Yeezys On The Court: Are They Good Basketball Shoes?

are yeezys good basketball shoes

Yeezy basketball shoes have been the subject of much discussion and speculation, with some players and enthusiasts praising their comfort and ankle support, while others claim they are difficult to put on and take off. The shoes were created in collaboration with Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) and Adidas, and they have had a significant impact on footwear and fashion. While the performance model has received mixed reviews, with some criticising the hardshell cages and sturdy collar, others find them comfortable and stylish. The resale value of the Yeezy basketball shoes is also lower than expected, indicating that they may not be as popular as other models.

Characteristics Values
Comfortable Yes, according to some users
Ankle support Good, according to some users
Ease of wearing Hard to put on and take off
Design Sturdy collar, hardshell cages, knit uppers
Performance Not well-received by some users
Popularity Not very popular among NBA players

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Comfort and ankle support

When it comes to comfort and ankle support, Yeezys seem to deliver. A user on Reddit commented that the Yeezy QNTM (performance model) is 100% more comfortable than the non-performance version, which did not agree with their ankles. They also added that the shoes lock your feet in, providing good ankle support and the stability and protection you would want for sports. Another user agreed that the shoes are "comfy" and "like wearing a sock".

However, some users have also noted that the shoes can feel tight and cramp their toes. One user with narrow feet wondered if the shoes were designed for wide feet, as they felt their toes were crammed. Another user agreed that the shoes are "extremely hard to put on and take off", although they noted that this becomes less of an issue once you get used to it.

While comfort and ankle support are important factors in choosing a basketball shoe, it is also worth considering other performance aspects such as stability, traction, collar height, and security. The QNTMs, for example, received some criticism for their hardshell cages and sturdy collar, which may not provide the flexibility and mobility that basketball players need.

Overall, while some users have found Yeezys to be comfortable and supportive, others have experienced issues with the fit and design of the shoes. It is important to try them on and get a feel for their performance before making a decision, especially if you plan to use them for basketball or other sports.

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Performance models vs lifestyle models

Performance models and lifestyle models of shoes have distinct characteristics that cater to different needs and preferences. Here is a detailed comparison between the two:

Performance Models:

Performance models of shoes, such as the Yeezy QNTM, are designed with a specific activity or sport in mind, optimising performance for the wearer. These shoes often incorporate advanced technologies, materials, and designs to enhance the wearer's experience during physical activities. For example, performance basketball shoes might offer better ankle support, stability, and comfort during play. The construction of performance shoes is carefully engineered, focusing on aspects such as the sole, mid-layer, upper material, lacing system, and how securely they lock onto the wearer's feet. The price of performance shoes also tends to be higher due to the extensive research and development that goes into creating them.

Lifestyle Models:

Lifestyle models, on the other hand, are shoes designed for everyday casual wear rather than for a specific sport or activity. Many lifestyle shoes may have originated as performance sneakers but have since been adopted by sneaker culture and are now worn for their style and comfort. For example, the Adidas Ultraboost, originally a performance running shoe, has gained a significant following as a lifestyle shoe. Lifestyle models often prioritise fashion and versatility, allowing wearers to style them with various outfits and use them in different settings. While lifestyle models may not offer the same technical benefits as performance shoes, they can still be comfortable and suitable for everyday use.

Key Differences:

The primary distinction between performance and lifestyle models lies in their intended purpose. Performance models are designed for optimal function and performance during sports or specific activities, while lifestyle models focus on fashion, versatility, and everyday comfort. Performance models often incorporate cutting-edge technologies and designs to enhance athletic performance, whereas lifestyle models may lack these specialised features. As a result, performance models tend to be more expensive due to the research and development invested in their creation.

In summary, when choosing between performance and lifestyle models, consider your intended use. If you require shoes for a specific sport or activity and prioritising performance and technical features, performance models are ideal. However, if you seek stylish and comfortable footwear for everyday wear, lifestyle models would be a better choice.

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Design and style

The design and style of the Yeezy basketball shoe have been a topic of discussion among fans and critics alike. Some people love the futuristic look of the shoes, while others find them underwhelming or even "ugly." The knit design, in particular, has been described as "starkly contrasting" with the retro models that are popular in the basketball world, such as the Jordan Brand.

The Yeezy QNTM, a performance model, has been praised for its comfort and ankle support. One user describes the shoe as providing "stability and protection," ideal for sports. However, the same model has also received criticism for being “bulky” and having a very sturdy collar, which some find uncomfortable. The hardshell cages of the QNTMs have been mentioned as a potential drawback for basketball players.

The Knit Slates, on the other hand, offer a much sleeker and more modern design with complete knit uppers. While the knit design may be visually appealing, there are questions about its durability and performance on the basketball court. Some fans have expressed concern that the knit material may not provide the same level of support and protection as traditional basketball sneakers.

Despite the mixed reviews, the Yeezy basketball shoes have had their moments in the spotlight. Notable NBA players like Brandon Ingram, Zach LeVine, and Andre Iguodala have been seen wearing the shoes during games and in pre-game fit pics. However, the shoes never really took off among NBA players, and they seem to have fallen out of favour, with some even expressing doubts about their authenticity as basketball shoes.

Overall, the design and style of the Yeezy basketball shoes seem to be a matter of personal preference. While some appreciate the unique look and comfort of the shoes, others find them impractical or unappealing. The resale value of the shoes has also been lower than expected, which could be indicative of their popularity among consumers.

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Resale value

Yeezys are a popular shoe with a high resale value. The sneaker resale business is huge, with the market estimated to be worth $6 billion globally by 2025. Sneakers on online marketplaces like StockX and Stadium Goods have resold for as high as $20,000.

Yeezys have maintained their high resale value over the years, with some models reselling for over $1,000. For example, the limited-edition Yeezy 350 V2 became the first of its kind to resell for over $1,000. The high resale value of Yeezys can be attributed to their limited editions and collaborations with popular artists and brands. For instance, the Off-White and Nike collaboration with the Air Jordan 1 "Chicago" sneakers originally sold for around $190 but resold for an average of $3,450.

The hype surrounding Yeezys and their limited availability contributes to their high resale value. When Adidas announced they would sell Yeezys again, resellers went into a frenzy, searching for platforms to sell their shoes on to avoid a value crash. However, the long-term value of Yeezys has proven to be stable, with people still willing to pay high prices for the most popular models.

The performance model of Yeezys, the Yeezy QNTM, is also in demand for basketball players. Users have reported that the basketball version provides good ankle support and comfort, which are important factors for basketball players. The stability and protection offered by the QNTM model make it a popular choice for sports use.

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Popularity among NBA players

Yeezys, the signature sneaker brand of rapper Kanye West in collaboration with Adidas, have been popular among NBA players. In 2016, Kanye West claimed that Yeezys had surpassed the Jumpman (Jordan Brand). While it was a bold claim, it was not implausible given the success of the Yeezy line, which made $1.3 billion in sales in 2020, thanks to its popularity in schools, airports, restaurants, and notably, the NBA. Adidas athletes have frequently been seen wearing the lifestyle models before and after games, often featuring them in their pre-game fit pics.

Several NBA players have been early adopters of Yeezys, including Nick Young, Nate Robinson, PJ Tucker, and Iman Shumpert. Nick Young, in particular, is expected to be among the first NBA players to wear Kanye's Yeezy basketball sneakers. Damian Lillard, who has his own signature sneaker with Adidas, is another likely candidate due to his affinity for hip-hop and skills on the mic. The potential collaboration between Dame Dolla and Kanye West could result in unique designs featuring their bars on the insole, upper, or sole of the sneaker.

The Sixers' 7'1" center, Embiid, is another Adidas-signed NBA player who has yet to play a game but is anticipated to be a perfect fit for debuting Kanye's Adidas Yeezy basketball sneakers. Embiid's charismatic and entertaining personality aligns with the launch of a new performance sneaker. Additionally, Wiggins, who is also signed with Adidas, could benefit from switching to Yeezy basketball sneakers, as they are expected to be an improvement over the Adidas Crazy Explosive design.

However, it is important to note that Yeezys have not been widely popular on the basketball court among NBA players. They have primarily worn the lifestyle models off the court, and there are other acceptable Adidas models preferred during games. With Adidas ending its partnership with Kanye West, it is unlikely that NBA players will wear Yeezy basketball shoes in the future. Instead, they may continue to wear Yeezy sneakers casually or switch to other designer-brand footwear.

Frequently asked questions

While some people think Yeezys are good basketball shoes in terms of comfort and ankle support, others believe that they are hard to put on and take off, and don't make sense as basketball shoes.

Some people find Yeezys comfortable, while others complain that their toes feel crammed.

Some users have reported that the Yeezy basketball version provides good ankle support.

While some NBA players have worn Yeezy basketball shoes, they were never that popular. Adidas athletes often wear the lifestyle models before and after games.

The Yeezy QNTMs received criticism for their hardshell cages and sturdy collar.

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