[Festival Shoes] How to choose festival shoes? How to find "comfortable feet" learned from mistakes | YUEN

Music festivals are filled with an extraordinary sense of excitement and exhilaration, and they always feel fresh no matter how many times you go.
However, if you don't prepare your feet properly, your day can turn into hell. I can say this with confidence, having experienced the pain many times myself.

This time, I'll be sharing some tips for those who are planning to attend a festival, based on the shoe troubles I actually experienced at the festival.
We will introduce the ``key points you absolutely must keep in mind when choosing shoes for a festival.''

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Do you have to sacrifice fashion? No, there are ways to choose that don't require sacrifice.

▼Experience 1: Choosing based on appearance made a mistake

The first time I went to a festival, I wore high-top leather sneakers that I had bought to wear around town.
I liked the design and decided to put a little more effort into it than usual...

After standing there for several hours, the soles were so hard that the soles of my feet started to hurt more and more.
There is little cushioning, and you can feel the hardness of the ground directly, to the point where walking becomes difficult after a while.
Furthermore, because they were high-cut, it took a long time to put them on and take them off, and it was inconvenient to sit on the ground.

Since then, I've learned the lesson that if you choose something based on design alone, you'll end up regretting it.
Nowadays, I try to choose shoes that are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, that don't get too stuffy, and that are suitable for the weather.
I feel that if you prioritize both appearance and practicality, you will end up being more satisfied.

The difference in functionality is in "rain protection" and "cushioning"

▼Experience 2: The weather forecast was wrong and my feet got soaked

One year, I went to a festival wearing canvas sneakers, believing in the forecast that it would be sunny, but there was an unexpected downpour in the afternoon.
My cloth sneakers absorbed water and became heavy, and they were slippery on the mud, so by the time I got home my feet and shoes were covered in mud.
It was a day that made me realize that waterproof shoes are really reassuring.

▼Experience 3: My feet hurt so much I had to give up midway

Another year, I tried to look a little more stylish by wearing shoes with thin, non-cushioned soles, but the soles of my feet were screaming in pain from standing for so long.
In the second half, I moved around less and spent most of my time sitting on the floor. I didn't remember much about the performances of the artists in the second half, which I had been looking forward to.

If your shoes have good cushioning, you will feel much more tired even if you run the same distance.

Breathability and fit are often overlooked

▼ Experience 4: No breathability, stuffy and uncomfortable

I was wearing thick leather shoes at a festival in the middle of summer. It was a little cool in the morning, so I thought, "This will be fine," but by midday the temperature had risen to nearly 30 degrees, and my feet were getting increasingly sweaty.
Along with the stuffiness, the smell inside the shoes also started to bother me, and eventually it got so uncomfortable that I wanted to go barefoot. It became difficult to stand, and even my steps became heavy.

Based on this experience, I make sure to choose shoes that are breathable when going to summer festivals. Mesh sneakers and sports sandals that hold your feet firmly but are breathable are much more comfortable.
By switching to sweat-absorbing, quick-drying socks, my feet feel much lighter.

It's hard when small stresses that can't be overlooked pile up

▼Experience 5: Stress from all the sand and pebbles

On days when I went in low-cut sneakers or sandals, the gravel under my feet was extremely stressful.
Every time I walked, pebbles would get in, so I had to take my shoes off several times to remove the contents.

I thought, "I won't have to walk that much," but in reality, there was a lot of movement between stages, and it was common to walk more than 10,000 steps.
Now I wear shoes that cover my ankles and have a tight-fitting opening to minimize the amount of sand that gets in.

▼Experience 6: My shoes are so heavy my legs hurt

A certain pair of outdoor boots was advertised as being suitable for festivals. While they were certainly waterproof and durable, the problem was their weight.
In the morning I thought they were sturdy and safe, but by the evening my calves were sore. I learned firsthand that heavy shoes can quietly drain your energy every time you move.

So, what are the best shoes for festivals?

After many failed attempts at different pairs of shoes, I finally arrived at a solution that was light, comfortable, and resistant to water and wind.
In short, I feel that sneakers that are suitable for all weather conditions and long periods of wear are best suited for festivals.

Shoes with the following features will significantly reduce regrets once you arrive at your destination.

• Made of breathable fabric (e.g. mesh or canvas) to prevent stuffiness
• If your shoes are water-repellent, they will repel even light rain , so you won't have to panic if the weather suddenly changes.
• The sole is not too soft, but not too hard , reducing the strain on the soles of your feet.
• The outsole has a strong grip , so you won't fall easily even on wet ground or grass.
• The design that covers the ankle slightly prevents pebbles and dirt from getting in, reducing discomfort with each step.

To be honest, at first my first priority was to choose something that looked stylish.
However, after experiencing painful experiences many times, I began to place importance on whether or not I could walk.

Recently, outdoor brands and select shops have been offering more and more shoes that balance functionality and fashion.
I'm grateful that I no longer have to compromise on appearance.

Increase your comfort with additional items!

It's not just shoes, but a few small improvements can greatly increase your comfort at a festival.
Personally, the items that I thought were great to do were:

• Insole
  Just putting in shoes with stronger cushioning or shoes made for sports can make a huge difference in how easy it is to walk.
  The way my legs feel tired after the evening is completely different.
• Waterproof spray <br>Just spray on your shoes the day before or the morning of your trip. Even if there's no rain in the forecast, it's still effective against mud splashes and morning dew.
• Spare socks <br>Just having a spare pair in your bag can be a mental relief when you sweat or get caught in a sudden rain shower.
  Reset your comfort and mood in an instant.
• Choosing the material of socks <br>Personally, I think polyester blends or sweat-absorbing, quick-drying socks are more suitable for festivals than 100% cotton socks.
  It's breathable and odor-resistant, so you can wear it comfortably.

It may seem like a small thing, but when you actually spend a day there, you realize how big the difference is.
Having comfortable feet makes it easier to maintain concentration, so I highly recommend it.

Festival shoes should balance style and practicality

Festivals are special days where you can enjoy something out of the ordinary. But whether you can fully enjoy the fun until the very end depends on your footing.

I understand the temptation to choose shoes based on their appearance. I've made the same mistake many times in the past.
However, it is also true that if it becomes difficult to move or you start to feel tired or sore, the enjoyment is halved.

Recently, there has been an increase in models of sneakers that are functional yet also stylish.
If you can find a pair of shoes that will get you through the day comfortably and blend in with your outfit, you'll be able to enjoy the festival more freely.

Check out our festival outfit special!