No more rumors and hesitation, everyone. Because our agitated artist has finally made up his- constantly outspoken mind. Kanye leaving Adidas is now a reality! Talk about bittersweet news. Now, will this be the end or a beginning of a new era for Kanye? Well, hopefully, he finds peace in going solo into the sneaker industry. And judging by his latest collaborations, they definitely take a huge effort, especially if decisions are one-sided sometimes. They also tend to be a constant hassle. At least for Kanye, that is. He seems to never take a break from opposing most of his collaborators’ decisions.
A Throwback To Kanye’s Collabs
Ye’s been a part of various sneaker collaborations over the years. Adidas being the longest of them. Although it seems that the word collaboration will soon be long gone from Ye’s dictionary.
The collaboration story officially began in 2006 with the release of the Dropout Bear Bapesta. It’s only natural because Kanye’s always supported the Japanese Brand throughout his music career. And so it was Ye’s first sneaker to hit the retail market.
Bearing the iconic bear logo and an unconventional colorway, those sneakers sure knew how to make an entrance into the sneaker industry. They were a mix of Kanye’s style and Japanese streetwear vibes. However, Reebok canceled these sneakers for some reason, and only a few promo pairs made it into the market. Which made them extremely rare and highly competitive to score. However, they came back again in 2009 and instantly disappeared off shelves and into collectors’ troves. You’ll only understand their disappearance if you constantly check their value increase on resale platforms such as StockX and GOAT. One pair is worth nearly $13,000 now!
That collab didn’t last as long as Ye’s fascination with the Japanese Brand. It ended within a year when Ye partnered with Nike in 2007, and began working on his first Yeezys, Air Yeezy 1.
Nike X Kanye West
Nike Air Yeezys are among the most expensive sneakers on resale platforms. EVER! The first Air Yeezy 1 dropped in 2009, while Yeezy 2 Black Mamba didn’t drop until three years later. However, Red Octobers mark Nike and Ye’s endgame. Which are now making resellers thousands of dollars. They were the last sneakers to release under this collaboration. So, in 2014, Kanye voiced out the trouble he was facing with Nike and decided to leave it for Adidas.
In 2014, Kanye seemed to finally find what he wanted and settled on a collaborative brand. He praised Adidas for letting him do exactly what he liked. Not only this, but he talked of his first day at Adidas as one of the best days in his creative life. What happened after that statement? Well, Kanye being Kanye and Adidas not regarding his concerns enough happened.
Although he was still with Adidas, Ye decided to collaborate with Gap in 2021. This collab is a bit sentimental since Kanye worked at Gap in his teenage years in Chicago. Here, two iconic brands joined forces to add to the products’ creativity and increase brand awareness. However, it seems that Ye’s done with both companies where he stated that once both contracts are over he’ll be moving on alone. But still, there’s still some time for that. Ye’s contract with Gap ends in 2030, 4 years later than Adidas’.
Longest Standing Relationship… Partnership And Achievements
Kanye West and Adidas. Two forces.. the stronger they become, the more they repel from each other. Since 2014 till now, their collaboration’s been rocking the sneaker industry. Adidas Yeezys’ annual sales revenue reached around $1.7 billion in 2020. And it’s only been increasing since. This partnership lasted the longest compared to previous ones in Kanye’s work life. But, unfortunately for all Adidas Yeezy fans, this collab is coming to an end.
Ye’s vision and creativity are unmatched. So imagine if such a person joins a company with high technical expertise and capabilities. A creative mind and an expert brand in the industry. What a match! This partnership is one of the most influential partnerships to happen between an athletic brand and a non-athlete. Praises and talks about the future surrounded both collaborators for the first several years. Adidas spoke of Kanye’s unique creativity, and Kanye returned the praise with one of his own. Stating that the collab illustrates that anyone can dream with no limitations.
Adidas And Yeezy History
Moving on, Adidas and YE’s partnership has witnessed many great achievements people can’t forget. By people, we specifically mean sneakerheads and resellers. The first of these achievements is the Yeezy Boost 350. It introduced a new sneaker invention. It is a unique piece that made the sneaker industry go into a frenzy trying to get a hold of it. Since it was a limited edition and a change from Jordan 1s which reigned the game until Yeezys stepped in. It was one of the most in-demand models. And one of the fastest-selling in sneaker history! Ye’s innovative mind introduced several new materials to the market such as boost, algae, and primeknit. Which became Ye’s signature aesthetic and won him the Shoe of the Year award for 2015.
Ye and Adidas’ achievements didn’t stop here. In 2019, Ye introduced Yeezy Slides, which happened to drop during the pandemic. Talk about perfect timing, right when people discovered their immense need for comfort while working from home. And what’s more comfortable than Yeezy Slides? It became the most popular summer footwear for most people, even after the world went pandemic-free. Slides are also THE best-selling sneakers of 2022! Not only this, but Yeezy Slides are also affordable, mostly retailing for $60 and they’re available in many colorways to suit most people’s tastes.
Furthermore, Yeezy Foam Runners had ranked 3rd among the best-selling sneakers of 2022. So, needless to say, they’ve been selling out every time they drop. With their alien-like look, Foam Runners kept Yeezy fans and resellers interested and always wanting more. Their easy-to-wear style and affordability have a hand in their popularity. They sell at a retail price of $80 and resell at more than double that price. So, let’s say that Foam Runners are of great significance for both sneakerheads and resellers.
When Trouble Started Cooking Up
It all started in May, upon the release of Adilette 22 Slides by Adidas. Kanye described this release as blatant copying of his designs. He took it to Instagram to call Adidas out. And he even said in a deleted caption that Adilettes are fake Yeezys done by Adidas themselves. Now to be fair, they did look a LOT like Yeezys.
However, it didn’t stop at this. Adidas had to set off Kanye again on Yeezy Day. Which is an event that started in 2019, celebrating Yeezys in August. So, on the 2nd of August, 2022, Ye reached out to Complex through a direct message on Instagram, stating that he didn’t even approve of the Yeezy Day idea. He also went on to say Adidas has been issuing decisions without his approval. Such as releasing new colorways and hiring the general manager of Yeezy.
Peace didn’t last for long after that. In September, Ye used Instagram to vent about the unfairness that’s been happening to him. According to him, the Three Stripes executives had been leaving him out of important meetings and stealing his ideas.
With all this piling up, Adidas seemed to really test Kanye’s patience. The latest Blatant Copying that actually fans pointed out before Ye even had a chance to are adiFoam and AdidasMcCartney’s Clogs that closely resemble Yeezys Foam Runners. So, is Adidas really done with Ye? Or is it the other way around? Well, it seems like it’s the latter since Ye has made up his mind about dropping partnerships as soon as his contracts with Adidas and Gap end. So, Kanye leaving Adidas is definite.
Kanye Leaving Adidas? What Happens Now?
Now, where does that leave Kanye?
His leaving all partnerships behind is certainly a huge step for him and his brand. Yeezy has always found its way through partnerships. But now that it’s going solo, can it withstand the hassle of the industry or the reselling market? West’s known for his creative and innovative ideas, but is he up for being a part of the whole company at once? We’ll have to wait and see.
However, maybe that’s the beginning of a new era for Yeezys in general. Kanye leaving Adidas means that he can now introduce Yeezy brand the way he really wanted to from the beginning. Without corporate wrapping and limitations.
Kanye Leaving Adidas? What About Yeezy Resale Prices
History repeats itself, after all! You must’ve witnessed how much resale values increase at the end of every sneaker collaboration. Competition at copping final releases becomes fierce, especially THAT LAST drop. Take Nike Air Yeezys for example. The Red Octobers were the last Nike Yeezys released before the end of their contract. Sneakerheads and resellers awaited this drop in anticipation. Now back to resale values, Red October dropped in 2014 at a retail price of $250, but they’re reselling now at an average of $15,601. Don’t feel too salty about it just yet, a new opportunity is on its way!
Can we take a moment and just imagine some five-figure numbers floating around you? It is a real possibility since some sneaker masterpieces are about to stop releasing. FOR EVER! making them all the way more coveted! So, if you want to start mastering botting now, start off with efficient yet cheap sneaker bots within your budget.
In addition, although the final Yeezy will get the greatest hype, that doesn’t mean that ALL other Yeezys won’t increase in resale value. With a soon-to-be-extinct collaboration, resale prices will skyrocket for all Yeezys in general. Nike Air Yeezy 1 Blink is one instance. It dropped in 2009- long before the contract between Nike and Yeezy ended- at a retail price of $250 but now it resells for $4,646. Furthermore, as Nike Yeezys are among the most coveted sneakers on the market, Adidas Yeezys can’t be far from repeating the same history. Or even creating an even greater one!
