Ye parts ways with Yeezy Foam Runner co-designer Steven Smith

As Ye looks to embark on the next era of his career following the release of his collaboration album with Ty Dolla $ign, Vultures 2 (the long-awaited sequel to February's Vultures 1), it appears that Steven Smith has officially parted ways with the YZY team. This unexpected split raises important questions about the future direction of the Yeezy line and its innovative designs.

For those who may not know, Steven Smith has played a significant role in Ye's (formerly Kanye West) fashion and footwear career, dating back to 2016. Smith was unofficially brought on board during the Life of Pablo rollout and the Saint Pablo Tour. He was introduced as a "master futurist", with his title aptly describing the innovations that emerged from the Yeezy brand. The following designs drew inspiration from futuristic concepts while maintaining a familiar aesthetic that fans have loved over the years.

Smith played a key role in developing one of the most notable Yeezy footwear designs under Adidas: the Yeezy 700. This shoe is widely credited with reviving the clunky dad shoe aesthetic in the mid-2010s and has earned considerable recognition. Perhaps the most infamous design Smith contributed to during his time at Adidas/Yeezy is the Yeezy Foam Runner, a silhouette that turned heads and captivated sneaker enthusiasts. Drawing inspiration from Crocs' iconic clogs, the Yeezy Foam Runner added a futuristic twist, creating an entirely new look that initially raised eyebrows as a potential flop. However, as time passed, it proved immensely popular, and today, you’ll often spot these unique shoes on the feet of trendsetters when you step outside.

Once Adidas cut ties with Ye in 2022, things started to quiet down. That changed earlier this year when sneakerheads noticed Adidas officially beginning to liquidate their remaining stock of Yeezy footwear on their website and in outlet stores at discounted prices. Steven Smith remained with Ye as part of the design team until Ye introduced the controversial concept of 'YZY Porn' to the world. As of this posting, this idea has not come to fruition, as many fans expressed their disapproval and made it clear that it should not be greenlit.

It's important to note that Ye has garnered a diverse fanbase, including many who began following him after his shift toward mainstream Christianity in 2019. His faith heavily influenced his music, with albums like Jesus Is King and Donda featuring gospel undertones. This background likely explains the vocal backlash against the 'YZY Porn' concept, as fans who resonate with his faith-based themes were not receptive to the idea.

So far, Ye has previewed a few different pieces of footwear independently, most notably the YZY Pods

While it appears that the X Rated project is on hold for the foreseeable future, Ye has recently re-engaged with his Christian faith, at least in the public eye. In the past week, Ye and Ty Dolla Sign hosted one of their VULTURES listening events in Korea. The event culminated in Ye picking up a microphone to deliver an impressive performance of his classic records for the audience and those watching the livestream. He concluded the performance with a prayer, giving fans hope that a world tour could be on the horizon and suggesting that Ye may be moving back into a more positive mindset.

While it remains uncertain whether there will be a reconciliation between Smith and Ye in the future, anything seems to be possible in 2024.