History of Yeezy - JD Sports US (2024)

Yeezyseason is here!

The iconic collab between Chicago rapper, Kanye West and adidas has given us some of the most iconic sneakers of all time. But there’s a lot you don’t know about Yeezys.

We’re going to give you an insight into everything Kanye West x adidas! From the statement silhouettes to the story behind them – this is the history of Yeezy.

History of Yeezy - JD Sports US (1)

Kanye first worked with adidas in 2006 when he designed a sneaker for the brand that was ultimately never released. For years it was not clear what an ’06 Yeezus sneaker would have looked like, until Ben Pruess (global director of adidas Originals) shared a pic of Kanye’s design on the ‘gram. The post showed a reworked Rod Laver Vintage sneaker in a white colorway with the iconic Dropout Bear to the tongue for some classic Kanye edge.

In 2013, 7 years after first working with adi, Kanye signed a deal worth $10 million to design sneakers under the adidas Originals banner. Making a name of himself in the music world, Kanye was now given the reigns to fully realize his artistic vision in the world of sneakers. Kanye went on to create the Yeezy range that became iconic around the world.

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adidas Yeezy Boost 750

Released in 2015, Yeezy Season 1 kicked off with the adidas Yeezy Boost 750, Kanye’s first official adidas sneaker. These high-top sneakers featured a full suede upper, the infamous cross-strap, a full-length zipper and a tech upgrade with the iconic BOOST sole.

The design of the sneaker was inspired by UGG boots with a look that was styled for Marty McFly from Back to the Future – giving you a comfy look with a futuristic edge.

adidas Yeezy Boost 950 Duckboot

Another drop from Yeezy Season 1 was the Yeezy Boost 950 Duckboot. Released in October 2015, the Duckboot had a more militaristic look that works in the outdoors and on the streets. The most expensive Yeezy sneaker ever released (although not the most expensive Kanye West sneaker ever released – that honor goes to his one-time Louis V collab History of Yeezy - JD Sports US (3)), the Duckboot was released in several colorways including all-black, cream and brown.

History of Yeezy - JD Sports US (4) History of Yeezy - JD Sports US (5)

adidas Yeezy Boost 350

In 2015, we also got the Yeezy Boost 350. Launching in the ‘Turtle Dove’ colorway, this low top sneaker came with a woven Primeknit upper and a BOOST sole – bringing adi’s most iconic tech to Kanye’s fresh design. Later released in ‘Pirate Black’, ‘Moonrock’ & ‘Oxford Tan’, the original Yeezy 350s are a hot item among sneakerheads and are now considered a collector’s item.

adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2

No doubt the most popular Yeezy sneaker around, the Yeezy Boost 350 V2 first dropped during Yeezy Season 2016.

The 350 V2 came with a higher heel and sole than the OG 350, while also adding a patterned design to the Primeknit – now a Yeezy staple. The first colorway to drop was the ‘Beluga’, which had a contrasting orange stripe across the sidewalls that featured ‘SPLY 350’ detailing. Though the meaning of ‘SPLY 350’ is unknown, it’s speculated to be ‘Supply 350’ or ‘Saint Pablo Loves You’.

Since the sneakers’ debut in 2016, the demand for the iconic silhouette has only grown. Especially with adidas x Kanye releasing a range of colorways over the years, all of which sold out within minutes…

  • Green
  • Red
  • Copper
  • Oreo
  • Breds
  • Zebra
  • Triple White
  • Yebra
  • Beluga 2.0
  • Blue Tint
  • Butter
  • Salt

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adidas Yeezy Boost 700

First unveiled as part of Yeezy Season 5 in February 2017, the Yeezy ‘Wave Runner’ 700 came out at a time when the chunky sneaker (or ‘dad shoe’) was blowing up on the streets, in part due to style icons like Kim K West. Influenced by his wife’s style, Kanye decided to take Yeezys in a different direction. The contrasting look of the 700s compared to previous silhouettes initially split sneakerheads about whether they were must-cop or not.

This changed when Chance The Rapper wore the sneaks while hosting SNL, causing hype for the fresh silhouette to build. Since the sneaker dropped in August 2017, they’ve seen several restocks, along with switched up colorways.

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adidas Yeezy 500

Continuing to switch things up, the Yeezy 500 came as the first Yeezy not featuring a BOOST midsole. These sneakers came with the “Feet You Wear” sole, which has a 20-year history. The sole originally debuted on Kobe Bryant’s signature adidas KB8 III sneaks in ’99 – primarily to help b-ballers avoid rolling their ankles on the court. The oversized look of the sole now fits in perfectly with the chunky sneaker trend.

Teasing the sneaker throughout 2017, with Kanye appearing in public wearing the previously unseen silhouette, it wasn’t until April of 2018 that the kicks saw a drop in the ‘Desert Rat’ colorway.

History of Yeezy - JD Sports US (8)

Yeezy sneakers from adidas are a realization of Kanye West’s goal to create iconic kicks. Ever since starting out his career as a struggling producer working where he could, Kanye has now established himself as a force in both the world of music and sneakers.

Make sure you stay up to date with all upcoming Yeezy releases at JD right here.

History of Yeezy - JD Sports US (2024)

FAQs

What is the story behind Yeezys? ›

Founded by Kanye West in 2009, Yeezy was started to mix up the sneaker designs we all know and love. “Yeezys” are classified as adorned sneakers, but Kanye has grown the Yeezy brand to include a clothing and accessory line, while also expanding his footwear line to include shoes like boots and heels.

Who is the current CEO of Yeezy? ›

Yeezy Management Team

Yeezy's current Chief Executive Officer is Matt George.

What does SPLY 350 stand for? ›

Though the meaning of 'SPLY 350' is unknown, it's speculated to be 'Supply 350' or 'Saint Pablo Loves You'. Since the sneakers' debut in 2016, the demand for the iconic silhouette has only grown. Especially with adidas x Kanye releasing a range of colorways over the years, all of which sold out within minutes…

What was the first pair of yeezys? ›

The first shoe model ("Boost 750") was released in February 2015. In 2020 Forbes described Yeezy's rise as "one of the great retail stories of the century". Yeezy influenced and inspired a multitude of other fashion brands.

Which Yeezy is the most popular? ›

The Yeezy 350 (or Yeezy Boost 350) is arguably the most popular Kanye West shoe made outside of his Nike days. Out of all of the Yeezy sneakers that adidas and Kayne have made together, the Yeezy 350 is easily the most wearable, comfortable, and sought-after.

Why did Adidas drop Yeezy? ›

As a result of West's antisemitic comments and troubling behavior, the partnership has been terminated by the brand – following much public criticism and demands for the brand to respond. The company put out a statement saying, "adidas does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech.

What makes YEEZYs so popular? ›

As one of the trendiest and exclusive sneaker series, the Adidas YEEZY sneakers have been a huge target for sneaker collectors. Developed by famous rapper and designer Kanye West in collaboration with Adidas, Adidas YEEZYs are known for their unique sense of style.

Is Adidas allowed to sell Yeezy? ›

Adidas owns the rights to the Yeezy product designs and can sell them without using the Yeezy name. The shoe and apparel company terminated its relationship with rapper Ye, formally known as Kanye West after the rapper made antisemitic comments on social media and the Drink Champs podcast.

Do Yeezy 350 go up in value? ›

If you think retail prices are high, ranging anywhere from 200 to 500+ dollars, the resale value of Kanye's Yeezy creations have reached unimaginable heights with some selling on secondary markets for thousands of dollars. For example, the Yeezy 350 retails at $220.

What is the difference between the Yeezy 350 and V2? ›

The Yeezy 350 V1 fits true to size whereas the V2 runs small. Hence, if you're purchasing a V2, I would recommend going a half size up, or even one full size up if you have wide feet. Keep in mind that the upper of the V2s will stretch with wear. How comfortable are Yeezy Boost 350s?

What does the writing on the side of Yeezys mean? ›

Size Tag. The size tag on the inside of your Yeezy's should simply read 'Made In China'.

Are my Yeezys fake if they say made in Vietnam? ›

A quick way to check is to look at the last three digits of each serial code and see if they match. If they do, it definitely could indicate that they're not authentic.” Note that real Yeezys are made in China, but fakes will often list Turkey, Korea or Vietnam as their country of origin.

Do fake Yeezys come from China? ›

Fake Yeezys have a disproportionate Adidas logo, a "Sample Made in China" label on the size tag, and white text on both insoles. Examine the shoes' stitching and patterns for inconsistencies. Keep the price, seller, and packaging in mind when you buy a pair of Yeezys.

Can you check Yeezy serial number? ›

Now, on the bottom left-hand corner of the label, you will find the serial number of your sneakers. This is where the essence of the country versions come into play.

Does Kim Kardashian own half of Yeezys? ›

West owns 100% of the $1.26 billion shoe brand and earns about 11% of Yeezy's annual revenue from its manufacturer, Adidas. Though her wealth is also tied up in an eponymous brand, Kim Kardashian's fortune is much more liquid than Kanye West's. The bulk of Kardashian's wealth comes from her KKW Beauty brand.

How many models of Yeezys are there? ›

Since his signing in late 2014, Ye has released almost 200 colorways across 19 models (not including the upcoming YEEZY 350 CMPCT and DROSE) which is a significant haul in just over six years.

Who owns the rights to Yeezy? ›

Adidas owns the rights to everything about the Yeezy products except the name as it seeks to plug up to 15% hole in profits post-Kanye. A sign advertises Yeezy shoes made by Adidas at Kickclusive, a sneaker resale store, in Paramus, N.J., Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022.

What is Kanye's favorite Yeezy? ›

The coming of Kanye's second shoe with Nike, the Air Yeezy II, is often credited with being his best work to-date.

Are Yeezys more valuable than Jordans? ›

Some people call Yeezys ridiculously expensive and not worth the price. The cheapest Yeezy model on the market will cost you about $220, but the least-expensive Jordans will cost around $90. For the pricing difference, Jordans definitely win.

Do people still wear Yeezys? ›

Everyone has their own approach to Yeezy sneakers. People have chosen to sell, donate, trash, or continue to wear the once-popular shoes. As we have written many times before, there are no wrong answers to footwear.

Can Adidas sell Yeezys without Kanye? ›

adidas is ready to sell the first Yeezy without Kanye West.

Why did Nike stop making Yeezys? ›

He described his departure from Nike as 'heartbreaking', but explained that the decision was made because Nike refused to pay him royalties for the sales of his own shoe. Instead, according to Kanye, the brand wanted to pay some of the proceeds to a charity of his choosing.

Will Adidas sell Yeezy without the name? ›

Adidas announced Wednesday it will continue to sell Ye's shoe designs without the Yeezy name. The move comes on the heels of the sportswear manufacturer ending its sneaker partnership with Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, last month after the musician's anti-Semitic tirade.

What is the success of Yeezy? ›

Yeezy products generated nearly $2 billion in sales last year for Adidas accounting for 8% of the company's total sales, according to Morgan Stanley. The line also helped Adidas get shelf space at major retailers and brought new customers into the stores who purchased other Adidas merchandise.

Are Yeezys a luxury brand? ›

Yeezy is a luxury fashion label founded by Kanye West in 2015. Initially launched as a series of knit sneakers, which sold out online in the US in 12 minutes, the label is backed by Adidas Originals and offers elevated, monochromatic streetwear.

Why is it so hard to get Yeezys? ›

You must win a raffle of some kind to purchase a pair. Why are Yeezys expensive? They are expensive because they are high in demand and made in limited numbers. Over the years, adidas has made the shoes more frequently and in higher quantities, making the resell price decrease.

Does Adidas make money off Yeezys? ›

At the end of this year alone, Yeezys made up an estimated $1.8 billion in annual revenue for Adidas, or 7% of their totals, the Times said. Insiders at Adidas told the paper that while some of its franchises suffered financial losses in 2019, Yeezy didn't.

Can I sell used Yeezys on StockX? ›

At StockX, we only accept deadstock products meaning all sneakers, apparel, accessories, collectibles, and electronics must be authentic, new, and unworn.” “As a general rule, the resale values of coveted deadstock items that trade on StockX tend to appreciate over time,” Cutler continues.

Is Yeezy making money? ›

West] $191 million in royalties,” Bloomberg reported, citing the UBS report. Yeezy sneakers generate about 1.5 billion euros ($1.47 billion) in annual sales for adidas, or roughly 7 percent of its total annual revenue, according to estimates from Telsey Advisory Group.

What is a good price for Yeezy 350? ›

Product information. Lowest price for adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 - Core Black/Red is $245. This is currently the cheapest offer among 3 stores.

Is Yeezy worth buying? ›

All of the evidence leads us to believe the Yeezy Boost 350 is worth it. The sleek design, comfortable Boost sole and Primeknit upper create an aura of quality that has pushed Adidas to the forefront of innovation.

What does the SPLY stand for? ›

SPLY. Same Period Last Year (US Postal Service)

Which Yeezy 350 V2 is the most limited? ›

Meanwhile, the Static 3M is the most limited pair, with only a small amount recorded. If you're still riding that Yeezy train, take a closer look at the 350 V2 'Clay'.

What is the original price of Yeezy? ›

The adidas Yeezy 350 Boost is a low-top sneaker designed by Kanye West. The shoes first debuted at the YEEZY Season fashion show in February 2015 and new colorways were unveiled during YEEZY Season 3 on February 11th, 2016. The retail price for the shoe is $200 for the original and $220 for the V2.

Are you supposed to wear socks with Yeezys? ›

It is most common to wear black socks with Yeezys, as they look trendy and athletic. You can choose from crew-length or no-show varieties. If you don't prefer black socks, try white or colored options.

What does MNVN mean in Yeezy? ›

The 700 MNVN, which stands for “minivan,” was a weird shoe from the very beginning. For starters, it was first debuted in a neon green colorway back in 2018, not by the man himself or one of his family members like usual, but by the infamous rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine.

What are the weird Yeezys called? ›

1) Yeezy Foam Runners

The dinosaur eggs as some people call them have had a massive growth in popularity due to their weird appearance.

Are Yeezys made in China or USA? ›

Short answer: Adidas makes Yeezys in China. A bit longer answer: Yeezy falls under the Adidas umbrella, so when we discuss where are Yeezys made, we're also talking about Adidas. And in 2021, Adidas shoes mainly come from Asia, specifically China, India, and so on.

What country are real Yeezys made? ›

CHINA. In brief, Yeezys are manufactured under Adidas in China, but Kanye West has been aiming toward moving Yeezy production to the US by 2021.

Why are my shoes made in Vietnam? ›

In fact, some of the biggest shoe brands have located their factories in Vietnam. Think of sneaker multinationals such as Nike, Adidas and Puma! One of the main reasons Vietnam is such an attractive to produce footwear, is based on the fact that there are little to no duty restrictions when exporting from Vietnam.

Why do my Yeezys say Made in China? ›

Yes! Yeezy shoes are manufactured at factories operated by Adidas, primarily in China.

Are Yeezys made in China or Vietnam? ›

Yeezy shoes are manufactured at factories operated by Adidas, primarily in China.

Does Yeezy refund? ›

How many days do I have to return? We offer free returns and exchanges within 30 days of your delivery. We are extending the return window to 60 days for 10/18/22 to 1/10/23. Hype products such as Yeezy should be returned via the online returns portal within seven days of the delivery date.

What do Yeezy shoes represent? ›

Yeezy is derived from Jesus, West began using the nickname to position himself as a 'God' of rap. Advertisem*nt. The nickname was inspired by his mentor, Jay Z, who gave himself the name J-Hov or Hov, derived from Jehovah which is the Hebrew name for God.

How did Kanye become Yeezy? ›

One of Kanye West's short names is Ye, which is also the title of his eighth studio album that was released in 2018. According to Forbes, Yeezy is a shortening of the “Kanyeezy” nickname that Jay-Z gave him in the intro to the song “Lucifer” on The Black Album (2003).

Is Yeezy a black owned business? ›

Regardless of what you think of the man behind the brand, Yeezy is one of the largest Black-owned labels in the industry.

Who is the target audience for Yeezy? ›

The target audience of the Yeezy brand is fashion-conscious millennials, with high purchasing power, who keep afloat with the trends. And the most obvious way to keep up with the trends is by literally keeping up with the Kardashians (and other celebrities) on their social media feeds.

Is it OK to wear Yeezys? ›

Everyone has their own approach to Yeezy sneakers. People have chosen to sell, donate, trash, or continue to wear the once-popular shoes. As we have written many times before, there are no wrong answers to footwear. As long as the person wearing them is comfortable and confident, that is the only thing that matters.

What is the motto of Yeezy? ›

Kanye West: Fresh for Less ... The New Yeezy Motto.

What rapper makes Yeezy shoes? ›

Adidas slashes 2022 outlook after Kanye West split

The announcement comes just over two weeks after Adidas dropped its collaboration with rap star West, also known as “Ye”, following his series of anti-Semitic tirades. Adidas and West first partnered to make the Yeezy shoe line in 2013.

Is Yeezy ethical? ›

The newest style of Yeezy shoes—made by musician Kanye West—will be free from animal-derived materials and made with a blend of petroleum-based ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and foam made from algae. West is creating the new shoe in a bid to push the sneaker industry into a more environmentally friendly direction.

Does Adidas still own Yeezy? ›

Adidas owns rights to Yeezy designs, CFO says; will sell products with different name after Kanye West fallout. Adidas says it plans to sell its Yeezy collection of sneakers — just with a different name.

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