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The Impact of Yeezy 700 on Environmental Sustainability in the Fashion Industry
Few sneakers have captured both the public imagination and the fashion industry’s attention quite like the Yeezy 700. Designed by Kanye West in collaboration with adidas, the Yeezy 700 has not just set trends in streetwear and footwear design—it has also raised important questions about environmental sustainability. As the fashion industry faces growing scrutiny for its environmental footprint, examining how the Yeezy 700 fits into the broader narrative of sustainable practices is essential.
This article explores the environmental impact of the Yeezy 700, how it aligns with or challenges sustainability standards within the fashion industry, and what its influence means for the future of eco-conscious fashion.
Yeezy 700: A Brief Overview and Its Environmental Context
The Yeezy 700 first debuted in 2017 and quickly became an icon, blending retro aesthetics with modern materials and comfort. But while its chunky silhouette and innovative designs captured sneakerheads’ attention, its production methods and material choices have sparked discussion about sustainability.
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The fashion industry is responsible for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions, according to a 2022 report by the United Nations Environment Programme. Footwear alone accounts for nearly 1.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with sneakers being a significant contributor due to their complex material blends and manufacturing processes.
ADIDAS, Yeezy’s manufacturing partner, has publicly committed to improving sustainability by pledging to use only recycled polyester in its products by 2024 and aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. The Yeezy 700’s place within these broader company goals is important for understanding its environmental impact.
Materials and Manufacturing: How Sustainable is the Yeezy 700?
The Yeezy 700 features a mix of suede, leather, mesh, and rubber, making it a complex product from a materials perspective. Let’s break down the sustainability of these components:
- Leather and suede are traditionally resource-intensive, requiring large amounts of water and chemicals for processing. According to the World Wildlife Fund, leather production is responsible for 14% of all deforestation due to cattle grazing. - Synthetic mesh may use petroleum-based fibers like polyester or nylon, which are derived from fossil fuels and are not biodegradable. - The rubber outsole is typically made from synthetic rubber, again often petroleum-based, though some models incorporate natural rubber.Unlike some newer adidas releases, the original Yeezy 700 did not heavily incorporate recycled or bio-based materials. However, over the years, adidas has introduced more sustainable models in other lines (like the Parley x adidas Ultraboost, which uses ocean plastic). As sustainability became a stronger focus, later Yeezy models and special releases have begun to include recycled materials and eco-friendlier production processes.
Comparing Yeezy 700 to Other Sustainable Sneakers
To understand the Yeezy 700’s impact, it is helpful to compare it with other footwear options specifically designed with sustainability in mind. Here’s a data overview of how the Yeezy 700 stacks up against leading sustainable sneakers:
| Sneaker Model | Primary Materials | Recycled Content (%) | Carbon Footprint (kg CO2e per pair) | Notable Sustainability Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yeezy 700 | Leather, Suede, Synthetic Mesh, Rubber | Varies (0-20% in some releases) | ~14.0 | Some newer models use recycled content |
| adidas Ultraboost x Parley | Recycled Ocean Plastic, Synthetic | Up to 85% | ~11.7 | Parley Ocean Plastic, reduced virgin plastic |
| Allbirds Tree Dasher | Eucalyptus Fiber, Sugarcane, Recycled Polyester | ~50% | ~7.6 | Carbon-neutral production, renewable materials |
| Nike Space Hippie 01 | Recycled Polyester, Recycled Rubber | ~50% | ~6.0 | Made from factory scrap, low carbon |
As the table demonstrates, while the Yeezy 700 has made some strides, it still lags behind dedicated sustainable sneaker models in terms of recycled content and carbon footprint. However, its massive influence can help drive industry-wide change as consumer expectations shift.
Influence of Yeezy 700 on Industry Sustainability Trends
While the Yeezy 700 may not be the “greenest” sneaker on the market, its cultural and commercial clout has had a ripple effect on the industry’s approach to sustainability.
Three key areas of influence include:
1. $1 The popularity of the Yeezy 700 has brought conversations about materials, waste, and ethical production to the mainstream sneaker community. According to a 2023 Statista survey, 34% of Gen Z sneaker buyers consider sustainability “very important” in their purchasing decisions—a number that has doubled since the Yeezy 700’s launch. 2. $1 As Yeezy's prominence grew, so did demand for transparency in sourcing and manufacturing. adidas has responded by increasing sustainability reporting and launching more eco-friendly initiatives, such as the “Made to be Remade” program and the use of Primegreen and Primeblue recycled materials. 3. $1 The Yeezy 700’s iterative design process means each new edition is an opportunity for adidas to test and introduce more sustainable practices. For example, the Yeezy Foam Runner, another Yeezy release, uses algae-based foam, signaling a shift toward bio-based materials for future models.Challenges and Critiques: Sustainability Limitations of the Yeezy 700
Despite its influence, the Yeezy 700 is not without its sustainability challenges:
- $1 Unlike some newer adidas and competitor models, most Yeezy 700 releases still rely heavily on virgin materials. Only select limited-edition or special releases have integrated recycled content. - $1 Yeezy drops often create massive hype, leading to both high production runs and, paradoxically, a robust resale market. This hype-driven production can contribute to overconsumption, with some pairs ending up unworn or disposed of prematurely. - $1 Due to the Yeezy 700’s multi-material construction (leather, suede, mesh, rubber), recycling or disassembling the sneaker at end-of-life is complex. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, less than 5% of shoes are currently recycled, with the majority ending up in landfills.The Yeezy 700’s Role in Shaping a Sustainable Sneaker Future
Despite these challenges, the Yeezy 700’s impact on sustainability should not be underestimated. Its global reach and trendsetting status mean that even incremental changes—such as incorporating recycled materials or improving transparency—have outsized effects on consumer expectations and industry standards.
Additionally, the Yeezy brand’s willingness to experiment with new materials (as seen in the Foam Runner) suggests a path toward a more sustainable future. As adidas and other brands race to meet ambitious environmental goals—like adidas’ target to achieve climate neutrality by 2050—flagship products like the Yeezy 700 will likely play a central role in both the challenges and solutions.
Final Thoughts on Yeezy 700 and Environmental Sustainability
The Yeezy 700, while not a perfect model of sustainable design, is a powerful symbol of the evolving role of environmental consciousness in the fashion industry. Its journey reflects both the limitations and the possibilities inherent in high-profile fashion collaborations. As consumers become more eco-aware and brands respond with greater transparency and innovation, sneakers like the Yeezy 700 will continue to shape the future of sustainable fashion.
As the industry moves forward, the Yeezy 700’s legacy may not just be about style and hype, but also about its contribution to a greener, more responsible approach to fashion.
