Everything
“I like ugly things, but that’s too much,” says my housemate as we work from home. Our early morning conversation is sparked by the viral sensation that is the unreleased adidas YEEZY 1050 GORE-TEX sample, that is circulating the internet. Thanks to the good people at sneaker leaking Instagram page, @yeezymafia, we have a first look at a sample which is reportedly just one of three prototypes from the collaborative partnership – and it should stay that way.
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In the same vein and silhouette as the hiking boots seen in the Season 3 collection of Kanye West’s YEEZY brand, the design is a confused hybrid of an adidas sneaker sole, chunky side profile of classic YEEZY kicks, and a tradie work boot. Chuck a khaki or black colourway over the top of the silhouette and you could have yourself a winner. Instead, the style comprises of a GORE-TEX shell in a combination of vibrant pink camouflage (counterproductive if you ask me) and a beige iteration on the mudguard and midsole – now you’ve lost me.
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The unreleased kicks beg the question we’ve all been asking since the inception of the modern ‘ugly sneaker’ in 2018, when does quirky fashion, become ugly in every sense of the word. Harsh, I know.
While the comment section of the @yeezymafia account is teeming with people who agree, one user comments, “Everyone saying “🤢” and “wtf are these Kanye” but they’ll sell out in seconds.” And he’s got an excellent point. When you have enough influence over streetwear enthusiasts and sneaker heads, you can sell nearly anything.
Currently, there is no word on whether the sneaker-boot hybrid will hit the market. But stay tuned.
