Kanye West has never been one to shy away from his love for sneakers. In fact, the College Dropout rapper is known globally for his signature footwear line, often referred to as “Yeezy”. Having worked with both Nike and adidas throughout the course of his career, it’s safe to say that Mr. West knows a thing or two about kicks. With footwear fans across the globe still obsessing over Yeezys to this day, we thought it was time to take a look at some of the greatest releases we’ve ever seen from Kanye.
We’ve delved deep into the archives and discovered some of the most iconic pairs from Kanye’s career, so whether you’ve been there from the start or you’re new to Yeezys, you’re bound to learn something new or find something you’ll like. So without further ado, let’s jump right in and check them out.
10. Yeezy Foam Runner "Ararat"
First introduced in 2020, the Yeezy Foam Runner was a revolutionary sneaker at the time of its launch. Crafted from a singular piece of EVA foam that was produced using specially-grown algae, the eye-catching silhouette was designed by footwear royalty Steven Smith and almost instantly won the hearts of sneakerheads. The OG “Ararat” colourway remains one of the best Yeezys even today.
9. Yeezy Boost 700 V2 "Vanta"
Sometimes you just can’t beat a triple black pair of kicks, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to the Yeezy Boost 700 V2 “Vanta”. Showing off the streamlined variant of the 700 design, the kicks dropped in 2019 and feature little to no branding across the design, letting the aesthetics do the talking instead. Finished with an ultra-comfortable Boost sole, what’s not to love?
8. Yeezy Boost 750 "OG Grey"
While many people believe that the Yeezy Boost 350 was Kanye’s first-ever sneaker with adidas, they may well be forgetting the humble Yeezy Boost 750. Offering up a luxurious take on a high-top sneaker, the 750s first dropped back in 2015 in the “OG Grey” colourway, and we’re still loving them to this day. If you’re searching for a pair now you may well struggle though, as these are certainly one of the rarer pairs in this list!
7. Yeezy 500 "Blush"
As the first adidas Yeezy without Boost technology within the midsole, the Yeezy 500 could have been a total flop, however that was definitely not the case. Crafted from a range of different fabrics and first dropping in a “Blush” colourway, the kicks are now a certified fan favourite and feature adiPRENE+ technology in place of Boost.
6. Nike Air Yeezy 1 "Zen Grey"
The first Swoosh Yeezy in our list comes in the form of the Nike Air Yeezy 1 “Zen Grey”. Launched in 2009 as part of Kanye’s first-ever effort with Nike, the kicks showcase a high-top design that emits a very 2000s feel. A Velcro strap sits atop of the lacing system, while orange and neon green details complete the look. You’ll be hard pushed to find a pair of these nowadays.
5. Yeezy Boost 350 V2 "Zebra"
The Yeezy Boost 350 V2 is arguably one of the most popular sneakers to come from Kanye’s partnership with adidas, and when the Zebra colourway initially dropped in 2017, the sneaker world was stunned. The eye-catching design has proved incredibly popular, so much so that we’ve even seen multiple re-releases of this iconic colourway.
4. Yeezy Slide "Bone"
When the Yeezy Slide first hit the market in 2019, the world wasn’t entirely sure what to think. However, fast forward a few years and the one-piece slides are a go-to for many sneaker and streetwear fans! The simplistic yet genius design works a treat with plenty of outfits, and this “Bone” colourway from 2019 is possibly the best of the bunch.
3. Yeezy Boost 700 "Wave Runner"
First dropping in 2017, the Yeezy Boost 700 stormed onto the market at just the right time, in the OG “Wave Runner” colourway. Right as the “dad shoe” trend erupted, the Yeezy Boosy 700 arrived, showcasing perfect timing and leading to unparalleled success. However, the kicks remain popular even today, with the colourway re-released in 2023 to similar success.
2. Yeezy Boost 350 "Turtle Dove"
While the Yeezy Boost 750 may have been the first adidas Yeezy, the line really began to take off when the Yeezy Boost 350 “Turtle Dove” launched in 2015. Showcasing a lightweight and athletic design, the kicks opted for a Primeknit upper and a minimalistic design, as well as the Boost midsole we all know and love. This pair paved the way for the 350 hype that was to follow in coming years.
1. Nike Air Yeezy 2 "Red October"
Taking the top spot in our list is none other than the Nike Air Yeezy 2 “Red October”. Following the success of the “Pure Platinum” and “Solar Red” pairs, the all-red pair hit the market unexpectedly in 2014, with the London-based NikeLab release announced exclusively via a single tweet. While the colourway may be bold, the rarity and lore behind this pair make them the greatest Yeezy to ever exist.