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

As the summer festival approaches, along with that unique sense of excitement, you suddenly start to worry about what to wear on your feet. T-shirts and hats are easy to manage, but shoes are surprisingly difficult to choose.

Actually, when I went to a festival for the first time, I went out in my usual 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 that it's important to give proper thought to the shoes you wear to festivals.

In this article, we will briefly summarize how to choose the perfect shoes for summer festivals and some points to consider, including the experiences of Mita from the YUEN planning team.

Why are shoes important? What is the unique environment of summer festivals?

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

When I was new to festivals, a sudden rain shower left my shoes soaked and my feet covered in mud, 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 choice of shoes can make your day either comfortable or hellish. I really felt that shoes were an important part of "equipment" at festivals.

Recommended shoes for summer festivals

What's required for your feet at a festival isn't just shoes you can walk in . Standing for long periods of time, walking on muddy roads, and sudden rain showers all take a toll on your feet.

So, choose a shoe that has the following features:

• Cushioning makes it less tiring
• Anti-slip outsole
• Breathable materials such as mesh to prevent stuffiness
• Water-repellent and waterproof for rain
• Easy to put on and take off (great for camping or resting)

In the past, I also felt that "if you prioritize functionality, the design is a bit..." However, recently, there has been an increase in functional sneakers that are stylish in appearance and perfect for festivals, so the fun of choosing them has expanded.

How to choose sneakers that are comfortable to wear

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 hold the heel firmly will make a huge difference in how tired you feel when walking for a long time. Choosing shoes that have a good balance between lightness and fit will make you even more comfortable.

In the past, I used to choose sneakers with sturdy soles, thinking, "They're a little heavy, but they're cushioned, so it's okay." But when you're walking around a large venue like a festival, that "little weight" can actually be a burden . When you move between stages or stand for a long time, your feet start to feel heavy by the end. There were times when I felt like I had to take a break many times along the way.

Another thing that is often overlooked is blisters . If the material is too hard or doesn't fit the shape of your feet, you may end up with pain in your heels or the base of your toes. In the past, I have hastily chosen shoes thinking, "I'll just use these for now," and then had to patch them up with tape during a live performance.

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

Prepare for rainy days! Check the waterproof function too

The weather at summer festivals is really unpredictable. Even if it's sunny in the morning, it can suddenly rain in the afternoon.

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

Recently, sneakers made from high-performance materials such as GORE-TEX are recommended. They keep out water while letting out moisture, so they are comfortable and don't get stuffy.

People tend to think that "waterproof = uncool," but recently there are many highly designed waterproof sneakers on the market. If you choose earth colors, dirt will not be noticeable. They are also perfect for everyday use.

If you really want to wear your favorite sneakers, one option is to use a waterproof spray . However, it won't be effective unless you dry them 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 prepare you for a comfortable festival experience.

We recommend using cushioned socks and insoles that reduce fatigue . This alone will make a huge difference in how your feet feel when they get tired.

Also, it is useful to have lightweight sandals that can be folded up . You can quickly put them on when you are camping or taking a break, and they will relax your feet. They are easy to carry because they fit easily in the gaps in your luggage.

And the most important thing is to take frequent breaks . If you stand for a long time, your legs will become sore before you know it. Even just doing some light stretching or sitting on a chair and elevating your legs once every 30 minutes will make a difference in how much fatigue you experience.

With just a few small efforts, the enjoyment of the festival will be multiplied!

Notable summer festival dates for 2025

Various festivals are scheduled to be held all over Japan this year! Here are some of the popular events.

July

• FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL '25
  Date: Friday, July 25th to Sunday, July 27th, 2025
  Venue: Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata Prefecture

August

• RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL
  Date: Friday, August 15th to Saturday, August 16th, 2025
  Venue: Ishikari Bay New Port, Hokkaido
• SUMMER SONIC 2025
  Date: Saturday, August 16th to Sunday, August 17th, 2025
  Venues: Tokyo and Osaka (ZOZO Marine Stadium, Makuhari Messe, Expo Commemoration Park)
• WILD BUNCH FEST. 2025
  Date: August 22nd (Fri) - 24th (Sun), 2025
  Venue: Kirara Expo Memorial Park, Yamaguchi Prefecture
• MONSTER baSH 2025
  Date: Saturday, August 23rd to Sunday, August 24th, 2025
  Venue: Manno Park, Kagawa Prefecture
• SWEET LOVE SHOWER 2025
  Date: August 29th (Fri) - 31st (Sun), 2025
  Venue: Yamanashi Prefecture Yamanakako Communication Plaza Kirara

september

• ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2025
  Dates: September 13th (Sat) - 15th (Mon, holiday), 2025, September 20th (Sat) - 21st (Sun)
  Venue: Soga Sports Park, Chiba Prefecture
• Inazuma Rock Fest 2025
  Date: Saturday, September 20th to Sunday, September 21st, 2025
  Venue: Shiga Prefecture Karasuma Peninsula Grass Square
• ULTRA JAPAN 2025
  Date: Saturday, September 13th to Sunday, September 14th, 2025
  Venue: Odaiba ULTRA PARK, Tokyo
• New Acoustic Camp 2025
  Date: Saturday, September 13th to Sunday, September 14th, 2025
  Venue: Gunma Prefecture Minakami Kogen Resort 200

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

Conclusion

Your feet are really important at a festival. A pair of shoes can make you remember "It was the best!" or make you feel sad and think "I've had enough... I want to go home soon." Shoes are just shoes, but they are still important.

But in fact, a little experience and ingenuity can make a summer festival much more comfortable. Easy to walk around, not tiring, and weather-proof -- just paying attention to these little points can make all the difference in your satisfaction with the day.

If you are going to a festival in the future, don't overlook the importance of choosing your shoes , and find a pair that suits your style and how you enjoy music. If your feet are comfortable, you will surely have more time to enjoy music to your heart's content!

Check out our festival outfit special!