2006 Yohji Yamamoto Y-3 x Adidas 1/1000 ‘Eagle’ +F50 Tunit Soccer Cleats

In the Summer of 2006, Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto was commissioned by the World Cup to create a series of ‘wild’ footwear. Teaming up with Adidas under their shared Y-3 label, together they’d work to release four differing cleat silhouettes, known as the eagle, dragon, wolf and tiger iterations. Taking inspiration from “fellow countryman” artist Taishi Hayashi, the trio would plaster breath taking illustrations throughout the upper and toe boxes, before encasing each pair in a metal cage. Sliding outwards to allow access to the cleats, the mechanism plays on their feral attributes, ensuring the animals are restrained while unworn. As a result of their laborious packaging, highly unique appearance and incredible craft, this pair of shoes was released in a quantity limited to 1000, and have become a widely forgotten relic of the past.

 

Debuting in 2006, this 1/1000 pair of cleats comes in the coveted ‘eagle’ colour way. With eyes on the toe box, feather patterning and Adidas’ signature three stripe detailing, Yohji Yamamoto branding is then found scribbled within, making for a fascinating low-top profile. Encased in a steel cage, they’re finalized with +F50 lettering towards the sole and embroidery on the heel. In good condition aside from a lack of studding on the underside, these shoes are tagged as a US 11.5.