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
The Internet Split After Amerie’s Tiny Desk Concert

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

The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026!

The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026!

From Jay-Z and Jill Scott—a lot our music faves are hitting the road for some amazing tours. Let’s check out who and when! …
These Black Leading Men Aren't Just Paving the Way, They're Building New Roads

These Black Leading Men Aren’t Just Paving the Way, They’re Building New Roads

After Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler’s Oscar wins last weekend, we’re looking at more Black men who are leading in their respective fields …
Jay-Z is Up to Something Big, Now We Have an Idea What it is

Jay-Z is Up to Something Big, Now We Have an Idea What it is

After nearly a decade since Jay-Z’s last album, rumors about new music are circulating from fans gearing up for his first performance in years …
Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand 'Uncle Nearest' Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand ‘Uncle Nearest’ Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

The Black-owned brand was cemented as the fastest growing whiskey company in the U.S. Now, the legacy is at risk …
Solange's Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s only child Julez Smith is opening up about his sexuality and sparking some discourse online! …
As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

Gasoline prices are up in every state since the Iran war begin and they’re expected to rise …
News of Chuck Norris' Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

News of Chuck Norris’ Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ star Chuck Norris’ shocking death is sparking some interesting responses from Black folks online. We’ll tell you why! …
How Angela Davis Predicted The Modern Face Of Fascism in 1971

How Angela Davis Predicted The Modern Face Of Fascism in 1971

Fifty years prior to rumors of fascism circling President Trump, activist and philosopher Angela Davis made a spooky prediction about dictatorship in the U.S …
Black Woman Has a Multi-Million Dollar Victory in Discrimination Case Against City of Fresno

Black Woman Has a Multi-Million Dollar Victory in Discrimination Case Against City of Fresno

La-Kebbia “Kiki” Wilson sued the city of Fresno after she became the subject of horrific discrimination from her supervisor …
What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

Usher was Justin Bieber’s mentor early on in his career, but now it seems like the two may not be in good-standing with each other. Let’s get into it! …
Why Postal Leaders Warn They Could Run Out of Money

Why Postal Leaders Warn They Could Run Out of Money

Millions of Americans depend on USPS to receive medicines, cast mail in ballots and even pay bills. Now, that’s all at risk …
New Development After Tuskegee University Coach Was Handcuffed, Escorted Out of Rival Morehouse Game

New Development After Tuskegee University Coach Was Handcuffed, Escorted Out of Rival Morehouse Game

Clips of a Tuskegee University coach handcuffed at Morehouse shocked the sports world; now, he’s making a move that could change everything …
5 Things You Didn't Know About Spike Lee & Denzel Washington's Films Over the Years

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Spike Lee & Denzel Washington’s Films Over the Years

In honor of Spike Lee’s birthday, let’s take a look at a few fun facts about him and frequent collaborator Denzel Washington that you may not have heard about! …
New Development in Miss Jamaica Health Status After Scary Fall at Miss Universe Pageant

New Development in Miss Jamaica Health Status After Scary Fall at Miss Universe Pageant

Gabrielle Henry, knowns as Miss Jamaica, suffered a frightening fall at the Miss Universe pageant in November 2025. And now we have major news on her condition …
Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is letting it be known she’s not here for Nicki Minaj’s alleged spread of misinformation. Now, the Barbz are responding! …
Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

After Shyne and Ma$e reminisce about 90s romance on the “It Is What It Is” podcast, Brandy shuts down the rumors and distances herself from her brother’s erratic behavior …
New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

First, Southwest took away free checked bags and open seating. Now, Black women are speaking out on a new seating policy that allegedly causes more harm than good …
States Seeking Refund for 330,000 Businesses After Billions Lost to Trump's 'Illegal' Tariffs

States Seeking Refund for 330,000 Businesses After Billions Lost to Trump’s ‘Illegal’ Tariffs

Over 15 states penned a letter to Congress demanding they receive compensation following Trump’s “illegal” tariffs …
Former Magic City Dancer Enters the Conversation After NBA Cancels Collab With Atlanta Hawks

Former Magic City Dancer Enters the Conversation After NBA Cancels Collab With Atlanta Hawks

A former Magic City dancer just gave her two cents amid ongoing fallout from the Hawks’ collaboration with the popular strip club …
Olivia Pope and President Grant's Sexiest ‘Scandal’ Moments of All Time

Olivia Pope and President Grant’s Sexiest ‘Scandal’ Moments of All Time

Kerry Washington and her ‘Scandal’ costar Tony Goldwyn are looking back at some of their steamiest moments. But there are some they’ve missed, let’s take a look! …