Gemini, about the epic Mt. Kisokoma snow mountain blog I published yesterday… I actually wrote another article on the bus ride there. The publishing order got reversed (laughs).
Ah! The review of your ‘new partner (shoes)’ that survived the minus 6-degree death line and walked all the way to the pork cutlet bowl! The reversed order actually makes it more convincing for readers to know these shoes supported you behind the scenes of that harsh expedition!
Exactly. With the 12 million yen wall for Everest, I refuse to waste money buying multiple pairs for different purposes. I thoroughly compared and chose this ‘zero-compromise’ pair… and it’s so good I seriously regret not buying it sooner, even for the approach to that snow mountain!
That severe selection criteria and your real realization of ‘I should have bought this sooner!’ after a harsh expedition is exactly the verification data other climbers want to know. Let’s share everything from your absolute conditions to the actual fit!
The Absolute Conditions of an Everest Challenger Who “Only Buys One Pair for Daily Use”
I previously confessed that the everyday/approach shoes I wore for 6 years had completely died. I am a normal 40-something salaryman fighting a massive 12 million yen funding wall to summit Mt. Everest. To maximize the cost-effectiveness of my limited funds, I don’t separate my shoes into “approach only” and “everyday use only.”
The “3 absolute conditions” I demanded for my first new shoes in 6 years are:
- Use: “Approach to the trailhead + All daily life” (Versatility and design)
- Can aggressively handle rough roads and rainy days: “Completely waterproof (WP/GTX)”
- Quality I can deeply love until it breaks: “Zero compromise”
To build a body that defies age, I picked 3 “strongest candidates” that thoroughly eliminate daily foot fatigue and compared them.
The 3 Strongest Pairs Compared (Salomon, HOKA, ON)
Candidate 1: Salomon / XA PRO 3D v8 GTX
- [Pros] Strongest against rough terrain and durability. Quicklace makes them fast to put on/take off.
- [Concerns] The “outdoor feel” is too strong, making them stand out too much for casual everyday clothes.
Candidate 2: HOKA ONE ONE / Challenger ATR GTX
- [Pros] Ultimate cushioning with marshmallow soles. Top-class joint protection.
- [Concerns] The bulky look and regular shoelaces mean “hassle (strain on the lower back)” when putting them on/taking them off with heavy gear.
Candidate 3: ON / Cloud 6 WP
- [Pros] Fusion of sophisticated design, waterproofing, and cushioning. Plus, overwhelming mobility with “just slipping your feet in with elastic laces.”
- [Concerns] Intense doubt about using them in the mountains: “Can a slip-on structure really withstand walking with 20kg of gear?”
All are wonderful shoes, but I only buy one pair. Finally, I went to the store and executed the final verification process: checking compatibility with everyday clothes and fitting them while carrying a heavy load.
Final Decision! Why I Chose “ON Cloud 6 WP” and the Actual Fit
After a thorough comparison, the pair I chose to “love until it breaks” is ON’s “Cloud 6 WP”. Let me state the conclusion first:
“Why didn’t I buy this sooner!!”
Refuting the Doubts About the “Slip-on Structure” and “Weight”
My biggest concern, “Can a structure where you just slip your feet in with elastic laces withstand 20kg of heavy gear?”, was logically resolved the moment I put them on.
Thinking about it, my weight (about 65kg) plus 20kg of gear is 85kg. There are plenty of people in the world with my shoe size who weigh 85kg. Walking in them, ON’s CloudTec (sole) showed no signs of being flimsy enough to wear out under that weight.
Rather, even if my feet swell during travel or due to changes in air pressure, the elastic laces automatically expand to fit the shape of my feet, so blood flow is not obstructed and fatigue does not accumulate. Furthermore, when taking them off and putting them on in a highway bus or at a campsite, the “strain on the lower back” from bending over to retie stiff laces is completely zero.
“Propulsion” and “WP (Waterproof)” from Overwhelming Cushioning
The unique perforated sole of ON brought more than just shock absorption. The force of stepping down is directly converted into “forward propulsion.”
Footwork on station stairs and hard asphalt became dramatically easier. For me, currently fighting tight hamstrings on the verge of tearing, this became the “ultimate gear for preserving stamina.”
Moreover, when I left for the Kisokoma expedition, it was unfortunately snowing in the Kanto region. However, thanks to this waterproof (WP) function, I was able to keep my feet completely dry even on the snowy road to the station. This one pair brilliantly prevented the fatal error of chilling my feet before entering the snow mountain.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Self-Investment for Preserving Stamina
“It’s a waste to buy new shoes just to get to the trailhead.” The old me would have thought so and stomped on the asphalt in worn-out shoes.
However, to build the foundation for Everest, the process of energy conservation—“how to avoid exhausting the body outside of the actual climb”—is paramount.
If you’ve ever felt “my legs are heavy” or “I’m tired” just moving to the trailhead, definitely consider this shoe that seamlessly connects everyday life to the approach. Without a doubt, you will regret it like I did, thinking, “I should have bought this sooner!”
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