When it comes to slim sneakers, adidas has always adhered to a certain uniform of simplicity, and now the skinny shoe purveyor is upping its prep factor in a major way.

In collaboration with Japanese clothing company Journal Standard, adidas has whipped up a special edition Tokyo sneaker that is prep-school personified.

Originally designed as an athletic trainer for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the Tokyo sneaker has lived many lives.

From Mary Janes to Kill Bill stunners, the Tokyo sneaker is reaching Barbie levels of career hopping. But this gorgeous gray stunner is certainly the Tokyo's most scholarly manifestation.

The muted gray upper is contrasted with deep burgundy Three Stripes, which is very reminiscent of classic Thom Browne, the king of avant-garde prep.

First, you redefine the suit, then you inspire super slim sneakers. Ok, so this is obviously not an official collab with Mr. Browne, who is more partial to the elderly charm of a good pair of ASICS.

But the actual collaborator on this sneaker, Journal Standard, also has a knack for mixing American classic style with elevated workwear, which more or less equates to prep-school chic.

Soon available on the adidas website for $90, the Journal Standard Tokyo sneaker represents the power of embracing the middle ground.  

It's not always black and white. There are gray (and maroon) areas abound.

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