adidas Japan

Japan

In the early 1960s, adidas was attempting to break into the Japanese market with a series of lightweight sports shoes that formed its ‘6R Training’ line. Amongst these was the aptly named adidas Japan – a sleek training silhouette launched just in time for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. With its stylish white and red colour scheme honouring the country, it became a popular model, and over sixty years later, the brand chose to celebrate the Japan’s iconic history by making it part of the fan-favourite Originals collection.

The upper of the adidas Japan is made from premium leather, with layered overlays on the toe and a supportive heel counter at the rear. Above this is a Trefoil-branded tab, while a serrated eyestay contains the shoe’s standard lacing. Metallic ringlets secure the laces at the top, helping the wearer to achieve a secure fit, and eye-catching perforations add breathability through the front half of the foot. Completing the vintage upper is a set of 3-Stripes with jagged edges on each flank and heritage adidas Japan branding on the tongue and lateral sidewall, the latter stamped in trademark golden foil.

Along with its streamlined upper, the Japan also has a slim, foam-filled midsole for lightweight comfort and reliable support. Beneath this, the shoe’s foundation is a grippy rubber outsole with herringbone tread lines zigzagging from heel to toe.

The modern adidas Japan has been released in several different forms since returning in a stylish collaboration with popular brand collaborator Wales Bonner in 2022. The luxury label produced a distinctive four-pack of Japan colourways in two updated silhouettes, one representing a bold reimagining of the original with altered overlay placements, the other paying homage to the classic 1964 design but with minor adjustments like an extra toe overlay, which adds intriguing depth to the forefoot.

In 2024, the Wales Bonner collaboration was used as the template for a wider general release of women’s exclusive designs. The model which is closer to the original has become the most widespread Japan silhouette, while the other Wales Bonner reworking has also been released, though neither of them have the British fashion designer’s trademark stitching effects.

Alongside this, adidas launched the Japan H – a tall boot based on a 1980s boxing shoe and infused with contemporary high-fashion appeal – and the Y-3 Japan, whose supple all-leather upper exemplifies the refined aesthetic of the footwear produced in partnership with Yohji Yamamoto. A faithful recreation of the 1964 adidas Japan was also released in 2024, its ‘White Power Red’ colour scheme acting as a compelling throwback to the iconic OG colourway.

Whichever version of the adidas Japan is chosen, the wearer is guaranteed to benefit from a blend of reliable support, suave retro aesthetics and classy modern touches, making it a great sneaker for everyday comfort and style.