Back in 2007, BAPE was hotter than a jalapeño in the desert. This shoe was a low-key grail for many sneakerheads. Fast forward to today, and used pairs are selling for up to $10,000. It’s like trying to buy a piece of sneaker history, minus the museum fees.
The Kanye West Louis Vuitton Collaboration: The Jaspers
Next up, we have the Kanye West Louis Vuitton collaboration, known to sneakerheads as the Jaspers. Back in 2009, Kanye called himself the “Louis Vuitton Don,” and with a swagger of “a hundred thousand trillion,” he spoke his designer shoe dreams into existence. This collaboration, inspired by Kanye’s entourage, was a designer grail with a retail price that could make your wallet cry.
In 2009, dropping a grand or two on sneakers was like telling your bank account, “This is going to hurt, but it’s fashion, darling!” The Jaspers were inspired by his friends, like Don C, Mr. Hudson, and Jasper. It was the ultimate entourage tribute, minus the HBO subscription.
The 750 Adidas Yeezy Boost: The Hype Train Arrives
In third place, we have the 750 Adidas Yeezy Boost. When Kanye joined Adidas, the hype was as real as a cat video going viral. The 750s were selling like hotcakes, with resale prices that made you wonder if you should start a sneaker savings account. Despite zipper issues, the demand was insane.
The Yeezy 350 V2 deserves a mention too. With its snug fit and endless colorways, it was the shoe equivalent of a chameleon. Everyone wore them, from your neighbor to Snoop Dogg. They were the “it” shoes of the time, even if you weren’t an “Adidas Yeezy type of guy.”
The Nike Air Yeezy One: A Glow in the Dark Legend
Oh my gosh, where do I start with the Nike Air Yeezy One? Seeing Kanye wear them on the Glow in the Dark tour was like witnessing a sneaker miracle. The Yeezy Ones were a tier zero drop, meaning not every store had them. It was like trying to find a needle in a haystack, but the needle was made of gold.
These shoes were a grail, with prices that made you think, “Am I buying sneakers or a used car?” But for many, owning a pair was worth every penny, even if it meant wearing shoes two sizes too small.
The Nike Air Yeezy Two: The Solar and Platinum Phenomenon
And finally, we have the Nike Air Yeezy Two, with the Solar and Platinum colorways. The demand for these was as high as a giraffe on a trampoline. They were regional releases, making sneakerheads travel across states like they were on a treasure hunt.
When the Yeezy Twos dropped, the hype was bigger than Kanye’s ego (just kidding, Kanye!). The anticipation was palpable, and everyone wanted a piece of the Yeezy pie. Jay-Z even nicknamed him “Kanyezy,” which led to the iconic Yeezy brand name.
In conclusion, Kanye’s sneakers have made a massive impact on sneaker culture. Each pair tells a story, and each deserves its own video. Let me know in the comments which Kanye sneakers you think are the most iconic. And remember, “I Will Never Let You Down,” especially when it comes to sneaker knowledge.
Before you go, check out my Sneaker Head Academy, where I share everything I’ve learned over the past 15 years about sneakers, real estate, and more. We even have monthly giveaways, because who doesn’t love free shoes? Hit the link below for DJ Sneakerhead Academy, and I’ll see you there!
If you made it to the end of this post, drop a comment below and let me know your favorite Kanye album of all time. This is gonna be fun!