1 month budget travel with kids in Hokkaido (17): Shoes

27th Sept 2015

The right pair of shoes is important not just for comfortable, it is for safety too. Walking on melt snow that had turn ice, it is very very slippery and any wrong footstep would end up in hospital.

From the news, it was reported that in 2014, the highest slip and fall cases were in Dec when longer interval between each snow fall. When snow melt due to heat from surrounding, the cold nights below zero degree celsius frozen all the water left in the day. Cars skid easily too and we had an experience when our host from Kushiro nearly lost control due to the ice on the road. Later he explained that once night fall, water from melt snow froze as ice and there is no longer any friction on the road unless the wheels are chained.

Therefore it is very important to find a pair of good waterproof shoes with non slip sole.


You could buy in Japan in shops like ABC mart which is economy comparing the price from departmental stores. For kids, you could buy from ABC marts which only outlets sell, the one in Sapporo station, above bus terminal has. Akanchan Honpo has a wide range. Do remember to check out the waterproof spray for fabric, it can be a saver during high snow!

 In Singapore, I hardly see a good range with affordable price for holiday purpose. Unless you would be using this pair of shoes for months or years which is not possible. The other alternative will be from taobao, cheaper, more designs but not every sellers has good quality or pictures showed are exactly the items sold, yet it is worth exploring.

When choosing shoes, look out for these features:

•  Waterproof material : very good waterproof pvc/ umbrella material or partial rainboot base and front area
• Knee protection: knee or high boots to prevent snow from getting in. Keeping warm and reduce injuries
• Non slip soles : there are non-slip soles to add on in the cobble in streets, look normal soles but it really prevent slipping. 
• Warm inner : With warm cushioning, it gives warm and also comfort, even wearing normal socks.
• Price: according to each individual's preference. Can be as cheap as S$10 - S$400. Any cheaper, you expect surprises along the way. 

For kids, allow them to try and choose, in situation like buying from online, let them choose from the pictures too . It would add excitement for the trip.