Qasa High
The socklike Y-3 sneaker that turned Yohji’s black geometry into a streetwear shorthand.
Story & heritage
Y-3 began in 2003 as the adidas and Yohji Yamamoto line; the Qasa High became one of the clearest early symbols of that fusion, making a soft, wrapped sneaker read like sculptural fashion rather than ordinary training gear.
adidas’ own archive coverage frames the Qasa as a key Y-3 moment and links its expressive outsole to 1990s Tubular running technology. That mix of performance memory and Yohji’s dark, oversized language is the reason the shoe still anchors the brand’s sneaker mythology.
Materials & craft
The Qasa construction is defined by a neoprene sock upper, stretch mesh, elasticated strapping, a leather toe cap, suede heel lining, a Poron sockliner and the rounded Tubular-inspired EVA sole cited in adidas release coverage.
Its craft story is not luxury ornament; it is compression, wrap and proportion. The technical sole gives volume, while the upper removes almost everything that would interrupt the silhouette.
How to choose & style
Wear it like a low architectural boot: cropped trousers, wide black pants or technical shorts let the banded upper stay visible. The strongest versions keep the rest of the outfit quiet and let the sole shape carry the drama.
