Image via Complex Original
intro
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...
plane-designs
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.
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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.
gitd-tour
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-ibn
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.
levi-maestro
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-mag
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.
grey-release
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.
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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.
tan-release
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?
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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.
first-glimpse
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.
coachella
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-blogs
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.
best-image-yet
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.
