Can You Play Basketball in Yeezys?

Since their launch in 2007, sneakerheads and average shoe buyers have flocked to the Yeezy brand.  A collaboration between the rapper Kanye West and Adidas, Yeezys have left on imprint on the shoe industry that has proven difficult to replicate.

However, if you have been lucky enough to cop a pair of Yeezys, you may be wondering whether or not you can play basketball in a pair of Yeezys.  Below, we are going to discuss if you can play basketball in Yeezys and provide you with a list of alternatives that are perfect for basketball play.

Looking for alternatives to Yeezys?  Check out our recommendation on the best Nike basketball shoes to buy right now!

What Are Yeezy’s?

If you’re not a sneakerhead, you may be wondering, just what are Yeezys?  In short, Yeezys are a line of shoes designed by famed rapper Kanye West with a partnership from Adidas.  Although the collaboration between the two also includes shirts, jackets, pants, and even socks, generally Yeezys refer to the shoe line.

Although the Yeezy lineup originally began with a collaboration between Kanye West and Bape, the collaboration was short-lived.  Kanye West would then collaborate with Nike to release additional pairs of his famed shoes.  However, after five-years with Nike, West would partner and collaborate with Adidas on his next lineup.

While Kanye West described his departure from Nike as, “heartbreaking”, he claimed that Nike would not pay him royalties for his shoe designs, rather opting to pay some of the proceeds to a charity of his choice.  This decision by Nike would force Kanye to reach out to Adidas for a partnership deal. 

In addition to agreeing to pay Kanye West royalties on his designs, Adidas also provided West with 100% ownership of the brand and full creative control over the products release.  Due to this control, Kanye West has decided to offer Yeezys in extremely limited supply.

This artificial supply release has been notable.  Due to the limited number of pairs released, sneakerheads, fans, and casual shoppers alike all vie for a pair, creating inflated demand and significant price hikes on the secondary market.

As a result, many Yeezys, originally retailed for a couple of hundred dollars, may resell for several thousand.  It can be said with near certainty then that Yeezys have fully transcended from a regular shoe to an icon.  Yeezys are no longer seen as just a pair of shoes but rather as a designer, luxury item.

Best Yeezy’s Available to Buy Right Now

Although Yeezys are extremely difficult to purchase at first drop, with time and a bit of patience, many consumers are able to purchase a pair from second-hand resellers.  Below are a few of our favorite pairs:

• Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 – perhaps our favorite pair of Yeezy’s are none other than the Yeezy Boost 350 V2. This pair is one of the most iconic designs made by Kanye and have a reputation for superior comfort and relaxation. With a simple, yet forward, design the Yeezy Boost 350 V2 will allow you to enjoy the recognition of Yeezy’s without sacrificing design or comfort.

• Adidas Mens Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Yeshaya – the Adidas Mens Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Yeshaya are an upgraded look from the base Boost 350 V2. Nearly impeccable in design, the Yeshaya lineup brings forth a heftier look while maintaining the classic design. And with a slew of vibrant colors across the base of the shoe, you’ll definitely stand out with this pair.

• Adidas Yeezy 700 V3 Clay Brown – the Adidas Yeezy 700 V3 Clay Brown are one of the most stylish and grungy Yeezy’s available on the market. With an expanded view, nearly coming out from within itself, the shoe is juxtaposed by a mesh-like system wrapped around the shoe. Forward in design, the Yeezy 700 V3 Clay Brown shoes are great for anyone looking to showcase their love of unique sneaker designs.

Should You Play Basketball in Yeezy’s?

With the above understanding, the next question we receive from many readers is whether or not you can play basketball in Yeezy’s.  Now, although you can play basketball in Yeezy’s, we would not recommend doing so.  Although the Yeezy lineup is meant to be a casual shoe, it has become a luxury item, costing several hundreds of dollars.

Due to the relative price of a pair of Yeezy’s, wearing them while playing basketball, whether indoors or outdoors in the rain, can lead to significant scuffing, tearing, and degradation.  Yeezy’s were never made to be played with in basketball, or in any sport, and should be worn exclusively off the court.

In addition, the general build and design of Yeezy’s is not made to support the movement of players during a game of basketball.  From running, to jumping, to diving and squatting, a pair of Yeezy’s is ineffective in providing your entire foot and ankle with the proper support needed for basketball.

Rather, you should always opt for specifically designed basketball shoes for all your game needs.  Basketball shoes provide proper and correct cushioning and support for your feet and ankles, helping to avoid injury and sprains.

Lastly, even the Philadelphia 76ers center and power forward, Joel Embiid, himself endorsed by Adidas, warned against wearing Yeezy’s while playing basketball.  Posting to Instagram, Embiid showed off his own pair of Yeezy’s separated from the sole while playing in them.

Will Yeezy’s Come Out with a Basketball Shoe?

It has been reported that Kanye West is planning on releasing a pair of Yeezy’s specifically made to be worn and played during a game of basketball.  Although the report came out several years ago, internal discussions have shown that both West and Adidas are keen on providing basketball players with a dedicated pair of Yeezy’s meant to be played with.

Interestingly enough, most basketball shoes enter a “court to street” premise, wherein basketball and NBA players wear the shoes first, raising the shoes profile and popularity, before being released to the general public.  Yeezy’s, however, have upended that paradigm, with the shoes popularity from the general public now pushing for a basketball specific lineup.

Best Alternatives to Yeezy’s for Basketball

While we recommend sticking with Yeezy’s off the court, there are a plethora of well-designed, fashionable, and iconic basketball shoes to replace your Yeezy’s on the basketball court.  Below are a few of our personal favorites:

• Jordan Air 1 Retro High OG – if you are looking to really showoff your pair of shoes on the basketball court, then you can’t go wrong with the Jordan Air 1’s.  An iconic design, the Jordan Air 1’s mimic the first pair of Jordan’s which Michael wore in his time with the Chicago Bulls.  Nearly perfect in design and style, these shoes make a splash no matter who’s wearing them.

• Jordan Jumpman Team I – the Jordan Jumpman Team I shoe is an “in your face” shoe.  Nearly subtly violent in design, these shoes speak volumes in a simple manner.  Juxtaposed between black and white shades, the shoe looks fierce and hefty in build.

• LeBron James Witness Shoes – we’re not even being facetious when we say that the LeBron James Witness Shoes are some of the most beautiful shoes we’ve ever seen.  With subtle hues of purple and yellow across a white base, these shoes not only provide superior support with a high-arch but do so in a luxurious and beautiful manner.