Kyoto Toe - Let's Not Meet Again

Kyoto Toe: A Cautionary Tale in Footwear

I’d like to take a moment to discuss something I’ve come to call Kyoto Toe.
Let me be clear: this mishap was entirely my fault, and the purpose of this piece is not to disparage the good people of Kyoto, Japan—or their sidewalks.

Kyoto Toe was the result of a misstep on a misaligned bit of pavement, on a hot and humid day. I was in a rush, for reasons I can’t quite remember now, and managed to stub my big toe hard enough to break it. Of course, I refused to admit it was broken, and instead hobbled around Japan for the next week in growing discomfort. Had I packed the right shoes, Kyoto Toe and I would never have met. I could have avoided the pain, the hobbling, and—most heartbreakingly—the need to carve up a perfectly good pair of sneakers just to get them on for my return flight.

So let this be your warning: when traveling, especially as we get older, the right shoes are essential.

I love to travel. But being from the West, most of my past adventures involved riding in cars, trucks, or buses. In Japan, and in much of the East, you’ll find yourself relying on trains, subways, buses, and most of all, your own two feet. Lots of walking. Lots of stairs. And eventually, lots of aching feet.

Over the last two years of off-and-on travel through Japan, I’ve learned the hard way that the best travel shoes aren’t the heaviest or the most rugged. In fact, the ideal pair will:

• Reduce foot fatigue
  
  

• Help prevent falls
  
  

• Ease joint pain
  
  

• Make long travel days far more enjoyable
  
  

So on my next wander through Tokyo, I’ve decided to skip the stylish options in favor of practicality. Here’s my new checklist for the perfect travel shoe:

• Arch Support: A must if you have flat feet or plantar fasciitis.
  
  

• Cushioning: Shock-absorbing soles will keep your knees and hips happy.
  
  

• Non-Slip Soles: For slick sidewalks, rainy days, and slippery museum floors.
  
  

• Breathability: Your feet will thank you after a long day in a warm climate. No leather dress shoes, please.
  
  

• Easy On/Off: Think airport security, hotel slippers, and temple visits. It’s nice not to battle with laces.
  
  

• Waterproofing: Surprisingly useful, especially if your travels take you to Southeast Asia.
  
  

Learn from me—don’t meet Kyoto Toe. Pack the right shoes, and be kind to your feet so they can enjoy the journey as well.