Yeezy 380

380

The Yeezy 380 was originally developed as the 3rd version of the Yeezy 350, which is not surprising if you look at the two designs side by side. They share the same lightweight, porous Primeknit upper, thick but minimal laces, translucent stripe, low-top shape, hollowed-out rubber outsole, indented adidas logo, reflective 3M details and of course, the pillow-like Boost midsole.

Yet, the Yeezy Boost 380 forged its own path, with updates in a number of key areas. Firstly, they have a layered print similar to camo, creating a 3D topographic design. Then there’s the translucent rubber sole, the exaggerated perforations, the tall, snug-fitting collar and finally, the voluminous midsole heel which tilts upwards at the back. On the 380, this sloped heel along with the more angular ankle cuff design and border imbues the shoe with a clean look. 

In November 2019, the shoe dropped through an LA pop-up store and Kanye’s own website, Yeezy Supply, making distribution channels limited and demand sky high. It first appeared in a colourway of Cement Grey and Cream called the “Alien”, a name which led some fans to suggest that it might be a reference to Kanye’s unreleased song ft. Kid Cudi, Yung Thug and Migos. It featured a translucent midsole in green that was both spooky and ahead of its time. As for the upper, what appears to be two rips down the lateral and medial sides contain bubble-like perforations, making the shoe lightweight and superbly breathable. 

This colourway is particularly bold in its appearance, but the original design of the 380 was itself stylistically daring. While it owed a lot to the 350, it is clear that it set the Yeezy brand off on its own unique journey, perhaps laying the foundations for many more innovative sneaker releases in the future. The imperious height of the angular Boost, the extraterrestrial colourways and the purposeful rips make the Yeezy 380 a truly fresh sneaker to hold, to look at and to wear.