Amanda Knapp
The Nike Air Yeezy 2 is the second edition of the official sneaker collaboration project between Nike and Kanye West. Launched in 2012 and re-released in 2014, the Air Yeezy 2 was co-created by West and Nike designer Nathan VanHook. The shoe features an animalistic design with a ridged, reptilian-inspired heel counter and a snakeskin-inspired quarter panel. The Air Yeezy 2 also incorporates elements from other Nike models, such as the sole unit borrowed from the Nike Air Tech Challenge II tennis shoe. With a range of colourways and limited editions, the Nike Air Yeezy 2 has become a sought-after item for sneaker enthusiasts and collectors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nike |
| Model | Air Yeezy 2 |
| Year of Release | 2012, 2014 |
| Colors | Red, Black, Gold, Platinum |
| Design Inspiration | Animalistic, Reptile-inspired |
| Heel | Ridged, Spiny |
| Sole Unit Borrowed From | Nike Air Tech Challenge II |
| Cultural References | Egyptian, Depictions of God Horus |
| Notable Wearers | Kanye West, Jay-Z |
| Price | Varies, some pairs over $3,500 |
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What You'll Learn
Nike Air Yeezy 2 design
The Nike Air Yeezy 2 is the product of an official collaboration between Nike and Kanye West, who is a rapper and designer. The design process for the shoe was long, with dozens of sample colourways and silhouettes considered.
The Nike Air Yeezy 2 features a more animalistic design than the original Air Yeezy, with a ridged, reptile-inspired heel counter and a snakeskin-inspired design on the quarters. The shoe also borrows design elements from other Nike models, such as the sole unit from the Nike Air Tech Challenge II tennis shoe.
The Nike Air Yeezy 2 also features several references to Egyptian culture, including depictions of the god Horus on the tongue and insole, and Egyptian hieroglyphics that spell out "YZY" under the strap.
There were several design decisions made in direct response to Kanye's issues with the initial Nike Air Yeezy. For example, unnecessary padding along the upper was eliminated, and the shoe was made shorter for greater mobility. The shoe was also slimmed down to create a thinner look and to better fit Kanye West's foot.
The Nike Air Yeezy 2 "Red October", designed by Kanye West, features a moulded rear sculpted reptilian-influenced spike, locked down by an engineered strap to offer a greater sense of symmetry. The exterior quarter panels feature a series of miniature spikes, replacing the hand-skived anaconda leather quarter panels from the original.
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Kanye West's influence
The Nike Air Yeezy 2 is the second signature shoe model that resulted from the collaboration between Nike and Kanye West. The shoe was released in 2012, three years after the launch of the Nike Air Yeezy collaboration in 2009.
Kanye's desire to create a shoe that was both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable is reflected in the design of the Nike Air Yeezy 2. In an interview, he stated that he wanted to "take the concept of future pop colors and all this '80s influence and make it wearable." He also wanted the shoe to be comfortable enough to wear during his energetic live performances.
The Nike Air Yeezy 2 was also an opportunity for Kanye to showcase his passion for design and to use his celebrity to jump into the design world. He worked closely with Nike's creative director of special projects, Mark Smith, to create a shoe that was specific and unique to their collaboration. Smith spoke highly of Kanye's creativity and natural design abilities, stating that he brought great ideas to the table.
The release of the Nike Air Yeezy 2 helped Kanye West change sneaker culture and proved to be a significant success for the rapper-producer. It signaled that he would be taken seriously in the fashion industry, something he had longed for. The shoe's release also led to the end of Kanye's collaboration with Nike, as he later joined rival company Adidas in 2014, helping them regain their position in the footwear industry.
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The shoe's value
The Nike Air Yeezy 2 is a highly sought-after sneaker collaboration between Nike and Kanye West, released in 2012. With its unique design and limited availability, the shoe has become a collector's item and a valuable asset in the secondary market.
The limited release of the Nike Air Yeezy 2 adds to its exclusivity and desirability. The shoe was released in very limited quantities, making it challenging to acquire even at the time of its original release. This limited availability has contributed to its collector's item status, driving up its value in the secondary market.
Additionally, the cultural significance of the Nike Air Yeezy 2 cannot be understated. The collaboration between Nike and Kanye West was a landmark moment in sneaker culture, merging the worlds of sports, fashion, and music. Kanye West's influence and popularity also played a significant role in the shoe's success, with his fans and followers driving up the demand and willingness to pay a premium for the coveted sneaker.
Today, the Nike Air Yeezy 2 is considered a collector's item and a valuable investment. Its resale value has steadily increased over the years, with some colorways and sizes commanding prices in the thousands of dollars. The shoe's value is likely to continue to appreciate due to its limited nature and the ongoing demand from collectors and enthusiasts.
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Colourways and samples
The Nike Air Yeezy is an official sneaker collaboration project between Nike and Kanye West, with two editions: the Air Yeezy (2009) and the Air Yeezy II (2012 and 2014). The design process featured dozens of sample colourways and silhouettes.
The first pair of Air Yeezy 2s seen by the public was a black and white sample, worn by Kanye West in the "Kobe Bryant" video. Kanye also wore them during his 2011 Coachella performance. This black and white colourway drew immediate comparisons to the Christmas Day "Cheetah" Kobe VII Supreme. The "Kobe" or "Cheetah" Nike Air Yeezy 2 sample was based on a popular Christmas colourway of the Nike Kobe VII.
The Wolf Grey/Pure Platinum colourway, along with the Black/Black/Solar Red Air Yeezy 2s, launched on June 9, 2012. They retailed for $245 and currently resell for even more than the Wolf Grey colourway.
Another sample that sparked discussion among fans was the "Fire Red" Nike Air Yeezy, named for the bright red colour on the midsole. Kanye first wore this colourway during his "Glow in the Dark" Tour and has worn it several times since. This colourway was reportedly considered for release alongside the other three colourways but was dropped at the last minute.
The early prototype of the Air Yeezy featured LED lights implanted in the outsole. However, due to issues with low battery life and cost evaluation, Nike decided to use phosphorescent rubber instead of LED lights.
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The shoe's release
The Nike Air Yeezy 2 is the second edition of the official sneakers collaboration project between Nike and Kanye West. The shoe was released in 2012 and 2014, with the 2014 release featuring a distinctive "Red October" design. The shoe features an animalistic design with a ridged, reptile-inspired heel counter and a snake skin-inspired design on the quarters. The sole unit is borrowed from the Nike Air Tech Challenge II tennis model.
The Nike Air Yeezy 2 also includes several design improvements from the initial Nike Air Yeezy. These include the elimination of unnecessary padding along the upper, a shorter length for greater mobility, and a slimmer silhouette for a thinner look and a better fit on Kanye West's foot.
The Air Yeezy 2 "Red October" was released on February 9, 2014, at a retail price of $250. The shoe features a molded upper with a reptilian texture and a Phylon foam midsole, which is lightweight and flexible, providing cushioning for the foot. The Air-Sole unit in the heel provides additional cushioning and support, and is visible through a window in the sole. A strap at the front of the shoe helps to secure the foot in place, while the durable rubber outsole provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces.
The Nike Air Yeezy 2 "Red October" is a striking shoe with a bold, eye-catching red colorway that makes it stand out. The shoe has become a highly sought-after item, with some resellers asking for prices upwards of $25,000.
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Frequently asked questions
No, they are not basketball shoes. The Nike Air Yeezy 2 is a sneaker model that was released in 2012 and 2014.
The Nike Air Yeezy 2 was co-created by rapper Kanye West and Nike designer Nathan VanHook.
The most recognizable feature of the Nike Air Yeezy 2 is its reptilian, spiny heel, inspired by reptile design.
