• Ibn Jasper Skates Black/Pink Air Yeezy

Even though the Nike Air Yeezy is technically a basketball shoe (or at least a shoe with a significant amount of basketball influence and construction), it’s apparently also a great shoe to skate in. Levi Maestro first skated in the black/pink Yeezys on episode 6 of Maestro Knows, weaving through the Los Angeles streets. Here’s a video of Kanye West’s barber and style consultant, Ibn Jasper, skating in the black/pink Air Yeezy shoes on the set of Kid Cudi’s Make Her Say music video shoot.

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• Nike Air Yeezy Process

Keeping up with all their behind the scenes features of the making of the Nike Air Yeezy, Sole Collector reveals the process that went on between Nike, specifically Mark Smith and Tiffany Beers, and Kanye West to create one of the most sought-after shoes in the history of sneaker culture. Regarding how they went about the Air Yeezy project, Beers said,

It’s all part of the process in the IK (Innovation Kitchen). We didn’t do the formal meetings or presentations; we didn’t have time. We just cranked things out, interruptions and all. As few folks do, Kanye got to see firsthand a couple days in the life of the Innovation Kitchen. It’s busy; it’s scattered; it’s crazy, and it’s a ton of fun, while still making a bunch of cool stuff.”

After 2 years, multiple revisions and samples, and brainstorming sessions with Kanye, the Nike Air Yeezy evolved in front of their very own eyes. It’s always interesting to discover the labor of love that goes into any project. To truly understand the motives and inspirations behind the creation of the Air Yeezy, it’s important to educate yourself with the behind the scenes aspect. I am fortunate enough to own 2 out of the 3 Yeezys, and being aware of its history and background surely makes me appreciate the pair of shoes even more.

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• Air Yeezy Upper Design Process

Back in March, prior to all the Nike Air Yeezy hysteria and official release dates, Complex had an Air Yeezy gallery which included photos that revealed the evolution of the Air Yeezy sneaker. The photos revealed the original sketches and initial plans that Kanye West and the Nike team had put together throughout the planning stages of the collaboration. Now, as the 3 releases have long passed, Sole Collector shares with the public (never before seen) behind-the-scenes photos of the making of the Air Yeezy upper. Aside from its glow in the dark sole, the Air Yeezy’s upper is definitely a “neck breaker” and something to marvel at. Inspired by the McFly sneaker/silhouette, Kanye envisioned his shoe to have a retro appeal with a luxury twist.

Visit Sole Collector for the entire story behind the Air Yeezy upper

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• Fake Nike Air Yeezy Low

It’s apparent that there are fake Nike Air Yeezy sneakers out there in the market. We’ve all seen the ridiculous colorways and poor craftsmanship. Of all the fake Yeezys, though, this low-top version definitely takes the cake. It’s one thing to replicate a sneaker by simply changing the colors, but changing a critical element of its design is just comical. The essence of the Air Yeezy is the fact that it’s a high-top and was influenced by the Mcfys; it’s “height” essentially makes the sneaker what it is. Unfortunately, it’s all part of the sneaker game and simply comes with the  territory. If you can’t buy the real sneakers don’t buy the fake ones at all, especially the low-top ones. You’re better off saving your money and waiting a little longer. In the end, it’ll be worth it and much more gratifying.

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• Jim Jones Disses Kanye and the Air Yeezy

Jim Jones spoke to Complex magazine about sneakers and how they were so influential to his life  growing up. He mentioned everything from the Adidas Shell-toe to Nike Cortez to the Puma Clyde. At about the 2:30 mark in the video, he says, “There’s a lot of cornballs with their own sneaker that I would never ever wear…” and at the very end he states, ” I have more than a hundred pairs of sneakers, but I didn’t wanna have nothing to do with those,” as the interviewer holds up a pair of the net/net (tan) Nike Air Yeezy. Not everyone believes the Air Yeezy looks good and Jimmy is entitled to his own opinion, but from Jim Jones’ hustler mentality, he should give Kanye credit for being the first non-athlete to hook up with Nike to do a sneaker.

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