When dropout opened in 2018, the adidas YEEZY Boost 350 V2 had already been the most popular sneaker silhouette on the market for about 2 years.
The 350 V2 wasn't Kanye's first foray into the sneaker world, nor was it his first project with adidas (that honor belongs to 2005's Kanye West Rod Laver). But it was the sneaker that proved Kanye could sell hundreds of thousands of units without losing demand or tarnishing his reputation as a style icon.
With a run of instant sellouts spanning over six years, it can be difficult for a new YEEZY fan to grasp the history and relevance of the 350 V2 model.
Here's everything you need to know about the adidas YEEZY Boost 350 V2.
History of the YEEZY Boost 350 V2
The original adidas
The YEEZY Boost 350 came as a result of changing consumer demands, specifically the increased popularity of Nike's FlyKnit technology and the Roshe Run.
From 2012 to 2015, Nike Roshe Runs were among the best-selling shoes at most sneaker retailers. Their simplistic yet versatile design easily fit into the wardrobes of many shoppers at the time, and adidas quickly responded to this demand by introducing adidas BOOST and PrimeKnit technologies, which respectively offered similar qualities.
With the growing popularity of BOOST and PrimeKnit in 2015, adidas and Kanye West combined the two in a design unlike anything Kanye had ever released before: the adidas
YEEZY Boost 350.
Instead of a suede or leather design, the
The YEEZY Boost 350 featured a knitted upper that fit like a sock. There was no tongue, nor even a side slit like the YEEZY Boost 750. Everything about the shoe was fresh and minimal, marking a shift in the aesthetic trajectory of the YEEZY brand.
Since announcing his collaboration with the Three Stripes, Kanye's stated mission has been to make
YEEZY available to everyone. It took a while to start delivering on that promise. At €200 retail, the 350 was cheaper than the YEEZY 750. But it was still largely inaccessible to most buyers. The original colorways were all released in limited quantities, and the enormous hype surrounding the first 350 sent resale prices skyrocketing.
Then, in the fall of 2016, the
YEEZY Boost 350 have become more accessible with the arrival of a new variant, the
YEEZY Boost 350 V2. The V2 is the most popular product of the line
YEEZY has released over 60 colorways since its initial debut. Despite being released in larger quantities and with more colorways than the first iteration, the 350 V2 is still not readily available at retail, contrary to Kanye's mission.
Original colors
Adidas
The YEEZY Boost 350 V2 originally released in eight colorways: Beluga , Copper , Green , Red , Oreo , Bred , Zebra , and Triple White . Approximately half of the original colorways have received restocks, giving shoppers a second or third chance to grab a pair at retail. That's not to say YEEZY is standing still. In the early part of 2022, we've seen new colorways like Bone , MX Rock , and Dazzling Blue added to the family, as well as a new iteration of the Yeezy 350 V2 in the form of the CMPCT .
How do they fit?
YEEZY 350 V2 to your wardrobe?
Adidas
The YEEZY Boost 350 V2 is one of the most wearable silhouettes in Kanye's catalog. It's perfect for casual wear on the streets, but it's also responsive and breathable enough to handle a gym workout. With the 350 V2, Kanye's focus is on
YEEZY combines high-performance technology with stylistic appeal to create a highly adaptable shoe that fits virtually everyone's needs.
How much do they cost?
YEEZY Boost 350 V2?
The YEEZY 350 retails for €200 for the original release and €220 for the V2. However, like most YEEZYs , they often sell out immediately, so their market price is significantly higher. The original YEEZY 350 colorways resell for around €650 on average, while the V2 (the most frequently produced iteration) currently sells for around €300 on average. For any given release, prices tend to increase over time as deadstock supply dwindles and demand increases, but two events can lower the value of a YEEZY 350: a restock and rumors of a restock.
Increased availability resulting from restocking is the reason behind the YEEZY 350 V2 price drop. Most resellers understand that restocking devalues their investment, and as soon as they hear about it, they're motivated to sell. This increases the supply of 350 V2s in stores and marketplaces and pushes prices down.
Conclusion
The YEEZY Boost 350 V2 was Kanye's first step toward greater access to his product. But even with a steady stream of releases and a plethora of colorways, demand for the model still outstrips supply. Part of the reasoning behind the 350 V2's sustained demand is its functionality, which sits perfectly at the intersection of leisure and fitness.
Kanye and adidas have expanded access by frequently restocking YEEZY 350 V2s, which inadvertently keeps resale prices from rising too high.
Between new releases, regular restocks, and increasing availability from trusted retailers like dropout , it's never been easier to get your hands on Kanye's most popular silhouette. The dream of "YEEZYS for Everyone" has never been so close to reality.