Adidas Yeezy Boost 700: The model that redefined the ‘dad shoe’ and imposed retro-futuristic style
A bold, massive design that shakes things up
The Yeezy Boost 700, unveiled in 2017, marks a new stage in the collaboration between Adidas and Kanye West, introducing a massive, retro design that is a far cry from the sleek lines of the Yeezy Boost 350 . Often referred to as a ‘dad shoe’ or retro-futuristic sneaker, the Yeezy 700 has been a huge success, shaking up streetwear and fashion trends with its bold approach. This model is the perfect embodiment of Yeezy's quirky, forward-thinking aesthetic , while paying homage to iconic vintage silhouettes from the 90s.
With the Yeezy Boost 700, Kanye West has introduced a completely different aesthetic to his previous models. Its massive silhouette, marked by overlapping layers of leather, suede and mesh, as well as its imposing sole, contrasts with the slimmer, more minimalist designs. This look, often referred to as a ‘chunky sneaker’ or ‘dad shoe “, is inspired by retro ”90s designs, while adding a futuristic touch with modern materials and colours.What particularly sets the Yeezy 700 apart is its mix of textures and colours, creating a strong contrast that makes it a visually striking piece. Early versions such as the Yeezy Boost 700 ‘Wave Runner ’ imposed a bold colour scheme, mixing shades of grey, orange, blue and green. This retro-futuristic design set a new trend in the world of sneakers, inspiring many other brands to explore this voluminous aesthetic.
The triumphant return of the ‘dad shoe’ to fashion culture
One of the major impacts of the Yeezy Boost 700 was the popularisation of the ‘dad shoe’ style, a sneaker characterised by its deliberately heavy and massive look , once seen as outdated. Kanye West has succeeded in repositioning this retro silhouette in the zeitgeist, making it desirable and avant-garde. This model has reintroduced retro running sneakers, reminiscent of those from the 90s and 2000s, into modern fashion trends.
Worn by celebrities and influencers around the world, the Yeezy Boost 700 helped popularise the massive shoe trend, which was then adopted by brands such as Balenciaga with its famous Triple S, and Nike with its larger Air Max models. The Yeezy 700 demonstrated that fashion can be cyclical, and that elements of the past can be reinterpreted to become new objects of desire.
The impact of the culture of scarcity and the secondary market
Like other models in the Yeezy range, the Yeezy Boost 700 has also played an important role in the culture of scarcity and the secondary market. Each limited release of this model generates enormous anticipation, with pairs often sold out within minutes. This scarcity has helped to create a hype around the model, pushing prices sky-high on the resale market.
The ‘Wave Runner’ model in particular has become one of the most sought-after pairs in the Yeezy line. Successive launches of new versions and new colours have kept the craze for this silhouette alive, making it as desirable as ever, several years after its initial launch.
