Yeezy Boost 700

6 months into 2019 and it is safe to say that Kanye West hasn’t been holding back when it comes to expanding his Yeezy portfolio. Although we have seen welcome additions to a number of his silhouettes. There is one in particular that has received a whole heap of love already this year. The Yeezy Boost 700 has quickly established itself as the hottest Yeezy money can buy. With an ever-growing catalogue of colourways being made available. It is becoming increasingly difficult to work out which drops hit the spot, and which of those I’d really rather not.

The more I think about what we’ve already seen in 2019 the more I scratch my head. With more seemingly on the horizon for the dad shoe disciple. I thought now was as good a time as any to give my verdict on the Yeezy Boost 700s of 2019. While hopefully trying to inform you on what we’ve got yet to come.

Salt

So far we have been graced with almost one new colourway a month for the Yeezy Boost 700 this year. With the flood gates initially opening in February with the Yeezy Boost 700 Salt. A shoe that took inspiration from the Yeezy Boost 500 colourway of the same name. That became a trailblazing success when it was released back in November 2018.

The monochromatic light grey hue that is painted across the entirety of the shoes upper. Comes as a textured mixed material composition of mesh with tonal overlays in suede and leather is something truly elegant. For me, the Yeezy 700 Salt represented the gateway drug of the Yeezy 700 range for 2019. It signified a popular way to ween the fanbase off the Yeezy Boost 350 obsession. Preparing them for the imminent shift in focus from Kanye West onto the Yeezy Boost 700. The Salt is a great shoe, but more was yet to come for the silhouette, and this was just the beginning.

Salt

Yeezy Boost 700 Inertia

A month later in March 2019 and we were blessed with, in my opinion, the prettiest Yeezy ever made. Of course usually I would say that beauty is subjective. In this case, however, I would say that this is just the cold hard truth of the matter. The Yeezy Boost 700 Inertia embodies everything I love about Kanye West’s designs. Simple, yet so mesmerisingly eye-catching. The ‘Inertia’ colourway showcases the original 700 upper. With a heavily panelled construction made with premium suede, mesh and smooth leather sections. Painted primarily in cool grey and bluish hues. With the pièce de résistance coming in the way of a splash of hot mango. Applied to the side of the Boost midsole in two distinctive flecks. A seemingly small detail but one that finishes this shoes aesthetic wonderfully. Making the Inertia to this day one of the hottest models on the market.

Yeezy Boost 700
Inertia

Geode

Alongside the release of the Inertia, also in March. We saw a second iteration of the v2 variant of the Yeezy Boost 700 silhouette. The Yeezy Boost 700 v2 Geode which comes after the Yeezy Boost 700 v2 Static debuted in December 2018 is as bad as the Inertia is good. First of all, for me personally, I much prefer the OG upper for the 700 to the v2 variation. To accompany that the Geode colourway isn’t going to be anyone’s favourite.

No one has ever answered the question “what is your favourite colour?” with brown, and that is one thing I can describe the Geode colourway as, very very brown. It appears my criticisms of the Geode however flippant they might appear are grounded in fact. As the Yeezy Boost 700 v2 Geode is struggling to trade any higher than retail value. Looking to be the biggest flop of the year for Kanye West so far in 2019.

Yeezy Boost 700
Geode

Yeezy Boost 700 Analog

Eager to shake off the dud that was the Geode. A month later in April came the Yeezy Boost 700 Analog. Reverting back to the OG upper for the 700 silhouette. This colourway came in an off-white shade across the vast majority of the shoes upper. The mixed material panelling system of mesh, suede and leather which is now standard issue with most of Kanye Wests designs remains. To me, the Analog might not be as eye-catching, or as groundbreaking as past designs, but definitely is one to be respected. Its whitish colouring with its distinctive chunky aesthetic evokes feelings that remind me of shoes like the Reebok Workout for whatever reason, and I consider that a good thing.

Yeezy Boost 700
Analog

Vanta

After the Analog came a short hiatus for Kanye West’s designs. A two month break to be exact. In that time much speculation was made about one upcoming release in particular. The Yeezy Boost 700 v2 Vanta, most certainly the most hyped Yeezy 700 colourway ever released, and maybe one of the most anticipated Yeezys ever launched. Released in June. The Vanta came in an all black composition. Using the v2 upper similar to that used on the Geode and the Static colourways previously. This stealthy and straightforward iteration to the Yeezy 700 catalogue is definitely up there with the very best as after all, who doesn’t like a triple black?

Yeezy Boost 700
Vanta

Yeezy Boost 700 v2 Tephra

Of course although not released yet. Kanye West always likes to keep busy, and as soon as the dust settles on one drop and in this case, even before that. He’s got another one queued up for his fans. The Yeezy Boost 700 v2 Tephra in my humble opinion isn’t the best looking Yeezy ever made. Released just two weeks after the Vanta I am questioning who’s going to favour this over the all black. Deploying a multitude of subdued natural tones, some of which look to have been lifted directly from previous Geode and Analog colourways. This model is a confusing one to quantify. The Tephra looks like the colourway we don’t really need, but just like everything Yeezy. It doesn’t take much for a design to be a success.

Yeezy Boost 700
Tephra

So to summarise. I wouldn’t think it would be too bold to claim that it has been a great year so far for Kanye West and the Yeezy 700. If you were to make me choose my favourite design so far. I think it would have to be the Yeezy 700 Inertia. Beauty is subjective, but if you don’t like the way this colourway looks you need your eyes tested. This eclectic mix of blue and grey with a fresh hit of tropical mango. Elevates the Yeezy Boost 700 Inertia from one of the bunch to a standalone monolith in style and design. Special mention also has to go to the Vanta however, as who doesn’t like a triple black.