Not many designers work as hard as Yohji Yamamoto. With both a law degree and one of the longest-running, most impressive CVs in fashion, there’s no wonder he’s held in almost mythical light as a designer. One of Yamamoto’s most successful projects since his first women’s collection in 1972 has been the brand adidas Y-3. Beginning in 2003, Y-3 represents one of the first times that luxury fashion had connected with sportswear, setting the tone for a new era in style.
Fusing Yamamoto’s elegant, couture-trained design direction with the functionality of adidas gives Y-3 a definitive edge in the sphere of fashion-sportswear crossovers, which, nowadays, is an accolade worth fighting for. With the help of adidas, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite Y-3 shoes available right now to honor one of the most pivotal collaborations in modern fashion.
Shop the best of adidas Y-3 shoes below.
Notoma
The Y-3 Notoma should be on your fall-prep checklist. This utilitarian sneakerboot hybrid comes in a neutral palette that's set for the coming season.
GR.1P High
Chunky-sole sneakers don't usually have high-top canvas uppers. This military-style sneaker is a style-forward look at transitional footwear.
Orisan
Forgoing the military palette that defines the latest Y-3 offering for a sleek black outfit, the Orisan is perfect for everyday styling. A bold yellow heel contrasts with the Boost midsole for a flash of personality.
Kaiwa
The Y-3 Kaiwa perfectly illustrates the point where Yohji Yamamoto meets adidas. The athletic sole unit and upper are subverted and remolded by deconstructed panels to give the silhouette a luxury finish.
Qisan Cozy
Borrowing aspects from the beloved Y-3 Qasa, Qisan Cozy features a full slip-on construction cut from neoprene for a fit that's veritably cozy.
Ultraboost 21
You already know the Ultraboost 21 and it's likely already part of your rotation. Yohji Yamamoto's take on the silhouette strips it back to its bare necessities.
Hokori II
Boasting a silhouette that treads the same track as the Forum Low, Hokori II is a nice way to get in on a burgeoning trend while retaining your own look.
Runner 4D IOW
Do ninjas exist in 2021? We really hope they do and we really hope they've discovered the Y-3 Runner 4D IOW.
Boxing
Boxing footwear is an often overlooked aspect of stylish sportswear. This pair features a typically lightweight build with a wafer-thin sole unit.
Ajatu Court Low
Modeled after the Nizza Low, Ajatu Court Low looks to exaggerated proportions and subversion like the zipped fastening for a high-end take on the classic tennis style.
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