Kicks

So I've been pretty down on Japan lately (it's winter, I miss America, etc.) but I went out shopping the other day and realized I have to give credit for one thing.

This country has amazing shoes.

I really put some effort into identifying exactly what it is about Japanese shoes that are different from American shoes.  I came up with the following:

1. More and better detailing.
2. More colorful.
3. Better variety specifically within one style instead of just a few color variations you will see at least a half dozen different variations in color, detailing, texture, fabric etc.
4. The selection is consistently good, not just at certain times of the year.

The first time I was ever awed by a Japanese shoe display it was this one.....

this photo is over a year old

On my most recent shopping trip I took these photos:

And you'll notice these are just casual shoes.  That's what I look at because it's what I'm most likely to buy.  I appreciate heels (and goodness knows the Japanese girls do) but tend to not just wear them around for funsies.  The dress shoe selection is equally, if not more, impressive.

So when we leave (what, you thought I was going to stay forever for the shoes? don't think so....even I don't love them that much.) I will probably be buying up a lot of these pretties and bringing them home with me.  Because while I've bought shoes here they've mostly been kinda plain and functional---I haven't gotten any of these fancy ones yet.  I honestly don't know how you would pick.  I could spend weeks planning outfits for these shoes.  And these days my outfit planning time is lean and would be largely a waste.

But when we come back to the US and you see me.....be sure and check out my feet. :D