If you’re wondering whether Air Jordans are good for Japan, then you’re at the right place. It’s indeed tricky to find the perfect pair of shoes to visit Japan. You will have to consider Japan’s unique weather and culture.
The good news is, we’ve done our research on this topic.
In short:
Air Jordans can be a great fit for Japan’s lifestyle, but there are a few things to keep in mind. You will need to understand the local sneaker culture to spot authentic pairs.
Don’t worry; this guide covers it all.
Stick around.
Key Points
- Air Jordans are a popular choice in Japan due to their iconic status.
- You can find Air Jordans at major retailers and online stores in Japan.
- Prices vary, with limited editions being more expensive.
- Always shop at trusted stores to avoid buying fake Air Jordans.
- You should consider Japan’s hot, rainy, or cold weather when wearing Air Jordans.
Are Air Jordans Good for Japan? (Everything to Know)
Yes, Air Jordans are great for Japan! They are stylish and comfy, which is why people love to wear them. Air Jordans also match well with different outfits.
In our experience, this is important in Japan where fashion is a big deal.
In Japan, Air Jordans are extremely popular. If you read what the Japanese have to say, you will notice that most of them have praised the style.
Let’s now look at why Air Jordans are a Fashion statement in Japan:
Japan Loves Sneakers
In Japan, sneakers are more than just shoes. They're a way to show off your style. In fact, they have an interesting history.
This started a long time ago when young people in Japan started noticing cool shoes from other countries, especially the United States. Later, Air Jordans became a big hit because of their connection to famous basketball player Michael Jordan.
Now, how do we know this history? Well, we visited many places like Harajuku last year. There, we found that people love mixing different styles. You might see someone wearing a traditional Japanese outfit with a pair of Air Jordans.
Special Designs Just for Japan
Air Jordans are special in Japan because Nike has launched special designs made just for Japanese fans. You won’t find them in the USA or any other countries.
Here are the popular ones:
|
Designer |
Designer’s Brand |
Nike Air Jordan Collaboration |
|
Hiroshi Fujiwara |
Fragment Design |
Fragment Design x Air Jordan 1 |
|
Luca Benini (Italian) |
Slam Jam/Undercover |
Slam Jam x Undercover x Air Jordan 1 |
|
Jun Takahashi |
UNDERCOVER |
Various Nike collaborations, influence on Air Jordans |
|
Koji |
atmos |
atmos x Air Jordan 3 "Safari" |
|
Chitose Abe |
Sacai |
Influence on design ethos in Air Jordans |
Showing Off Your Air Jordans
When we met the Japanese, we found that they also love exclusive things (just like us). So, they like to show off. These people also don’t mind if you try to show off your own Air Jordans.
Air Jordans Go With Everything
One of the best things about Air Jordans is that they look good with almost any outfit. In Japan, people love mixing different styles. You might see someone wearing a cool pair of Air Jordans with jeans one day and with a traditional Japanese outfit the next.
This is why Air Jordans are a must-have for many people in Japan.
Perfect for Japan’s Busy Cities
Japan is full of big, busy cities where people walk a lot. That’s why it’s important to have shoes that are comfortable. Air Jordans are known for being comfy because they offer good support. This makes them perfect for walking around places like Tokyo or Osaka.
Are Air Jordans Suitable for Japan’s Climate?
In our experience, Air Jordans are generally good for Japan’s weather, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Let’s start with the summer.
Hot and Humid Summers
We visited Japan last year and found that the summers there can be really hot and sticky. Air Jordans, especially the ones made from leather, might feel a bit warm on those super hot days.
It’s because leather isn’t breathable. Therefore, your feet might get sweaty.
However, some Air Jordan models use mesh or lighter materials, which helps keep your feet cooler.
Dealing with the Rainy Season
Japan has a rainy season called “tsuyu,” where it feels like it’s raining every day. We’ve found that Air Jordans can handle a bit of rain, but they’re not waterproof. If you’re out in heavy rain, your feet might get wet.
Also, too much water can damage the leather or suede of your shoes.
That’s why we think it’s smart to check the weather before heading out. If there are chances of rain, we suggest wearing different shoes.
Cold Winters and Snow
Winter in Japan can be really cold, especially in places like Hokkaido. Air Jordans are okay in the cold, but they’re not made to keep your feet super warm.
If you’re walking around the city, they’ll be fine. But if it’s snowing or you’re spending lots of time outside, we’d suggest wearing something warmer.
Important Note: Snow and slush can be tough on leather or suede, so keep that in mind.
Everyday Durability
One thing we really like about Air Jordans is how well they’re built. They’re sturdy and durable, which is great for Japan’s city life.
Moreover, the soles give good traction, so you don’t have to worry much about slipping on wet streets.
We think they’re a solid choice for most days, but they may not be the best for extreme weather.
How Do Air Jordans Compare to Other Sneakers in Japan?
Air Jordans are unique in Japan. You now know that they are known for their style, durability, and strong cultural impact. Compared to other sneakers, they stand out because of their iconic status and versatility.
We’ve made a “Air Jordan vs Others” table based on our experience:
|
Sneaker Brand |
Main Strength |
Main Weakness |
Cultural Impact |
Best For |
|
Air Jordans |
Iconic style, strong durability |
Can be heavy and warm in summer |
High – Iconic and widely recognized |
Fashion-forward city wear |
|
Nike Air Max |
Lightweight, trendy look |
Less durable over time |
High – Popular in streetwear |
Casual everyday activities |
|
Adidas Originals |
Classic, easygoing style |
Lacks the iconic status of Jordans |
Moderate – Favored for casual wear |
Laid-back, relaxed outfits |
|
New Balance |
Superior comfort |
Not as stylish as others |
Moderate – Known for comfort |
All-day wear, long walks |
|
Puma Suede |
Retro, stylish design |
Less durable and support |
Moderate – Retro appeal |
Fashion with a retro twist |
|
ASICS Gel-Lyte |
High-performance, very comfortable |
Less fashionable for streetwear |
Low – Focused on performance |
Running and physical activities |
Now, let’s break down each sneaker to understand how they compare to Air Jordans.
Nike Air Max
Nike Air Max is all about a trendy and sporty look. We’ve found that these are lighter than Air Jordans, making them a great option for everyday use.
However, in Japan, Air Max isn’t as popular as Air Jordans.
Adidas Originals
We think Adidas Originals are great if you’re looking for something “easygoing.” However, they don’t have the iconic appeal of Air Jordans. In Japan, people often choose Adidas for casual wear.
New Balance
New Balance is all about comfort. You can wear these shoes all day without thinking twice about your feet. However, they are not as stylish as Air Jordans.
ASICS Gel-Lyte
ASICS Gel-Lyte is the go-to for performance. These are top-notch for running or any physical activity. However, they don’t have the streetwear appeal that Air Jordans do.
Availability and Pricing of Air Jordans in Japan
Air Jordans are widely available in Japan, but prices can vary depending on two things:
- The model.
- Where do you buy them?
Generally, they are more expensive compared to other sneakers.
So, where to buy Air Jordans in Japan?
In our experience, the best places to buy Air Jordans in Japan are sneaker stores in big cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. You can also find them in specialized sneaker boutiques.
On average, a standard pair of Air Jordans might cost you around ¥20,000 to ¥30,000 (approximately $180 to $270 USD). Limited editions and rare models can go much higher, sometimes reaching ¥50,000 or more (over $450 USD).
For more details, check out this guide - How To Determine Sneakers’ cost?
Tips for Buying Authentic Air Jordans in Japan
To buy authentic Air Jordans in Japan, we’ve got some tips for you. These are:
- Shop at trusted retailers, avoid deals that seem too good to be true, and
- Check the shoes' details like the stitching and logos.
- Research the seller’s reputation.
- Be Wary of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True
- Join Local Sneaker Communities.
Final Words
All in all, Air Jordans can be a great choice in Japan. Here's a quick recap:
- Air Jordans are stylish, durable, and popular in Japan.
- They’re widely available, but prices can be high, especially for rare models.
- Always buy from trusted retailers to avoid fakes.
- Check the weather before wearing Air Jordans, especially during Japan’s rainy season.
- Join local sneaker communities to stay updated on the latest releases and deals.
That’s all.
