adidas Y-3 Qasa High

About

The Y-3 Qasa High is a high-top sneaker released in 2013 as part of Y-3, the collaboration line between adidas and Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto, which debuted at Paris Fashion Week in 2002. The shoe pairs an exaggerated, expressive EVA outsole inspired by adidas' 1990s Tubular running technology with a neoprene sock-like upper, stretch mesh panels, elasticated strapping, a leather toe-cap, suede heel lining, and a Poron performance sockliner. Its raised, platform-style sole and avant-garde silhouette set it apart from typical performance sneakers of its era, reflecting Yamamoto's tailoring-driven design sensibility fused with adidas sportswear engineering. According to adidas and sneaker press, the Qasa High made an instant impact in culture upon release and was worn by influential tastemakers, helping cement Y-3 as an early-2010s cornerstone of high-fashion streetwear. It retailed at $400 at launch. The silhouette was later discontinued before adidas and Yamamoto reissued it in its original black-and-white colorway in 2022 to mark 20 years of the Y-3 partnership, with additional colorways including an Off-White release following in 2023.