The shoes to be found in Tokyo deserve a post all of their very own… if, like me, you just adore shoes you might want to skip this post as it all could be too much excitement…
The shoes, like the rest of the fashion in Tokyo, range from tasteful and quiet and just like the shoes we get here, so not really worth getting excessively excited about, I saw ugg boots everywhere, for heaven’s sake!… all the way through to very extreme. Since I grew up influenced by the tail end of the punk era blending into the beginnings of the new romantic fashion era, (anyone remember Adam and the Ants…? confession: I was a big fan, yeah) so I have a soft spot for funky shoes with chains, buckles and a bit of weird and scary toughness in their appearance… but these fabulous examples are something else, no?
Enjoy…
Yeti boots…
OK, those were just a small sample of the fun shoes that caused our jaws to drop and compelled us to reach for our cameras…
Now for the shoes my family actually bought whilst in Tokyo;
Tim’s
Cassie’s
and Craig treated himself to two pairs…
Tres gorgeous and quietly cool, yeah? I like how each of the shoes has a considerate zip either at the back or the side, so the shoes can be slipped on and zipped closed without having to untie those artistically arranged shoe-laces… so thoughtful!
Just to summarise my thoughts on fashion in Tokyo…
so yeah, I was fascinated by the extremes of Japanese fashion we saw in Tokyo even though I’m sure I could not get away with it here in my everyday life. Probably very few Aussies actually could… The closest a western country can boast of the same type of fashion diversity was the UK; the advent of the mini and later during the 70’s, when London mods and punks challenged a somnolent and boring fashion landscape… sartorially things have sobered down considerably since those times, yes?
I appreciate that not everyone is going to love the complex aesthetics of this sort of anything-goes fashion. Some of what I consider to be the most visually exciting stuff can send conservative folks into a frenzy of condemnation but truly, those of us really interested in clothing can but admire the Japanese aesthetic and hope that designers here will occasionally depart from the tasteful boredom currently dominating the commercial clothing market. And to take away just a little inspiration from this sort of lighthearted fashion; which does not take itself seriously and could never ever be described as ho hum.
And hope the youth of Japan continue to go on being fantastic!
These shoes are so exciting! Looking at the wild yeti boots and the long buckly boots, I nearly forgot my age and responsibilities ;-). Some of the people you showed pictures of in an earlier post looked as if they'd stepped straight out of an anime – it must have been really inspiring to see all these unusual looks!
What WOULD we do without Japan? 🙂
I, too, love the big stompy goth-industrial boots :). Sadly the closest I can come around here is biker gear, although that has its own charm. I love Cassie's boots. Does this mean you DIDN'T buy any for yourself? I can totally see you wandering the beach in something from that first photo! 😉
my daughter would have a ball here looking around she loves shoes, boots etc…
I enjoy and appreciate such a fun array of shoes! I think my faves were the shiny disco boots. They'd make me 6'5", sure, but would it be FABULOUS? Love the whimsy throughout.
Wow,I don't think I've ever seen anything like the rhino/viking horn boots!! I love the shoes your family members bought, I've not seen anything like them in this part of the UK, *sigh*.
I've got Prince Charming going round and round in my head now. I also loved Adam and the Ants lol.
It is fun to see what styles are being worn elsewhere. My only question (practical, as always) – how the heck do they walk in those things? They can't possibly be comfortable.
oooh, I like Cassie's. Though being of the conservative sort in my own dressing, would probably not even be able to carry off anything half so interesting.
But, pray tell, where are the ones you bought for yourself? Surely you did partake? 🙂
The shoes you guys bought in that last picture is absolutely GORGEOUS, oh my gosh. The long toe, the braided detail, the WRINKLES and of course the shoelaces. I am so incredibly jealous.
Look at those horn boots! I suppose you can't always have fashion AND comfort!
I've really enjoyed your Japanese fashion tour.
The Economist just described my part of the US as having a sensible and mild culture, due to its Scandinavian roots. That goes for clothing, too. I always get looks when I wear my (plain) knee high leather boots. I need to find some with horns!
No wonder they're all so slender… they'd get a good work out wearing those big heavy clompers! Didn't you buy any shoes?
I like the shoes your family bought…the others are very unique indeed 🙂
WOW! Jaw dropping is right! And I LOVE the pair Cassie bought!
You didn't buy any? Or are you saving those for another post? 🙂
Wow, the rhino boots are fierce! Can't wait to see what you picked out! I will be blown away if you didn't come back with a pair or two!
While I always admire an interesting shoe, walkability is always my test of a shoe. I like the idea of the zip-ins!
My favourite boots are definately the Rhino ones. I cant imagine you would be able to get up close and personal to anyone in those. Perhaps thats the idea! I have a pair of hiking boots that are starting to look like Craig's 2nd choice with the torn looking heel. Perhaps I should hang on the them a bit longer. Great photos!
That last comment was from me not Dad – although he thought they were amazing shoes too