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 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..

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

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?

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

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 )

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

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

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

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.

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...

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:

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

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