A rib injury has kept me from the gym these past few weeks, and has highlighted my need for a backup exercise when I can’t go kickboxing. As my cardio is not the greatest, last week I figured I’d try shopping for some running shoes.

The first shop I went to was INGS, in downtown Osaka. They have a great selection of sports wear, but when I paid them a visit, it was busy as hell and I got frustrated trying to hunt down available store staff. Fortunately, this held off my purchase, which brings me to this afternoon.

Today, I walked into the Umeda Step Sports store and found the Asics GT 2150 running shoe. This is the latest update to Asics’ best selling line of runners, and according to the girl working there, they were just delivered to the store this morning!

The last pair of Asics I owned were GT-2100’s, and I can tell there’s been a lot of improvement to the line since then. Fortunately these shoes are still reasonable, at around $100, which leaves a bit of change left over for a sweet tracksuit I spotted at Sports Mitsuhashi.

And now I need to stop reviewing shit and get some road work done!

After successfully conquering the world of high-end retro denim, by essentially pioneering the market, Osaka-based Evisu has gone on to launch an entire range of apparel, like these classy looking loafers that are on sale now.

Evisu shoes have been around for a few years, and were introduced as a means for connoisseurs of the brand to clothe their feet in the same laidback but stylishly rich look that Evisu is famous for.

Featuring perforated suede and an easy slip-on design, these Evisu loafers make transitioning into Spring/Summer a welcomed change.

Wearing white canvas sneakers with dark unwashed denim is never a good idea.

Thinking that I had washed most of the excess dye out of my denim jeans, I tried wearing them with these unworn Diesel shoes, just for a day, and look what happened – dirty blue sneakers!

God knows if I can gently bleach these babies back to their original state. Next time, I’ll take my time and tape up the insides of my pant legs or just forgo wearing white shoes altogether with untrustworthy denim.

Oh well, it is never a bad time to shop for more footwear. A recession just means more deals, right?!

Visvim is one of those Japanese fashion labels you hear about from time to time, usually in the context of superior handmade footwear and omfg $380 sneakers?!

The label was started by Hiroki Nakamura as a response to mass produced footwear from the likes of Adidas and Nike. It’s not that Nakamura doesn’t respect the accomplishments of these giants — because he does — it’s that he recognizes the demand for products that offer the exact opposite of what these global shoemakers provide.

In many ways, Hiroki Nakamura takes a surprisingly non-commercial approach to business, such as his unhurried and meticulous production methods, his refusal to design for any particular consumer group, and his ambivalence towards the industry norm of stitching logos onto every possible surface. In the age of massification, cost-cutting and unbridled branding, Visvim sticks out as awkwardly as it’s pronounced (seriously, is it just me or is there one too many v’s here?).

Like treasured artwork hanging in a gallery, Visvim shoes are made in their founder’s vision with a take it or leave it attitude. The stance has worked wonders for the brand as its core clientele, which is growing but still small in numbers, is hooked on a unique product with few alternatives in the marketplace.

It is said that Visvim is solely driven by Hiroki Nakamura’s quest for the ultimate in style, quality and comfort. And apparently, if that goal entails the centaur inspired mating of a running shoe with a moccasin, and charging north of $300 for the aberration, Visvim is up for the challenge!

What could have possibly inspired shoemaker Dragonbeard to create this utter monstrosity of fashion? It’s like they hired the Pontiac Aztec design team and then invited teenaged drift racing fans to choose its colors. If this shoe was a car, it would drive through a circus tent and clowns would tumble out of it.

Sure, I’ve gone on record as not being the biggest fan of the company, but their shoes have become quite a mainstay on the Island and it’s impossible to ignore their proficiency at churning out interesting styles. So I’m really hoping this is just one of their edgier designs and not some trend we’ll see more of after this summer. I mean, just looking at the heels on these fuglies makes me want to splash White Out in my eyes!

I just noticed that Dragon Beard has stamped a redesigned logo on some of their kicks. I’d call it an improvement, if you ask me.

Most Dragon Beard shoes have that weird tri-appendage design stitched into the sides of their runners. I don’t know what this feature is supposed to be, but it basically resembles some creepy alien fingers grabbing at your heels.

Or maybe that’s the whole thrill of wearing those shoes. Barbie has lead paint, cigarettes have cancer, and Dragon Beard has the master switch to your hallucinogenic imagination.

Stylish, dressy and loaded with all kinds of surprises, these shoes by Hiromu Takahara will make an incredible statement in any situation. A slightly worn and dusty look slides over delicately patched and worn textures.

If your Japanese streetwear wardrobe lacks any cyber-cowboy dress items, you obviously haven’t been watching enough anime. A person should be able to dress up like a 23rd century intergalactic cow herder and still be dealt with in a respectful and understanding manner. Even in Compton. Hey, if a rapper can wear a bed sheet and call it clothing, they shouldn’t have a problem with me creepin’ through the hood looking like Gackt. 

Another stunning design by Yasuyuki Ishii. This time he’s constructed a pair of post-apocalyptic looking leather boots through meticulous patchwork and sewing. These are the boots a fashion conscious road warrior from the future would wear as he saves a town from a traveling band of ex-WWE stars. Sorry, did I say stars?

Anyway, these boots look like they could really kick some ass, but I’d be careful wearing them up Mt. Fuji or someplace. Sherpas would undoubtably make a grab for them in your sleep, leaving you to ride the escalator up with the rest of the old people and Uniqlo staff. They must have a Uniqlo up there by now.

Casual shoe maker Dragon Beard has released their limited edition 908′s in stores all across Japan. Nothing says asian footwear like swirling dragons in autumn colors.

I’m not going to say that by wearing these shoes you’ll suddenly be able to kick off your garage door and leap into flight and chase a hot chic with a sword that you’ll eventually fight, have sex with, and fight some more. I’m just stating that I’m awesome, and that Ang Lee totally had me in mind for Crouching Tiger. But I had to turn him down after he dropped my idea to use lightsabers.