A collaboration between Adidas and Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto, Y-3 takes sportswear to the next level. Fusing high-performance style with superior design, the label is named after the Y in Yamamoto and takes its 3 from Adidas' signature three stripes. Since its inception more than a decade ago, Y-3 has become the go-to label for sports-luxe fashion, adding athletic-inspired polo shirts, sweatpants and accessories to its range of luxury high-top and low-top sneakers. Shop iconic Y-3 sneakers like the Boxing, Lava, Qasa and Hayex silhouettes.
The Y-3 Sneakers Buying Guide
As the cult collaborative line between adidas and legendary Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto, Y-3 is renowned for its wide selection of men’s sneakers that strikes the ideal balance between avant-garde design and high-performance sportswear. Expect a range of high and low-top silhouettes that fuses functionality, craftsmanship and unique details. Read on for our men’s Y-3 sneakers buying guide, which will help you decide on the styles that suit you best and the size you should go for.
The Most Wanted Y-3 Sneakers
Y-3 Yuben Sneakers
Taking a fresh approach to the classic basketball sneaker, Y-3’s Yuben is crafted with canvas uppers in a choice of black or white and accented with leather details. Available in a low and mid-cut silhouette, the collaboration’s Yuben sneakers sit on a rubber cupsole with ‘Y-3’ detailing at the heel and tongue. A tonal Yohji Yamamoto signature is embroidered on the side for a discreet touch.
Y-3 Kaiwa Sneakers
Y-3 offers up a modern runner style in the form of these progressive Kaiwa sneakers. Taking inspiration from the adidas archives, these dynamic lace-up sneakers feature a sleek leather and neoprene upper and a chunky rubber outsole. The extended tongue with debossed Y-3 branding adds a directional edge, while the EVA midsole ensures a cushioned, comfortable step. A Yohji Yamamoto wordmark on the side and a Y-3 logo on the heel give a distinctive finish, and the moulded heel counters offer ample support.
Y-3 Adizero Sneakers
Featuring a leather upper, a breathable mesh tongue and a durable rubber outsole, Adizero sneakers by Y-3 are a minimalist and streamlined style that is enhanced with technical fabrics and modern details. The partial leather lining guarantees lasting comfort, while adidas BOOST technology delivers responsive cushioning and an energised feel to every step. A Y-3 logo accents the tongue and heel for a signature finish.
The Y-3 Sneakers Sneakers Sizing Guide
Sizes on Y-3 sneakers are listed in UK men’s sizes, and you can use the below chart to find your corresponding US, European or Japanese size. Y-3 sneakers fit true to size and we recommend taking your usual size.
For example, if you usually wear a men’s US 10, you should take your Y-3 sneakers in a UK 9.5.
| US | UK | EU | JP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 | 36 | 225 |
| 4.5 | 4 | 36.7 | 225 |
| 5 | 4.5 | 37.3 | 230 |
| 5.5 | 5 | 38 | 235 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 38.7 | 240 |
| 6.5 | 6 | 39.3 | 245 |
| 7 | 6.5 | 40 | 250 |
| 7.5 | 7 | 40.7 | 255 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 41.3 | 260 |
| 8.5 | 8 | 42 | 265 |
| 9 | 8.5 | 42.7 | 270 |
| 9.5 | 9 | 43.3 | 275 |
| 10 | 9.5 | 44 | 280 |
| 10.5 | 10 | 44.7 | 285 |
| 11 | 10.5 | 45.3 | 290 |
| 11.5 | 11 | 46 | 295 |
| 12 | 11.5 | 46.7 | 300 |
| 12.5 | 12 | 47.3 | 305 |
| 13 | 12.5 | 48 | 310 |
| 13.5 | 13 | 48.7 | 315 |
| 14 | 13.5 | 49.3 | 320 |
| 14.5 | 14 | 50 | 325 |
How To Care For Your Y-3 Sneakers
We would recommend that you avoid using bleach on your Y-3 sneakers, washing them in the washing machine or putting them in a tumble dryer. Use a damp, soft cloth to remove dirt and stains, or use a specialist suede or leather cleaner gently applied with a soft-bristle brush.
Avoid leaving your sneakers near direct heat, as this can cause damage to the upper and sole. We would also advise storing your sneakers in the branded Y-3 box.
- Where can I get the latest Y-3 release?
Y-3 sneakers are sold on the Adidas website, as well as other authorized retailers and specialist sneaker sites. The collaboration’s reinterpretations of adidas’ classic silhouettes are hotly anticipated every season and can sell out quickly, so we would advise shopping online early on release morning if you want to buy the latest drop of a new colorway or style. Release details can change, so make sure you keep an eye out for any release updates.
- How much do Y-3 sneakers cost?
Y-3 sneakers for men will vary in price depending on the sneaker style and the retailer. Generally, the brand’s sneakers range from around $269 for leather and suede ZX runners, to around $600 for low-top Runner 4D styles. The popular Pureboost retails for $465, while iterations of the Kaiwa cost $400.
- Why is it called Y-3?
The collaboration is called Y-3 because the ‘Y’ stands for Yohji Yamamoto, the ‘3’ stands for adidas' three signature stripes and the dash in between demonstrates the link between the two.