Great for outdoor festivals! How to choose comfortable shoes and recommended items

As summer festivals approach, along with that unique sense of excitement, you suddenly start to wonder, "What should I wear on my feet?" T-shirts and hats are easy to manage, but shoes are surprisingly difficult to choose.

Actually, the first time I went to a festival, I went out in my regular sneakers... I was fine until the afternoon, but by the evening, the soles of my feet felt heavy and the pain from blisters gradually increased with every step. I had no time to enjoy the music.

After that failure, I began to seriously think, "You should really think carefully about what shoes to wear to a festival."

In this article, we will briefly summarize how to choose the perfect shoes for a summer festival, including the experiences of YUEN Planning Team Mita.

Why are shoes important? The unique environment of summer festivals

Summer festivals are generally held outdoors. The ground conditions are completely different from those in the city, with grass, gravel, and mud. Sudden changes in weather and temperature differences are also major factors.

When I was new to festivals, a sudden rain shower soaked my shoes, leaving my feet covered in mud, and ruining my favorite white sneakers.

Also, at festivals where you spend a lot of time standing and walking around, the strain on your feet is greater than you might imagine. It may seem trivial, but the shoes you choose can make your day either comfortable or hellish. At festivals, I really felt that shoes were an important part of my "equipment."

Recommended shoes for summer festivals

What's required for festival footwear isn't just shoes that you can walk in . Standing for long periods of time, walking on muddy roads, and sudden rain showers all put a strain on your feet more than you might imagine.

So, you want to choose shoes that:

• Cushioned for less fatigue
• Non-slip outsole
• Breathable materials such as mesh to prevent stuffiness
• Water-repellent and waterproof design that is resistant to rain
• Easy to put on and take off (great for camping or resting)

I used to feel that prioritizing functionality meant that the design was a bit... However, recently, there has been an increase in functional sneakers that are stylish and perfect for festivals, making it more fun to choose.

How to choose sneakers that are comfortable for your feet

When choosing shoes that are comfortable to wear all day, the structure of the insole and upper is very important. In particular, insoles that firmly support the arch of the foot and shoes designed to firmly hold the heel will make a big difference in how tired you feel when walking for long periods of time. Choosing shoes that have a good balance of lightness and fit will make them even more comfortable.

In the past, I would choose sneakers with sturdy soles, thinking, "They're a little heavy, but they're cushioned, so it's okay." However, when walking around a large venue like a festival, that "little weight" can actually be a burden . When moving between stages or standing for long periods of time, your feet start to feel heavy by the end of the performance. There were times when I felt like I needed to take multiple breaks along the way to make it even more difficult.

Another thing that's often overlooked is blisters . If the material is too hard or doesn't fit the shape of your feet, you may experience pain in your heels or the base of your toes towards the end of the performance. In the past, I've hastily chosen shoes thinking, "These will do for now," only to have to patch them up with tape during a live performance.

Ideally , try them on and walk around a bit . Trying them on with socks that are similar in thickness to the outfit you'll be wearing on the day of the festival will allow you to get a better feel for the fit.

Prepare for rainy days! Check the waterproof function

The weather at summer festivals is really unpredictable. It can be sunny in the morning, but suddenly rain in the afternoon.

Once, I trusted the weather forecast and went out without any precautions, and it started pouring during a live concert. My shoes got soaked through, and there was a "chap-chap" sound every time I walked, which was really uncomfortable. I even got blisters, and the way home was a mess... Since then, waterproofing my shoes has become essential.

Recently, sneakers made with high-performance materials such as GORE-TEX are recommended. They keep out water while allowing moisture to escape, making them comfortable and less likely to get sweaty.

People tend to think that waterproof means uncool, but recently there have been many stylish waterproof sneakers on the market. If you choose earth tones, dirt won't stand out as much, making them perfect for everyday use.

If you really want to wear your favorite sneakers, one option is to use waterproof spray . However, it will not be effective unless you let them dry thoroughly before wearing them, so prepare it the day before.

It's not just shoes! Tips for a comfortable festival experience

Of course, choosing the right shoes is important, but that alone may not be enough to ensure a comfortable festival experience.

We recommend using cushioned socks and insoles that relieve fatigue . This alone will make a huge difference in how your feet feel.

Also, it's handy to have some lightweight, foldable sandals . You can quickly put them on when camping or taking a break, and they'll keep your feet relaxed. They're also easy to carry around, as they fit easily in the gaps between your luggage.

And the most important thing is to take frequent breaks . If you stand for a long time, your legs will get sore without you even realizing it. Even just doing some light stretching or sitting in a chair and elevating your legs about once every 30 minutes will make a big difference in how fatigue builds up.

With a little bit of creativity, the fun of the festival can be multiplied!

Featured Winter Festival Dates for 2025

A variety of festivals are scheduled to be held across Japan this year! Here are some of the popular events.

October

• TOKYO ISLAND 2025
  Dates: Saturday, October 11th, Sunday, October 12th, Monday, October 13th, 2025 (National Holiday)
  Venue: Umi no Mori Park, Tokyo

• FM802 MINAMI WHEEL 2025
  Dates: Saturday, October 11th, Sunday, October 12th, Monday, October 13th, 2025 (National Holiday)
  Venue: Osaka Minami (Shinsaibashi, Amemura) area, various live music venues

• Kaze to Rock Imo-ni Kai 2025
  Dates: Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, October 5th, 2025
  Venue: EN RESORT Grandeco, Kitashiobara Village, Fukushima Prefecture

• YOKOSUKA REGGAE BASH 2025
  Dates: Saturday, October 11th and Sunday, October 12th, 2025
  Venue: Kanagawa Prefecture Natsushima Ground Special Venue

• SOUND VACATION 2025
  Dates: Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, October 5th, 2025
  Venue: Onoji Family Campground (Susono City), Shizuoka Prefecture

november

• [Alexandros] presents THIS FES '25 in Sagamihara
  Dates: Saturday, November 1st and Sunday, November 2nd, 2025
  Venue: Sagamihara Gion Field, Kanagawa Prefecture

• SHIN-ONSAI 2025 -the Circuit-
  Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
  Venue: Shinjuku LOFT, FACE, MARZ, ACB HALL, PIT INN, Kabukicho Cinecity Square, Tokyo

• Blue'n Groove Festival 2025
  Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
  Venue: Tachikawa Stage Garden, Tokyo

• LOCAL GREEN FESTIVAL '25
  Dates: Saturday, November 8th and Sunday, November 9th, 2025
  Venue: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Kanagawa Prefecture

• Kishidan Expo 2025 ~Kanto Bakuon Pavilion~
  Dates: Saturday, November 15th and Sunday, November 16th, 2025
  Venue: Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall 9-11, Chiba Prefecture

• GFEST.2025
  Dates: Saturday, November 22nd and Sunday, November 23rd, 2025
  Venue: G-Messe Gunma, Gunma Prefecture

• BRAHMAN 30th Anniversary Jin Mirai Festival 2025
  Dates: Saturday, November 22nd, Sunday, November 23rd, Monday, November 24th, 2025 (substitute holiday)
  Venue: Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall 9-11, Chiba Prefecture

december

• In Shimokitazawa '25
  Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
  Venue: Live music venues around Shimokitazawa Station, Tokyo

• BLAZE UP NAGASAKI 2025
  Dates: Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th, 2025
  Venue: Dejima Messe Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture

• Hibiki City Express 2025
  Dates: Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th, 2025
  Venue: Pulse Plaza, Kyoto Prefecture

• MUSIC BANK GLOBAL FESTIVAL 2025
  Dates: Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th, 2025
  Venue: National Stadium, Tokyo

• MERRY ROCK PARADE 2025
  Dates: Saturday, December 20th and Sunday, December 21st, 2025
  Venue: Aichi Prefecture Port Messe Nagoya Halls 1-3

• FM802 ROCK FESTIVAL RADIO CRAZY 2025
  Dates: December 26th (Fri) - 29th (Mon), 2025
  Venue: Intex Osaka, Osaka Prefecture

• COUNTDOWN JAPAN 25/26
  Dates: December 27th (Sat) - 31st (Wed), 2025
  Venue: Makuhari Messe, Chiba Prefecture

If you prepare shoes that suit your style and your schedule, you will be twice as comfortable once you arrive!

Conclusion

Your feet are really important at a festival. A pair of shoes can either make you think, "That was amazing!" or make you feel sad and like, "I've had enough...I want to go home soon." They're just shoes, but they're still important.

But actually, with a little experience and ingenuity, summer festivals can be made much more comfortable. Easy to walk in, comfortable, and weather-resistant -- just by paying attention to these little points, your satisfaction with the day will be completely different.

If you're planning to attend a festival, don't underestimate the importance of choosing the right shoes and find a pair that suits your style and how you like to enjoy music. Having comfortable feet will surely increase the amount of time you can spend enjoying music to your heart's content!

Check out our festival outfit special!