2022 saw Adidas officially cut ties with one of its most significant assets, Kanye West. This happened following several anti-Semitic remarks made by the artist. The Three Stripes brand announced its partnership termination with Kanye on October 25. Thereafter, they announced they would be releasing non-Yeezy branded silhouettes in 2023. While Adidas isn’t legally allowed to use the Yeezy markings, they still retain ownership over the various models. These were designed during Ye’s time with the brand. That means countless unreleased colorways worth over $500 million are now in the process of being rebranded. Adidas’ rebranding is part of its strategy to officially sell its sneakers in 2023 and beyond.
Since the first announcement, Adidas has shared a look at some of the former YEEZY silhouettes set to make a reappearance. They started with the 350 V2 and, most recently, the YEEZY 500. In late December, sneaker leakers on social media also revealed a non-branded iteration of Adidas’ post-Yeezy sneakers. The hybrid Yeezy model looks very much like the original YEEZY BOOST 350s. It is apparently designed “with everyone in mind.”
“We own all the IP, we own all the designs, we own all the versions and new colorways, so it’s our IP, It’s our product.”
– Harm Ohlmeyer, adidas’ CFO
According to sources, Adidas is reviving the Adidas Yeezy 500 silhouette, as the style is one of several Yeezy models that Adidas owns the copyright to. While additional details have yet to be revealed, it’s still unclear if the 2023 Yeezy 500 edition will feature Yeezy branding. However, the low-top will stay true to its original design. Overall, the sneaker boasts a mesh, suede, and leather composition. This adheres atop the brand’s signature rubber tooling, which features adiPRENE+ cushioning technology. The upper is constructed of dense mesh and supple suede.
YEEZY sneakers were and continue to be one of Adidas’s most popular products, worn by everyone everywhere. By reintroducing those shoes without Ye or his brand attached, Adidas obviously hopes to recapture the massive population that supported the brand until Yeezy’s supply was shut down. It will be that, but that doesn’t necessarily only include sneakerheads. This new drop might just be one of the biggest moments in history. Those who are die-hard Kanye fans should take a moment to watch Adidas sales plummet. It was, after all, his millions of fans who boosted sales. However, those loyal to the brand might just save the day.
The Adidas Yeezy 500 is reportedly going to be available in Grey/Cream for a retail price of $210.00. The style code is IE4783, and this post-Yeezy sneaker is expected to drop on February 4, 2023.
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