These Asics Sneakers Are Traveler-loved and Underneath $70

As a nomad of three and a half years who’s spent that point dwelling out of a carry-on and backpack, I’ve no room for imperfect or frivolous footwear. My journey shoe rotation usually consists of simply two or three pairs, and regardless of which season I’m in or vacation spot I’m touring to, that lineup at all times features a pair of traditional way of life sneakers. These footwear have an essential job: they should stand as much as even the longest strolling days, hold my ft comfy, and go along with the whole lot in my suitcase.

After dragging a pair of high-top Nike Blazers around the globe for 2 years, I made a decision it was time for a brand new pair of comfy footwear for on a regular basis put on — and I simply occurred to be in Osaka, Japan, a location famed for its world-class procuring. After hitting shoestore after shoestore on the Shinsaibashi Purchasing Road, attempting on all of the trendiest kinds of the second, and deciding none have been comfy sufficient for my wants, I lastly landed on my Goldilocks pair: the Asics Japan S.

Asics Japan S in White/Ocean Haze

Not solely have been these Asics footwear tremendous comfy from the second I put them on, however in addition they had the precise vibe I used to be on the lookout for: slightly bit retro however straightforward to put on with the whole lot. It was a bonus that the sneakers have been from a Japanese model and named after the nation itself — it was simply the sprint of future I wanted to seal the deal (and it additionally meant they doubled as a pleasant memento). I formally retired my Blazers and wore these Asics sneakers straight out of the field with no break-in points or blisters — each traveler’s dream. I purchased these footwear in June and now, 4 months later, these Asics have steadily remained the MVP of my footwear rotation; they proceed to shock me with their performance, comfortability, and skill to look sharp with outfits for any event. 

The Japan S shoe is predicated on a 1981 Asics fashion initially designed for the basketball courtroom. On this new mannequin, the model maintained the throwback fashion — together with their signature tiger stripes on the quarter panels — however up to date the sneakers with a low-top design and cushioning for all-day consolation, which I can attest to personally. These sneakers keep comfy even on lengthy strolling days, and I’ve observed considerably much less decrease again ache than I had whereas carrying my earlier sneakers. (In actual fact, one of many causes I lastly determined to interchange my Blazers was as a result of my bodily therapist really useful I attempt swapping footwear.) At lower than 11 ounces, they’re additionally fairly light-weight, compact, and packable. 

Asics Japan S in White/Seal Gray

I’ve paired my Asics with nearly any outfit — shorts, denims, cargo pants, attire, and linen trousers — and I’ve worn them to stroll throughout Kuala Lumpur, bike round Singapore, and keep up all evening in Seoul. I’ve since returned to Japan, the place they’re just about the one shoe I’ve been carrying for 20,000-step days round Tokyo. They’ve additionally saved my ft surprisingly dry, even when caught in considered one of Bangkok’s monsoons or Okinawa’s storm season.

By means of all of this put on and tear, my pair of Japan S footwear look shockingly good. They wipe clear with exceptional ease despite the fact that mine have fake suede white ideas — normally a recipe for catastrophe on a pair of wear-everywhere sneakers. If you happen to don’t wish to make the gamble, there are additionally choices made solely of artificial leather-based, which needs to be even simpler to wash. 

I personally went with the White/Pepper coloration, which incorporates coffee-brown stripes, to match my warm-neutral wardrobe, nevertheless it’s solely accessible in restricted portions proper now. However there are tons of different choices to select from, together with just a few colours with the fake suede ideas and plenty of different kinds with the total artificial leather-based. 

The good information is that, whereas my Asics have been a memento from Japan, you don’t must cross the Pacific to get a pair. The Japan S’s can be found within the US, and you will get them wherever you favor to buy sneakers, together with Amazon, the place almost 120 clients have given them a five-star score. That won’t sound like so much, however that’s one other factor I like about this sneaker: It’s an under-the-radar star, not the identical shoe hundreds of persons are carrying throughout TikTok.

Asics Japan S in Matcha

Like me, clients on Zappos vouch that the Japan S shoe is cozy and nice for journey. “Very comfy and classy. Wore them on a week-long journey abroad the place I used to be strolling 15-20,000 steps a day — no points in any respect,” one reviewer wrote. Many individuals report getting compliments on these sneakers, although some word that they run slender or small, so hold that in thoughts as you resolve on a dimension. 

“I’ve been on the lookout for white sneakers for some time till I landed on these,” one other reviewer wrote on Zappos. “These sneakers match completely and are comfy. I stay in NYC and stroll round A LOT. I acquired many compliments carrying these. They’re additionally straightforward to wash in the event that they get slightly scuffed from hours of strolling. Nevertheless, if in case you have excessive arches I’d suggest including insoles in them so you should have extra help.” Take into account that you’ll be able to’t take away the insole in these, so that you’d must put your insert on high.

At such an reasonably priced worth and their artificial leather-based design, I’m actually not anticipating these sneakers to final years, however my first 4 months with them have been fairly promising. Except for some creases within the toe from the place my foot bends, my Asics are nonetheless in nice situation. I gained’t hesitate to repurchase the Japan S — and may even attempt a spicier coloration subsequent time.

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a cushty, light-weight journey sneaker that provides a contact of favor to your outfits, I personally endorse the Asics Japan S — and since I’m a nomad, I can comfortably say I’ve put them by means of their paces. 

Need extra choices? Preserve scrolling for extra comfy, subtly retro journey sneakers beneath.

Store Extra Comfy Sneakers for Journey:

Asics Japan S PF

For individuals who love a platform shoe, Asics additionally makes the Japan S PF, which features a 2-inch rise. The chunky sole provides a bit of favor and affords extra cushion, too. These footwear have amassed many five-star scores on Amazon than the traditional Japan S, the place one reviewer wrote: “I’m [an] Asics fan and this pair is one other keeper.”

Reebok Smash Edge

If you happen to love the look of Adidas Sambas however don’t wish to be a part of the legions of TikTokers with the identical pair, go for the Reebok Smash Edge. They’ve a suede and artificial higher in just a few demure colorways and go for simply $65. 

Gola Eagle

When my pair of Asics lastly kicks it, I very properly could go for a pair of Gola sneakers subsequent. They’ve a equally wearable retro design because the Japan S, although Gola’s are based mostly on their ‘70s tennis courtroom sneakers. The plush terry towel lining seems to be like a godsend for drained journey ft, and I like that they provide numerous impartial cream-colored pairs with completely different hints of coloration. 

On The Roger Benefit 2

On could specialise in operating sneakers — and technically, this pair was made for hitting the tennis courtroom — however reviewers completely love them as wear-all-day way of life and journey sneakers. “Completely the prettiest traditional sneaker to decorate up sweats and informal outfits!” one reviewer wrote. “Purchased these for strolling round Italy! So comfy I’m shopping for a backup [pair]! Bonus: clients say the artificial higher is simple to wash again to shiny white. 

Lululemon Ladies’s Cityverse Sneaker

If consolation is your high precedence, it’d make sense to go for a sneaker that leans extra athletic than way of life; these Lululemon footwear toe that line completely. They’re particularly designed for the feminine foot and have layers of cushioning to maintain your ft comfy for block after block of metropolis exploration. “For somebody with so many foot issues it’s arduous to search out footwear which can be nice all day however I’m glad to announce these guys are improbable!” one reviewer wrote. “No breaking in required simply instantaneous consolation.”

Love an awesome deal? Join our T+L Recommends e-newsletter and we’ll ship you our favourite journey merchandise every week.