The Yeezy, designed by Kanye West, are much more than just a collection of sneakers. These shoes quickly became iconic objects of urban fashion, synonymous with quality, innovation, and style. Kanye West's collaboration with brands like Nike and then adidas gave birth to a range of products that set the sneaker addict world on fire. Today, the Yeezy line is a must-have, a success that Kanye West and Adidas commemorated with Yeezy Day 2021, a one-day event celebrating everything about Yeezy. Between collaboration with Nike and Adidas, discover the story behind Kanye West's sneaker line and check out all our sneaker models !
How to choose your pair of Yeezy?
Choosing a pair of Yeezy depends on several criteria. It is crucial to know for what occasion you want to wear your shoes. If you are looking for sneakers for everyday use, the Yeezy Boost 350 offers excellent comfort thanks to adidas's Boost technology. For a more casual look, the Yeezy Slide or Yeezy Foam RNNR may be better options. Also consider the color: neutral tones like bone, salt, or carbon are perfect for matching all your outfits, while bolder colors like reflective or arrow can highlight your personality.
How to wear your Yeezy?
The Yeezy fit into everything. For a sporty and urban style, pair your Yeezy Boost with cargo pants and leather jackets. On the other hand, the Yeezy Slide are ideal for a casual look, paired with shorts and an oversized t-shirt. For a more avant-garde style, you can opt for Yeezy Foam RNNR, pairing them with minimalist pieces like straight-cut pants or structured jackets. The Yeezy are not just for adults; models for children and babies are also available, allowing the whole family to follow the trend.
The man behind the Yeezy story: Kanye West
Since his first collaboration with BAPE in 2007, Kanye West has begun to make a name for himself as a designer. Whether in sportswear or streetwear, he uses his fame as a rapper to negotiate collaborations with the biggest brands. With Yeezy, he succeeded in building an empire alongside Adidas. However, before achieving success with the three-stripe brand, Kanye first turned to its main competitor: Nike. Kanye's ability to produce blockbuster hits for A Bathing Ape, Louis Vuitton, Nike, and Adidas defines his capacity to innovate, bringing the sneaker universe in a new direction and redefining the codes.
An empire built first with Nike
The brand officially releases the sneakers seen on Kanye's feet, the Red October, then a second model in 2012 followed by a third (and last). These sneakers quickly enter the top of the most sought-after and highly valued sneakers on the market, as they are extremely rare. The year 2013 marks a turning point, the year that led Kanye West's brand to transform into what we know today. However, it is with adidas that Kanye truly took off, launching a series of products that redefined the codes of the sneaker market. At that time, Kanye's style is already defined: the models are futuristic and crafted, inspired by the movie “Back to the Future” taking the principle of the Air Jordan 3, with the addition of an iconic air bubble from Nike.
Kanye's beginnings at Adidas
However, the collaboration seems to stifle Kanye West and he seeks more creative freedom. In November 2013, even before the official release of the Yeezy 2 Red October, Kanye surprises everyone and announces his departure from Nike. However, he quickly signs a $10 million contract with Adidas shortly after. The rapper has not clearly expressed the reasons for his decision, other than the advantage of the creative freedom offered by Adidas. Two years later, fans discover the release of Kanye's first model at Adidas with the Yeezy Boost 750, equipped as its name suggests with Boost technology. Kanye has not only conquered sneaker enthusiasts but also established his brand as a status symbol. It is at this time that he gives us one of his most famous quotes: "I am Warhol. I am the artist of this generation who has most marked society. I am Shakespeare. Walt Disney. Nike. Google".
The hype around the Yeezy 350
In 2015, the first Adidas Yeezy sneaker was released: the Adidas Yeezy Boost 750 in a gray colorway, with a strap on the laces and an aesthetic that would hint at the direction Kanye would take with the three-stripe brand. This OG colorway is also the most expensive of the Adidas Yeezy, before others are introduced (Triple Black, Grey Gum, or Chocolate). The Adidas Yeezy 350 also became one of the most popular in the Yeezy range: lines formed outside stores worldwide, nearly 24 hours before their opening, to buy this new pair. Its minimalist design, combined with optimal comfort thanks to the Boost sole, made it an ideal choice and many editions, such as the reflective, black, or onyx versions, were particularly sought after. With the help of Steven Smith, a sneaker pioneer and industry veteran (well known for his cult designs, including the New Balance 997, the Reebok InstaPump Fury, and the elusive Hello Kitty x Nike Air Presto), the Yeezy design team created innovative and influential silhouettes such as the Yeezy 700 and Yeezy Foam Runner.
What is the price of Yeezy sneakers?
The question of the price of Yeezy is much more than just a financial figure. Each product embodies the essence of a limited creation, merging art, fashion, and innovation. These shoes go beyond their monetary value; they represent a symbol of style and status. With often limited editions, each Yeezy becomes a true object of desire.
This rarity not only creates aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a major economic phenomenon. Yeezy are not just shoes; they are investments. Their initial price may seem high, but their value on the secondary market is often much more significant. This dynamic has propelled the brand to considerable revenues, contributing to Kanye West's rise to billionaire status.
Each new version of Yeezy is an artistic reinvention, pushing the boundaries of fashion and redefining expectations. Their price reflects not only the quality and design but also the exclusivity that makes them so coveted. Through each release, Yeezy reaffirms its commitment to creating unique products, merging art, fashion, and sneaker culture, while writing a new chapter in the history of iconic shoes.
A desire to make Yeezy accessible to all
Kanye was not really satisfied with the fact that his sneakers were sold at such a high price. In 2018, he stated he wanted to make Yeezy more accessible: Adidas then produced more pairs, with more regular releases in multiple colorways and many restocks. Despite the increase in production, success does not wane: the volume of larger quantity releases is immediately sold out. People simply no longer queue outside stores to ensure they get a pair. Today, with about twenty models, Yeezy has become an iconic brand.
