ABC-MART

Quick Facts

Last checked against official information: 2026-11-12.

What it is

ABC-MART (株式会社エービーシー・マート) is Japan's undisputed footwear titan and one of the most recognizable retail chains in the country. Founded in Tokyo in 1985 by Masahiro Miki as an import trading company, ABC-MART revolutionized the Japanese athletic and casual shoe market by securing exclusive distribution and trademark licensing rights for global powerhouses like VANS and British bootmaker Hawkins. Today, with over a thousand stores spanning every corner of Japan, ABC-MART is the premier destination for footwear lovers of all generations.

For international travelers, ABC-MART is an irresistible treasure trove. Beyond carrying standard international lineups from Nike, adidas, New Balance, PUMA, ASICS, and Converse, ABC-MART frequently secures "Japan-Exclusive" colorways and Asia-fit silhouettes that are never exported abroad. From specialized lightweight commuting trainers and rainproof Gore-Tex walking shoes to classic VANS skate shoes produced under Japanese license with premium cushioning, ABC-MART pairs massive inventory depth with tax-free shopping, making it a compulsory stop on any Japan shopping itinerary.

How to order

Step 1: Navigating Open-Shelf Floor Displays

• Walk in and browse the open display walls, neatly organized by brand (Nike, New Balance, adidas, VANS, Hawkins) and gender/category (Men's, Women's, Kids, Running, Business).
• The shoes on open shelves are display samples (見本), typically displayed in single sizes (often men's 27.0cm or women's 24.0cm). You can pick them up to examine weight, materials, and traction.

Step 2: Requesting Your Size from Staff (Size Finding)

• Once you select a model you want to try, find an ABC-MART staff member wearing an official apron.
• Point to the display shoe and request your size in centimeters:
  • "Kore no [size] senchi arimasu ka?" (Do you have this in [size] cm?)
  • Example: "Kore no nijuu-nana senchi arimasu ka?" (Do you have this in 27.0 cm?)
• Staff will either check stock on handheld digital inventory scanners or disappear into the upper stockroom to retrieve fresh, unworn pairs in your requested size.

Step 3: Trying on Shoes & Checking Japanese Centimeter Sizing

• Sit on the fitting benches provided throughout the store. ABC-MART provides complimentary shoehorns and disposable foot socks.
• Understanding Japanese Sizes: Japan uses metric centimeters (cm) for all shoe sizing.
  • Men's US 9 ≈ 27.0 cm; US 10 ≈ 28.0 cm; US 11 ≈ 29.0 cm.
  • Women's US 6 ≈ 23.0 cm; US 7 ≈ 24.0 cm; US 8 ≈ 25.0 cm.
  • Consult the laminated international size conversion chart taped to every shoe fitting stool.

Step 4: Checkout & 2026 Tax-Free Refund Registration

• Major tourist-area ABC-MART stores feature certified Tax-Free checkout counters, marked with the official red-and-white Japan Tax-Free logo.
• Take your shoe box to the counter and state: "Tax-Free kudasai".
• Present your original physical passport (digital photos or photocopies are strictly prohibited by Japanese tax law).
• Under Japan's airport refund tax-free mechanism (enacted November 1, 2026):
  1. Pay the full tax-inclusive retail total at the counter using cash, international credit cards, or mobile QR pay.
  2. The cashier scans your passport chip and submits your purchase details directly to Japan Customs via electronic data interface.
  3. No special packaging applies: since November 1, 2026, tax-free purchases are no longer sealed into tamper-evident bags. The export rule works per purchase record instead:
     • Consumables (shoe-care sprays, creams and cleaners) must not be consumed in Japan. If a consumable on the record is consumed, or a tax-free item is missing at confirmation, the whole purchase record cannot be confirmed and no refund is paid for it.
     • General goods (shoes, sandals, socks and bags) may be used during your trip, as long as you take them out of Japan with you. Items bought outside the tax-free transaction are not part of the record.
  4. Keep the items on your purchase record together for departure (liquids over 100ml still belong in checked baggage under airline cabin rules).
  5. When leaving Japan, complete Customs' export confirmation with your passport at a tax-free procedure terminal, within 90 days of purchase and before checking your baggage. You show the goods only if the terminal flags your record.
  6. After Customs confirms export, the store or its designated refund operator processes your consumption-tax refund by the method registered at purchase. Customs does not pay refunds. For eligible purchases from participating stores, cash collection at designated airport refund terminals may be available; this does not cover every tax-free purchase, so confirm your refund method when you buy.

What to order first

1. New Balance Japan-Exclusive Models & Wide-Fit Silhouettes (CM996, 574, 2002R)

• Japanese Name: ニューバランス ジャパン限定モデル (CM996 / ML574)
• Price: ~¥11,990–¥19,800 (tax-included; subject to revision)
• Why It Is Essential: Japan has a legendary obsession with New Balance, and ABC-MART is its primary retail channel. The CM996 and 2002R models in subtle Japanese heritage grey, vintage beige, and navy tones feature refined proportions and Asian-fit lasts that provide superior arch support and toe-box room. Many colorways sold at ABC-MART are strictly exclusive to the Japanese domestic market.

2. VANS Japan License Lightweight Slip-Ons & Old Skool DX

• Japanese Name: VANS (ヴァンズ) クラシック スリッポン / オールドスクール DX
• Price: ~¥6,600–¥9,350 (tax-included; subject to revision)
• Why It Is Essential: Because ABC-MART owns the manufacturing and distribution license for VANS in Japan, Japanese VANS are constructed with upgraded engineering compared to US models. The "DX" and "Light" series incorporate high-rebound UltraCush or EVA foam footbeds, water-repellent suede uppers, and significantly lighter gum outsoles that make walking 20,000 daily tourist steps fatigue-free.

3. Nike Air Max Japan City Editions & Retro Runners

• Japanese Name: ナイキ エアマックス (Air Max 90 / 95 / 97) 日本限定カラー
• Price: ~¥13,200–¥22,000 (tax-included; subject to revision)
• Why It Is Essential: Japan kicked off the global Air Max phenomenon in the 1990s, and that legacy thrives today. ABC-MART stocks sought-after Air Max 90, 95, and 97 colorways featuring clean Japanese aesthetics, reflective detailing, and premium leather finishes. These sneakers look effortlessly stylish paired with Tokyo streetwear.

4. Hawkins Premium Waterproof & Commuter Leather Walking Shoes

• Japanese Name: ホーキンス (HAWKINS) 防水ウォーキングシューズ / トラベラー
• Price: ~¥7,590–¥14,300 (tax-included; subject to revision)
• Why It Is Essential: Hawkins is ABC-MART's exclusive heritage walking brand. Designed specifically for Japanese business commuters and travelers who walk miles daily in unpredictable weather, Hawkins Traveler shoes feature breathable waterproof internal membranes, non-slip rubber outsoles, and orthotic memory-foam insoles. They are lightweight, look smart, and keep feet completely dry during rainy Japan days.

5. Marquee Player & Crep Protect Water-Repellent Sneaker Sprays

• Japanese Name: マーキープライヤー / クレップ プロテクト 防水スプレー
• Price: ~¥1,980–¥2,420 (tax-included; subject to revision)
• Why It Is Essential: Keep your brand-new kicks spotless. Tokyo-based sneaker care brand Marquee Player manufactures hospital-grade hydrophobic water-and-oil repellent sprays specifically formulated for delicate mesh and suede sneakers. Staff at ABC-MART can demonstrate its magic repelling water beads right in the store. (Note: Must be packed in checked luggage due to aerosol aviation rules).

Payment & practical info

Prices and details checked: November 2026.

• Accepted Payment Modes: Cash (JPY), major global credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, UnionPay), transit IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA), e-money (iD, QUICPay), and mobile QR codes (PayPay, d-Barai, au PAY, Rakuten Pay, Alipay, WeChat Pay).
• Tax-Free Refund Rules (Enacted November 1, 2026):
  • Minimum eligible spend: In general, qualifying goods purchased by the same person at the same participating tax-free store on the same day must total ¥5,000 or more before tax. Ask staff how multiple checkouts are registered. Eligible purchases from different stores can be combined only where the designated joint tax-free procedure permits this.
  • Pay the full tax-inclusive price at checkout and have the purchase registered with your passport. After Customs confirms export (procedure terminal, within 90 days, before baggage check-in), the store or its designated refund operator refunds the consumption tax by the method registered at purchase — Customs does not pay refunds, and cash collection at designated airport refund terminals is available only for eligible purchases from participating stores.
  • No special sealed packaging applies. Confirmation is per purchase record: every tax-free item on the record must leave Japan with you. Consumables must not be consumed in Japan; general goods may be used during your trip if you take them out of Japan.
• Operating Hours: Urban shopping street stores (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Dotonbori) typically operate from 11:00 to 21:00 or 21:30. Mall branches operate from 10:00 to 21:00.
• Luggage Friendly: Most stores can dispose of your old worn-out shoe boxes upon request if you want to save space in your luggage (ask: "Hako wa irimasen" - I do not need the box).
• Liquid / Aerosol Packing Caution: Aerosol sneaker protector sprays or liquid cleaners over 100ml must be packed in checked luggage under airline cabin rules. Complete Customs' export confirmation at the procedure terminal before you surrender your suitcase at the airline check-in desk.

Good to know / Common mistakes

1. Shoe Size Availability for Larger Feet

Japanese shoe stores cater primarily to domestic sizing. In men's models, sizes up to 28.0 cm (US 10) or 28.5 cm (US 10.5) are widely stocked. If you wear 29.0 cm (US 11), 30.0 cm (US 12), or larger, inventory becomes much more limited. High-volume flagship branches in Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza maintain the deepest stocks of large sizes (look for "Big Size" corner tags).

2. You Can Wear Your New Sneakers in Japan!

Unlike consumables such as snacks and cosmetics, which must not be consumed in Japan when bought tax-free, shoes are classified as Non-consumable goods. You can take them right out of the box, lace them up, and wear them around Tokyo immediately! Just make sure every tax-free item on your purchase record leaves Japan with you.

3. Disposing of Old Shoes

If you bought new shoes to replace worn-out sneakers, politely ask the cashier if they can dispose of your old shoes ("Furui kutsu wo sutete moraemasu ka?"). Many flagship tourist branches offer shoe disposal recycling bins for traveler convenience.

Sources

• ABC-MART Official Corporate Portal (Verified: 2026-11-09)
• ABC-MART Nationwide Store Locator & Tax-Free Filters (Verified: 2026-11-09)
• ABC-MART Inbound Tourist Shopping & Size Conversion (Verified: 2026-11-09)
• Japan Customs Departure Tax-Free Procedures (Verified: 2026-11-09)