adidas Y-3 Bring Stripes and Straps to the UltraBOOST 22

Y-3, the long-running partnership between designer Yohji Yamamoto and adidas, will turn 20 next year(!), but before their next decade on the market begins the brand are finishing off year 19 with a fresh take on the UltraBOOST 22. Yamamoto has a rich history of BOOST-equipped silhouettes that runs from 2014's Y-3 Yohji BOOST to a 2018 BOOST You Wear silhouette created with James Harden, so it seems only fitting that he'd take a crack at the latest and greatest model in the UltraBOOST lineage.

The UB 22's rocker-shaped BOOST midsole, extra-thick heel and Continental rubber outsole remain largely untouched, but the upper is nothing like the in-line models. It discards laces and a midfoot cage entirely in favour of a sleek, ninja-like Primeknit build that's secured by zig-zagging Three Stripe straps that run from the toebox to the throat. Finishing touches are supplied by grey heel detailing and a large pull tab.

If you're looking to get a little high fashion-infused BOOST in your sneaker rotation, the adidas Y-3 UltraBOOST 22 is available now via retailers like Aphrodite and the adidas webstore for $300.

2021 was packed full of great kicks, so the SF staff narrowed down their favourites from the year and compiled them into one list! Check our selections out here.