Few brands have had the same impact on sneaker culture as Yeezy. Kanye West's signature shoe line has not only revolutionized the fashion world, but also redefined the concept of limited-edition drops, the resell market, and design revolutions. Yeezy is more than just a shoe—it's a cultural phenomenon.
Kanye West and the transformation of the sneaker industry
The creative force behind Yeezy is Kanye West , who wasn't content with achieving global success as a musician. He had already been interested in fashion in the late 2000s, designing his first sneakers for Nike (Air Yeezy 1 and 2). However, due to creative constraints and legal issues, he signed an exclusive deal with adidas in 2013 - and that's when the real story of the Yeezy brand began.
Yeezy's first successes – Boost 750 and 350
The Yeezy Boost 750 debuted in 2015, and exploded into the public consciousness as an instant hit as a limited edition model. Not long after, the Yeezy Boost 350 and the improved 350 V2 followed, becoming staples for sneakerheads worldwide. Instant sell-outs, extreme resell prices, and hype combined to make Yeezy one of the most sought-after sneaker brands in the world.
Limited drops and resell fever
One of the keys to the success of Yeezy sneakers is their limited-edition, or “drop” model. New models are available exclusively at a pre-announced time – often selling out within minutes. This scarcity creates huge demand, which immediately drives the secondary market.
If you want to learn more about the world of hype and drops , read our article about it!
Resell prices often increase several times over the original price – some models (e.g. Yeezy Boost 350 “Turtle Dove” or the first series of the Foam Runner ) can reach a price increase of up to 300-500%. So Yeezy has become not only a fashion item, but also a sought-after investment product among sneakerheads.
Unique design and earthy colors
The Yeezy sneakers are characterized by their unconventional design and subdued, natural colors. Based on Kanye West's visual vision, the shoes:
- they work with earthy colors (e.g. "Taupe", "Bone", "Earth"),
- they take on an organic, sometimes futuristic shape,
- They are characterized by minimalist branding – the form speaks for itself.
With this, Yeezy showed a completely new direction in sneaker and streetwear culture.
The impact and future of Yeezy
Although adidas and Kanye West parted ways in 2022, the Yeezy legacy lives on. The brand's design language, "drop culture," and the concept of sneakers as an investment vehicle are all tied to the Yeezy phenomenon.
Resale and demand are still active - Yeezy remains a sought-after item on the sneaker market: some models (e.g. Yeezy Boost 350 "Turtle Dove" or the first series of the Foam Runner ) are selling for more than 4-5 times the price on the secondary market.
This phenomenon elevated Yeezy from a fashion item to an investment vehicle, contributed to the "sneaker flipping" culture, and maintained the constant hype surrounding the brand.
Popular Yeezy models from OnSize
- Yeezy Boost 350 / 350 V2 – the most famous sneaker, perfect for street wear
- Yeezy 700 – thicker “dad shoe” design
- Yeezy Slide – clean, comfortable slippers
- Yeezy Foam Runner – space-age, perforated look
- Yeezy 500 – retro-futuristic design with a chunky silhouette
If you are interested in the world of sneakers, read our other articles or check out our range!
image source: heguardian.com, hypebeast.com
Comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.