The Holy Grail of Japanese Shoe Magazines: The Men's Ex High-End Shoes Archive

When it comes to magazines with content that features amazing photos of classic men's shoes, it really doesn't get any better than the special volumes on high-end men's shoes published from time to time by Men's Ex (although the new Last Magazine deserves some kind of special mention).

Having published the first volume in 2002, and following up with Volume 2 in 2004 and Volume 3 in 2007, its become very difficult to track down original editions of these collector's items. Volumes 4 and 5 were released in the last few years but even those issues are becoming scarce.

Thankfully, our brethren at Men's Ex just released the exquisite the High-End Men Shoes Archive, which lovingly reprints Volumes 1-3 in one edition. Its probably a bit of sensory overload for the shoe aficionado, but who's going to complain about a Japanese shoe magazine that is easily over an inch thick? I actually already own a copy of Volume 3, but this seemed like a great (and only) way to own the first two volumes.

I could go on but, really, if you've never owned a volume, this is a great place to start. Of course, I don't speak or read Japanese, but there is much to be learned from the images alone. Volumes 1 and 3 are worth the price of admission alone, and feature priceless information on Edward Green shoes, including excellent images of rare models, non-EG branded models, and defunct lasts.

Highly recommended. Available for special order from Kinokuniya in New York City ($49.95).