When Kanye West first introduced the Yeezy 700, it sparked a conversation about what sneakers could be. Released in 2017, the Yeezy Boost 700’s debut colorway, known as the “Wave Runner,” wasn’t just another minimalist sneaker in the sea of sleek designs—it was bold, bulky, and unapologetic. While other brands were streamlining their silhouettes, the Yeezy 700 embraced a dad shoe aesthetic that was quickly rising in popularity. But this wasn’t your typical throwback sneaker. West and Adidas took inspiration from the 90s running shoes but reimagined them with cutting-edge materials, advanced comfort technology, and a unique design that caught everyone’s attention.
The Yeezy 700 brought a whole new wave of appreciation for chunky sneakers, cementing itself as a key player in the “dad shoe” trend. Its combination of suede, leather, mesh, and reflective details creates a multi-textured, layered look. The shoes don’t shy away from bold color choices either. The original Wave Runner blended greys, blues, and fluorescent orange for a colorway that stood out in any rotation. Over the years, new iterations of the Yeezy 700 have surfaced, from the muted “Analog” to the vibrant “Sun,” each bringing its own flair to this now iconic silhouette.
Underneath its fashionable exterior, the Yeezy 700 is packed with performance technology. It’s built on Adidas’ Boost sole, a responsive cushioning system that offers superior comfort whether you’re walking the streets or spending long hours on your feet. This performance aspect is key to its success; it combines style with substance, offering more than just good looks. Despite its hefty appearance, the Yeezy 700 is surprisingly lightweight and supportive, making it a practical choice for all-day wear.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the Yeezy 700’s journey is its role in sneaker culture. At first, not everyone was sold on the chunky design, but over time, it gained massive popularity, inspiring countless other brands to experiment with their own take on the dad shoe. The shoe also became a status symbol, representing Kanye West’s vision for streetwear that pushed boundaries. The resale market for Yeezys skyrocketed, further establishing its place in the world of fashion and sneakerhead communities alike.
The Yeezy 700 is more than just a shoe—it’s a statement. It’s bold, unconventional, and exactly what modern sneaker culture needed to break away from the typical molds. In a world that can sometimes feel oversaturated with trends, Kanye’s Yeezy 700 proves that sometimes, going against the grain is what makes you stand out.