Kanye West has officially ended his collaboration with Steven Smith, the long-time designer for the YEEZY brand, according to Fast Company. The split happened in August after Smith felt he could no longer work effectively with West.
Smith is a well-known name in sneaker design, having created classic models for brands like Nike, New Balance, and Reebok, as well as the YEEZY 700 and Foam Runner. His work includes the New Balance 550 and the Zoom Spiridon Cage, among others.
Smith joined YEEZY in 2016 in an unusual way. Kanye West flew him out to a Detroit show and introduced him on stage as a visionary who would help shape the future of sneaker design. Under Smith’s direction, YEEZY became a major success, with the YEEZY 700 helping to revive the chunky sneaker trend and the Foam Runner, made from recycled algae, becoming a standout piece.
The YEEZY brand faced challenges in 2022 when adidas cut ties with Kanye West over controversial statements. Since then, adidas has been clearing out YEEZY stock at reduced prices, and Smith continued to work with West on the independent YZY line until disagreements over new projects, like YZY pornography, led to their split.
Now, YZY’s most talked-about product is the YEEZY Pods, a sock-like shoe with rubber pads, selling for just $20. As both Smith and West move forward, the sneaker community will be watching closely.
