[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, so they always feel fresh no matter how many times you go.
But if you don't prepare your feet properly, your day can turn into hell. I can say this for sure, having experienced the pain many times myself.

This time, I'd like to share 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 you to the essential points to keep in mind when choosing shoes for a festival .

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

▼ 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 in a bit more effort than usual, but...

After standing there for several hours, the soles were hard and 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 have to sit on the ground.

Since then, I've learned a lesson: if you choose something based on design alone, you'll end up regretting it.
Nowadays, I try to choose shoes that I can wear for long periods of time without getting tired easily, and also take into consideration how easily they get sweaty and the weather.
I feel that focusing on both appearance and practicality will ultimately result in greater satisfaction.

The difference in functionality lies 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 suddenly a downpour started in the afternoon.
The cloth sneakers soaked up water and became heavy, and the mud made them slippery, 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 a good idea.

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

Another year, I tried to look a little more fashionable by wearing shoes with thin soles that had no cushioning, but the soles of my feet were in pain from standing for long periods of time.
In the second half, I moved around less and just sat on the ground. I didn't remember much about the performances of the artists that I was 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, so it's 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 steamy.
Along with the stuffiness, the smell inside the shoes also started to bother me, and eventually I felt so uncomfortable that I wanted to go barefoot. It was hard to stand, and even my steps became heavy.

Because of this experience, I make it a point to choose shoes that are breathable when going to summer festivals. Mesh sneakers and sports sandals that hold your feet firmly but are also breathable are much more comfortable.
By wearing socks that are sweat-absorbing and quick-drying, 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 wearing 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 pebbles.

I thought I wouldn't have to walk that much, but in reality there was a lot of movement between stages, and it was not uncommon to walk more than 10,000 steps.
Now I try to minimize the amount of sand that gets in by wearing shoes that cover my ankles and have a snug fit.

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

A certain pair of outdoor boots was advertised as suitable for festivals. They were certainly waterproof and durable, but 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 the hard way that heavy shoes can quietly take away your energy every time you move around.

So what are the best shoes for festivals?

After trying out many pairs of shoes without success, I finally settled on a pair that was light, comfortable, and resistant to water and wind.
In short, I feel that sneakers that can be worn in all weather conditions for long periods of time are best suited for festivals.

Shoes with the following features will greatly reduce any regrets you may have once you're there.

• Uses breathable fabrics (e.g. mesh and canvas) to prevent stuffiness
• If your shoes are water-repellent, they will be able to withstand a little rain without having to worry about sudden changes in the weather.
• The sole is neither too soft nor too hard , reducing the strain on the soles of your feet.
• Outsoles with good grip make it difficult to slip on wet ground or grass.
• The design covers the ankles a little , preventing pebbles and dirt from getting in and 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 are increasingly offering 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 little little touches that can greatly increase your comfort at a festival.
Personally, the items I thought were great to have were:

• Insole
  Just by putting in shoes with stronger cushioning or those made for sports, the ease of walking will change dramatically.
  The way my legs feel tired after the evening is completely different.
• Waterproof spray <br>Just spray it on your shoes the day before or the morning of the day. Even if there is no rain forecast, it is still effective in protecting 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.
I highly recommend it because having comfortable feet makes it easier to maintain concentration.

Festival shoes should be a good balance between fashionable and practical

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 also depends on your footing.

I understand the desire 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 become tired or in pain, the enjoyment is reduced by half.

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