Why Are Yeezys So Expensive? Top 8 Reasons

Although Yeezys were expensive, many buyers didn’t think twice about forking over $300 or more for a pair. So why are Yeezys so expensive?

The bigger reasons of course are the marketing and branding of the shoes, plus the artificial scarcity adidas uses to keep the price of the shoes up.

Continue reading for the top eight explanations for the high cost of Yeezys.

History of Yeezy

Kanye West originally made Yeezy in a partnership with Since their initial releases in 2009, Nike has positioned its footwear as a highly coveted item that is only available in small quantities.

The 2014 Red Octobers, which now frequently sell on Ebay for around $10,000, were arguably the most well-known style of these early Yeezys.

These original Yeezys essentially made Kanye West famous as a fashion designer.

Over disagreements regarding royalties and the future of the Yeezy brand, Kanye and Nike’s partnership ultimately came to an end, and Kanye eventually switched to adidas.

Why Are Yeezys So Expensive?

There is more than one reason behind the high prices of these shoes, this is what we have researched:

1. High-end Shoes

Kanye West has become a fashion icon and a high-end shoe collector due to his influence as a rapper and musician.

The rapper takes a proactive role in developing prototypes, adding or removing elements, etc., alongside other professionals and a team of footwear experts.

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2. Comfortable and High-quality Shoes

Are Yeezy comfortable shoes?

Despite being worn for long periods of time, Yeezys are very comfortable shoes that are not just for branding and marketing. Consumer success and commercial testing of the Yeezy technology and materials have been completed.

Both the construction quality and Adidas’s generally top-notch warranty policies also prove that Yeezy shoes are of high quality.

3. Limited Edition

The fact that Yeezy shoes are only available in limited quantities per drop and are sold in limited editions is another factor in their high price.

According to reports, between one and five million pairs of Yeezys were purchased in 2019—the most ever.

This limited supply/scarcity strategy has been used since Kanye first introduced the Yeezys during the Nike era.

Because of the popularity of the Yeezy brand and the limited edition shoes, these products are better suited for collecting than everyday use.

4. Technology and Materials

The fact that Yeezys are more expensive to produce than other shoes is one factor contributing to their high price.

The average price to produce a pair of Nike or Adidas shoes is between $20 and $40. Yeezys, on the other hand, are an exception and their production can cost up to $75.

A sizable portion of the higher manufacturing costs can be attributed to the materials Adidas uses in the Yeezy, such as Primeknit. It is made from a thin thermoplastic yarn that can be spun and cut, requiring only a few pieces to make a pair of shoes.

Yeezy utilizes both Primeknit and Ultraboost in addition to the former. The heels of other Adidas sneakers are padded using this technology. It is made of tiny elastic pellets that are glued together.

Because Primeknit, Ultraboost, and other materials and manufacturing processes are used, a Yeezy simply costs more to make than a regular Adidas or Nike sneaker.

5. Status Symbol

Under the Adidas label, Yeezy became a status symbol. Anyone who has these sneakers in their possession feels a rush of dopamine.

It is admired worldwide for being distinctive and different, and it is worn by well-known individuals from various industries. Owning a genuine pair puts you in the big leagues as a result.

6. Yeezys Are Halo Products for Adidas

A “halo effect” is good marketing where one famous and successful product can make all other products from a company look worth buying.

Since they lacked anything comparable to Air Jordans and the expanding Converse All-Stars, Adidas struggled for a long time to overtake Nike.

All of Adidas’ other shoes, however, became worthwhile investments after the Yeezy shoes were released because the company was able to establish itself as a household name.

7. Good Resale Value

What makes Yeezy shoes unique and why many people feel happy paying a great deal of money for them is their capacity to hold their value over time.

On the used market, 2014 Red October Yeezy shoes are currently regularly selling for close to $10,000.

Adidas artificially limits the number of pairs of Yeezy shoes sold, so demand is never fully satisfied. Many people are willing to pay more than retail prices to obtain a pair of Yeezys because there is no other place to purchase them.

Due to this, occasionally you may see extended lines of people waiting to purchase a pair of Yeezy sneakers.

8. Targeted by Scalpers

Another reason Yeezys are so expensive is due to scalpers. The brand has drawn the attention of flippers and resellers looking to extort quick money from desperate customers due to its limited supply and potential for higher prices than retail.

Many of these scalpers buy in bulk and resell them for more money in order to automatically purchase a pair of Yeezy before the stock runs out.

This scenario of scalping and flipping is ideal for Adidas because it enhances the company’s appeal as a luxury shoe brand that everyone covets.

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How Much Does Yeezy Cost?

From celebrities to actors and musicians, Yeezy has become a popular choice of athletic footwear for many A-listers and the typical sneakerhead.

They range in price from $200 to $585.

The most popular model is the 350 v2, which costs $220 for adults.

Are Yeezy Shoes Worth the Price?

From their striking design to the premium materials they are made of, they are definitely worth the price.

Their unique styles set them apart from other sneakers you’ve seen, and their partnerships with well-known companies are unmatched.

They are not only well-made and stylish, but also amazing when they are both new and well-worn.

The Bottom Line: Why Are Yeezys So Expensive

All above reasons explain why is Yeezy so expensive.

Given Yeezy’s history and the accolades it has received over the years, it is easy to see why Yeezys are so pricey.

However, the sneakers are not only expensive because they are backed by Kanye West’s celebrity status, as well as the original designs and creative thinking that went into making these shoes.

Thanks for reading!

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