Everything You Need To Know About Yeezy Slides

Unless you’ve been completely detached from both the outside and digital worlds since March 2020, it’s likely you’ve come across the Yeezy Slide on your social media feed or at a local grocery store.
 
While newer to the adidas Yeezy lineup, the slip-on sandal has arguably become the most popular shoe from Kanye West’s offerings, and it isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. So, here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about the laceless shoe – including how much it costs, where it’s made and what it’s made of and how it fits.

The earliest version of Yeezy Slides surfaced in mid-2017 via Jazerai Allen-Lord, a strategist and designer based in New Jersey. Simply a customized adidas Adilette, the personalized pair for Mr. West revealed that sandals were on the Yeezy-frontman’s radar, and suggested his color preferences favored the muted and monochromatic. A year later, Kanye was spotted wearing the Yeezy Slipper in a size or two too small. Given that the slip-on shoe only sold at retailers that stocked Yeezy’s apparel collection in full, the slippers were extremely limited.
 
On December 6th, 2019, ‘ye debuted the Yeezy Slide as it’s known today. Launch colorways included three region-exclusive styles – “Desert Sand,” “Resin” and “Bone” – offered for adults, kids and toddlers. Although the trio kept an identical tone across different sizes, the smallest option featured a security strap at the heel; “Resin” and “Bone” colorways released at a number of retailers, the “Desert Sand” pair launched exclusively via the YEEZY SUPPLY platform.

Originally, West’s sandals were priced at $55 USD, $45 USD and $35 USD for adults, kids and toddler, respectively. Since March 2021, however, the slides have cost $60 USD, $50 USD and $40 USD, seeing a $5 USD increase across all sizes. Releases have included “Core” and “Pure” styles, but vibrant “Orange” and “Glow Green” colorways have also joined the Yeezy releases catalog. Unlike the original Yeezy Boost 700, the laceless option has seen a price increase since debuting, although Kanye has expressed a desire (and plan) to make his footwear designs more affordable and accessible.
 
At retail price, the Yeezy Slide is the cheapest Yeezy, but its fast sell-out time has led many fans to buy the shoes on the after-market. Resale prices for the non-sneaker have easily landed at an over 500% price premium, with the original “Desert Sand” style having fetched close to 700% over the suggested MSRP (varied by size and time of purchase). Restocks have helped bring after-market premiums down for the slides, but they’ve yet to see the equilibrium that the Yeezy Boost 350 v2 has experienced since 2019. Higher production numbers for future releases will surely tackle this issue, or else Yeezy Slides will be too expensive for most consumers.

Currently, Kanye’s adidas slides are made in China. As with the Yeezy Foam Runner, however, ‘ye hopes to move production to the United States of America in the near future – a decision that would surely allow for an eventual price decrease of the product.
 
In terms of what they’re made of, Yeezy Slides feature injected EVA foam across their entire body. Differing from the aforementioned Foam Runner, the traditional slip-on shoe comprises of two-pieces: a soft top layer coupled with a footbed and an outsole with strategic, serrated grooves. Free of any Boost-cushioning, the sandals deliver widely-lauded comfort and traction. Yeezy Slides’ longevity has yet to be proven, but the initial reception to their coziness and fit has been positive. Unlike with the Yeezy Slippers, it’s recommended to go “true to size” (TTS) with the Slides. The partially-sunken footbed resembles that of other popular sandals on the market (i.e. Birkenstock Arizona), which require accurate sizing to avoid discomfort and allow for the footbed to mold to the wearer’s feet.

Like other Yeezys to surface since West joined the Three Stripes in 2013, the Yeezy Slide is constantly mocked for its design. Yet, it continues to sell out almost immediately, suggesting that there’s an audience for the shoe. The slip-on silhouette increased in popularity throughout 2020, as countless individuals began working from home and switching to comfortable, lounge-ready footwear and apparel.
 
Co-signs from celebrities and influencers with large followings also propelled the laceless shoe into the spotlight unlike ever before. And by the looks of Yeezy’s upcoming releases, it seems ‘ye is poised to capitalize on the slides, working to make them as ubiquitous as the Yeezy 350 line. Colorways prepped for 2022 include simple “Onyx” and much more experimental “MX” ensembles, which boast a marble-like print.