The Official History of The Nike Air Yeezy

Image via Complex Original

When we first heard there was a possibility that Nike and Kanye West were teaming up to create a super-sneaker, we had to admit we were just as geeked as anyone else. We could only hope the rumors came true.
After it released, the Nike Air Yeezy became one of the most sought-after sneakers in history. But the story isn't done and Ye and Nike are going for the repeat. We can't tell you how that will end up, but what we can do is show you what's happened so far. Keep reading to see the complete timeline of how the Yeezy went from a rumor to the stuff of legend...

Ye Wears His Design Hat

When: Some time in 2007

Complex says: It's one thing to have Nike make you a shoe. It's another to design them yourself. These pics proved the latter and the hype continued to grow.

Ye debuts the Air Yeezy 1 at the 2008 Grammy Awards

When: February 10, 2008

Complex says: Move over, Beatles. Hypebeasts everywhere feasted their eyes as Kanye personally started Yeezy-mania.

Kanye Intros A New Colorway

When: April 16, 2008

Complex says: At the Seattle stop of the GITD tour, Ye teases our imaginations with a brand-new colorway.

Don C And Ibn Get Their Kicks

When: March 2009

Complex says: This is why it's good to have friends in high places. And as Ye's crew shows off, the rest of the world waits impatiently for their chance.

Maestro Knows

When: March 24, 2009

Complex says: The first of many of his ingenious actions, Levi Maestro chose to show the world the Yeezy's didn't make dunking any easier. That's unfortunate but we were still going to buy them. So was everyone else.

Complex Covers The Making Of The Yeezy

When: April/May 2009

Complex says: At this point we all knew what they would look like. But what we didn't know was how they got that way. Enter Complex Mag. No thanks necessary.

Colorway 1 Release

When: April 4, 2009

Complex says: After a very VERY long wait, the first colorway became available to the public. Cue the ridiculous lines and overnight camping.

Colorway 2 Releases

When: May 5, 2009

Complex says: Those who missed out on the first pair didn't plan on losing again. Which made the lines even worse the second time around.

Colorway 3 Release

When: June 6, 2009

Complex says: The third and final release. If you missed out on these, you missed out on history. Sucks doesn't it?

Doernbecher Charity

When: September 13, 2009

Complex says: A pair of 1-off Yeezy prototypes were auctioned off for charity. That's one hell of a way to make a difference and show up Kanye at his own game. We would have got them ourselves, but there was a problem with the bank or something. Go figure.

Yeezy 2 First Glimpse

When: February 19, 2011

Complex says: Kobe Bryant's "Black Mamba" short film proves the Yeezy 2s do in fact exist. No one gets a clean look, but the damage is done. WE NEED THE YEEZY 2.

Y2s Spotted At Coachella

When: April 17, 2011

Complex says: The first time around Ye chose the Grammys. This time he debuted the new Yeezys in front of thousands of screaming fans during the last day of Coachella.

Ibn Posts A Close Up

When: April 18, 2011

Complex says: Up until this there were no close-ups of the 2s — at least nothing that showed detail. This wasn't the best angle, but we'll take what we can get.

Paprazzi Get The Best Flic Yet

When: April 20, 2011

Complex says: There are no days off for the paps. And while the rest of the world was out celebrating plant life, the professionals were out catching prime images of the Yeezy 2.