"[1] The design process for the Nike Air Yeezy was long and features dozens of sample colorways and silhouettes.

Inspiration behind the line notably include the Air Tech Challenge II, Jordan III and IV.

[2] While several color and wear test samples of the Nike Air Yeezy were made, some are more widely known and discussed than others.

West wore an all black suede pair during his 2008 Grammy Awards performance of "Stronger" and "Hey Mama."

[3][4] In early 2020 while speaking to GQ, West stated that he was open to the idea of a retro release of the Air Yeezy line.

[13] In April 2021, the Nike Air Yeezy 1 prototypes, worn by West during his 2008 Grammys performance, sold for a record $1.8 million.

Additionally, the Air Yeezy 1 prototypes became the first pair of sneakers to top $1 million in a sale.

Brahm Wachter, head of streetwear and collectibles at Sotheby's, stated the price "speaks volumes of Kanye's legacy as one of the most influential clothing and sneaker designers of our time, and of the Yeezy franchise he has built which has become an industry titan.