Hi serious /k,

Anyone that have been to winter destinations that are below 0 degrees have suggestions for affordable footwear?

My budget is around RM200-300 as I can't afford Camel Active/Timberland.

Bundle shops or any place I can check out for these footwear?

Thanks.

Made the mistake of buying locally for close to RM500 (Columbia).

In Japan, you can buy shoe there for RM2-300ish (bought a Vans shoe for JPY7900); most shoe brands will have their winter collection available so choose as you wish. You can also opt to just buy the strap-on shoe spike from any convenient store.

As for other countries, don't know if they have strap-on spikes like Japan or shoes that cheap. But if you plan to buy it locally, it will be costly.

I'll be arriving in Japan on Christmas Eve (11.30pm), I don't think my feet will last until I reach a shop that sells one.

Are there any local shops here that sells any boots that can keep my feet warm but not too expensive?

I can't think of any that will be cheap/within your proposed budget. Where will you be going, may I ask? If it's not Hokkaido, then wear thick socks and your usual shoe plus the spikes from convenience store at airport, can last you till you get to a shoe store.

Edit: just realized the arrival time, so Tokyo? If Haneda, I can't recall if the store below sells shoes. Narita has a Uniqlo, might have shoes there.

But locally at that price range, sorry I don't know of any. Maybe try World of Sports? I got my shoe there at Gardens..

This post has been edited by Odinn: Nov 3 2017, 11:44 AM

Any shoes as long as they are water proof on the outside.
Wear thick socks and you will be fine

Long john pants too.
You need to transfer heat from legs to feet and toes

you can get it in airport

slightly more expensive then normal shop in Japan but sure cheaper then getting it in Malaysia

anyway, if you on limited budget, just buy those thick winter socks

work fine for me



https://www.decathlon.my/p/8356818_firsthea..._2_5_5_eu_35_38

This post has been edited by loui: Nov 3 2017, 02:19 PM

Just check Lazada (or shops) for some normal leather boots. They'll do fine. You don't need overspecialized footwear unless we're talking about the Artic or Antarctic.
Leather boots + thick socks (I highly recommend pure wool) are comfy enough.

Best option is of course to buy winter clothing/equipment when you're there. Better pricing (depending on which shop you go), better selection and choices.
Don't make the mistake of buying all your winter stuffs in Malaysia. Bad move.

Normal walking shoes with thick socks is fine...that's what I wore only during trip to Japan last winter...

Unless you are going mountain hiking or Artic and Antartic...

dear ts,

i stayed in japan for 6 years.

where exactly are u going?
when?

Arriving Haneda, I don't think we're going to Hokkaido.

Hmm, my friend did say he managed to find some hiking shoes below RM200, I'll check out the source.


Hmm, I don't have waterproof shoes but I can wear the waterproof covers with my shoes in them.

I have the socks already.

Top and bottom are covered, just footwear now.

Hmm, I'll try to check out the bundle shops, if not I'll have to depend on the socks.

Lazada have shoes but I'm not sure of the sizes because the cutting might be different than of the shoes I have so I don't want to make the mistake of buying the wrong size.

Yeah, most of my winter stuff aren't bought in Malaysia.

Hmm, perhaps that'll do but how cold was it?

Lol, not going to those places la.

Mostly Tokyo.

Dec 24 until next year.

errr....Sorry bro, but tokyo is not that cold leh.

u dont need special shoes.

it wont go below 0 degrees.
lowest is 5 degrees, average around 13 or 14 degrees.

normal shoes is enough.
make sure not opened shoes.
no sandals.
get good socks. this is important

Oh, what if it snows? Won't they get in my shoes?

Ok, I don't plan on bringing sandals anyway.

it wont snow.
if it does snow, it wont pile up.
basically the snow will fall on the ground and melt. sometimes melt before reaching the ground.
u wont see places covered in white. believe me.

perhaps you can google winter in tokyo?

if you google "winter in tokyo" u most probably find the Indonesian novel/movie titled Winter In Tokyo.
The picture, wahhh so snowy.
thats bullshit.
the author is indonesian, she also dont know.

Here is a video about winter in tokyo, and in some shots you can even see the shoe the guy is wearing for his trip to Tokyo from KL (@ 00:11 seconds )


This post has been edited by quebix: Nov 3 2017, 03:50 PM

Ignore all the people who ask you to buy boots. I made the mistake long time ago when I studied in Canada. The only thing it was useful was for walking in thick snow which you won't be doing. My best advice, buy a pair of shoes just one size bigger and wear thick sports socks.

@TS:

I am not sure what was the temperature but there were snow and very very windy.

But I wore normal walking shoes only.
I even went to hills covered with snow at Nikko Park and also lake near Mount Fuji; no special shoes required.
Just make sure you wear a good walking shoes with socks; it's sufficient already.

No need to invest so much on special winter shoes...better invest on windbreaker and thick neck scarf.

As some have said, it is likely not going to snow in Tokyo. The one time it snowed while I was there, it was in February. Thick socks and normal shoes will do till you get there.

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

Ok, thanks for the input.

I will bring both types.

when i was in iceland, i saw locally they have this boots that's suitable to walk on ice without slipping..and there's no spikes protruded from the sole..i take it as a very good and high quality shoes. but then again, it costs around RM2k per pair..so yup..considering it's iceland, and if the locals can wear them daily for 6 mths per year or more..i am sure its one of the best..which definitely can tahan 0 celcius....

when i was there..average temp was -15~-20 degree celsius

Sport shoes good air ventilation u will feel very cold n feet pain. Get sheep wool socks

nah. i've been to japan during winter, even as cold as 3-1°C. A normal sport shoes and thick socks are all i needed. With uniqlo heatech and gloves.

Why need special boots? Unless you are walking in mountains, normal boots with non slip sole n woolen socks are sufficient.

Sport shoes are good for weather abv 10c. I just wear my rockport n clarks. No issue.

Wow, that sounds good but pricey.

That must've been really cold..

Yeah, I have heattech shirt, thermal socks and gloves.

Ok, sure.

Got it.

cold is an understatement..its always snowing..and i dont bother to put cheese on fridge.jst dump them inside car....but not water bottle though..neeed to take them into room else will become ice...

Wow, ok.

I've yet to be in a country as cold like that.

If you must buy 'special' shoes, then can consider those RM1XX waterproof hiking shoes from Sports Direct. And wear thick woolen socks. If you must la.

I bought a pair and wore it for my trip to Harbin (-30C) earlier this year. Worked for me. Kept my feet warm and dry. Even in deep snow.

Hiking shoes coz I can reuse for other trips, instead of snow boots or winter boots.\

Edit:

Mine is something like this:



This post has been edited by Serendipity123: Nov 8 2017, 12:33 PM

Good.. Someone has started to ask this for me.
Is it a must to buy water proof snow boots?
See there is a jump in price in universal traveller

Hmm, this is one of the types that I was looking for.

But, since I already got mine, it's fine for now.

Thanks for the recommendation.

any leather shoes will do. whether its casual or sports. more importantly is to have good socks.

buy merino socks here. buy boots there. problem solved.

you dont have budget, so just forget about fashion shoes.
go for marmot, patagonia, north face or salomon boots. they last, and multipurpose

stay away from camel and timberland

Tokyo in december no need winter shoes..

Cheaper option

Ok, thanks.

Yeah, I have thermal socks, but planning to buy another pair or two just in case.

I have the socks but I will check out the boots there.

Noted on the brands above.

Yeah, Camel Active and Timberland is too expensive for me.

Thanks for the input.

Yeah, getting this spray for my shoes.

But, won't it damage the material?