As a nomad of three and a half years who’s spent that time living out of a carry-on and backpack, I have no room for imperfect or frivolous footwear. My travel shoe rotation typically includes just two or three pairs, and no matter which season I’m in or destination I’m traveling to, that lineup always includes a pair of classic lifestyle sneakers. These shoes have an important job: they need to stand up to even the longest walking days, keep my feet comfortable, and go with everything in my suitcase.

After dragging a pair of high-top Nike Blazers around the world for two years, I decided it was time for a new pair of comfortable shoes for everyday wear — and I just happened to be in Osaka, Japan, a location famed for its world-class shopping. After hitting shoestore after shoestore on the Shinsaibashi Shopping Street, trying on all the trendiest styles of the moment, and deciding none were comfortable enough for my needs, I finally landed on my Goldilocks pair: the Asics Japan S.

Asics Japan S in White/Ocean Haze

Not only were these Asics shoes super comfortable from the moment I put them on, but they also had the exact vibe I was looking for: a little bit retro but easy to wear with everything. It was a bonus that the sneakers were from a Japanese brand and named after the country itself — it was just the dash of destiny I needed to seal the deal (and it also meant they doubled as a nice souvenir). I officially retired my Blazers and wore these Asics sneakers straight out of the box with no break-in issues or blisters — every traveler’s dream. I bought these shoes in June and now, four months later, these Asics have steadily remained the MVP of my footwear rotation; they continue to surprise me with their functionality, comfortability, and ability to look sharp with outfits for any occasion. 

The Japan S shoe is based on a 1981 Asics style originally designed for the basketball court. In this new model, the brand maintained the throwback style — including their signature tiger stripes on the quarter panels — but updated the sneakers with a low-top design and cushioning for all-day comfort, which I can attest to personally. These sneakers stay comfortable even on long walking days, and I’ve noticed significantly less lower back pain than I had while wearing my previous sneakers. (In fact, one of the reasons I finally decided to replace my Blazers was because my physical therapist recommended I try swapping shoes.) At less than 11 ounces, they’re also pretty lightweight, compact, and packable. 

Asics Japan S in White/Seal Grey

I’ve paired my Asics with just about any outfit — shorts, jeans, cargo pants, dresses, and linen trousers — and I’ve worn them to walk all over Kuala Lumpur, bike around Singapore, and stay up all night in Seoul. I’ve since returned to Japan, where they’re pretty much the only shoe I’ve been wearing for 20,000-step days around Tokyo. They’ve also kept my feet surprisingly dry, even when caught in one of Bangkok’s monsoons or Okinawa’s typhoon season.

Through all of this wear and tear, my pair of Japan S shoes look shockingly good. They wipe clean with remarkable ease even though mine have faux suede white tips — usually a recipe for disaster on a pair of wear-everywhere sneakers. If you don’t want to make the gamble, there are also options made only of synthetic leather, which should be even easier to clean. 

I personally went with the White/Pepper color, which includes coffee-brown stripes, to match my warm-neutral wardrobe, but it’s only available in limited quantities right now. But there are tons of other options to choose from, including a few colors with the faux suede tips and many other styles with the full synthetic leather. 

The great news is that, while my Asics were a souvenir from Japan, you don’t need to cross the Pacific to get a pair. The Japan S’s are available in the US, and you can get them wherever you prefer to shop for sneakers, including Amazon, where nearly 120 customers have given them a five-star rating. That may not sound like a lot, but that’s another thing I love about this sneaker: It’s an under-the-radar star, not the same shoe thousands of people are wearing all over TikTok.

Asics Japan S in Matcha

Like me, customers on Zappos vouch that the Japan S shoe is comfy and great for travel. “Very comfortable and stylish. Wore them on a week-long trip overseas where I was walking 15-20,000 steps a day — no issues at all,” one reviewer wrote. Many people report getting compliments on these sneakers, though some note that they run narrow or small, so keep that in mind as you decide on a size. 

“I have been looking for white sneakers for a while until I landed on these,” another reviewer wrote on Zappos. “These sneakers fit perfectly and are comfortable. I live in NYC and walk around A LOT. I received many compliments wearing these. They are also easy to clean if they get a little scuffed from hours of walking. However, if you have high arches I would recommend adding insoles in them so you will have more support.” Keep in mind that you can’t remove the insole in these, so you’d need to put your insert on top.

At such an affordable price and their synthetic leather design, I’m honestly not expecting these sneakers to last years, but my first four months with them have been quite promising. Aside from some creases in the toe from where my foot bends, my Asics are still in great condition. I won’t hesitate to repurchase the Japan S — and might even try a spicier color next time.

If you’re looking for a comfortable, lightweight travel sneaker that adds a touch of style to your outfits, I personally endorse the Asics Japan S — and since I’m a nomad, I can comfortably say I’ve put them through their paces. 

Want more options? Keep scrolling for more comfortable, subtly retro travel sneakers below.

Shop More Comfortable Shoes for Travel:

Asics Japan S PF

For those who love a platform shoe, Asics also makes the Japan S PF, which includes a 2-inch rise. The chunky sole adds a bit of style and offers more cushion, too. These shoes have amassed many five-star ratings on Amazon than the classic Japan S, where one reviewer wrote: “I am [an] Asics fan and this pair is another keeper.”

Reebok Smash Edge

If you love the look of Adidas Sambas but don’t want to join the legions of TikTokers with the same pair, go for the Reebok Smash Edge. They have a suede and synthetic upper in a few demure colorways and go for just $65. 

Gola Eagle

When my pair of Asics finally kicks it, I very well may opt for a pair of Gola sneakers next. They have a similarly wearable retro design as the Japan S, though Gola’s are based on their ‘70s tennis court sneakers. The plush terry towel lining looks like a godsend for tired travel feet, and I love that they offer various neutral cream-colored pairs with different hints of color. 

On The Roger Advantage 2

On may specialize in running sneakers — and technically, this pair was made for hitting the tennis court — but reviewers absolutely love them as wear-all-day lifestyle and travel sneakers. “Absolutely the prettiest classic sneaker to dress up sweats and casual outfits!” one reviewer wrote. “Bought these for walking around Italy! So comfortable I’m buying a backup [pair]! Bonus: customers say the synthetic upper is easy to clean back to bright white. 

Lululemon Women’s Cityverse Sneaker

If comfort is your top priority, it might make sense to opt for a sneaker that leans more athletic than lifestyle; these Lululemon shoes toe that line perfectly. They’re specifically designed for the female foot and have layers of cushioning to keep your feet comfortable for block after block of city exploration. “For someone with so many foot problems it’s hard to find shoes that are pleasant all day but I’m glad to announce these guys are fantastic!” one reviewer wrote. “No breaking in required just instant comfort.”

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