In the world of sneakers, those living in Japan have traditionally had the upper hand. Longed for by sneakerheads the world over, the country’s exclusive drops are some of the best and also the hardest to get hands on.

While it was nigh-on impossible for sneakerheads in the ‘90s and ‘00s, things have become easier in recent years, but the distance continues to defy the general market. Unfortunately, this doesn’t deter Japan. Just take the adidas x Urban Research Doors Handball Spezial as proof.

The adidas Originals Handball Spezial has been around for long enough to have earned its place as a true classic. Since 1979, the silhouette has been a versatile and evergreen part of the Three Stripes offering.

It’s because of this evergreen nature that the collaboration with Japanese retailer Urban Research Doors works so well. Leaning hard into the shoe’s minimal silhouette, they might have just created the year’s cleanest kicks.

The shoe starts from an all-white leather upper complemented by a subtly different off-white tone on the sole unit and heel tab.

Popping from the layers of white is the signature Three Stripes logo which is delivered in Equipment Green suede. The overall effect is stunning and proves the power of simplicity.

In a market of wild snoafers and extreme 3D-printed creations, the adidas x Urban Research Doors Handball Spezial suggests that there’s still something to be said for restraint. Of that, the Japanese are experts.

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