Yeezys might just be one of the biggest shoes in the game, right up there with age-long sneaker giants such as Jordan. While every Jordan out there was designed for the same purpose (ie. Basketball), the Yeezy is a bit more ambiguous.
What exactly is it?
Fashion has allowed both the Nike and Adidas Yeezy into the Streetwear Hall of Fame. Reviews of each shoe can be found ALL OVER the internet, from YouTube to websites such as this one. But what exactly were the criteria for such reviews? A lot of the most popular Yeezy reviews are related to comfort and how ‘fire’ the sneakers are. Fair enough, but that won’t be the topic of today’s post. In fact, for the most part, we’re going to stay relatively neutral to the style of each sneaker…where we can.
Today, we’ll be popping this site’s cherry by talking about Yeezy and answering an ever-growing question, ‘Can Yeezys be running shoes?’
In order to fully flesh out this question, we’re going to have to talk about several Yeezys. Like Ye’s personalities, there are many. While some shoes may not fit the role of running shoes at all, others may come closer.
The YEEZY Boost 350s: Too Comfortable For Running?
Probably the most iconic silhouettes both Kanye and Adidas have to offer. These lovechilds between artist and conglomerate are exactly what people envision when they picture ‘YEEZY.’
These might be some of the most viable candidates for the role of running shoe. The sole uses the same technology as the Adidas Ultra Boost, which is often used for physical activities. Both are also very comfortable, which is something to be desired in a running shoe.
The problem actually lies in the comfort, however, since they may actually be too comfortable. Anyone who has worn these shoes knows the true intentions Adidas had in making them. While both shoes are true to size, they were designed with leisure in mind and have a loose fit, especially around the heel, which is not ideal for anything further than a light jog.
For this reason, we recommend this shoe for light activity only. They’ll probably be ok for a pickup game, or a short sesh at the gym, but are certainly not recommended for the seasoned runner. Still an extremely comfortable pair.
The YEEZY 700s: The ‘Running Shoe’
Depending on modal and colorway, the 700s toe the line between space shoe and dad shoe. But if you haven’t heard, dad shoes are in! And despite New Balance fighting the good fight for so long, these are the reasons why.
The 700s have a tighter fit than the Boost, and because of this, they may be a better candidate for the title of ‘YEEZY’s running shoe.’ Dad shoes have always had a ‘sport vibe’ anyway, with many Dad shoes ACTUALLY being running shoes.
There are a few other factors that suggest the 700s may be better running shoes than their 350 counterparts. Let’s consider the features. For one, their gum outsoles allow the wearer to get a firm grip on the floor, lowering any chance of slippage. Something runners take very seriously.
Like the comfortable 350s, Adidas utilized their Yeezy boost technology for these shoes, too, which means the wearer will still have that same level of comfort. However, the insole for these shoes is pretty thin. They also have a much sturdier midsole than the 350s, making the shoes more durable and able to give more support. All in all, the 700s are a much better choice for running.
The YEEZY 500s: The ‘Basketball Shoe’
The Yeezy 500s are Kanye’s take on a basketball shoe. Nike and Jordan couldn’t have all the fun; suppose Adidas needed more coverage in basketball. One can actually begin to see the further slip in Kanye’s lucidity in the design of these shoes as the lines between stylish sneaker and gym class beaters become even more blurry. That said, this Yeezy has its place. There is a charm to this level of ‘homeless chic’, and we haven’t gone full crazy just yet. But do they make for good running shoes?
While the 500s are well-made and constructed with high-quality materials, and both visually and functionally durable, these shoes don’t make for a very good running shoe. The issue with this shoe is how damn bulky it is. Now, of course, this serves a purpose. These shoes were designed for the court. The friction squeaks of the gripped outsole against the court floor can already be heard, and no one is breaking their ankle in these. Do they get the Lebron seal of approval? We can’t answer that exactly; they sure do get ours. Adidas should be proud to have this shoe. The perfect balance of athleisure,
But the bottom line is the 500s are too big and clunky to be running shoes. Runners need a much more streamlined and light design to run effectively and with these, they’re not going to meet their full potential.
YEEZY Foam Runners: Running Shoes? Are They EVEN Shoes??
Go home, Ye, you’re drunk—the perfect description for the shoes and their name. Anyone is welcome to try these out for size, but those who do will soon realize the name was most likely satirical – running shoes? Please!
Now, let’s not lie; yes, they’re very comfortable and offer a lot of support…for a leisurely walk at the old folks’ home. Members of this generation will most certainly be wearing them there. The foam probably treats bunions very well. The outer, upper, outsole and midsole are all the same thing!
Anyone still eager to try these will be happy to hear they do run true to size. However, they only come in full sizes, so we do not recommend anyone with half sizes get hyped for the next drop.
Back to the topic at hand, however, someone actually named them as ‘running Yeezys’!
Take a long, hard look at these. Do they look like they’re up for the task?
Bottom Line: Are YEEZY Sneakers Good For Runs?
Are Yeezys running shoes? Should be a simple question to answer, and it’s an important enough topic to have a blog post of its own… But with a mixture of basketball shoes, foam ‘runners’, high fashion icons and an overpriced dad shoe, it gets a little complicated!
Are Yeezy shoes even meant for outside? Aren’t they a bit expensive for trail running? And with such a vast selection of Nike running shoes, Adidas Ultraboosts, New Balance sneakers, and so much more, why even pick a Yeezy? Athletic shoes should be good quality, and there’s a reason Nike Air Jordans are expensive, aside from the hype. For this reason, we’d never question wearing the 500s on the court. It’s what they’re made for, and many basketball courts are indoors. But Yeezy’s answer to runners was the Foam Runners, which are not up for the task, lest they can guarantee no puddle gets in their way.
Yeezy Sneakers are awesome, and they deserve to be in the Streetwear Hall of Fame. But runners don’t need a Hall of Famer as their running shoe. They just need good running shoes! While some of them may work just fine, our advice is to stick to Air Max or one of the many outlet shoes Nike has to offer.
