Okay- So I am an English teacher and considering teaching in Japan. But due to a birth defect, I have deformed feet which make finding shoes very difficult and even then they usually dont fit right and many styles are impossible for me to wear normally. My understanding is that there is a big norm surrounding switching between indoor and outside shoes. Slip on shoes usually are not an option for me. Is there any insight on how I may mavigate this if I did decide to move to Japan?
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Your indoor shoes does not have to be slip on shoes. Your indoor shoes have to be shoes that you only use “indoors”. When I was teaching English, I used running shoes with inserts for my indoor shoes, because I over-pronate. I seen all kinds of footwear for indoor shoes in Japan from crocs, slides, high heels to dress shoes specially used for ceremonies indoors. Some of my own co-workers worn running shoes as well for their indoor shoes.
When you come to Japan, makes sure to bring an extra pair of the shoes you wear for support to be used specifically as indoor shoes.
I used to use ballet flats and saw people wearing all types of shoes indoors.
I knew I would be busy from the start, so I just brought a lot of shoes with me so I wouldn’t have to worry about it. I don’t have any specific shoe needs… but I brought 5 ballet flats with me when I moved. Ended up using all of them at some point to it was a good move for me.
So if you are worried about it, just buy extra pairs and bring them with you?