How to Choose Shoes for Fuji Rock 2024

2024-06-24

Theme：Events ＆ Concerts, Tips ＆ Useful Info

Fuji Rock is only about a month away. I'm a bit nervous about who’s going to be there because the headliner SZA was cancelled so instead THE KILLERS will be there. There are so many acts I want to see this year too! I'm afraid that I’ll miss some brilliant performances because there are other acts going on at the same time.

Last year I wrote a blog post about what kind of shoes to wear, but the situation has changed!
Fuji Rock is mainly held on the vast grounds of the Naeba ski resort, so some areas are like a forest. When it rains, puddles and streams form, so some areas are so muddy you'd think it was before rice planting. There are also places where it was difficult to walk because of tree branches and stones blocking the shaded pathways. This is why I have recommended trekking shoes with thick soles and I thought that was the best way to go. Until last year...

After the event was cancelled in 2020, I abandoned it in 2021 and of course there was the corona pandemic in 2022, I finally went last year and found that the venue was very well maintained with no muddy or bumpy pathways. The hill from Avalon to Haven was also paved. I thought that I didn't need trekking shoes anymore, which was probably thanks to the local people.

Based on my experiences, I hope the following will be of some help to you!

■ Ordinary Sneakers

I wore these the first time I went. They’re not for sports, but they’re leather sneakers that I usually wear around town. I think I decided on these because I wanted something I was used to wearing. Although I didn't have any problems walking in them, the flat soles made my feet tired. The rain also soaked them quite a bit. They took a long time to dry and were still slightly wet the next day. I wouldn't recommend these.

■ Sports Sneakers

Much easier to walk in than normal sneakers, athletic sneakers are breathable and very comfortable on sunny days. They don’t protect against heavy rain, but they are fine for a little rain. It is recommended to choose cushioned, running or walking shoes to reduce foot fatigue. If it rains heavily, change into boots or waterproof shoes.

■ Fashionable Boots (Emphasis on Appearance)

This was before the Birdwatching boots of the Wild Bird Society of Japan brand became popular. At the time, I often saw people wearing colourful boots, so I imitated them and wore cute boots myself. I didn't mind the puddles after a downpour at all, and I cleared the rice paddy conditions without difficulty. But my feet were so steamy! Feet were starting to blister! No ankle support and they were heavy and tiring to wear. The edge of the shoe hits your shins and leaves marks. My feet hurt. No good. I don’t recommend this.

■ Amphibious Shoes from an Outdoor Brand

Thick soles that were comfortable and easy to walk in. They felt especially good on sunny days and I could even go in the river with them on. I'm a camper, so I use these around the tent (when going to the bathroom, cooking area, etc.). They are fine in the rain, but be aware that your feet will get quite cold when the temperature drops.

■ Waterproof Trekking Shoes (Low cut Type)

Outdoor brand shoes made of waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX fabric. The soles are thick, so it is easy to walk on uneven paths, and the breathability is excellent. However, when it starts to pour, the socks get soaked around your ankles... When the rain starts pouring, you should either wear long rain pants, gaiters (spats) or change into boots. (Recently, there seem to be breathable waterproof socks that I might take a look into..)

■ Waterproof Trekking Shoes (High cut Type)

These are also made of waterproof breathable fabric and are tied firmly to the ankle. Many are lightweight for light mountaineering and, above all, easy to walk on mountain trails and uneven paths. They are also perfectly safe in downpours and deep puddles. If they get muddy, you can even wash the outside surface while wearing them. Many people wear these at the venue. The hardness of the soles can be a bit of a problem on paved roads, but it is very convenient to not have to change them in the rain. The higher quality, lighter ones are quite pricey, so I recommend them if you have a use for them outside of Fuji Rock.

■ Wild Bird Society of Japan Bird Watching Boots (+ Expensive Insoles)

These have become a festival staple. They are, after all, packable (foldable and portable) and the logo with the BIRD 'B' is very cute. I also bring a pair for protection against downpours. Compared to normal boots, the ankle part is narrower, giving a sense of hold making it easier to walk. They are made of rubber, so they get a bit stuffy, but when it gets hot, you can fold them down to ankle length while wearing them. Quite a lot of people wear them this way. The soles are thin and lack cushioning, but this is not a problem, especially if you use insoles that provide good foot support. The more expensive the insoles, the better. Rubber boots are still the strongest against downpours.

Summary

High-cut waterproof trekking shoes are recommended for those who want to stabilise their feet & reduce their luggage
For those who want to use different shoes for sunny and rainy days, sports shoes with thick soles that are easy to walk in OR a combination of outdoor brand sandals + Japan Wild Bird Society Birdwatching Boots
If you have new shoes, wear them before the festival to break them in (+ step on them to soften them)
If you only come to the festival for one day, frankly speaking, anything is fine (wear whatever you like).
You can buy Japan Wild Bird Society Bird Watching Boots at Sound House.

That's all!

⇒ Wild Bird Society of Japan Bird Watching Boots

ITO

フェス好きが高じてフェスグッズの取り扱い始めました。フジロックは2001年から通っています。2024年マイベストはCaribou @ 朝霧JAM & O-East、次いでFKJ @ 豊洲PITです。どちらも最高すぎました。あとフジロックでThe Killers見れて良かった。とある大学の研究者たちが行った調査によると、LIVEに定期的に足を運ぶと人生の総体的な幸福度が増す傾向にあるそうです。確かに。