Jesus Wasn't Walkin' in These: The 5 Ugliest Yeezys Currently on the Market

Why do we keep letting Kanye get away with this stuff? Why won’t anyone stop him?

Photo: Getty Images Jonathan Liebson

In a world full of lies, this is the truth: Almost every pair of Yeezys is ugly.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Hidden Symbolism in Ryan Coogler’s Masterpiece Sinners

Last Friday, The Root wrote about Kanye West filing a lawsuit over bootleg Yeezy Foam Runners manufactured by third-party sellers that have appeared in Walmart store shelves. This raises some very, very important questions:

1. Why would Kanye want to take ownership of those monstrosities? It’s bad enough that his name is attached to them, but filing a lawsuit over some Great Value brand knockoffs just seems like a battle that isn’t worth fighting.

2. Why would Walmart sell them? They don’t anymore, but why consider it?

3. WHO would buy those? Like, who looks at a pair of these shoes–knockoffs or not–and says to themselves “Yeah, I want to look like I have Megatron feet”?

4. Why do we keep letting Kanye Omari West get away with this?

Obviously, there is a very strong market for the Yeezy line as a whole. Bloomberg reported in March that West’s sneaker business with Adidas was valued at $3.2 billion. If you like Yeezys, and are one of the folks that helped make it a billion dollar brand, none of this is meant to be a knock against you or your personal tastes. You like what you like, and wear what you wear.

All I’m saying is, I personally don’t understand the appeal of Yeezys. Because, as mentioned before, many of them are ugly. Dictionary definition ugly. Quato from Total Recall ugly. “U-G-L-Y, they ain’t got no alibi” ugly.

That’s just the way it is.

1. Yeezy Boost 750

Kanye West, speculated to be wearing the Yeezy 3 sneakers ‘Yeezy 750 Boost’, arrives at the Roc Nation Pre-GRAMMY Brunch on February 7, 2015 i Photo: Getty Images Valerie Macon

I can’t lie, the 750 Boosts–which first dropped back in 2015–look extremely comfortable. Also, high-tops are almost always the wave because we gotta protect our ankles at all costs.

HOWEVER (said in the most extreme Stephen A. Smith voice), it doesn’t change the fact that they look like some boots that you’d make out of whatever material you can find if you were trapped in the jungle with no shoes. Just throwing all kinds of random patches and laces and whatnot solely to ensure that they don’t slide off when you run through a patch of mud.

Might as well be called the Gangrene Preventer 750s.

2. Yeezy Foam Runners

YouTuber Brad Hall compares authentic Yeezy Foam Runners, left, to an approximately $20 pair of knockoffs (right). Screenshot: Brad Hall (YouTube)

Crocs, despite the comfort they may provide, are widely mocked as some of the ugliest shoes ever created. The Yeezy Foam Runner has been described as a “futuristic Croc.” So, not only is it a pain to look at, but does that mean it’s also a sign of what fashion is going to look like in the year 3021? If so, I’m kind of glad I won’t be around to catch none of that nonsense.

Sorry to my future descendants, though.

3. Yeezy Slides

YouTuber Brad Hall breaks down 5 things to know about the Yeezy Slides. Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘Brad Hall (YouTube)’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

I could get on here and make all of the jokes about how these look like the slippers they give you in prison, but the internet already has that pretty well covered–so I won’t do that. I will say this, though: The fact that they’re charging upward of $55 for these joints is an Amway-level okey-doke.

It’s been said that you can’t put a price on prestige, but not only should they in this case, but that price should also be 20 bucks cheaper.

4. Yeezy 450 Cloud

Seth Fowler reviews the Yeezy 450 Cloud sneakers on YouTube Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘Seth Fowler (YouTube)’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

Dawg, what is this? What is this? It’s as if someone took a still photo of a dude wearing white socks and stepping into a puddle or alien symbiote or whatever else you can think of, passed it along to the folks over at Adidas, and were like “Make a shoe out of that.” The other colorways for these joints are just as tragic.

How you gonna make a shoe that looks like a cruller, @kanyewest?

Dunkin’ Donuts-ass sneaker.

5. Yeezy 500 Blush

Seth Fowler reviews the Yeezy 500 Blush sneakers. Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘Seth Fowler (YouTube)’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

One time I found myself buying a pair of Nike Air Monarchs. I’m wildly flat-footed and needed a pair of shoes that provided the right amount of arch support for me and my extremely needy feet.

The Monarchs did the trick, and I enjoyed wearing them. That all changed when I went out to eat with a friend and saw a man in his late 50s, early 60s rocking a paid of the same pair of Air Monarchs that I had just bought.

That’s when I learned that they were dad shoes, and as we all know, the only people who think dad shoes are cool are dads.

The Yeezy 500s are just high-end dad shoes. Ugly but functional.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

If You See These Missing Black Girls, Call For Help!

If You See These Missing Black Girls, Call For Help!

We’ve compiled a list of missing Black girls under the age of 18 who have disappeared across several states in America, and any details we know regarding each case. #Sayhername …
All You Need To Know About Winnie Mandela's Extraordinary and Turbulent Life

All You Need To Know About Winnie Mandela’s Extraordinary and Turbulent Life

In honor of women’s history month, we’re telling you all about the life of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the Mother of South Africa’s Nation …
The Hilarious Truth Behind Famous 'Lion King' Song Will Shock You

The Hilarious Truth Behind Famous ‘Lion King’ Song Will Shock You

Over 30 years later, fans are finally getting a clue about the famous ‘Circle of Life’ song from The Lion King. But it may not be what you think! …
All About the Alleged Black Shooter at an Austin Bar

All About the Alleged Black Shooter at an Austin Bar

Austin police are piecing together the motive behind Ndiaga Diagne, the Black man who killed three and injured 14 in a March 1 mass shooting …
Jess Hilarious Says 'The Breakfast Club' Move to Netflix Leaves Their Loyal Fans Behind

Jess Hilarious Says ‘The Breakfast Club’ Move to Netflix Leaves Their Loyal Fans Behind

‘The Breakfast Club’ co-host says that since the show moved from YouTube to Netflix, a lot of their long-time followers feel “neglected.” …
Why Bill Cosby's Latest Legal Troubles Has Him Pulling This Move Against Janice Dickinson

Why Bill Cosby’s Latest Legal Troubles Has Him Pulling This Move Against Janice Dickinson

Jury selection is currently taking place in relation to Bill Cosby’s latest sexual assault lawsuit. But he’s not going down without a fight! …
What's at Stake for Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Other Black Politicians This Midterm Primary Season

What’s at Stake for Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Other Black Politicians This Midterm Primary Season

With the stakes high for Jasmine Crockett, Al Green and other Black politicians, here’s everything you need to know about the March 6 midterm primary races …
Are We Actually Headed Toward World War 3? Why It Feels Closer Than Ever...

Are We Actually Headed Toward World War 3? Why It Feels Closer Than Ever…

One in three people from the U.S. to France to Canada believe WWIII is likely within the next five years. Here’s why …
Henrietta Lacks' Estate Scores This Major Win Decades After Her Cancer Cells Were Stolen

Henrietta Lacks’ Estate Scores This Major Win Decades After Her Cancer Cells Were Stolen

Just in time for Women’s History Month, the family of Henrietta Lacks scored another huge win in the decades-long fight for justice …
Why The 'Scary Movie 6' Trailer Has Black Fans Going Crazy

Why The ‘Scary Movie 6’ Trailer Has Black Fans Going Crazy

The Wayans Brothers are back with another, long-awaited iteration of ‘Scary Movie.’ And judging by fan reactions, this one looks like the best one yet! …
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 12: (L-R) Halle Berry and Angela Bassett attend the 95th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. Photo: Getty Images Emma McIntyre

Don’t Call Me Auntie: Black Celebs Have Strong Feelings About This Term of Endearment

During the 2023 Oscars, Michael B. Jordan lovingly called Angela Bassett “Auntie,” but some people have a problem with it …
Influencer Explains Why Her Bladder Collapsed At The Gym

Influencer Explains Why Her Bladder Collapsed At The Gym

After lifting too heavy at the gym, one TikToker is telling her viewers about experiencing a bladder prolapse …
Trayvon Martin and Other Black People Who Were Unjustly Killed in America

Trayvon Martin and Other Black People Who Were Unjustly Killed in America

14 years after Trayvon Martin was killed, these other Black men and women were also murdered in shocking similarity …
How Teyana Taylor's Daughter Stole the Entire Show at the 2026 Actor Awards

How Teyana Taylor’s Daughter Stole the Entire Show at the 2026 Actor Awards

While Teyana Taylor may have been the one nominated at the 2026 Actor Awards, her five-year-old daughter Rue was the one everyone kept their eyes on! …
The Real Reason This Black Candidate for Governor Could Receive Zero Black Votes in November

The Real Reason This Black Candidate for Governor Could Receive Zero Black Votes in November

It seems aligning himself with MAGA and Trump is costing Mich. Rep. John James crucial support from the Black community …
Everything You Were Never Told About the Enslaved Woman Who <i>Actually</i> Sparked the Salem Witch Trials

Everything You Were Never Told About the Enslaved Woman Who Actually Sparked the Salem Witch Trials

The Salem Witch Trials began in March 1692 with a coerced confession— but the true story of the enslaved woman at the heart of it all is far more complex …
Don Lemon Slapped With Another Lawsuit as Minneapolis Churchgoer Claims His Protest Coverage Violated Her First Amendment Rights

Don Lemon Slapped With Another Lawsuit as Minneapolis Churchgoer Claims His Protest Coverage Violated Her First Amendment Rights

Ann Doucette alleged she was left with “severe emotional distress, fear, anxiety, and trauma” after Don Lemon and others covered a Minneapolis church protest …
All the Best Black Moments You Missed at the 2026 Actor Awards

All the Best Black Moments You Missed at the 2026 Actor Awards

There was a whole lot of Black excellence at the 2026 Actor Awards! In case you missed it, catch our breakdown …
Black Girls: Here's Why A $3.99 Trader Joe's Tote Could Be The Most Valuable Thing In Your Wardrobe

Black Girls: Here’s Why A $3.99 Trader Joe’s Tote Could Be The Most Valuable Thing In Your Wardrobe

A Black British writer observes a new fashion phenomenon across the pond: Trader Joe’s tote bags have become a coveted status symbol, echoing the appeal and exclusivity once held by the iconic Hermès Birkin bag …
You’ll Never Guess What 1990s Halle Berry Film Inspired Iman Shumpert to Invest in Uber

You’ll Never Guess What 1990s Halle Berry Film Inspired Iman Shumpert to Invest in Uber

Iman Shumpert opened up on ‘Club Shay Shay’ about how a ’90s Black film inspired him to invest early in Uber — and what he learned after cashing out too soon …