Tokyo Footwear: Choices for Work and Play
“Never skimp on anything that goes between you and the ground,” as the saying goes, and that goes twice for footwear. Many of us give little thought to our shoes, with fixed sizing, uneven width and even poor construction common issues in today’s market. But a discerning buyer doesn’t need to settle with Tokyo’s footwear scene, where domestic brands compete with international titans to offer quality and comfort.
Footwear for the boardroom
Regal pursues the challenging motto of “Always feel good” in its footwear designs. It understands that what makes a good shoe is different for each person, influenced by the shape of your feet, your walking style, your fashion, your lifestyle — “and even your values.” Since arriving in Japan in 1961, it has been supporting the steps of professionals across the country with its elegant fitting.
A helpful feature to its Japanese website is its approach to sizing. When purchasing sneakers, the size indicated on sneakers from most manufacturers is the length of the shoe, not the length of the foot. On the other hand, when looking at leather shoes, the size indicated is the overall length of your foot; and as your foot shifts forward inside the shoe when you walk, leather shoes are designed with 1 to 2 centimeters of room in the toe area.
Therefore, Regal recommends choosing a size for your leather shoes that is 1 to 2 centimeters smaller than your typical sneaker size. And when purchasing sneakers, it suggests one size larger than your foot length, or half a size larger when being conservative. This simple tip assures a snug fit, no matter your choice of footwear, ensuring comfort through a simple walkthrough.
Tod’s prides itself on luxury Italian craftsmanship, evoking images of indolent afternoons along the Amalfi Coast, where it was first fashioned. The designs are timeless, merging premium top leather with classical designs from the late 1970s to create footwear that is both eye-catching and practical. Among its most popular offerings are its signature Gommino loafers — its unique “pebbled” sole providing excellent support while walking, and a stylish twist to any outfit.
Tod’s appointed brand ambassador is Shota Watanabe, artist and actor. To celebrate his appointment as ambassador, Watanabe gracefully adorned Tod’s Pre-Spring 2026 collection, its signature Gommino loafers and the brand’s new iconic Red Dot sneakers as centerpieces. He accessorized with a T Timeless shoulder bag, a Di Bag Folio and a Greca belt. His outfit struck a perfect balance between refined and relaxed, exuding a natural yet confident presence, highlighting the “Italian lifestyle and craftsmanship” that define Tod’s aesthetic.
Footwear choices on the court
Adidas highlights the need for a range of product lines: “whether you’re walking, running or playing, there’s a shoe for every occasion.” Its retro designs feature full-grain leather and its iconic signature 3-stripes, while Adidas also offers modern, bold designs to complement streetwear. Its high-quality sports shoes help not only to improve your performance but also to prevent injuries, as they are designed with “durability and comfort” in mind.
Its sport-specific shoes not only prevent injuries but also support your feet during active movements, contributing to superior performance. Its attention to detail and sports awareness create shoes that give competitors an edge. Shoes for soccer on artificial turf require strong cushioning for your feet, while racket sport shoes must provide adequate stability for lateral movements. Running shoes should be extremely flexible, allowing your foot to flex naturally with each stride. Adidas’ care in its product lines shines through, and combined with its stylish finishes, makes the perfect all-day sneaker.
ASICS studies the movements of tennis players to develop tennis shoes and apparel based on data and analytics. Its unique technology supports a player’s natural stance and provides the stability, cushioning and grip required for hours of tennis. Then there are the exacting shoe features to match the playing surface. For omni (sand-filled artificial turf) and clay courts, its outer sole features a point design that grips the court and a herringbone design that catches the sand. Meanwhile, for carpet courts, its outer sole features a flat design with no bumps that make it difficult for the shoes to catch on the surface, allowing swift, effortless motion.
Other sports covered by ASICS include track and field, volleyball, basketball, football, baseball, running and training. For keen runners, the ASICS Marunouchi store is unmissable, providing lockers, showers and even hosting regular running events led by professional coaches.
Nike lives up to its slogan, “Just Do It,” with an aim of revolutionizing footwear around the world. In October 2025, it launched “Project Amplify,” the world’s first powered footwear system for running and walking. It is designed to amplify natural lower leg and ankle movement, providing not just support, but propulsion. This new line of footwear opens a new approach to design and offers a new future for running, jogging and walking.
Built on movement algorithms from the Nike Sport Research Lab, this first-generation footwear system seamlessly integrates lightweight, high-performance motors, drive belts, a rechargeable calf-mounted battery and a carbon fiber plate-equipped running shoe that can be worn with or without the robotics system. Though at the testing stage, the Amplify is planned to be rolled out within the next few years — not for competitive runners, but for athletes who want to make everyday movements more powerful, “going faster and further with less effort.”
Whether it’s cutting-edge technology meeting fashion, or classic designs reinvented for the modern day, there’s elegance, comfort and luxury waiting to be found in Tokyo. Why not take the first step, and find your perfect fit?
To stay updated on more insights about life in Japan, subscribe to the GoConnect newsletter.
If you enjoyed this article, please let us know and share your thoughts at hello@goconnect.jp.