While the German brand ended its partnership with the Chicago rapper, it is now preparing to continue the Yeezy lineage by unveiling the first models.
As adidas announced following its contract termination with Kanye West, 2023 will be marked by the return of the iconic brand without its creator.
Indeed, the German sportswear company, and more specifically Harm Ohlmeyer, confirmed during the Q3 2022 earnings call that the brand held the Yeezy rights and planned to use them in 2023. "Adidas is the sole owner of all registered design rights for the existing product. We intend to make use of these rights as early as 2023."
The Yeezy 350 V2 "Granite" without Yeezy branding?
To kick off this major comeback that raises many questions within the sneaker community, it appears that adidas is set to launch the Yeezy 350 V2 "Granite".
Originally scheduled for last October, this first silhouette was spotted through a leak. However, at first glance, the change is not obvious, as it retains the original design of the Yeezy 350 V2. Previously reworked following the success of the Yeezy 350, the pair keeps its higher cut and once again features a grey Primeknit upper with a wide black stripe bearing the SPLY-350 inscription. Additionally, this iteration sits on a grey semi-translucent Boost sole.
Photo Credits: @yeezyifluence (Instagram)
As a result, there is no obvious change. However, while the pair looks very similar to the former lineup, the Yeezy branding has been removed.
For now, more specific details have not been disclosed by adidas. However, it appears that the adidas 350 V2 "Granite" could release in January 2023. Its price will be set at 230 euros.
A Yeezy 500 also makes an appearance
Alongside the Yeezy 350, adidas has revealed the return of the Yeezy 500 production with a colorway worthy of its popularity. While the new model name has not been disclosed either, it is likely to reference the 500 lineage.
Indeed, the silhouette largely retains the design created by Kanye West. Featuring an earthy composition, we discover a grey mesh base with beige suede overlays. However, this new version opts for a contrasting adiPRENE+ sole unit.
Photo Credits: @masterchefian (Instagram)
The branding specific to the German sportswear giant lands on the midsole, which was a design choice also present on the original version of the Yeezy 500. And like the 350 V2, no Yeezy branding appears on the lining, confirming that this is probably the biggest change between Kanye West's and adidas' offering.
Currently, there is no additional information on this second pair that will mark the Yeezy revival year of 2023.
What can we expect?
Following these first silhouettes, we can only assume that other models will be relaunched without branding. While the German sportswear company initially relies on popular models that shaped Yeezy's history, new iterations could potentially be unveiled throughout 2023.
Furthermore, @nicekicks revealed that adidas still held a significant stock of Yeezy products, valued at $530M. This raises questions about the future of these already-produced pairs, as the end of one of the most important collaborations in sneaker history leads to speculation, particularly about what will happen to pairs that have already been manufactured.
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