Lived in European countries for more than a few winters .

When we have to go out everyday , rain or snow in winter . It is TOUGH . Worst when it is wet and cold . None of the leather shoes are water proof so the feet and toes are wet and cold .

Too dangerous as the cold can potentially kill your toes or feet ( frostbite ) . Hence every half hour have to go into Coffee shop , to stay long enough for the feet & toes to get enough circulation .

Tried other alternatives like Rubber boots . It looks horrible and difficult to walk in them . But it is much more stable than leather shoes meaning we don't fall as often . Slipping and falling down is common for every walking journey during snow time . Of course the disadvantage is that ----- when you reach destination ( office , school ) , preferably have a place to store rubber boots .

I have also tried SAFETY BOOTS when working at SITES . Tried those made in US knee length costs approx. USD 200 to 300 at places when winter is approx. 2 degree . Very effective . In fact my feet was sweating , and by end of day --------- usually stinky feet . Not very comfortable .

Tried also SAFETY BOOTS which is like ordinary shoes but in tropical climate .

Just hated wearing safety boots ---- but since at Site no choice but to comply with safety
I usually do 1 day or 2 days at site every year . After that ---- I usually give away the Safety boots ( never liked them )

Conclusion is ------ the most practical , comfortable when in wet & freezing conditions for your feet is Rubber Boots --- which I believe is available for sale cheaply in any country ---- if you really need them .

In countries where there is NO SNOW ---- and freezing conditions , usually any sports shoe will be sufficient .

Haha, 3 replies at once..

Ok, will take note. Perhaps I’ll just wear my current ones.

Got it, won’t get boots then.

I have thermal socks so I’ll wear those with my shoes.

Alright thanks.

I have sufficient tops and bottoms.

Alright, then.

Wow, you seem to have experience a lot eh.

I think I’ll draw a conclusion here that I don’t need those boots in particular but I’ll probably get a pair of walking shoes for it.

As far as i know, central and southern japan will starts snowing sometime in mid january~feb depends on how southern it goes even though its winter season. There may be occasional light snow (but hardly) and it wouldn't pile up like you may imagine in most winter season before that.

After mid january, then it will starts snowing more frequently.

i've walked through -20 degree wearng normal shoes + thick sock (2 of em). but its not comfortable though since not waterproof.

your best bet is a boot + sock. dont forget a long john. that really helps.

I went to -33c mountain in Switzerland wearing sport shoes.

Other snowy area like Iceland also I wore sport shoes.

You will be fine in Japan.

Just ensure that your sock do not get wet can already. If wet, then dont stay too long until ur leg freeze.

If kiasi, then bring additional pair of sock.

But in Japan, I don't think you gonna wet ur sock unless u jumped into longkang or something.

This post has been edited by a13solut3: Nov 5 2017, 12:57 AM

Colombia brand, try the Mid Valley, the same floor as cinema, for a sports/trekking/outdoor shop selling winter wears. When got sales, it is quite reasonable. But really it is for 0℃ and below, else your feet will sweat. Good quality lining and water/snow resistance.

Dont buy here, buy in japan where it's much more cheaper with more option. Unless you're going to hokkaido or somewhere else with snow, just wear normal shows with heat tech socks.

Tbh if anything, i think getting jacket, scarf and glove are more important. It's the wind that's going to bother u the most. My hand were freezing.

For 0 degrees, probably get waterproof boots because its probably gonna be wet.

This post has been edited by akirodestroy: Nov 5 2017, 03:43 AM

been to snowy place, without proper winter boots, as long as my shoes is water proof i am good.

that time i am wearing normal leather shoes bought from MY (brand: clarks),
walking in about 10cm thk snow, snow melted but cannot penetrate into my shoes;
as long as my feet is dry from outside freezing water, no problem.

Tokyo, even in snow, doesn't need special shoe. A normal sports shoe even Bata one is fine. Get a thick socks like sports one too. That's all you will need in Tokyo.

If you're only visiting Tokyo, it will hardly snow. However, if you're visiting other locations outside of Tokyo like Hakone or Nikko, temperatures could drop overnight and it may show a little. However, having said that you will not need snow boots in Tokyo. A good pair of shoes with grippy rubber or PU soles would be sufficient.

I'd recommend you to shop for a pair Dr Marten's from a bundle shop if you're not keen on a new pair. With them, you're gonna be well prepared.

Ok, I'll be there until early January so it might not be heavy snow after all.

Ok, sure.

I got these from a bundle store last weekend.



Ok, will try to avoid puddles and drain lol.

I will bring both boots and sport shoes.

I was planning on getting from Columbia but I went to a bundle store on Saturday and found a decent pair there.



I'll see in Japan if I can one at a decent price and I'll get it.

I have gloves, so no worries on that.

I should think the boots I just got would keep my feet dry but I do have a pair of sport shoes for spare.

Ok, waterproof is the keyword here.

Thanks.

Ok, I have thick socks and thermal ones as well.

I'm going to Hakone as well but that's during the day so it should be fine but I won't take unnecessary risks.

I got these from a bundle store on Sat.

Those shoes and jacket a tad overkill imo. I only used a tshirt, sweater and jacket bought from Uniqlo. Jeans and long johns. Wore a long scarf from Uniqlo too cos it looks cool. Lol.

But as for the shoes, that is definitely more suited to colder areas. Drop by ABC Mart in Tokyo for some sportier looking shoes for future use.

All in all, you're pretty much set. Enjoy the trip.

Yeah, but I got them at a bargain so it's alright plus the jacket looks cool haha.

The boots can suit this weather as well. Will take note on the ABC Mart, but what's the price range?

Thanks.

ABC Mart is plentiful around Japan. You should be able to buy a good pair of winter shoe there for about JPY6-8,000ish. Bought two pairs from previous visits there about JPY7,900, Vans shoes.

What boots did ya buy? Looks like Franken Timbs?

Normal leather (or pseudo leather) boots have some water resistance but as the leather dries out from age (or factory did not do any leather waterproofing treatment), it tends to get wet & damp.
To keep them tip-top, worthwhile to invest in water proofing/water repellant or wax sprays. Just Google for it. e.g.

https://www.wadinglab.com/best-waterproofing-spray-review/

Hmm, that's about RM200-300, I hope there would be sales so it'll be cheaper haha.

No brand, but it looks like Dr. Marten/Timberland.

Hmm, ok. But, I heard waterproof sprays will cause the material to deteriorate long term.

don't wear sport shoes, wear boot with thick socks