It’s no secret that Adidas shoes are popular.
They have been around since 1949, and are still highly sought after by sneakerheads. But, why? What is it about these shoes that make them so special in the eyes of sneaker enthusiasts?
It’s all about the design details. The history of the Adidas Yeezys shoes is one worth learning. From the design inspiration to the luxury materials, we’ll cover everything you need to know.
What’s the story behind the Yeezy shoes? Read on to find out!
From Nike to Adidas Yeezys Shoes
Did you know that Kanye originally was helping Nike with shoe sales? But then, he decided to switch it up. He didn’t like how Nike was treating him so he went on to help Adidas start their Yeezy line.
What’s the design process look like when Kanye’s helping create stylish sneakers? It depends. We’ve said in the past that Kanye has a very clear vision behind his products. This is evident when you compare the Air Yeezy 2 to his other well-known shoe, the 350 models.
However, the collaboration between Adidas and Kanye for both shoes was completely different. The process began back in 2006 when Nike still had first dibs on all of Kanye’s work. He wanted his shoe – he approached them with the idea, which they didn’t like at first (but ended up agreeing to do).
Kanye sent out prototypes of what would eventually become his very own line of sneakers: The Nike Air Yeezy series. However, once he saw that it wasn’t going how well, he decided to leave Nike for good.
After leaving Nike, Kanye decided to collaborate with Adidas since they were always in the back of his mind. Kanye worked closely with both Adidas Originals and Adidas’s CEO at that time, Herbert Hainer.
Hainer was first introduced to Kanye during the MTV Video Music Awards. Kayne came on stage wearing sneakers that everyone thought looked strange.
At first, many people didn’t understand why Kanye wore such informal-looking shoes while accepting an award for being creative and different. However, it turns out Kanye was just ahead of the times, fashion-wise.
Adidas Yeezy Boost 350
The Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 was first released in the fall of 2015. It’s the third shoe in the Adidas Yeezy Boost line. Kanye West designed this shoe with Adidas Originals.
The design for the Yeezy Boost 350 is also part of the Adidas and West collaborative fashion line. This shoe has a tan leather upper and a black semi-translucent outsole. When you shop for Yeezy, you’ll notice that the shoe’s molded stripe symbolizes wings. The wings are a reference to Nike Air Jordan 1 which had a similar feature on its shoes.
The inspiration for this design comes from ’80s basketball shoes with extra padding to protect against high-pressure gameplay. These were originally called “the Uptowns” and later rebranded as “the Yeezy.” They were made of non-leather materials, but Kanye wanted to bring them back into the modern-day. That’s where the idea to start using luxury materials, like real leather, came into play.
Adidas Yeezy Boost 750
Now that you know about the inspiration from the Yeezy Boost 250, let’s jump over to another model. The Yeezy Boost 750 was the fourth shoe to join the Adidas Yeezy Boost line.
Kanye once again worked with Adidas Originals to create this iconic shoe. What makes the 750 different from the 350?
Kanye and Adidas Originals went all out on this one, literally. The 750 is made of a full-length boost midsole which is unlike any other model in the collection. It features no Primeknit upper as the 350s do.
However, the 750 does include a neoprene collar for extra comfort. You’ll also enjoy an elastic strap across the middle of the shoe. The 750 also includes an inner lining with a soft feel for maximum comfort on your feet.
Air Yeezy 2
The 750 models are often compared to Nike’s popular Air Yeezy 2 sneaker. What makes them similar? Both shoes have similarities in that they’re made up of a full-length boost midsole and both feature straps across the ankle.
The Air Yeezy 2 only comes in one colorway: Black/Solar Red. The shoe features a black fly knit upper with a gorgeous red sole that screams luxury. However, the most memorable detail about this shoe is its unique lacing system.
The Air Yeezy 2 also uses two individual laces for each eyelet! This helps give you a more personalized fit around your ankles.
Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Mono Ice
Next in the history of Adidas Yeezys shoes, let’s discuss the Yeezy Boost 350 V2. One thing you should know about Kanye West is he hates being basic and following trends.
So when everyone else was wearing flat shoes, West made his signature style statement in high heels. This helped him stand out, in a highly competitive market.
The V2 Mono Ice is the embodiment of uniqueness. It’s the sixth model to join the Adidas Yeezy line, and a lot of people are surprised by how different this shoe looks from other models in the collection.
The colorway makes it easy to spot even when surrounded by others in similar colors, like grey for instance! This shoe has a very simple design that seems more basic than advanced at first glance. It also features a Primeknit upper, unlike any other shoe, except for maybe its predecessor, the Yeezy Boost 350.
However, don’t let its simplicity fool you! It’s one of the most complex shoes on this list. It features several design details that you’ll instantly love. And it’s these small changes that make all the difference in the world.
For instance, this shoe comes with an extra set of laces that give it more uniqueness and personality. These are grey, which means they match perfectly with its grey Primeknit upper.
No one will have shoes like yours! It’s safe to say that this is easily one of the most popular models on this list, judging by its colorway alone!
Embrace the Fashion Industry
Now you know how Adidas Yeezys shoes came to be. After reading this article, what shoes do you think are right for you?
Are you going to splurge for a pair of Yeezy Boost 750s? Or are you looking for an extra unique appeal that only the Mono Ice version can offer? Take a few minutes to look at photos online of each shoe type.
Envision how they’ll look on you, and with the clothes you wear. From there, you can finally choose your perfect pair! For more history and fun facts, explore the rest of our site.
