As new colorways are introduced month in and month out, it is clear that the adidas Yeezy 700 is fast becoming one of the broadest product lines that Yeezy has to offer. Four different versions of this thick-soled, running-inspired design now exist, each building off of one another to serve a new purpose. With so many options, it might be difficult to find the pair that works best for you. Luckily, we are here to help.
Whether you are looking to pick up a personal pair to wear or the best pair to invest in, it’s important to gear yourself with all of the information you need in your hunt for that next pair of 700s. Using our expertise and insights, we broke down the differences between each type of Yeezy 700 and pinpointed which models are the best long-term buy.
History of the Yeezy Boost 700
In 2016, the “dad shoe” trend was in full effect. Meme culture coined the Nike Monarch as the unofficial shoe of fatherhood, the adidas Raf Simons Ozweego and Balenciaga Triple S set off a domino effect of chunky sneakers in high fashion, and the Fila Disruptor became one of the most popular shoes in the world. In response to this global trend, Yeezy called upon veteran sneaker designer Steven Smith to create a Yeezy silhouette unlike anything the company had ever made before – the adidas Yeezy Boost 700.
Steven Smith and Ye at the 2019 Fast Company Innovation Festival (Getty Images)
Maximalist sneaker design was not foreign to Steven Smith when Yeezy brought him on board. In fact, he was the mastermind behind many bulky, cult classic sneakers of the 1990s and early 2000s, like the New Balance 997, Reebok Instapump Fury, and Nike Air Spiridon Cage 2. For the Yeezy Boost 700, Smith incorporated a similar aesthetic from his days at New Balance – an aesthetic that relied on mixed materials, layered construction, and accentuated features.
The original adidas Yeezy Boost 700 Wave Runner released in November of 2017, kickstarting Yeezy’s transition from sleek, knit-constructed designs into chunkier silhouettes. Its alignment with the “dad shoe” trend propelled the 700 to immediate popularity, and now, the design stands as one of the most renowned silhouettes in the Yeezy catalog.
Types of Yeezy 700s
The 700 has evolved tremendously since its debut. In less than five years, four different variations of the design have been released, each in an array of colorways. Starting from the beginning of the line, here is a breakdown of each silhouette and the features that give them their identity.
adidas Yeezy Boost 700
The original adidas Yeezy Boost 700 was Yeezy’s departure from the popular minimalist design aesthetic of the Yeezy Boost 350. Instead of utilizing monotone one-piece Primeknit construction, the silhouette featured layers of multicolored leather, suede, and mesh. At the base, a thick, sculptural Boost sole provided cushioning familiar from previous models, but in a more eye-catching fashion.
adidas Yeezy Boost 700 V2
In 2018, Yeezy introduced a second variation of the adidas Yeezy Boost 700 that took a more mesh-heavy approach. Pulling inspiration from adidas running shoes of the 1990s, the V2 featured three stripe detailing on each side of its mesh and leather upper. Adding a sense of familiarity, thick Boost soles and leather toe wraps from the original 700 were also prominently incorporated, connecting the two designs.
adidas Yeezy 700 V3
The adidas Yeezy 700 V3 is the most unique version of the 700 design to date. Released in 2019, it is the first and only variation of the 700 that does not have Boost technology. Instead, it features a sleek EVA foam sole. The 700 V3 also introduced a translucent TPU lace cage unit, adding to the futuristic feel of the design. Finally, Primeknit is found in the upper instead of traditional mesh and leather from the previous 700s. All in all, the 700 V3 is the most modern-looking variation in the line.
adidas Yeezy Boost 700 MNVN
The adidas Yeezy Boost 700 MNVN is arguably the most minimal 700 design in Yeezy’s catalog. The MNVN does away with the layered, mixed material look of the previous 700s and opts for dynamic nylon and TPU construction. Reflective “700” numbering adorns the side. The design’s main connection to other 700 iterations is its thick Boost sole, which is prominent in both the adidas Yeezy Boost 700 and 700 V2.
How Much Do Yeezy 700s Cost?
If you are able to get a pair of 700s at the retail price, you’ll be paying $200 to $300, depending on the model. The original 700 and 700 V2 retail at $300, while V3 and MNVN versions retail on the lower end at $200. But, like most Yeezy releases, 700s typically sell out at retail, leaving their true price to be determined by buyers and sellers on the secondary market.
The chart above shows the average price premium for Yeezy 700s by silhouette over the last 90 days. As you can see, the 700 V3 has the highest premium of any 700 models, reselling for 52% above retail on average. With one of the lowest retail prices in the line, the V3 offers a low-cost/high premium value that is enticing for buyers and investors alike. They are not the most expensive in the secondary market, but they are by far the most profitable if you are able to get your hands on a pair at the retail level.
Right behind the V3, the 700 V2 is another smart investment with an average resale premium just below 40%. Already having a higher-end retail price to begin with, the V2 is the most expensive Yeezy 700 on average by dollar amount, reselling for around $400 on average. The 700 V2 is a good option if you are interested in investing in a shoe with high resale value and are comfortable with slimmer profit margins.
If you are looking for the most affordable way to get into a pair of 700s, the 700 MNVN is a no-brainer. Not only does it have the lowest retail price, but also the lowest resale premium at just 15%, giving it the lowest market price in the line. For a Yeezy 700 with Boost technology and a sleek design, it doesn’t get much better than that.
The Takeaway
Originally created in response to a global wave of chunky, retro-inspired sneakers, the adidas Yeezy 700 line has something for everybody. It offers layered looks that are in line with today’s hottest trends, comfort for the daily grind, high premium options for investors who are looking to grow their capital, and more affordable options for savvy shoppers who want to rock 700s for a low price.
Now that you have all of the information you need in your journey to find that next pair of Yeezy 700s, we hope you find the pair that resonates most with what you need. Happy shopping.
