Forget HOKA and Adidas: Insiders Switch to This One Brand for Comfortable, Non-Slip, Stylish Shoes That Don’t Tire You Out Even After Walking Thousands of Steps Abroad

When traveling abroad, footwear that allows all-day walking without fatigue has become an essential item in many travelers’ luggage. Beyond popular brands like Onitsuka Tiger, HOKA, and On Running, South Korea’s outdoor brand Discovery Expedition has rapidly risen in popularity thanks to its stylish and highly comfortable shoes. The most talked-about model is the Wave Jane Mary Jane athletic shoe. Many users who have worn them report that even after several days of continuous travel and walking over 10,000 steps daily, their feet remain pain-free—earning it the nickname 'the new holy grail of travel shoes.' Its popularity has further surged due to being a favorite of Korean actress Ko Yoon-jung.

A user posted on Threads, stating that Discovery’s Mary Jane shoes are as comfortable as athletic sneakers, causing no foot pain even after walking over 10,000 steps during overseas trips. They praised the shoes for being lightweight, slip-resistant, and highly functional. Numerous other users echoed this sentiment: 'The insole is incredibly comfortable—walking feels effortless,' 'A must-have for long-distance walkers; it’s stylish too. I’ve been looking for a comfortable sneaker, and this one is light, non-slip, and has reflective strips,' 'They released new colors this year—I want to collect them all. Even in Japan, walking thousands of steps feels completely comfortable,' 'Very comfortable and looks great,' and 'It has a slightly girlish touch within a neutral design. The sole is very soft, so you don’t have to worry about discomfort. Plus, you won’t see many people wearing the same pair in Taiwan.'

Founded in 2012, Discovery Expedition is a well-known South Korean outdoor lifestyle brand that emphasizes the fusion of functionality and everyday fashion. With numerous stores across South Korea, the brand has previously collaborated with celebrities such as Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Byeon Woo-seok, and Ko Yoon-jung as brand ambassadors. In addition to its signature down jackets, its footwear line has gradually gained recognition in recent years. Particularly popular are its dad shoes and Mary Jane athletic shoes, which combine retro aesthetics with lightweight comfort, building a strong fan base in the Korean market.

The brand’s online buzz has been significant. According to the 2025 'Top 10 Mary Jane Athletic Shoe Brands' ranking published by Network Temperature, Discovery Expedition successfully entered the top 10, ranking alongside major brands like PUMA, New Balance, and FILA. The Wave Jane series is considered one of the brand’s flagship shoe lines. Its standout feature is the fusion of the classic Mary Jane silhouette with athletic shoe construction, blending sweet and casual styles. It also includes practical features like hook-and-loop closures, breathable mesh fabric, reflective details, and durable outsoles—enhancing convenience, grip, and comfort.

Beyond the Wave Jane, Discovery Expedition offers a wide range of footwear, including hiking shoes, dad shoes, casual shoes, functional sandals, slippers, and boots. Their popular functional sandals use quick-dry materials and non-slip outsoles, making them ideal for daily commuting, outdoor activities, and travel during summer. Price-wise, the brand covers various segments, with shoes ranging from approximately $95 to $340 USD (NT$2,890 to NT$6,390). The most popular Mary Jane athletic shoes and select casual sandals start at around $155 USD (NT$2,890), while dad shoes and casual athletic shoes start at about $220 USD (NT$4,090). This pricing is competitive with mainstream athletic brands.

The 'Top 10 Mary Jane Athletic Shoe Brands' ranking by Network Temperature DailyView, based on sentiment analysis using the KEYPO Big Data Key Engine, includes brands priced under $270 USD (NT$5,000), making them accessible to fashion-conscious budget shoppers.

1. Rockfish Weatherwear 2. Robinlo 3. GRACE GIFT 4. adidas 5. NET 6. D+AF 7. FILA 8. New Balance 9. PUMA 10. Discovery Expedition

Source: Discovery Expedition, Threads, Network Temperature

Editor: Chen De-fu