Shoes are key when going to a festival. How to choose comfortable footwear, learned from mistakes

One of the attractions of outdoor festivals and music events is not just the music, but the entire space.
The time spent immersed in music under the open sky is an experience that cannot be replaced by anything else.

Personally, I strongly feel that one of the most important preparations for having such a wonderful day is actually "choosing the right shoes."
This is because I have had many "shoe-related failures at festivals" in the past.

As someone who loves fashion, I care about the balance and appearance with my clothes, but what's most important to me is whether my feet are comfortable and fun to wear.
In this article, I will talk about how to choose the perfect shoes for a festival, sharing some of my own experiences.

What are the best shoes for festivals? What are the environment and characteristics you need to know first?

Although festivals are generally broadly classified, there are those with urban asphalt-based venues and those in mountainous areas where people camp. What they all have in common is that they involve a lot of walking.

If the venue is large, it is not uncommon to walk more than 10,000 steps in a day.
In addition to the distance you have to travel, you may also have to stand in front of the stage for hours or wait in line, so the strain on your feet is greater than you might expect.

Furthermore, the weather is an important factor at festival venues.
It's common for a sunny day to suddenly turn into a shower, or for it to suddenly get cold in the evening. In fact, I once trusted the forecast for sunny weather and went out in sneakers, only to be caught in a downpour on the way, and ended up spending the day with my shoes and socks soaked.

Additionally, you need to pay attention to the condition of the ground. The ground can be a mixture of grass, gravel, dirt, and asphalt, so the grip and slip resistance of your shoes' soles cannot be ignored.

In other words, "shoes suitable for festivals" must meet the following criteria:

・Easy to wear for long periods of time without getting tired ・Can handle sudden rain ・Less stuffiness and can handle temperature changes ・Easy to walk in regardless of ground conditions

And preferably look stylish

At first glance, it may seem like a high hurdle, but if you keep a few points in mind, you should be able to find the perfect pair of shoes for a festival.

Real festival shoe mistakes and how to fix them (experiences)

From here on, I'd like to share some of my own experiences with festival shoes.
I hope this helps you avoid making the same mistakes.

My sneakers are covered in mud from the rain

It was a cloudy summer festival. I attended wearing white sneakers, but it started raining halfway through, contrary to the forecast.
The ground suddenly became muddy, and my sneakers and socks were soaked with mud. Walking around soaked was more stressful than I had imagined, and I couldn't concentrate on the concert...

Lessons learned: Choose waterproof sneakers such as GORE-TEX. At the very least, spray on waterproof spray. Bring spare socks and a simple towel for peace of mind.

Severe pain from being stepped on by sandals

I thought, "It looks cool, so I'll wear sandals," but I ended up getting stepped on many times by the crowds in the live music area. What's more, the gravel path had stones in it, and my feet hurt every time I walked.

Lessons learned: Choose sandals with toe protection. Check for cushioning and grip. If possible, wear them with socks.

Fashion-conscious shoes lead to blisters

I paired it with loafer-style sneakers, which I'm not used to wearing, and after an hour my heels started rubbing together and it became difficult to walk.

Lessons learned: The most important thing is whether you are used to wearing your shoes. Break into new shoes at least a week in advance. Don't forget to bring pads and bandages to prevent blisters.

The soles are thin and the soles of the feet are at their limit

Lightweight sneakers may look comfortable at first glance, but if they don't have enough cushioning, damage will accumulate on the soles of your feet after walking for long periods of time.
The soles of my feet start to tingle and I end up sitting down in the afternoon.

Lessons learned: Change the insole to a high-resilience type. If possible, try them on in a physical store and check how they actually feel when walking.

Thick soles don't necessarily mean comfortable

You might think that "thick soles = less fatigue," but thick-soled sneakers that are stiff and inflexible actually put strain on your calves and ankles.

Lessons learned: Not only thickness but also the softness and flexibility of the material are important. Choose a lightweight and flexible design.

How to Choose Festival Shoes | 5 Things to Check

Here are some checkpoints we learned from our own experiences to help you choose the best shoes for festivals.

Waterproofing: Use waterproof materials or use a waterproof spray.

Cushioning: Focus on resilience and softness rather than thickness.

Breathability: Stuffiness is the enemy in summer, so shoes made of mesh material or with ventilation are comfortable.

Fit: Not only do you make sure the size is right, but you also make sure there is no excess play in the instep or heel.

Grip: Check the depth and material of the outsole grooves. This is important for dealing with mud.

Know the characteristics of festival shoes and choose accordingly

Each type of shoe has its advantages and disadvantages.

Sneakers: Easy to walk in and highly versatile.
→Make sure it's rainproof and breathable.

Sandals: Perfect if you want something light and cool.
→Be careful in crowded places as the protection for your feet will be reduced.

Boots: Resistant to rain and cold.
→Check the weight and how easily it gets stuffy before making your choice.

Use them according to the venue's environment, weather, and plans for the day.

Useful extra items to have

・ Spare socks (in case of sweat or rain)

- High-performance insole (added for added comfort)

・Blister prevention pads (for prevention and first aid)

Waterproof spray (apply the day before)

・Foldable sandals (convenient for travelling and returning home)

YUEN also offers festival shoes

At YUEN, we have a wide selection of festival shoes that are not only stylish but also functional.
If you value both style and comfort, be sure to find the perfect pair.

▶ See the list of festival shoes here

The choice of shoes can make a big difference in how satisfied you are with the festival.
A little carelessness can lead to prolonged fatigue and discomfort, but if you are properly prepared, you can stay comfortable until the end.

Find the perfect festival shoes for you by finding the right balance between fashion and comfort.

We hope your festival experience will be more free and fun, starting from your feet.