How to choose festival sneakers

With the arrival of summer comes the season of music festivals and outdoor events.

When I got there, I found myself walking around more than I expected and standing at long periods of time.
Before you know it, your feet may be under more strain than you thought.
Once, I went out thinking, "My usual sneakers will be fine," but by the evening my feet were throbbing.
There were times when I wasn't able to fully enjoy the second half of the festival.

Since then, I've become a little more careful about the shoes I choose.
It's not enough to just be able to walk. It's also important to be comfortable, stylish, and protect yourself from the heat.
To enjoy a festival to the fullest, choosing the right pair of shoes for you is surprisingly important.

How to Choose the Right Sneakers for a Festival | 3 Basics

How to Choose the Right Sneakers for a Festival | 3 Basics

1. Comfortable to wear for long periods of time without getting tired

When you go to a festival, you find yourself standing the whole time or walking between stages... Once, I went in sneakers with thin soles, and by the evening the soles of my feet were tingling, and I ended up feeling more tired than happy.

Since then, my first criterion for choosing shoes has been "cushioning." In particular, shoes that provide firm support around the arch and models with thick soles give me a sense of security.
Whether or not you feel like you can walk for long distances without it bothering you may be proof that it suits you.

2. Find the right balance between breathability and waterproofing

At outdoor events in the middle of summer, heat and humidity are your biggest enemies. I once wore sneakers made of a material that wasn't very breathable, and my feet got sticky and sweaty, so I remember feeling really reluctant to take them off on the way home.

However, if you focus too much on waterproofing, you may sacrifice breathability, so it's ideal to use a material that is water-repellent but also breathable . Recently, there has been an increase in types that combine mesh material and waterproofing, which I think is perfect for summer festivals.

3. Choose a design that works with any style

I once thought too much about "festivals = ease of movement first" and went in safe sneakers, and thought "This is a rare opportunity, but it might be a bit dull." The people around me were wearing styles that successfully incorporated the festival vibe, and I felt a bit envious.

Even if it's easy to move around in, if the design blends in with your overall outfit, it will really lift your spirits.
With this in mind, lately I've been trying to choose sneakers that are basic in color but have a bit of individuality.

Practical Guide | Tips on how to choose the right one for the right situation

On rainy days or when the ground is muddy...

I once had the experience of stepping into muddy ground in regular sneakers and ending up with my shoes wet on the way home.

So now I pay special attention to the grip of the outsole and the water-repellent material when choosing shoes.
Even if you can't change the weather, you can prepare your feet. Knowing this gives you a little more peace of mind.

In the season when heat is a concern...

Summer festivals are extremely hot, and your feet get steamy.
I'm sure many of you have experienced the feeling that heat is building up inside your shoes.

In such cases, having a breathable mesh upper and an insole that allows moisture to escape will make your feet much more comfortable.

Lately I've been using them with quick-drying socks and they're quite comfortable.
Even when you sweat, the inside of your shoes doesn't get damp and you even feel lighter.

If you want to use it for everyday use as well...

I completely understand the feeling of "I don't really want to buy shoes just for a festival."

In fact, I try to choose items with simple colors and designs that I can use in my daily life.
I especially find beige tones useful as they don't get dirty easily.

Extra features to further enhance comfort

Points to check when choosing sneakers

• Do the soles bend flexibly?
• Balance between weight and foot “sinking”
• Does it fit the shape of your foot?

Once, I went to a festival wearing sneakers that were too heavy, and by the time I got home my whole legs were tired, and I realized that they were meant for everyday use.
The best way to find out how comfortable a pair of shoes is is to try them out.

Insoles and socks are also important points to consider.

Although they may not be obvious, insoles and socks are also important parts.
Simply changing to cushioned insoles or wearing non-slip socks can make all the difference when you walk.
This also helps reduce fatigue as your feet are less likely to slip inside your shoes.

Coordination tips: A sense of balance that doesn't make your feet the focal point

When thinking about what to wear to a festival, the key to your footwear is to strike a balance between ease of use and a style that suits you.
I think a style that gives off a subtle sense of individuality while still ensuring ease of movement and comfort is a perfect fit.

At festivals in hot weather, people tend to dress lightly, but this means that the look of your feet has a big impact on your overall outfit.
Rather than compromising between comfort and design, you can incorporate both to create a style that suits you and is comfortable.
Just pairing simple clothing with playful sneakers can really create a festival-like mood.

The sneakers are not the main focus, but they are not lost either.
If you keep this balance of "addition and subtraction" in mind, the overall look will naturally come together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Do white sneakers get dirty easily?

It's true that dirt is noticeable, but you can protect it to some extent with a waterproof spray.
Bright colours give an outfit a casual feel, making them perfect for creating a festival-like look.

Q. Are sneakers that look like leather shoes OK?

As long as they are comfortable to wear, they are OK. However, if they are not waterproof, they will be vulnerable to mud, so make your decision based on the weather.

Q. If I want to use it for everyday use, what should I look for?

Basic colors and timeless form.
As long as it's not too flashy, it will blend in easily with your everyday clothes.

Summary | A pair of shoes that you'll want to wear

When you're going to a festival, you might want to decide on your shoes before your clothes.
Just having a pair of shoes that makes you think, "If I wear these, I'm sure I'll be able to spend the whole day comfortably," can make you feel a lot lighter.

The shoes are comfortable and I like the look of them.
There are some items that you choose over and over again before you know it, and they become your staples without you even realizing it.

"I'll wear these shoes again."
If you feel that way, then these sneakers might just be your festival companion.
A good day may start from your feet.