Kanye West, now legally known as Ye, has captured public attention once again with the launch of his latest Yeezy footwear models, the SL-02 sneaker and SL-03 boot. This moment came during the 2025 Super Bowl when Ye showcased his unorthodox marketing tactics by airing a low-budget advertisement, which he claimed to have shot on his iPhone. Interestingly, he said he spent his ad budget on new teeth, leading to an ad production reminiscent of the DIY aesthetic.
The commercial directed viewers to Yeezy.com, where both the all-black SL-02 and SL-03 were available for purchase for just $20 each. These models build on the minimalistic design established with the previous SL-01 slides, reflecting Ye's bold yet understated approach to footwear. The SL-02 embraces a low-top sneaker silhouette, focusing on everyday wearability, whereas the SL-03 takes it up a notch with its chunky, high-cut boot design.
After the advertisement aired, the official Yeezy website faced another layer of controversy. Shortly thereafter, it removed most of its products, leaving only one particularly contentious item: a t-shirt featuring a swastika logo. The frustrations around the launch were compounded as Ye’s X (formerly Twitter) account was also deactivated, adding to the tidal wave of discussions online.
This mixed bag of publicity marks Ye's attempt to shift the Yeezy brand's focus from high-end luxury sneakers to more affordable, minimalist designs. The pricing strategy of $20 aims to make the models accessible, contrasting sharply with the hype-driven culture surrounding previous Yeezy releases, which had often relegated them to exorbitant resale prices.
The streamlined aesthetic of the new releases corresponds with current sneaker trends, which embrace simplicity as well. The SL-02 sneaker features traditional laces, crafted from matte black synthetic material, and includes basic rubber outsoles for traction. This sneaker is being promoted as suitable for casual, everyday wear, making it likely to capture attention for its versatility.
On the other hand, the SL-03 boot showcases a futuristic design ethos. It mimics the industrial trend with its high-cut silhouette and bulkier sole, providing not just style but also comfort and support. The absence of visible laces hints at innovative closure mechanisms, which likely add to the piece's allure for those seeking bold fashion statements.
Despite the controversies, Ye's strategic shift to offer these affordable models indicates his awareness of the market needs and fashion consumer dynamics. Many fans still express bewilderment over his recent actions and comments, which have sometimes overshadowed the excitement of new product launches. Nevertheless, it remains evident he has substantial leverage within the fashion sphere.
Like any of Kanye's ventures, these new releases are not just about the shoes; they’re also about the statement they make—challenging conventional practices within the sneaker industry and shifting the paradigm toward accessibility. The aftermath of the launch will be interesting to follow as the fashion world watches how the public responds to these moves, both stylistically and sentiment-wise.