Image adapted from: Al Ikhsan, CROSSOVER & KOMTAR JBCC
Sneakers are all the rage now – they’re comfy and versatile, and can be worn for outdoor activities or casual outings to town. Whether it’s for the gym or your ever-growing Hypebeast fashion collection, one thing’s for certain – it pays to buy good-quality shoes, for the best fit and support.
While branded sneakers don’t come cheap, you can take a quick day trip to Malaysia where where the exact pair of shoes is sold at a much cheaper rate than in Singapore. To kick start your sneaker hunt, here are stores in Johor offering branded shoes at affordable prices – all within a 30-minute drive from the JB Customs. And yes, all their pieces are authentic!
Image credit: Sport Planet Off Season Sale
The Sport Planet Warehouse Outlet is for people who aren’t a fan of generic sneakers. During the warehouse’s monthly fairs, trendy sneakers like the Puma Suedes and Reebok InstaPumps are sold for as low as RM169 (~S$54). However, familiar designs like Nike Airs and Adidas NEOs are also available at RM39 (~S$12.50).
If you have more cash to spare, treat yourself to a pair of high-end sneakers from BMW or Timberland for just RM199 (~S$64). Sports apparel, training accessories, balls, and badminton rackets are also on sale at extremely affordable rates.
A good place to buy:
Address: Today’s Mall, Jalan Kota Tinggi, Batu 13 3/4, Ulu Tiram, 81800 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening Hours: 10AM – 9PM daily
Accessibility: 30-minute drive from JB Customs
Image credit: Al Ikhsan
Don’t be fooled by the humble exterior of Al Ikhsan at Pasir Gudang. Known for their frequent clearance sales, the shop sells shoes, apparel, bags, and sports equipment at up to 70% off. Al Ikhsan is also known for having the cheapest Puma sneakers, with prices as low as RM159 (~S$58). This is relatively cheap compared to most outlets which sell Puma products above RM200.
A good place to buy:
Image credit: @morkapambalikkeju
Fill your stomach with peanut pancakes from Mork Apam Balik Keju after your shopping spree. Just a 9-minute walk away, the store also sells delicious Nutella and Cheddar pancakes at RM8 (~S$2.60)!
Address: 36 & 36-01, Jalan Sejambak 14, Taman Bukit Dahlia, 81700, Pasir Gudang, 81700 Johor
Opening Hours: 9AM – 6PM daily
Accessibility: 30-minute drive from JB Customs
Image credit: CROSSOVER
If you only have an hour to shop anywhere in JB, head straight for CROSSOVER. Shoe lovers will be spoilt for choice with the variety of street brands – especially during promotion periods when they’re sold at 50% off. For those in need of a pair of white Vans Old Skools, you’re in luck as they’re sold here at RM59 (~S$13) – so cheap even Daniel will say “damn!”.
A good place to buy:
Address: M4-11, City Square, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM daily
Accessibility: 20-minute drive from JB Customs
Image credit: SHOEciety
While their name may sound decidedly hipster and atas, SHOEciety offers one of the craziest sneaker discounts in JB. Aside from the usual Nike and Adidas, they sell Keds and Converse sneakers at RM100 (~S$32) and RM45 (~S$15). During sales periods, their discounts typically go up to 70%, with some promos allowing you to get a second pair of shoes at just RM11 (~S$4).
A good place to buy:
Image credit: TGV Cinemas
Shopping is a tiring sport, so after you’re done, enjoy a movie while relaxing on bean bag seats at AEON’s Beaniplex for only RM22 (~S$7).
Address: AEON Bukit Indah, 16, Jalan Indah 15/2, Taman Bukit Indah, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM daily
Accessibility: 25-minute drive from JB Customs
Image credit: Homefinder Malaysia
A popular spot for Singaporeans who want to splurge on branded goods, the Johor Premium Outlets have discounts up to 65% all year round. While shopping at the JPO Adidas Outlet, I was thrilled to be offered an additional 20% off when I bought more than 3 items. In the end, I only spent RM96 (~S$31) on each pair of sneakers!
If you predict that your shopping spree will take more than a day, the nearby Le Grandeur Palm Resort and Pulai Spring Resort provide shop-and-stay packages with free shuttle services to JPO and back.
A good place to buy:
Address: Jalan Premium Outlets Indahpura, 81000 Kulai, Johor
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM daily
Accessibility: 30-minute drive from JB Customs
Image credit: Clarks Angsana
In Singapore, Clarks don’t rank high on the “affordable footwear” list, so you’ll be surprised to find a pair of comfortable and stylish Clarks sneakers at Plaza Angsana for as low as RM217 (~S$70). During their annual Raya sales, the shoes are sold at 50-60% off!
Plaza Angsana is also the ideal place to shop for Muslimah fashion, with traditional Malaysian retail stores offering all-year-round promotions. The mall also has a large parking lot with cheap rates at RM1 for 3 hours – so you can save moolah on parking to make way for more shoes!
Address: L1. 36, Plaza Angsana, Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, Pusat Bandar Tampul, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM daily
Accessibility: 15-minute drive from JB Customs
Image credit: Facebook @SPORTSDIRECT.MALAYSIA
If you’re planning a half-day trip to JB, KSL City Mall is the place to visit. Sneaker lovers can head directly to Sports Direct and feast their eyes on leading sports brands such as Adidas, Nike, and Puma, which can go as low as RM139 (~S$45). During clearance sales, discounts can go up to 50% off.
Expensive brands like Under Armour are also sold below market rate, with a pair of trainers priced at RM209 (~S$67). Other Under Armour products include backpacks, caps, gloves, heatgear, leggings, wristbands and tank tops.
A good place to buy:
Address: Lot GE-05, KSL City Mall, 3, Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM daily
Accessibility: 8-minute drive from JB Customs
Image credit: Kota Permai Golf and Country Club
Popular among badminton players, Permai Sports offers discounts of up to 50% for popular brands like Asics and Yonex. While the average price of a pair of shoes cost around RM150 (~S$48), the quality is no different from those you see at mall outlets.
The staff at Permai Sports are known to be extremely friendly and reasonable, so don’t feel paiseh to switch on your “Singaporean bargain mode” and ask for more discounts if you purchase more than one item.
A good place to buy:
Address: No. 59, Jalan Harimau Tarum, Taman Century Garden, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening Hours: 10AM – 7.30PM daily
Accessibility: 8-minute drive from JB Customs
Image credit: F@dy on Foursquare
Shoppers who dislike crowds and tight spaces will enjoy shopping at AEON Tebrau City. Also referred to as “Jusco Tebrau” by locals, the mall has 3 enormous levels and a Converse Factory Outlet. Here, All Star sneakers are sold for as low as RM145 (~S$47) – half the price of those sold in Singapore.
Image credit: Tesya’s Blog
The AEON Supermarket located on the ground floor sells individual sushi pieces such as as ebbiko, anago and tamago for just RM1.20 (~S$0.40)!
Address: Aeon Tebrau City, 555, Jalan Desa Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM daily
Accessibility: 15-minute drive from JB Customs
Image credit: KOMTAR JBCC
Located at City Square, Komtar JBCC is JB’s newest shopping centre. While the brands here are slightly higher-end, you can snag pretty good deals during festival occasions and sportswear carnivals. During sale periods, New Balance sneakers can cost RM79.80 (~S$26), and discounts can range from 50-70% at Puma and Skechers.
A good place to buy:
Image credit: Angry Birds Activity Park Johor Bahru
Aside from clean public toilets, Komtar JBCC also has an indoor Angry Birds Park. While it may seem more kid-centric, adults too can have a go at the Angry Birds Go! Kart Track and Piggy Shooting laser game for RM75 (~S$24).
Address: Johor Bahru City Centre, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM daily
Accessibility: 8-minute drive from JB Customs
Spending on branded shoes doesn’t have to be painful where you’re looking in the right places. Now with your shopping itinerary settled, go forth and shopping to your heart’s content across the border, and return with an armful of your dream shoes!
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