Honestly, looking back at 2017 feels like a lifetime ago in the sneaker world. Trends move at the speed of a TikTok scroll now, but somehow, the Adidas Yeezy 700 Wave Runner hasn't just survived; it has become the blueprint. When Kanye West and Steven Smith first debuted this "dad shoe" on Yeezy Supply, people were... confused. They hated it. The internet was flooded with memes comparing them to something your Costco-shopping uncle would wear to a BBQ.
But then something shifted.
The clunky proportions started looking right. The "Solid Grey," "Chalk White," and "Core Black" palette—splashed with those iconic hits of teal and orange—became the colorway everyone tried to copy but nobody could quite nail. It wasn't just a shoe; it was a vibe shift that killed the "sock sneaker" era dead in its tracks.
The Design Genius of Steven Smith
You can't talk about the Adidas Yeezy 700 Wave Runner without mentioning Steven Smith. He’s the guy behind some of the most legendary silhouettes in history, from the Reebok InstaPump Fury to the New Balance 574. When he joined the Yeezy team, he brought a brutalist, architectural approach that defied the sleek, minimalist trends of the time.
The Wave Runner is basically a masterclass in layering. Look closely at the upper. You’ve got buttery suede overlays clashing against heavy-gauge mesh and premium leather. It’s chaotic, yet it works perfectly. Most sneakers today use heat-mapped overlays to save money, but the 700 OG stuck to traditional craftsmanship. That’s why they feel so heavy in hand. They feel expensive.
What's really wild is the midsole. It’s huge. It looks like a solid block of foam, but tucked away inside that sculpted TPU shell is a full-length Boost drop-in. It’s arguably the most comfortable Yeezy ever made because it offers stability that the 350 V2 lacks, while still giving you that "walking on clouds" sensation.
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Breaking Down the "Dad Shoe" Narrative
Everyone calls this the quintessential dad shoe, but that’s kinda reductive. Before the Adidas Yeezy 700 Wave Runner dropped, "dad shoes" were a joke—think the Nike Air Monarch or the New Balance 624. Kanye took that uncool, utilitarian aesthetic and injected it with high-fashion DNA.
The 3M reflective hits are the secret sauce. In normal lighting, the three stripes are hidden beneath the mesh, only popping out when a camera flash hits them. It’s a subtle flex. It says, "I know you're looking."
Why the OG Colorway Wins Every Time
Adidas released a ton of 700 V1 colorways—Mauve, Inertia, Magnet, Hospital Blue—but none of them hit like the Wave Runner. There’s something about that specific shade of teal on the toe box. It shouldn't work with orange oval accents on the midsole, but it does.
- The grey tones provide a neutral base that goes with literally any outfit.
- The neon yellow laces add a "safety" element that leans into the industrial aesthetic.
- The black suede wrap provides a visual anchor that slims down the chunky profile.
If you're wearing these with baggy cargos, they look intentional. If you're wearing them with slim jeans (though, who is doing that in 2026?), they provide a nice structural contrast. They are versatile in a way that most hypebeast shoes just aren't.
The Resale Rollercoaster and Market Impact
When the Wave Runner first dropped as a pre-order in August 2017, the resale prices were astronomical. We’re talking $1,000+ easily. Since then, Adidas has restocked them several times—most notably in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. Every single time, people thought the hype would die. Every single time, they sold out in seconds.
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Even after the high-profile split between Adidas and Kanye West, the Wave Runner remains the "golden goose." While other Yeezy models have seen their market value dip as the brand's future became uncertain, the 700 OG has held steady. It’s a design that transcends the drama of the person who made it. It’s a piece of industrial design history now.
Real Talk: Comfort and Sizing
If you're looking to grab a pair today, you need to know about the sizing because it’s a bit of a nightmare. Unlike the 350 V1s which ran big, or the 350 V2s which run small, the Adidas Yeezy 700 Wave Runner is notoriously snug in the toe box.
Basically, the consensus among collectors is to go half a size up. If you have wide feet, maybe even a full size. The toe box is relatively shallow, and that thick padding in the heel pushes your foot forward.
- Standard Foot: Go up 0.5 size from your true-to-size (TTS).
- Wide Foot: Go up 1 full size.
- The "Break-in" Period: The Boost is encased in a firm carrier, so it takes about 5-10 wears before the midsole really starts to "give" and feel like that classic Yeezy squish.
How to Spot a Fake in 2026
The market is flooded with "UA" (unauthorized authentic) pairs and high-tier reps. Because the Wave Runner has so many layers, it’s actually easier for bootleggers to hide mistakes. However, there are a few "tells" that never change.
Check the 3M "eyes" on the heel. On authentic pairs, these are perfectly shaped ovals with a specific texture. On fakes, they’re often jagged or too round. Look at the V-shape on the suede toe box. It should be a soft, symmetrical curve. Many replicas have a "frown" shape or one side that’s longer than the other. Also, the Boost texture on the bottom should have a distinct, "bubbly" look with small embossed stripes, not a flat, plastic feel.
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The Wave Runner's Legacy in Modern Fashion
You see its influence everywhere. Look at the Balenciaga Triple S—that wouldn't have been a mainstream hit without the ground being broken by the 700. Look at New Balance’s massive resurgence with the 990v5 and 9060 models. The industry shifted toward "chunky" and "maximalist" because of what happened in 2017 with this specific sneaker.
It was a risk. At the time, Adidas was winning with the NMD and the UltraBoost—shoes that were all about being lightweight and slim. Throwing a heavy, multi-layered wedge of a shoe into that market was a gamble that changed the trajectory of footwear for a decade.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
If you’re dropping $300-$500 on a pair of sneakers, you want them to last. The Wave Runner is a tank, but the materials are sensitive.
- Suede Care: Use a brass-bristle brush on the grey suede. Do not use water. If you get a stain, use a suede eraser.
- Midsole Creasing: It’s going to happen. The painted foam on the 700 is prone to micro-creases. You can actually use a hairdryer on a low setting to "pop" some of these out, but be careful not to melt the glue.
- Mesh Cleaning: A soft toothbrush with a bit of Jason Markk or Crep Protect works wonders on the teal mesh. Just don't scrub too hard or you'll fray the delicate fibers.
What to Do Next
If you’re on the fence about buying a pair of Adidas Yeezy 700 Wave Runners, here is the reality: they aren't getting cheaper, and they aren't going out of style. They have reached "classic" status, much like a Jordan 1 Chicago or a Black Cement 3.
- Check GOAT or StockX: Look at the sales history for your specific size. Don't just look at the current "Ask" price; see what people are actually paying.
- Verify the Seller: If you're buying used on platforms like eBay or Grailed, ensure they have the "Authenticity Guarantee" tag.
- Inspect the "Boost": When you get them in hand, press your thumb into the Boost on the outsole. It should feel firm but have a distinct rebound. If it feels like hard plastic or soft sponge, you've got a problem.
- Style them right: Pair them with neutral tones. Let the shoes be the loud part of the outfit. Earth tones, charcoal greys, and washed blacks are your best friends here.
The Wave Runner is more than a hype purchase. It's a piece of footwear history that actually holds up to daily wear. It's rare to find a shoe that looks just as good beat up as it does fresh out of the box, but this is one of them.