These Rockman EXE Sneakers are Fascinating and Bewildering

  
Back in the heyday of Mega Man Battle Network, there was without a doubt much merchandise behind the series, especially in Japan. No surprise, given how incredibly popular and marketable the game was (not to mention its counterparts in animation and comics). So when it comes to goods, I’m never surprised that I haven’t seen it all. But sneakers? Those are pretty surprising.

Coming from a Yahoo Auction JP, this is seemingly a pair of unused Rockman EXE themed sneakers. They’re 16 centimeters, which is fairly small even for children’s sizes. The shoes feature Rockman’s head, the name “ROCKMAN EXE” here and there, and even EXE’s Navi mark on the heel. Surprisingly they don’t feature the color blue at all!

The auction gives no other details about the shoes; they don’t even come in the original box. The tag in the picture is tough for me to read, so I have no idea what company manufactured these. What’s more, I spent a little time searching around but could find no evidence or info on any Rockman EXE themed sneakers. Perhaps they were some kind of limited or special edition product from a contest or something? Or maybe they’re prototypes that weren’t picked up? I suppose they could be custom made as well, though there’s no indication of it.

However they ended up coming to existence, they’re available now for a measly ¥500 on the auction. I might consider getting them myself, though buying children’s shoes strikes me as a rather weird collector’s item. Another curious mystery for now!