Published October 7, 2026

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Updated October 7, 2026

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Ever since New Balance chopped the laces and tongue off the 1906 runners and turned them into penny loafers, everyone from Nike to Adidas to Hoka has followed suit. However, the styling has gone further than just slip-ons. 

Following recent square-toed versions of the Stan Smith and Forum, Adidas has now turned to one of its mid-century trainers for yet another dressed-up iteration.

The Japan’s lineage goes back to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, when Adidas produced a very low-profile training shoe for the Games. 

Sporting a very thin sole, leather upper and slim Three Stripes logo, the sneaker got a major archival reissue in 2020, followed by a mainstream revival just a few years later. Today, the Japan has grown into a full-fledged franchise with numerous material swaps, collaborative versions and derivatives.

The “SQ” refers to its most obvious change. Now, the Japan’s narrow, rounded forefoot has been replaced with a flatter, squared shape. Keeping the extremely low-profile sole and overall proportions of the original, the new model features a glossy black upper with more pronounced layered panels and contrast stitching. However, Adidas still aims for a monochromatic black aesthetic here.

Contrast zigzag stitching traces the edges of the Three Stripes, adding some handmade character to the otherwise polished upper. Leather also covers the inside of the shoe, furthering its shift away from its athletic roots and toward something decidedly dressier.

Priced at $160, the Japan SQ will land on Adidas website on October 9.

About the Author: Ethan Brehm is an associate editor at Gear Patrol writing about footwear, watches, spirits, EDC and more. When he’s not shopping for his next G-Shock, he spends his time watching movies and planning a future road trip with his family. He firmly believes CDs sound better than vinyl.