The History of Yeezy 700: How They Became an Icon of Sneaker Culture
The world of sneakers is filled with legends—designs that transcend sport and fashion to become cultural icons. Few shoes have rewritten the rules quite like the Yeezy 700. Born from a unique collaboration between rapper Kanye West and Adidas, the Yeezy 700 didn’t just launch another sneaker—it sparked a revolution in design, resale, and cultural status. But how did a chunky, futuristic silhouette, once dismissed by skeptics, rise to dominate the streets and shelves? Let’s explore the fascinating journey of the Yeezy 700 and uncover the factors that catapulted it to the pinnacle of sneaker culture.
The Genesis: Kanye West, Adidas, and the Birth of Yeezy 700
To understand the Yeezy 700, it’s crucial to look at the roots of the Yeezy line itself. Kanye West’s partnership with Adidas began in 2013, after previous collaborations with Nike and Louis Vuitton. The Yeezy brand, under Adidas, was built on creative freedom, innovative materials, and limited releases.
The Yeezy 700, officially known as the Yeezy Boost 700, made its first public debut at the Yeezy Season 5 fashion show in February 2017. Its release, however, came later that August through a surprise drop on the Yeezy Supply website. Priced at $300, the Yeezy 700 “Wave Runner” was a bold departure from the minimalist Yeezy 350s, featuring a thick sole, vibrant color blocking, and a retro-futuristic design.
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The initial reaction was mixed. Sneakerheads used to sleek, streamlined silhouettes were puzzled by the “dad shoe” look. Yet, this risk paid off spectacularly. In the months following its release, the Wave Runner became one of the most sought-after sneakers worldwide, selling out instantly and fetching over $1,000 on the resale market.
Design Evolution: Key Features and Influences
The Yeezy 700’s design shattered conventions. Unlike previous Yeezy models, the 700 drew inspiration from 1990s running shoes and chunky “dad sneakers.” The silhouette was designed by Steven Smith, an industry veteran known for iconic models like the New Balance 574 and Reebok Instapump Fury.
Key features of the original Yeezy 700 included:
- Multi-layered mesh, suede, and leather upper for depth and texture - Distinctive wavy midsole with Adidas’ Boost cushioning technology - Bold color palette combining teal, grey, black, and neon orange - Thick, sculpted outsole for comfort and statement styleThis blend of retro and futuristic elements was ahead of the curve, arriving just as the “ugly sneaker” or “chunky sneaker” trend was about to explode in 2018. Major brands like Balenciaga and Nike soon followed with their own takes on maximalist sneakers, but the Yeezy 700 stood out for its wearable comfort and authentic street appeal.
From Niche to Mainstream: The Rise of the Yeezy 700
While the Yeezy 700 began as a niche fashion-forward choice, several factors fueled its rapid ascent. Limited releases fueled hype and scarcity, a strategy famously used by Kanye and Adidas to drive demand. According to StockX, resale prices for the original Wave Runner averaged $900 to $1,200 in 2018—four times the retail price.
Social media played a crucial role. Celebrities and influencers—from Travis Scott to Kim Kardashian—were spotted in the Yeezy 700, driving further buzz. The shoe’s distinctive look became a visual shorthand for sneakerhead status and street credibility.
Adidas capitalized on this momentum by releasing new colorways and versions. The Yeezy 700 “Mauve” (October 2018), “Inertia” (March 2019), and “Analog” (April 2019) expanded the palette, while the V2 and V3 evolutions introduced sleeker lines, updated materials, and fresh color blocking.
By 2020, the Yeezy 700 had become a fixture in both high fashion and everyday wear. According to a 2021 report by The NPD Group, Yeezy sneakers accounted for nearly 1% of the $70 billion global athletic footwear market—a remarkable feat for a line defined by limited releases and premium pricing.
Cultural Impact: Redefining Sneaker Hype and Streetwear
The Yeezy 700’s influence extends far beyond its appearance. Its success marked a turning point in how sneakers are designed, marketed, and valued. Here’s how the Yeezy 700 changed the game:
1. $1: The 700 normalized chunky silhouettes, paving the way for mass-market adoption of “dad shoes” by brands like Fila, Nike, and Puma. 2. $1: The model demonstrated the power of controlled supply and surprise drops. Resale platforms like GOAT and StockX saw Yeezy 700s consistently rank among their top-selling sneakers from 2017 to 2020. 3. $1: The 700 blurred boundaries between luxury fashion and athletic wear. It became a staple not just on the street, but also on runways and in celebrity wardrobes. 4. $1: Later versions, like the Yeezy 700 V3, introduced vegan and environmentally conscious materials, influencing wider industry trends toward sustainability. 5. $1: With some colorways appreciating over 300% in value, the Yeezy 700 became recognized as an alternative asset, attracting not only sneaker fans but also investors.Yeezy 700 Variations: A Comparative Overview
Since its debut, the Yeezy 700 line has seen several iterations. Each offers a unique blend of style, technology, and exclusivity. The table below compares key Yeezy 700 versions:
| Model | Release Year | Retail Price (USD) | Key Features | Notable Colorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yeezy 700 V1 | 2017 | $300 | Chunky sole, Boost cushioning, suede/mesh upper | Wave Runner, Mauve, Analog |
| Yeezy 700 V2 | 2018 | $300 | Streamlined upper, reflective stripes, Boost sole | Static, Geode, Tephra |
| Yeezy 700 V3 | 2019 | $200 | New silhouette, no Boost, EVA midsole, monofilament mesh | Azael, Alvah, Safflower |
| Yeezy 700 MNVN | 2020 | $220 | Nylon upper, bold 700 branding, lightweight, bungee laces | Orange, Bone, Phosphor |
Each iteration has offered something new, from the futuristic curves of the V2 to the lightweight, accessible MNVN, ensuring that the Yeezy 700 remains relevant and desirable.
The Collectors’ Market: Value, Rarity, and Resale
One of the most notable aspects of the Yeezy 700’s history is its role in shaping the sneaker resale market. According to data from StockX, Yeezy 700s have consistently ranked among the top 10 most resold sneakers since 2018. The original Wave Runner, for instance, has seen resale prices surge to over $1,500 for deadstock pairs.
Limited-edition colorways, regional exclusives, and friends-and-family versions add to the allure. For example, the Yeezy 700 V3 “Azael” saw an immediate 200% price increase on the resale market within days of its release in December 2019.
The rarity and investment potential of the Yeezy 700 have prompted a new wave of collectors and resellers, many of whom view sneakers as both a passion and a portfolio asset. In 2023, the global sneaker resale market was valued at over $6 billion, with Yeezys representing a significant share.
Legacy and the Future of Yeezy 700 in Sneaker Culture
Today, the Yeezy 700 is more than just a sneaker; it’s a symbol of innovation, risk-taking, and cultural influence. Its chunky silhouette and bold design have inspired countless imitators, while its role in popularizing “dad shoes” helped redefine mainstream sneaker fashion.
Looking ahead, the legacy of the Yeezy 700 seems secure. Even as Kanye West’s relationship with Adidas faces new challenges and the sneaker market continues to evolve, the 700’s impact is undeniable. According to Sneaker News, over 30 colorways and variants have been released to date, with more rumored for the future.
As the sneaker world looks for the next big thing, the Yeezy 700’s journey—from misunderstood outlier to global icon—remains a testament to the power of originality and vision in shaping culture.
