Learn Hardcore Japanese: kono kutu wo sityakusite mimasu.

着る is “to put on” or “to wear” clothes that go on the torso (shirts, jackets, dresses).
履く is “to put on” or “to wear” items for the feet or legs (shoes, socks, pants).
試着する is a compound verb (noun 試着
- する) specifically used when you’re trying something on (to see if it fits) rather than actually wearing it to go out.

Why do we say 試着してみます instead of just 試着します?

The pattern ～てみる (in polite form, ～てみます) means “to try doing something to see what it’s like.”

試着します simply states “I will try on.”
試着してみます adds the nuance “I’ll give it a try and see how it fits/feels.” It emphasizes the act of experimenting or testing.

How does the ～てみる construction work?

Take the て-form of a verb: 試着する → 試着して
Add the auxiliary みる (to see) and then your polite ending if needed: 試着して + みます
Meaning: “to try doing [verb] to find out or experience it.”
You can use this for any verb: 食べてみる (try eating), 言ってみる (try saying), etc.

Why is the particle を used after 靴, and could another particle be used?

を marks the direct object of a transitive verb. Since you’re “trying on” the shoes, the shoes are what you’re acting upon.

You wouldn’t use が here because 試着する needs an object.
Particles like で or に wouldn’t make sense: you’re not indicating location or indirect object, but rather what you’re trying on.

Why is the subject omitted in この靴を試着してみます? Who is doing the action?

Japanese often omits the subject when it’s clear from context. In a shoe store conversation, it’s obvious you’re talking about yourself trying on the shoes. If you needed to be explicit, you could say 私はこの靴を試着してみます。

What does この mean in この靴, and how is it different from その靴 or あの靴?

These are demonstrative adjectives:

この = “this” (near the speaker)
その = “that” (near the listener or previously mentioned)
あの = “that over there” (far from both)
So この靴 means “these shoes (close to me).” In a store, you’d point at shoes you’re holding or that are nearby.

Could I say この靴を履いてみます instead of 試着してみます?

Yes, 履いてみます (try putting on/wearing) is also natural for shoes.

靴を履く is the standard verb for “putting on shoes.”
靴を試着する is a store phrase that literally means “try-on (service).”
Both convey the same idea in a shoe store: you’ll put the shoes on to see if they fit.

How would you ask for permission to try on the shoes?

You can use the ～てもいいですか pattern:

この靴を試着してもいいですか？
この靴を履いてみてもいいですか？
Both mean “May I try on these shoes?” and are polite requests in a store setting.