On Sneakers: Your Best Travel Buddy In Asia

When packing for a trip to Asia, it's important to consider the activities you'll be doing and the varying cultural expectations around footwear. The default choice of footwear in Southeast Asia and many other parts of Asia is the humble flip-flop, which is lightweight, easy to pack, and perfect for the hot and humid climate. However, if you plan on doing any serious trekking or exploring, you might want to consider packing a pair of lightweight sneakers or sandals that offer more support and protection for your feet.

Are ON sneakers lightweight and breathable?

When travelling in Asia, it is important to consider the climate, activities and local customs. The best shoes for travelling in Asia are lightweight, breathable and easy to take on and off.

ON sneakers are lightweight and breathable, making them a good option for travelling in Asia. They are designed to be slim, lightweight and prevent tired, achy feet. The antimicrobial mesh upper keeps feet stink-free and the rocker bottom helps build momentum when walking or running.

However, ON sneakers may not be suitable for everyone. Some buyers complain that they are too narrow for wide feet. If you have flat feet, you may prefer a shoe with more arch support.

Are they easy to slip on and off?

When travelling in Asia, it is important to consider the activities you will be doing, the climate, and local customs. In Southeast Asia, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering homes, temples, and some businesses, so shoes that are easy to slip on and off are ideal.

If you plan on doing some light trekking, you may want to bring a pair of lightweight hiking sandals that offer good traction for wet and slick environments. If you'll be spending a lot of time in cities, a comfortable walking shoe or sandal that offers adequate protection for your feet is recommended.

Sandals

Sandals are the go-to footwear in Southeast Asia. They are lightweight, airy, and perfect for the tropical climate.

• Birkenstock Mayari: These sandals are supportive, durable, and timeless. They have great arch and heel support and adjustable straps for a perfect fit. They are also easy to slip on and off.
• Crocs Tulum: These lightweight and supportive sandals are also waterproof, making them a great option if you're travelling to Southeast Asia during the rainy season. They feature soft, flexible straps and an adorable design that can be dressed up or down.
• Reef Cushion Breeze: These flip-flops offer a highly cushioned and soft footbed, a soft webbing liner, and a spongy, flexible outsole. They are durable, have excellent traction, and are super cute.

Closed-toe options

If you're looking for a more closed-toe option, there are also many sneakers that are easy to slip on and off:

• Vans Classic Slip-On: These iconic slip-on shoes feature a sleek, low-profile upper that makes them easy and convenient to wear. They keep your feet comfy and blister-free, thanks to a seamless fit and padded collar.
• Rothy's The City Slip On Sneaker: These slip-on sneakers feature a breathable upper with stretchy side gores for easy slipping and no breaking in. They also have contoured insoles and padding for added comfort.
• Allbirds Wool Loungers: These slip-on sneakers have a flexible wool upper that gently moulds around your foot. They offer ample cushioning in the midsole and a soft lining that feels like slippers.
• Tropicfeel Canyon Shoes: These shoes can be used as water shoes and are comfortable with or without socks. They are lightweight and have a dual-density footbed for comfort and support.
• Dr. Scholl's Madison Slip On Sneaker: These sneakers are designed for comfort thanks to the cupped heel, memory foam midsole, and generous arch support in the footbed. There are options for recycled faux leather, canvas, flannel, and suede upper materials, and size options in both regular and wide.

Are ON sneakers suitable for motorbiking?

When deciding on footwear for motorbiking in Asia, or anywhere else, safety should be the top priority. While sneakers might seem like a convenient option, they are unlikely to provide adequate protection in the event of a crash. Motorcycle-specific shoes or boots are purpose-built to protect your feet, ankles, and lower legs, and are well worth investing in.

Motorcycle boots are designed to prevent injuries caused by the impact of a heavy bike falling on your foot, as well as protecting against road rash and degloving—a gruesome injury where the skin is torn from the foot or ankle. They also provide better grip when shifting and braking, and are less likely to fall off in a crash than sneakers.

When choosing motorcycle footwear, opt for a pair that covers the ankle to protect this vulnerable area. Taller boots also offer protection from exhaust pipes and cold weather for those riding at high speeds. Look for features such as reinforced toes and shanks, oil-resistant soles, and good ventilation to prevent sweaty feet.

While motorcycle-specific footwear is ideal, if you are unable to find a pair that fits, a sturdy pair of over-the-ankle leather boots will provide more protection than sneakers. However, keep in mind that regular boots will not provide the same level of protection as motorcycle boots and may not be suitable for riding at high speeds or off-road.

In addition to wearing proper footwear, it is important to wear other protective gear when motorbiking, such as a helmet, jacket, and gloves. This will help ensure that you are as safe and protected as possible while riding.

Are ON sneakers suitable for light trekking?

When deciding what shoes to pack for a trip to Asia, it's important to consider the activities you'll be doing, the climate, and local customs. If you're planning to do some light trekking, a lightweight hiking sandal or shoe could be a good option.

ON Cloudhorizon shoes are lightweight hiking shoes that offer excellent cushioning for light trekking. They are 12% lighter than the average hiking shoe, highly breathable, and have excellent waterproofing for rainy days. The shoe features ON's CloudTec technology, which compresses to reduce ground impact and springs back up for a bouncier ride. However, the shallow 2.5mm lugs mean that these shoes are not suitable for more serious hikers tackling rocky and technical terrain.

Other lightweight hiking shoes that are suitable for light trekking include the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX, Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX, and Merrell Moab Speed 2. These shoes offer excellent grip, stability, and waterproofing, while also being highly breathable.

Ultimately, the best shoes to take travelling to Asia will depend on your specific itinerary and preferences, but it's recommended to bring two to three pairs of shoes to cover different activities and terrain.

Are ON sneakers suitable for the climate?

The suitability of ON sneakers for travelling in Asia depends on the region and the time of year. Asia is a large continent with a varied climate, so it's important to consider the specific conditions of your destination.

If you're travelling to Southeast Asia, the climate is typically hot and humid, with distinct rainy and monsoon seasons. Lightweight and breathable footwear is recommended, such as sandals or flip-flops, which are the default choice for many locals. The cultural practice of removing shoes before entering homes, temples, and some businesses also makes slip-on shoes ideal. While sneakers can be a good option for travel days and sightseeing in cities, they may not be the best choice for the region's hot and humid climate.

For other parts of Asia, such as Northern Thailand, the climate can be cooler, especially during the winter months from November to February. In these regions, it's advisable to carry layers that can be added or removed as needed. Urban centres like Kuala Lumpur tend to be hot and humid, so breathable and lightweight footwear is recommended.

Overall, when considering the suitability of ON sneakers for the climate in Asia, it depends on the specific region and time of year. In general, lightweight, breathable, and easy-to-remove shoes are ideal for travelling in Asia, especially in Southeast Asia.

Frequently asked questions