GEL-NIMBUS

For serious walking and running comfort, look at the current GEL-NIMBUS running collection rather than choosing purely on appearance.

These shoes emphasize cushioning and are better suited to travelers who prioritize comfort over vintage styling.

Where to Buy ASICS in Tokyo

Head to ASICS Flagship Shinjuku, which opened in July 2026.

The multi-floor store carries running shoes, ASICS SportStyle sneakers, and footwear for several other sports.

It’s conveniently located near Shinjuku-sanchome Station.

You can also explore ASICS Tokyo Ginza, particularly if you’re interested in running shoes and fitting advice.

Our verdict: ASICS is one of the smartest brands to explore if you want Japanese sneakers you’ll actually wear regularly after your trip.

Browse ASICS Japan

3. Mizuno – Best for Technical Sneakers and Japanese Streetwear

Best for: Performance footwear, retro running sneakers, and distinctive sports-inspired designs.

Price example: Wave Rider 10 – approximately ¥19,800 for selected editions.

Mizuno has been making sporting equipment for more than a century.

Founded in Osaka in 1906 by Rihachi Mizuno and his younger brother Rizo, the company began as a small sporting-goods shop before expanding into manufacturing equipment for baseball and other sports.

Today, Mizuno produces everything from professional athletic gear to increasingly fashionable lifestyle sneakers.

Its footwear is especially interesting because the brand combines genuine sporting technology with designs that borrow heavily from the running-shoe aesthetics of the 1990s and 2000s.

Best Mizuno Shoes to Buy in Japan

Mizuno Wave Rider 10

The Wave Rider 10 is one of Mizuno’s most interesting retro-style sneakers.

Originally associated with the brand’s running heritage, its modern lifestyle versions combine layered mesh, synthetic materials, and a distinctive sculpted midsole.

Some editions feature unusual color combinations inspired by Japanese culture.

One memorable example is the Yokai Pack, which drew inspiration from Japanese supernatural folklore.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy

This collection is particularly recognizable because of its dramatic, sculptural sole design.

The unusual construction gives these shoes a futuristic appearance that looks equally at home in a streetwear collection.

Mizuno Wave Rider Running Shoes

If you’re shopping for actual running rather than fashion, check the current performance-focused Wave Rider range.

Don’t confuse these modern running shoes with the retro lifestyle Wave Rider 10.

Where to Buy Mizuno in Japan

For fashionable sneakers, visit Mizuno Sportstyle at Shibuya PARCO, on the fifth floor of the shopping complex.

It’s a convenient stop if you’re already exploring Shibuya’s fashion stores.

For a wider selection of sporting equipment and running shoes, Mizuno Tokyo in the Kanda-Ogawamachi area is another option.

Our verdict: Mizuno is particularly appealing if you love ASICS-style retro sneakers but want something a little less obvious.

Browse Mizuno’s Japanese website

4. MoonStar and Shoes Like Pottery – Best Traditional Japanese-Made Sneakers

Best for: Minimalist canvas sneakers, Japanese craftsmanship, and travelers who prefer understated designs.

Price example: Shoes Like Pottery Low – ¥12,100.

Here’s where Japanese shoe shopping gets particularly interesting.

MoonStar is a historic footwear manufacturer based in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, a region with a long tradition of rubber and shoe manufacturing.

The company was founded in 1873 and has developed an impressive reputation for practical footwear and traditional manufacturing techniques.

Its premium collections include beautifully understated canvas sneakers that are a world away from chunky modern sports shoes.

One of the most fascinating is Shoes Like Pottery.

What Makes Shoes Like Pottery Special?

Despite the name, these shoes are not actually made of pottery.

They’re traditional canvas sneakers, but their production involves a technique similar to firing ceramics.

The process is called ka-ryu, a Japanese term for vulcanization.

During manufacturing, the shoes are heated in a kiln, triggering a chemical reaction in the rubber that helps create a flexible and durable sole.

Skilled workers also perform important steps of the assembly and stitching by hand.

The result is a wonderfully simple sneaker with a flexible sole, carefully finished canvas upper, and distinctive blue wax-style seal.

There’s something satisfying about owning a pair of shoes made using manufacturing traditions that have survived for generations.

Best Shoes Like Pottery Models

Shoes Like Pottery Low

A minimalist low-top canvas sneaker available in classic shades such as white, black, beige, and other seasonal colors.

It’s probably the best starting point for most buyers.

Shoes Like Pottery Hi

A high-top version with the same traditional vulcanized construction.

If you like classic canvas basketball-style shoes but want something different from the usual international brands, it’s worth considering.

Where to Buy Shoes Like Pottery in Japan

These sneakers are generally found at selected independent fashion and lifestyle retailers rather than major sports chains.

The brand’s official stockist list includes stores in Tokyo and other Japanese cities.

You can also explore MoonStar’s Fine Vulcanized collection, which features similarly understated designs.

Our verdict: One of the most interesting purchases on this list, particularly if you want an authentic Japanese-made product that doesn’t cost a fortune.

See Shoes Like Pottery’s official collection

Find official stockists

5. Hender Scheme – Best Japanese Leather Shoes for Design Lovers

Best for: Handmade-looking leather footwear, unusual designer sneakers, and collectors who appreciate materials that age beautifully.

Price example: Manual Industrial Products 01 – approximately ¥85,800 at a Japanese retailer.

Hender Scheme is not the place to look for cheap sneakers.

In fact, some of its shoes cost several times more than a standard pair of ASICS.

But if you’re interested in Japanese design, it’s one of the most fascinating footwear brands to explore.

Founded in 2010 by designer Ryo Kashiwazaki, Hender Scheme focuses on craftsmanship, natural materials, and challenging conventional ideas about fashion and gender.

Its name plays on the concept of gender, reflecting the brand’s interest in moving beyond traditional male and female categories.

The footwear ranges from beautifully understated leather shoes to highly recognizable interpretations of familiar sneaker silhouettes.

Why Hender Scheme Shoes Are So Different

One of the brand’s best-known collections is Manual Industrial Products, which reinterprets recognizable industrially manufactured footwear through traditional leather craftsmanship.

Some styles are made using natural vegetable-tanned leather, which gradually develops a patina.

When new, this leather can appear pale and almost unfinished.

Over time, exposure to light, handling, and daily wear gradually deepens its color.

The resulting shoes can look dramatically different after months or years of use.

It’s an appealing concept if you like owning items that become more personal as they age.

However, not every Hender Scheme product uses untreated leather, and leather-heavy sneakers may require considerably more care than ordinary canvas or synthetic footwear.

What to Buy From Hender Scheme

Look for its Manual Industrial Products line if you’re interested in the brand’s distinctive approach to sneaker design.

Its leather sandals, mules, and minimalist casual shoes are also worth exploring.

The brand additionally produces excellent leather accessories, including wallets, bags, and small everyday items.

These can be more affordable souvenirs if the footwear exceeds your budget.

Where to Buy Hender Scheme in Tokyo

Visit Sukima Ebisu, the brand’s flagship shop in Tokyo.

Rather than feeling like a conventional sneaker shop, the space emphasizes materials, design, and presentation.

Hender Scheme also operates other Sukima locations, including shops in Miyashita Park and Kappabashi.

Our verdict: A wonderful brand for design enthusiasts, but not the most practical choice if all you need is an inexpensive pair of comfortable holiday sneakers.

Explore Hender Scheme’s official website

6. RFW – Best Minimalist Japanese Sneakers

Best for: Clean everyday sneakers, subtle design details, and casual footwear without enormous logos.

Price example: Sandwich-Lo STD1 – approximately ¥13,750.

RFW, originally known as Rhythm Footwear, is one of Japan’s more understated sneaker labels.

Founded in 1998 by designer Takashi Kanokogi, the brand specializes in simple silhouettes with carefully considered construction details.

At first glance, many RFW shoes resemble classic canvas trainers.

But look closer, and you’ll notice unusual panel arrangements, distinctive stitching, and slightly unconventional proportions.

Rather than producing loud, heavily branded sneakers, RFW focuses on familiar designs with small but thoughtful changes.

Best RFW Shoes to Buy

One of its most recognizable designs is the Sandwich-Lo.

The name comes from the way the upper is constructed, with panels wrapping around the foot.

Its design makes the opening relatively easy to access while creating a distinctive silhouette.

Recent versions have introduced updated cushioned insoles, making them attractive for everyday casual use.

RFW shoes are particularly appealing if you prefer understated Japanese fashion and don’t want another pair of sneakers covered in oversized branding.

Where to Buy RFW in Japan

RFW is a niche label, so availability is more limited than ASICS or Onitsuka Tiger.

Start with the brand’s official website and current stockist information rather than assuming you’ll find it at a major shopping mall.

Our verdict: A good choice if you want something more distinctive than ordinary canvas sneakers without spending luxury-brand prices.

Explore RFW’s official website

7. DIANA – Best Japanese Shoes for Women

Best for: Elegant loafers, stylish flats, heels, women’s boots, and polished everyday footwear.

Price example: Japanese-made leather loafers – around ¥16,500.

Not every memorable pair of Japanese shoes has to be a sneaker.

If you’re looking for fashionable women’s footwear, DIANA is one of the most useful Japanese brands to know.

The company specializes in contemporary women’s shoes, with collections spanning office-friendly loafers, classic pumps, casual flats, sandals, boots, and more fashion-forward designs.

Its aesthetic is generally refined and feminine, making it an appealing alternative to the sportswear brands that dominate most Japanese sneaker guides.

Best DIANA Shoes to Buy in Japan

Leather loafers

Probably one of the safest purchases if you want something versatile.

DIANA produces elegant loafers in a range of materials and finishes, from classic black leather to softer neutral shades.

Some styles are made in Japan, although you should check the origin of individual models.

Low-heeled pumps

A practical option if you want polished footwear for work, restaurants, or evenings out.

+diana sneakers

DIANA also has a more casual, sneaker-focused line called +diana.

These shoes combine sporty construction with the brand’s more feminine fashion aesthetic.

Where to Buy DIANA in Tokyo

The DIANA Ginza Main Store is an excellent place to start.

It offers a broad selection of women’s footwear, with plenty of opportunities to compare designs and try different sizes.

DIANA also has stores in major department stores and shopping complexes, including Shinjuku and Ikebukuro.

Our verdict: One of the best Japanese shoe brands to explore if you’re more interested in loafers and stylish everyday shoes than sneakers.

Find DIANA stores in Japan

8. Achilles – Best Japanese Shoes for Everyday Comfort

Best for: Supportive everyday footwear, cushioned leather shoes, wide-fit designs, and practical walking shoes.

Price example: Achilles Sorbo H 637 – around ¥22,000.

Achilles might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of fashionable Japanese shoes.

But the company has a long history of manufacturing footwear and other products, and its comfort-focused collections are well worth knowing.

One of its most interesting footwear lines is Achilles Sorbo.

These shoes prioritize everyday comfort through soft materials, carefully designed footbeds, and cushioning systems.

The collection is particularly appealing to people who spend long periods standing or walking.

Why Buy Achilles Sorbo Shoes?

Many models use Sorbothane-based cushioning materials designed to absorb impact.

Some also feature wide-fit constructions, flexible soles, and lightweight leather uppers.

Instead of focusing on the latest sneaker trend, the brand emphasizes practical footwear that can be worn regularly.

This makes Achilles Sorbo a good alternative to fashion sneakers, especially if you prefer more traditional shoe designs.

However, comfort is highly individual, and no shoe can guarantee relief from foot, knee, or back problems. Trying the shoes on is essential.

Where to Buy Achilles in Japan

Achilles Sorbo is available through selected department stores and specialist footwear retailers.

The official website includes a Japanese store locator.

Our verdict: Worth checking if comfort and fit matter more to you than having the trendiest sneakers in Tokyo.

Explore Achilles Sorbo

9. Seven Twelve Thirty – Best Japanese Heels and Dress Shoes

Best for: Elegant high heels, dress shoes, boots, and sophisticated women’s footwear.

Price examples: LovelyWalk pumps from approximately ¥24,200–¥26,400; selected boots cost considerably more.

Seven Twelve Thirty is another Japanese women’s footwear brand that deserves attention, particularly if you’re looking for something more sophisticated than casual sneakers.

Its designs are often characterized by elegant silhouettes, pointed toes, slender heels, and fashionable materials.

The brand produces pumps, boots, booties, and other dressier styles.

It’s particularly interesting for shoppers who appreciate fashionable footwear but don’t necessarily want to pay international designer-brand prices.

What to Buy From Seven Twelve Thirty

The LovelyWalk collection is a useful starting point.

It includes elegant pumps in a variety of finishes, including suede, smooth materials, and decorative details.

The brand also offers long boots and ankle boots that work particularly well with autumn and winter wardrobes.

These aren’t the shoes we’d recommend for spending an entire day exploring Kyoto’s temples, but they can be a lovely purchase if you want something for work, dinner, or a special occasion.

Our verdict: An appealing Japanese label for shoppers interested in feminine, polished footwear rather than sports shoes.

Browse the official Seven Twelve Thirty collection

10. visvim – Best Luxury Japanese Designer Shoes

Best for: Luxury streetwear, collectors, distinctive leather footwear, and people who appreciate unconventional Japanese fashion.

Price level: Luxury; many models cost over ¥100,000.

If Hender Scheme made you reconsider your shoe budget, visvim might finish the job.

Founded by designer Hiroki Nakamura in 2000, visvim has developed a cult following among enthusiasts of Japanese luxury streetwear.

Its footwear blends influences from traditional craftsmanship, workwear, outdoor clothing, and vintage design.

The results are often unusual, meticulously detailed, and extremely expensive.

But they’re also instantly recognizable.

Best visvim Shoes to Buy

visvim FBT

One of the brand’s most famous designs.

The FBT combines a moccasin-inspired leather upper with a contemporary sneaker-style sole.

Its distinctive fringed appearance makes it unlike most conventional sports shoes.

visvim Skagway

A vintage-inspired canvas sneaker that combines familiar casual footwear styling with premium materials and distinctive finishing.

visvim Brigadier Boots

For those interested in rugged luxury footwear, the Brigadier collection offers substantial leather boots with a strong workwear influence.

Where to Buy visvim in Japan

visvim is sold through its own retail locations and selected luxury fashion stockists.

Tokyo is particularly appealing for exploring the brand, although specific models and sizes can be difficult to find.

Our verdict: An excellent brand to discover if you’re a serious Japanese fashion enthusiast. For ordinary tourists seeking a practical pair of shoes, the prices are difficult to justify.

Explore visvim’s official online store

What About LOSERS Japanese Sneakers?

You might also come across the Japanese sneaker label LOSERS, particularly when browsing older sneaker collections or resale marketplaces.

The brand developed a distinctive design philosophy inspired by the Japanese concept of iki, associated with refined taste and effortless style.

Its shoes drew on historic Japanese color traditions, including the subtle browns and grays that became fashionable during the Edo period.

One recognizable detail was the toe design, inspired by the straps found on traditional Japanese footwear such as geta and zori.

It’s an interesting piece of Japanese sneaker history, but we wouldn’t recommend building a shopping itinerary around LOSERS in 2026.

Current retail availability is difficult to confirm, so treat it as a collector’s label to investigate through reputable secondhand sellers rather than an easy in-store purchase.

Where to Buy Shoes in Tokyo: Best Stores and Shopping Areas

Now that we’ve covered the brands, where should you actually go shopping?

Tokyo has an enormous number of footwear retailers, but some are much more convenient for tourists than others.

ABC-MART – Best for Comparing Multiple Sneaker Brands

ABC-MART is one of Japan’s best-known footwear retail chains, with stores throughout the country.

You’ll find sneakers from international brands such as Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and Vans, alongside other footwear collections.

Some branches also stock selected Japanese brands.

The larger ABC-MART Grand Stage locations are particularly interesting if you’re into sneakers and want to compare several styles in one place.

We recommend the Harajuku branch if you’re already exploring Tokyo’s fashion district.

Best for: Mainstream sneakers, comparing prices and trying multiple brands.

Shopping tip: Don’t assume ABC-MART automatically has the lowest prices. Compare the exact model with the brand’s own store.

Shinjuku – Best for ASICS and Onitsuka Tiger

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s most convenient areas for footwear shopping, thanks to its department stores, specialist retailers, and large flagship shops.

The new ASICS Flagship Shinjuku and Onitsuka Tiger’s large Shinjuku flagship make it especially worthwhile for Japanese sneaker fans.

You can explore both brands without spending an entire day traveling between neighborhoods.

Best for: Japanese sneakers, running shoes, and extensive flagship collections.

Harajuku and Omotesando – Best for Fashionable Sneakers

Harajuku and Omotesando remain two of Tokyo’s most interesting shopping neighborhoods.

The area combines major international sneaker brands, Japanese fashion boutiques, vintage shops, and specialist footwear retailers.

You’ll also find Onitsuka Tiger stores and independent fashion stockists.

It’s an excellent neighborhood for discovering unusual shoe designs, although popular boutiques can become crowded.

Best for: Streetwear, trendy sneakers, and unusual Japanese designs.

Shibuya – Best for Streetwear and Mizuno Sportstyle

Shibuya is another excellent destination for sneaker shopping.

Alongside large retail chains and fashion boutiques, you can explore Mizuno Sportstyle at Shibuya PARCO.

The district is especially appealing if you like contemporary Japanese streetwear and want to combine shopping with sightseeing.

Best for: Sportstyle sneakers and contemporary Japanese fashion.

Ginza – Best for Elegant Women’s Shoes

Ginza is particularly interesting if you’re looking for sophisticated women’s footwear rather than casual sneakers.

The DIANA flagship is a natural starting point for loafers, pumps, and dressier shoes.

You’ll also find major department stores and premium fashion boutiques throughout the district.

Best for: Women’s leather shoes, designer footwear, and more formal styles.

Ebisu – Best for Hender Scheme

If you’re particularly interested in Japanese leather craftsmanship, make time for Hender Scheme’s Sukima Ebisu flagship.

It’s a more specialized shopping experience, and the carefully designed retail space makes it appealing even if you’re only browsing.

Best for: Premium leather shoes and Japanese design.

How to Choose the Right Shoe Size in Japan

One thing that can catch tourists off guard is Japanese shoe sizing.

While European stores commonly use EU sizes and American retailers use US sizes, Japanese footwear is frequently labeled using centimeter-based measurements.

For example, a shoe might be marked:

• 23.5 cm
• 24.0 cm
• 24.5 cm
• 25.0 cm
• 26.0 cm

These are Japanese size labels, but the exact equivalent in European or American sizing can vary between manufacturers and individual models.

Tips for Buying the Correct Shoe Size

1. Measure your feet in centimeters.

Measure both feet while standing, and use your longer foot as your starting point.

2. Check the brand’s own size chart.

Don’t assume the same Japanese size will fit identically across Onitsuka Tiger, ASICS, Mizuno, and DIANA.

3. Try shoes on with appropriate socks.

This matters particularly when buying running shoes or sneakers you intend to wear for long periods.

4. Pay attention to width.

Some Japanese shoes offer different width fittings, often marked with labels such as E, 2E, 3E, or 4E.

However, these designations are brand-specific and shouldn’t be interpreted as universally identical.

5. Don’t buy uncomfortable shoes hoping they’ll stretch.

Leather may soften over time, but shoes that are painfully narrow or too short are unlikely to become comfortable simply through wearing them.

One more thing: if you have particularly large feet, some smaller Japanese fashion retailers may have a limited selection of sizes. It’s worth checking availability before traveling to a specialist boutique.

Are Shoes Cheaper in Japan?

Sometimes, but not necessarily.

Japanese brands can be attractively priced in their home market, especially when exchange rates are favorable.

For example, the regular Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 has been listed in Japan at around ¥16,500, while international prices can be significantly higher.

However, prices vary with the model, currency, regional pricing, and availability.

Limited-edition sneakers may also be more expensive because of demand, particularly when purchased through resale stores.

How to Save Money Buying Shoes in Japan

Compare prices before making an expensive purchase.

Check the exact model number, including its colorway and specifications.

A visually similar pair may belong to a premium collection rather than the standard range.

Also, look for genuine end-of-season promotions and outlet stores if you’re not searching for a specific limited release.

Tax-Free Shoe Shopping in Japan: New Rules From November 2026

Japan is changing its tourist tax-free shopping system on November 1, 2026.

Under the new refund system, eligible visitors will pay the price including Japanese consumption tax at participating stores.

After customs confirms that the qualifying goods are being taken out of the country, the consumption tax equivalent can be refunded through the retailer’s designated process.

Purchases must generally total at least ¥5,000 before tax per participating store per day.

You’ll need to follow the required customs procedures and take the goods out of Japan within 90 days of purchase.

Keep your receipts and the purchased shoes accessible in case customs needs to inspect them.

For the latest rules, see Japan Customs’ official tax-refund guidance.

How to Buy Japanese Shoes Online From Outside Japan

You don’t necessarily need to travel to Tokyo to buy Japanese sneakers.

Many international brands sell through overseas websites, while smaller Japanese labels may require a little more effort.

Option 1: Order Directly From the Brand

This is the simplest option.

Brands such as ASICS, Onitsuka Tiger, and Mizuno have international retail operations, although product availability varies between countries.

Start with the brand’s official website and check whether the model you want is available in your region.

This generally makes returns, customer support, and sizing exchanges easier.

Option 2: Buy From a Japanese Online Store

For Japanese domestic-market models, you may need to use a Japanese retailer.

Some stores offer international shipping, but others only deliver within Japan.

Always confirm shipping availability before ordering.

Option 3: Use a Japanese Proxy Shopping Service

If the retailer doesn’t ship internationally, a proxy service can sometimes purchase the shoes for you.

One established option is ZenMarket.

Here’s how the process generally works:

1. Find the shoes on a Japanese online shopping website.
2. Submit the product link to the proxy service.
3. The service checks availability and purchases the item on your behalf.
4. The shoes arrive at its warehouse in Japan.
5. You select international shipping and pay the applicable charges.

Sounds convenient, right?

It can be, but remember that proxy shopping is not always cheap.

You’ll typically pay for the shoes, proxy-service fees, shipping, and potentially import VAT or customs duties in your destination country.

Returns and sizing exchanges can also be much more difficult than purchasing from a local retailer.

Our recommendation: Buy internationally available shoes from official regional shops. Reserve proxy shopping for Japanese-exclusive models that you genuinely cannot find elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Shoes in Japan

What are the best shoes to buy in Japan?

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66, ASICS GEL-KAYANO 14, Mizuno Wave Rider 10, and Shoes Like Pottery canvas sneakers are among the most interesting choices. Onitsuka Tiger is particularly popular for retro style, while ASICS and Mizuno offer a broad range of sporty footwear.

Which Japanese shoe brand is best for walking?

ASICS and Mizuno are excellent brands to explore if walking comfort is your priority. Choose a model specifically suited to walking or running, with appropriate cushioning, support, and fit. Fashion-focused retro sneakers may not provide the same comfort as modern performance shoes.

What Japanese shoes are actually made in Japan?

Selected Onitsuka Tiger NIPPON MADE models, Shoes Like Pottery sneakers, and certain specialist Japanese footwear collections are produced in Japan. However, many mainstream shoes from Japanese brands are manufactured overseas, so always check the individual product’s country-of-origin label.

Are Onitsuka Tiger shoes cheaper in Japan?

They can be, depending on exchange rates, regional pricing, and the specific model. Japan also offers certain styles and releases that may be less readily available internationally.

Where can I buy Japanese sneakers in Tokyo?

Shinjuku, Harajuku, Omotesando, and Shibuya are excellent starting points. Onitsuka Tiger and ASICS have major flagship stores, while ABC-MART Grand Stage is useful for comparing several sneaker brands.

Is ABC-MART worth visiting in Japan?

Yes, particularly if you want to browse multiple footwear brands in one store. Larger ABC-MART Grand Stage locations can be especially useful for sneaker shopping, although the chain is not exclusively dedicated to Japanese brands.

Are Japanese shoe sizes smaller than European sizes?

Not universally. Japanese shoes commonly use centimeter-based size labels, while the actual fit depends on the brand, model, width, and construction. Checking the manufacturer’s size chart and trying shoes on is more reliable than assuming all Japanese shoes run small.

Can I buy Japanese shoes online and ship them overseas?

Yes. Some brands offer international shipping directly, and selected retailers ship abroad. For Japanese stores that only accept domestic deliveries, proxy services such as ZenMarket can sometimes arrange purchasing and international shipping for an additional fee.

Final Thoughts: Which Japanese Shoes Are Actually Worth Buying?

Japan has no shortage of excellent footwear, but the best purchase depends on what you’re looking for.

If you want a classic Japanese fashion souvenir, Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 is a natural choice.

If comfort matters more than fashion, start with ASICS or Mizuno and try several suitable models before deciding.

For something more unusual, we particularly like Shoes Like Pottery. Its combination of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, straightforward styling, and relatively accessible pricing makes it one of the most appealing discoveries on this list.

Hender Scheme and visvim are fascinating options for serious design enthusiasts, although their prices put them firmly in luxury territory.

And don’t overlook DIANA, Achilles Sorbo, and Seven Twelve Thirty if sneakers aren’t really your thing.

Whichever brand catches your eye, Japanese shoe shopping is worth exploring beyond the most famous international labels.

You might arrive looking for another pair of sneakers and leave with something you’ve never seen outside Japan.

Just make sure there’s enough room in your suitcase.

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