Adidas Yeezy

Yeezy is a highly influential fashion collaboration that revolutionized the sneaker industry through its partnership between American rapper and designer Kanye West (Ye) and the German sportswear giant Adidas. Originally launched in 2015, the brand became a global phenomenon known for its avant-garde silhouettes and the use of proprietary technologies like Boost cushioning and Primeknit fabrics.

While Kanye West holds the intellectual property rights to the Yeezy name and brand, the manufacturing and design infrastructure were historically managed by Adidas. Most Yeezy products were manufactured in Southeast Asia, specifically China and Vietnam, though some specialized runs, such as the Foam RNNR, were produced in the United States or Germany to experiment with domestic manufacturing and sustainable materials.

In late 2022, Adidas officially terminated the partnership with Kanye West; however, Adidas remains the sole owner of the design rights to the existing products created during the partnership (excluding the Yeezy name). Consequently, current inventory and brand management are handled by Adidas AG as they oversee the final liquidation of stock. Both entities remain headquartered in their respective founding countries: Ye in the United States and Adidas in Germany.