The History of adidas Yeezy
Yeezys were made in a collaboration between Kanye 'Ye' West and adidas beginning in 2015 and ending in 2022.
Kanye, a rapper known for songs including 'Power', 'Runaway' and 'Gold digger', is also a designer and entrepreneur, and designed Yeezy shoes and apparel while adidas manufactured and marketed them. Yeezy was a huge success, and became a highly sought-after brand.
Kanye and Nike
In 2006, Kanye had already created a sneaker with adidas, but it was never released. The rapper worked with Nike until 2013, where he started the brand 'Yeezy' with creative director Mark Smith.
The first Yeezys were released under the name Nike and soon the prices of these sneakers went through the roof. The Nike Air Yeezy 1 was the first collab of Kanye and Nike. The prototype of this model was sold in 2021 for 1.8 million dollars. The Nike Air Yeezy 2 was also a great success and the fiery red 'Red October' (2014) was the last sneaker released by Kanye and Nike.
Kanye and adidas
In 2013, adidas confirmed its collaboration with Kanye. The brand released their first collab in 1986 with rap group Run D.M.C. and since then many sneaker brands have paired their name with hip-hop artists.
Yeezy released the first model in February 2015. The Yeezy Boost 750 was the first model to hit the market. The initial pair had a beige/grey colorway and had a release price of $350.
The Boost 750 was followed by models including the Boost 350, Boost 700 and the adidas Yeezy 500.
The adidas Yeezy Boost 350 is considered one of Yeezy's most iconic models and colorways such as 'Zebra', 'Black Red' and the 'Beluga' sold out very fast. The tactic for releasing these shoes was to produce as few copies as possible. The deadstock tactic worked well with previous adidas collaborations and Kanye capitalised on this.
In 2018, the rapper announced the biggest adidas Yeezy drop ever. He promised access to the adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 'Triple White' to anyone interested in the Yeezy pair. In the same year, Yeezy also re-released multiple models.
For example, the Yeezy Boost 700 'Waverunner' was restocked, which was previously a huge success with its colourful colorway. Released for the first time in 2017, the silhouette could be resold after the drop for four times the resell price.
The End of Yeezy
In 2022, adidas decided to end their collaboration with Ye. The rapper made public anti-Semitic statements and his controversial behaviour could not be ignored by adidas.
The break-up had major financial consequences for adidas, but despite the financial loss, adidas finally sold the remaining YEEZYs in early 2025 and donated part of the proceeds to charity.
adidas Yeezy: Answering Your Questions
Who owned Yeezy?
Made in collaboration between Kanye West and adidas, Yeezy was a highly sought-after brand that launched in 2015 and stopped production in 2022.
Where were Yeezys made?
Yeezy sneakers were mainly manufactured in China, Vietnam and India, including models like the Boost 350, 500 and 700. Certain models like the Foam Runner were produced in the USA.
How can you tell if a Yeezy is fake?
There are many factors to take into account when spotting a fake Yeezy. Some of the main things to consider are:
- Box and packaging: Authentic boxes are sturdy with sharp printing. Check the information on the label matches the contents.
- Boost sole: For Boost models, the sole should have a bouncy feel with small nubs. Fakes might be too firm, or have a messy pattern.
- Stitching: Check the stitching is tight and clean.
- Insole: The adidas and Yeezy logos should be sharp with clean print.
- Smell: Fakes sometimes have a strong chemical smell.
- Price: If the price is too good to be true, then it probably is.
Are adidas Yeezy comfortable?
Yeezys are known for being comfortable, and the best models for comfort are the Yeezy Boost 350v2 with its flexible Primeknit upper, Yeezy Boost 700 with its thick Boost cushioning, and the lightweight and breathable Yeezy Foam Runner.
Do Yeezys fit true to size?
Yeezys often run a bit small, and people may find them to be a better fit by sizing up half to a full size when purchasing.
How do you tie an adidas Yeezy?
For guidance on tying your Yeezy laces, check out our Ultimate Sneakerjagers Lacing Guide!
How do I clean my adidas Yeezy?
An adidas Yeezy is best cleaned by hand. For the best results, remove the laces, then use a toothbrush to remove obvious dirt from the surface. Mix a mild detergent with some water, and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub harder stains, or for suede, use a suede brush (water can damage suede). Use a damp cloth to wipe off the residue, then let them air-dry.
For a smelly sneaker, you can sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe, then leave overnight. The powder will absorb moisture and neutralise the smell. Shake out the excess before wearing again. Alternatively, you can use silica gel or activated charcoal bags for the same results.
Laces can be cleaned with a mild detergent and rinsed afterwards, or you can put white laces in a 1:5 bleach and water solution for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
In addition, we do not recommend putting your shoes in the washing machine. Sneakers made of leather and suede can come out damaged. With shoes made of canvas or cotton, the risk is less, but the chance of damaged sneakers remains. So we recommend always washing your sneakers by hand. If you do put them in the washing machine, then place the shoes in an old pillowcase beforehand.
When is a new Yeezy release coming?
There will be no more new Yeezy releases. adidas decided to end its collaboration with Ye in October 2022 after he publicly made anti-Semitic remarks. A restock did take place in early June 2023 with the last remaining stock in the warehouse.
Where can I buy adidas Yeezy?
Do you have your eye on this brand? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse Yeezy at different resellers and at different prices.
Popular Yeezy Models
adidas Yeezy Boost 750
Featuring a high-top silhouette, premium suede upper, midfoot strap, and a full-length Boost sole, the Yeezy Boost 750 combines luxury aesthetics with performance technology.
Its minimalist design and limited release helped establish the Yeezy brand as a major force in sneaker culture when it was first released.
adidas Yeezy Boost 350v2
The Yeezy Boost 350 combines high fashion and sportswear in a low-top silhouette, standing out with its Primeknit upper and BOOST sole.
For more information about the 350 and 350v2, check out our Ultimate adidas Yeezy Boost 350 FAQ here!
adidas Yeezy Boost 700
The Yeezy Boost 700 introducing a bold, chunky silhouette with a layered upper made of suede, mesh, and leather, along with a thick Boost-cushioned midsole.
The 700 blended retro dad-shoe aesthetics with modern comfort.
adidas Yeezy Desert Boot
The Yeezy Desert Boot has a rugged look and combines mesh, suede and nubuck leather materials for a sturdy construction.
The model was first released in 2019 and has a high fit. The beige 'Rock' and dark 'Oil' colorways were very popular.
adidas Yeezy Foam RNNR
The Foam RNNR model is known for its unique design, which can be seen in the different holes on the upper that have all been given abstract shapes.
The silhouette is made of EVA foam and algae materials, which makes the RNNR not only comfortable but also durable.
adidas Yeezy Slide
Introduced in 2019, the adidas Yeezy Slide stands out for its striking design with a chunky look. They are also made with EVA-foam for ultimate comfort, and the grippy sole provides good traction.
The first collection consisted of three pairs - 'Desert Sand', 'Bone' and 'Resin'.
adidas Yeezy 500
The Yeezy 500 incorporates AdiPRENE+ cushioning technology. This resistant material absorbs shocks in the forefoot area and allows for dynamic running.
The shoe also features premium suede and mesh upper, which guarantees high quality, breathability, and additional comfort.
For more FAQs on your favourite sneaker models, visit the Sneaker FAQ page.
