The adidas regime post-Ye- formerly known as Kanye West- has had an interesting run when it comes to rolling out new additions to their resume of footwear. It’s clear that the influence of sneakers that Ye gave has led to a resurgence of how the brand with the three stripes sees futuristic footwear and the potential that is there when it comes to using looks and designs similar to those that were used under Ye. The question with the upcoming color way of the adidas Climacool “Off White,” however, is if it can transcend the feeling of just being another Ye ripoff design that adidas had in their back pocket, or if it will make its own name in the sneaker world.
Following the breakup from Adidas, Ye has produced the YZY Pod, Slide, and boot (still waiting for proof this one exists as it was released on Super Bowl Weekend 2025). With both the Pod and Slide seeing success commercially and on platforms like TikTok getting reviews, the message has remained the same: the potential for an affordable alternative is there. These shoes have all been sold for only $20, and with each drop, it seems that they are just getting better quality-wise. Being a disruptor in the sneaker industry is clear as a goal for Ye, but the message might be just as high up on the list.
The Climacool “Off White” takes direct inspiration from the clog-like Foam Runner that Adidas produced with Ye, and it became one of the most successful styles the 2 co-produced during the run. With a sleek alternative, the shoe looks like it has promise, but under direct competition with the minimalistic look that Ye continues to fill his resume with, it will be interesting to see how far Adidas goes when it comes to affordability and competition as the YZY brand continues to evolve.