If you’re searching for Yeezy 700, you’re not just looking for a sneaker. You’re chasing a piece of fashion history—one that merges innovation, streetwear, celebrity, and design in a single silhouette. First released under Kanye West’s Yeezy brand in collaboration with Adidas, the Yeezy 700 is more than a chunky shoe: it’s a cultural artifact that shaped sneaker trends in the 2010s and continues to evolve. This article unpacks the Yeezy 700’s origin, its variants, why it gained massive attention, and what its future might look like in a post-Adidas-Kanye era.
Quick Overview of Yeezy 700 Models
| Model Name | Release Year | Notable Feature | Retail Price (USD) | Popular Colorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yeezy Boost 700 | 2017 | Original “dad shoe” aesthetic | $300 | Wave Runner, Analog |
| Yeezy 700 V2 | 2018 | Sleeker overlays and support | $300 | Static, Geode, Tephra |
| Yeezy 700 V3 | 2019 | Futuristic design, no Boost | $200 | Azael, Alvah, Kyanite |
| Yeezy 700 MNVN | 2020 | Nylon upper, reflective “700” | $220 | Bone, Orange, Triple Black |
| Yeezy 700 Hi-Res | 2022 | Vibrant color blocking | $260 | Hi-Res Red, Hi-Res Blue |
A New Era in Footwear: The Birth of the Yeezy 700
The original Yeezy Boost 700—nicknamed the “Wave Runner”—was first unveiled during Kanye West’s Yeezy Season 5 fashion show in 2017. It was unlike any sneaker released under the Yeezy line at the time. Gone were the minimalist, sock-like builds of the 350s. Instead, the 700 introduced a bulky silhouette, featuring layered materials, chunky midsoles, and a design more reminiscent of 1990s running shoes than high-fashion footwear.
It was bold. Some even said it was ugly. But it worked—and soon after its release, the shoe became one of the most coveted pieces in the sneaker industry.
Why It Mattered
The Yeezy 700 marked a dramatic pivot in sneaker design. It was part of what people began calling the “dad shoe renaissance,” where retro-inspired bulkiness overtook sleek, low-profile sneakers. Kanye West, with Adidas, pushed boundaries by embracing a silhouette that was equal parts nostalgic and futuristic.
Anatomy of a Sneaker: What Makes the Yeezy 700 Unique?
Understanding why the Yeezy 700 captivated so many requires a breakdown of its design DNA. Each component plays a role in shaping its identity.
1. Upper Material
The 700 features a combination of mesh, suede, and leather, giving it a multi-textured look and feel. This layered approach creates depth and dimension, making even monochromatic versions visually engaging.
2. Chunky Midsole
The oversized midsole contains Adidas’ Boost technology in most versions (except the V3). It’s not just for aesthetics; it provides comfort and bounce, making the shoe surprisingly wearable for its size.
3. Color Theory
From the vibrant tones of the Wave Runner to the earthy minimalism of the “Mauve” or “Salt,” Yeezy 700 colorways often walk the line between wearable neutrals and statement pieces.
4. Branding Subtlety
One of the hallmarks of the Yeezy brand has been its low-key branding. Unlike logos plastered across other sneakers, the Yeezy 700 speaks through design rather than overt insignias—except in the MNVN, where a reflective “700” screams across the side.
Yeezy 700 Variants: How the Model Evolved
As the Yeezy brand grew, so did the 700 line. Each iteration brought something new, without straying too far from the core identity.
Yeezy Boost 700 V1: The Foundation
This was the Wave Runner model, and it set the tone. It featured bold panelling, high-quality materials, and a price point ($300) that initially raised eyebrows but later felt justified given demand.
Key Colorways:
- Wave Runner: The OG, with teal, black, grey, and orange
- Analog: A light-toned neutral version
- Inertia: Muted blue and peach accents
Yeezy Boost 700 V2: Refinement and Utility
With V2, Kanye refined the design by adding more reflective details, streamlined panelling, and a snugger fit. It felt more athletic, more wearable—but also more futuristic.
Popular Colorways:
- Static: A clean white and silver design
- Tephra: Earth-toned and grounded
- Geode: Subtle purples and grays
Yeezy 700 V3: The Radical Redesign
The V3 dropped Boost cushioning in favor of EVA foam, reducing cost and changing the comfort profile. Its upper featured a monofilament mesh encased in a glow-in-the-dark RPU cage, pushing the design into almost alien territory.
Key Drops:
- Azael: The first V3 release with a ghostly color scheme
- Alvah: All-black styling with deep contrast
- Safflower: Featuring yellow streaks on the cage
Yeezy 700 MNVN: Simplicity with a Statement
The MNVN brought in nylon uppers, no-sew construction, and one huge, unavoidable element: a reflective “700” across the lateral side. It’s lighter and more performance-driven.
Fan Favorites:
- Triple Black
- Orange
- Bone
Yeezy 700 Hi-Res Series: Color Turned Up
These versions like Hi-Res Red and Hi-Res Blue brought bright primary colors into a space where Yeezys usually stuck to earthy tones. A move that both puzzled and thrilled fans, suggesting Kanye was once again shifting direction.
Yeezy 700 in Culture and Media
The impact of the Yeezy 700 stretches far beyond fashion week runways or Instagram posts. It’s been worn by celebrities, athletes, influencers, and everyday sneakerheads. Kanye’s refusal to follow trends—choosing instead to set them—helped the 700 become a cultural object.
In Pop Culture:
- Seen on stages during Kanye’s “Sunday Service” performances
- Referenced in streetwear lookbooks
- Worn by celebrities like Travis Scott, Kylie Jenner, and LeBron James
Controversy and Market Shift: Post-Adidas Kanye West
In 2022, Adidas officially cut ties with Kanye West due to controversial public statements and actions. This cast a long shadow over the future of Yeezy products, including the 700 line.
What Happened to Yeezy 700 After the Split?
- Adidas retained rights to the designs but not the Yeezy name.
- The brand began selling rebranded models (like the 700 V1 and V2) as part of its post-Yeezy strategy.
- Fans were divided—some dropped their interest in the brand; others saw resale prices rise due to rarity.
Ethical and Commercial Impact
This situation reignited debates about separating art from artist, especially in fashion. It also raised business questions: Could a product so linked to Kanye West survive without him? The Yeezy 700 became a case study in brand identity, ethics, and product design.
Sneaker Resale Market: The 700’s Economic Journey
Few sneakers have had as dynamic a trajectory in the resale market as the Yeezy 700. The initial Wave Runner, once mocked for its price, regularly fetched $600+ on resale platforms.
Resale Trends by Model
| Model | Retail Price | Average Resale Price | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wave Runner OG | $300 | $450–$700 | High |
| V2 Static | $300 | $400–$550 | Moderate |
| V3 Azael | $200 | $300–$450 | High |
| MNVN Orange | $220 | $250–$320 | Low–Moderate |
| Hi-Res Red | $260 | $270–$350 | Moderate |
As the line continues, resale remains influenced by scarcity, cultural buzz, and the question of whether new pairs will ever be released again under the same branding.
Are Yeezy 700s Worth Buying Today?
That depends on your priorities.
Reasons to Buy:
- Comfort: Most models are built with practical wearability in mind
- Style: Still unique, bold, and often timeless in the right colorway
- Resale potential: Some pairs hold or increase in value
- Legacy: You own a piece of modern fashion history
Reasons to Wait:
- High prices on the resale market
- Uncertain brand future post-Adidas/Yeezy
- More modern tech available in newer sneaker models
How to Style the Yeezy 700
Despite their bold design, Yeezy 700s are surprisingly versatile. Here’s how wearers incorporate them into daily life:
1. Streetwear Casual
- Joggers, oversized hoodie, crossbody bag
- Neutral tones (Wave Runner, Tephra) pair well here
2. Athleisure
- Tapered track pants, performance tee, lightweight jacket
- MNVNs and V2s suit this look due to sleeker design
3. Minimalist Layering
- Earth-tone overcoat, wide-leg trousers, plain knitwear
- Analog and Salt colorways shine here
4. Futuristic Edge
- Technical fabrics, monochrome palette, exaggerated silhouettes
- Ideal for V3 models like Azael or Alvah
Final Thoughts: The Yeezy 700 as Icon and Influence
The Yeezy 70.0 isn’t just a sneaker—it’s a turning point in sneaker history. From its defiant embrace of bulkiness to its refined iterations in later models, it has consistently challenged norms in footwear design. It symbolizes risk-taking, creative autonomy, and a rebellion against safe, traditional sneaker silhouettes.
Even with the uncertain future of the Yeezy line post-Adidas, the 700 has cemented its legacy. It taught us that shoes could be sculptural. That comfort doesn’t have to mean compromise. And that sometimes, the loudest statement you can make is with a shoe that speaks for itself.
FAQs
1. What is the Yeezy 700 and why is it important?
The Yeezy 700 is a sneaker line designed by Kanye West in collaboration with Adidas. Known for its chunky silhouette and bold aesthetics, it redefined modern sneaker design and sparked the trend of “dad shoes” in fashion.
2. What are the main differences between Yeezy 700 models (V1, V2, V3, MNVN)?
Each version has unique design traits:
- V1: Original layered design with Boost cushioning
- V2: Sleeker overlays, more reflective detailing
- V3: Futuristic cage design, no Boost
- MNVN: Nylon upper, large “700” branding, simplified construction
3. Do Yeezy 700s run true to size?
Most wearers recommend going half a size up, especially for the V1 and V2 models due to their snug fit. The V3 runs narrower and may require a full size up for comfort.
4. Are Yeezy 700s still being produced after Kanye West’s split with Adidas?
Adidas retains the design rights and has released some 700 models under generic branding. However, future releases under the “Yeezy” name remain uncertain, increasing the value of older pairs.
5. Are Yeezy 700s worth buying today?
Yes—if you’re looking for iconic design, comfort (especially with Boost models), and long-term cultural value. They remain highly collectible and are still relevant in both fashion and sneaker communities.
HoneyLinkers 
Luys Parker