XEBIO, a well-known Japanese sporting goods chain store, belongs to the XEBIO Group. Founded in 1962, it is famous for its large, comprehensive stores, offering a diverse range of products including running shoes, apparel, and outdoor gear. With over a hundred physical stores nationwide, it offers convenient online shopping at affordable prices, making it suitable for beginners. Media and forums praise its reliability, making it a favorite among sports enthusiasts.

ASICS is renowned in Japan for selling running and training shoes featuring its famous Gel cushioning technology. The brand also launches retro basketball shoes like the JAPAN S series, crafted with premium leather and Japanese craftsmanship. Asian consumers love the exclusive blue wet-look leather design for its high comfort, praising it as "The Japan-limited edition is more durable and worth buying in Japan."

YONEX is prominent in badminton and tennis, producing shoes, racquets, and apparel. Its Japanese site sometimes unveils special colorway models and limited-edition racquets/shoes that are hard to get elsewhere, prompting fans to import from Japan.

Narifuri is a Japanese “fashion + cycling” brand combining function and street style. Though not a pure sneaker label, its sport/cycling apparel often features limited designs and collabs sold in Japan, appealing to niche buyers.

Mizuno excels in Japan with Wave tech running shoes, featuring Japan-exclusive Wave Rider in lightweight mesh, limited quantities at Osaka stores for around 13,000 yen. Singapore and Malaysia enthusiasts value its durability and street style, reviewing "superior Japan cushioning at affordable prices, no regrets on exclusives."

Koyo Bear is a historic Japanese sports-shoe brand famed for its Sharpman table-tennis shoes. Although now niche, its retro／revival editions appear in Japan-only drops, attracting collectors of vintage-style sports shoes.