ABC Mart Grand Stage | Why Investing in Shoes is Key to Health

Happy Friday! ⛸

I wanted to buy some shoes in Japan before going back to the Philippines and to check out cool kicks here. ✨

Before heading for shoe shopping, I did my research. ☺️

ABC Mart Grand Stage is one of the popular shoe shops, and it is also around Dotonbori, the shopping and entertainment district.

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I was surprised that it was not as packed as weekends. Perhaps it was also lunchtime, so it was a breeze taking pictures. haha. 😁

Stan Smith resurfaced again and boomed in 2014. Its got the iconic three stripes but the problem for me is the sole is flat, which is not good for my feet and posture.

The shoe design too is not too appealing for me. 😄

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Same to Gazelle...

I might get a Superstar, though.

I am not a shoe enthusiast or a shoe fan, and what matters to me is the comfort and what is best for my health.

I learned through the years that shoes can affect our posture. I especially concerned with my back. I invested in shoes that prevent injuries and reduce pain.

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When I was in high school, Converse was the most popular brand.

If you got these shoes, you were a cool kid in my school, hehe. I had many pairs of Converse then and mixed and matched colors, even bought neon and glow-in-the-dark shoe laces. 😊

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Look at the thick midsole…🥲

Dr. Marten’s closed all of its branches in the Philippines in 2022, and then resurfaced in 2024. I have a pair of boots I can say that they are sturdy but it was hella heavy and hot. Not good for walking under a scorching sun. But it was a good investment.

No way I will wear that when I am walking 10k steps a day. Looks painful for me already, and might break my ankle haha. Gad, I sound old! (I am tho) 🤣

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A narrow escalator made me claustrophobic for a minute but thanks to the art wall I can distract myself.

More shoes upstairs! ✨

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When I think of Lacoste shoes, I think of my dad. I don’t know but they are giving Uncle and grandpa vibes. But a cool Uncle and grandpa. 😆

My dad told me that he needed to “break” the shoes so that it is more comfortable for the feet. He may meant that the shoes were stiff and needed a little loosening. He got a white-gray color so that he could easily pair it with any shirt.

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After looking around for a couple of minutes, I finally found the pair that I wanted. 😍

What I like about Asics SF is its Gel cushion. It is soft, shock absorber, lightweight and breathable.

I was looking for a pair that I can wear for everyday walking and has a minimal design but is stylish. I can wear jeans and a neutral color shirt. I got the black and the white pairs.

Andd boom...

I asked for assistance because I was confused about he sizing here in Japan. So I tried my US size, which is always my size and has a small allowance for some looseness, and socks, but then it was too big for me…

Hmmm.. So Japan's size is different. And so I asked for a smaller size this time.

The guy was patient even to go look for another size for me. So apparently, my equivalent US size in Japan size is two size smaller. Did I shrink? Haha. 😆

It fit perfectly, and thanks to the staff for patiently assisting me! 😊👏🏻

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Aside from kicks, ABC Mart has also shirts, jackets, caps, etc. I thought men’s sections had more variety compared to women’s.

I got my dad the black Nike shirt and told me to get a small size. He was confident he was small size and ended up getting the wrong one. So the lesson was to try it on and stop being lazy. 🙃

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ABC Market accepts a lot cards so do not worry about the process of paying but would recommend taking with you some cash just in case.

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Fast forward to the present, I use my Asics SF often and still look good in shape with proper care. My feet do not hurt after long walks and standing. I got my money’s worth and was happy that I bought them.

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Thanks for Reading

That is it for this blog. I will see you at the next one!
📸 All photos are owned and taken by me, otherwise credited. ©️jijisaurart

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