Adidas Ditches Laces In Its Latest Minimal, Vintage-Inspired Shoe Release

The stylish Samba alternative mixes traditional Three Stripes elements with forward-thinking design details.

Close-up of black Adidas Tokyo sneaker with white zigzag leather stripes and gum sole on red background.

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By Hayley Helms

Published January 16, 2026

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Updated January 16, 2026

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Slim sneakers and Mary Janes are silhouettes that continue to tap into the footwear zeitgeist, with new pairs popping up nearly every day.

With all that market saturation, it can take a lot to stand out — or, as with Adidas’s new retro-inspired shoes, a less is more approach.

Black Adidas Tokyo sneaker with white stripes, wide white laces, and gum sole. — The retro sports vibe of the Tokyo carries through in the new Mary Jane version.

The new Tokyo MJ taps into the Mary Jane–sneaker hybrid trend and stands out by removing a traditional design element, resulting in a modern, highly noticeable take.

Less is more

The original Adidas Tokyo sneaker made its debut at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics as a competitive track shoe, with a consumer release following in the early ’70s.

The retro style has seen recent traction in the past few years as a revival, with new editions maintaining much of what made the shoe popular in the first place.

Close-up of a black sneaker toe with white crisscross elastic straps and a gum sole edge. — The elastic closure that replaces the laces on the Tokyo MJ makes these easy to slip on and off.

The latest rendition, however, takes a different approach: the Tokyo MJ ditches traditional laces for a strappy elastic closure that evokes Mary Jane vibes while also managing to keep this heritage sneaker fresh.

The hands-free closure lends a lightness to the shoe, which is mirrored in the minimal textile upper and ultra-slim outsole.

Close-up of black Adidas Tokyo sneaker with beige zigzag leather stripes and gum sole. — The lean outsole on these sneakers is durable enough for everyday wear.

The black and creamy white colorway is about as timeless as a shoe can be, eschewing the bright, trend-focused colorways of other sneakers in favor of a more refined palette.

There is an off-white and red alternative though, if you like your shoes a little more daring.

White and beige Adidas sneaker with red elastic crisscross straps and red interior lining, top view. — The “Cream White / Red / Gold Metallic” is a brighter alternative to the classic black and white variant.

A synthetic lining, designed to increase comfort, completes the package.

If you’re in the market for a new sneaker that stands out rather than blending in, this is your pick for 2026.

Availability and pricing

The Tokyo MJ is available now on Adidas’s official website, retailing for an approachable $90.

Black and white Adidas Tokyo sneaker with three white stripes and gum sole.

Adidas Tokyo MJ Shoes

$90 at Adidas

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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