WORDS BY STEPHEN YU
Just like every kid growing up, Kanye West always wanted to ‘be like Mike’. Not Jackson or Tyson, but Jordan. But while his self-proclamations that he is the ‘Michael Jordan of music’ is the kind of statement we’ve come to love and expect from hip-hop’s freest thinker, could Yeezy ever really jump over Jumpman? Nobody rules the sneaker game both on-court and off it quite like Mike, but with the release of the first-ever Yeezy basketball sneaker, the Yeezy QNTM BSKTBL aka the Yeezy Quantum Basketball, we’re starting to believe in Ye as much as he does.
First handed out for free from armoured vehicles buzzing around Chicago during the NBA All-Star Weekend, the adidas Yeezy basketball shoe — known as the Quantum — is the first time we’ve seen a real threat to sport’s greatest partnership in years (sorry, Steph Curry). While there are hallmarks of the shoes that came before it, namely the Primeknit uppers of the 350 and the suede toe box of the 700, aesthetically the Quantums are one of the most progressive basketball shoes ever seen. But bolstered by full Boost cushioning in the sole and an ultra-comfortable neoprene bootie, these high-tops weren’t just designed for style, but performance too. Released in two versions –– a basketball edition and one for lifestyle –– the former adds a TPU exoskeleton around the foot for added stability on the hardwood, whilst the latter benefits from 3M reflective detailing infused into the heel counter, tongue and uppers for flexing on the streets. While NBA footwear policy forbids reflective materials, all the Quantums need to become as iconic as Jordans is their very own ‘banned’ story –– just like Mike.
We’ve seen the release of only two colourways in the Yeezy basketball Quantum sneakers this year, so expect more on the horizon. And with the tease of the quite frankly bizarre Derrick Rose Yeezy sneakers, it’s clear that Yeezy has its eyes set on the basketball industry. Could the Quantums be the Jordan 1s of the future? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure –– you don’t want to miss out on the comfort, performance and aesthetics (and maybe the future resale value) of the Quantums. Best of all, they come in sizes for the whole family, so you can step out in matching sneakers just like Kim, North West and Ye. Below, there’s an influencer to help you with all things Quantum sizing, styling and fit, whether you’re big or small.
The Ultimate Yeezy QNTM BSKTBL Sizing, Fit and Styling guide
Mother and daughter fashion influencer team based in New York, United States
As an avid lover of high-top sneakers, my initial reaction to seeing a preview of the Yeezy Quantum sneaker was, ‘Oh my gosh, I have to have these for Sevyn.’ From the colourway to the design, it’s a model that takes sneakers to a whole new level. The futuristic aesthetic is stylish and versatile without being bulky. Often, basketball-style sneakers look too masculine and don’t translate well to being worn outside of athletic usage. This sleek Yeezy basketball sneaker looks great on-feet and is super trendy. It looks fabulous when worn by women yet are even better looking on children.
Styling:
I’ve styled Sevyn in the Yeezy Quantum sneaker with jogger-style pants, a tracksuit, as well as a sweatshirt dress. Footwear is the starting point of any outfit; I build from the bottom up. Usually a mood or colour inspires my approach to creating a dynamite fit. With each look, I think of a complementary colour scheme that’d make it complete. As the primary colourway of the Yeezy Quantum is black and grey, pairing it with various clothing options is seamless. The Quantum sneaker is the epitome of urban fashion and it enhances any ensemble. Although I was drawn to its aesthetics, the sneaker is super comfortable and offers great support. It gently hugs your foot and there’s lots of room in the toe box.
Sizing & Fit:
The Yeezy Quantum sneaker is a bit roomy but it’s very close to being true to size. If choosing a child’s size, I’d buy the size that they’re currently wearing unless you’re looking to have room for growth, then I’d recommend sizing up.
They’re also extremely comfy. This is one pair of sneakers my daughter doesn’t mind keeping on-feet all day. She runs, jumps, and walks in these with ease.
Care:
So far I haven’t put any major work into the upkeep of the Yeezy Quantum sneakers in order to maintain their pristine condition. The material is easy to wipe down with a water-based baby wipe and I use an eraser on the suede toe box. They’re extremely durable as well. The craftsmanship that goes into this sneaker is superior to anything else on the market. Toddlers tend to give their footwear a beating, but after wiping these down they look as good as new.
Herv Gotti (@successismycologne)
Sneaker and fashion Instagrammer based in Boston, United States of America
What first drew me to the Yeezy QNTM was the fact that it was a multi-dimensional adidas basketball sneaker that I could play basketball in, yet also create really cool streetwear looks with. I personally hadn’t been excited about an adidas basketball shoe since the ‘Kobe Crazy 8’ and Harden 1s. How unique the QNTM is really drew me in. For a long time, adidas was really lacking in that department, so for something to finally come out that I couldn’t not have –– that was special. The reflective 3M is one of my favourite details as well as the silhouette. I was in Chicago for the NBA All-Star Weekend when Kanye drove around in a truck giving out Yeezy QNTMs in exchange for whatever sneakers people were wearing on their feet. It was crazy, I had to be part of that experience.
Styling:
The first thing that always comes to mind when putting outfits together is never be too matchy, but make sure everything goes together effortlessly. I style my Yeezy QNTMs depending on where I’m going and what mood I’m in. If I’m in the mood to turn heads I’ll wear them with some nylon pants — the tapered shape looks better towards the ankle where you can really bring attention to the shoe. Thick socks go better with this sneaker, especially in charcoal, so socks that create a layered effect are a must. A boxy fitted tee and an oversized beige, black or grey hoodie goes really well. On a regular day, I’ll style my QNTMs with an oversized crewneck with matching sweatpants in neutral colours. I’m cosy but still ready to be seen.
One brand that’s a really great fit with the Yeezy Quantums is Pleasures, its tees and hoodies are really great quality. What I love about Pleasures is how experimental its clothing is –– my hoodie looks inside-out, when in reality it was made that way. It’s so different. I’d say the same for Jerry Lorenzo’s Fear of God: it really won’t fail you if you’re looking for oversized, dope garments to go with your Yeezy QNTMs.
Sizing & Fit:
Surprisingly the Yeezy QNTM’s do fit true to size. As a person with wide feet, I really appreciated the direction that adidas went with this sneaker. Unlike the Derrick Rose signature shoe, the Yeezy QNTM is made to suit every foot type which makes it an easy cop. My advice to anyone looking to grab a pair would be to go true to size or take a half size up. The full-length Boost midsole is really comfortable.
Can a sneaker be too comfortable? Because that’s how I’d describe the Yeezy QNTM. The full-length Boost sole really makes the shoe easy to wear for long periods of time and there’s nothing around the ankle to make the experience uncomfortable. As a person with wide feet, this shoe doesn’t make me feel out of place. Some shoes look appealing to the naked eye, but once tried on are a very upsetting experience –– this isn’t the case with the Yeezy QNTM. Comfort is huge for me, but to be both comfortable and fashionable too is key as a fashion creative.
Care:
To take care of your Yeezy QNTMs I encourage you to invest in a Jason Markk cleaning package. The Jason Markk cleaning solution is one of my favourites; you simply combine it with hot water and apply it with the provided thick-bristle brush. I’d also encourage you to invest in the repellant from Crep Protect –– it’s an amazing spray that keeps any rain, grime or random dirt off my QNTMs. For the sole, I recommend regular upkeep so it doesn’t yellow too much. Take care of your sneakers and they will take care of you.
Fashion and sneaker Instagrammer based in Los Angeles, United States
What drew me to the Yeezy QNTMs was the style of the shoe. I love how different they are as I don’t own anything like them in my collection. Another thing that caught my attention was the colourway — I love how neutral it is which makes them very easy to style and wear.
Styling:
I like to style my Yeezy QNTMs in a very casual but put together way. I’m a sweatpant kind of girl no matter the season, so of course I think wearing them with sweatpants is the best way to style them. I wear mine with a pair of oversized joggers, a crop top, and flannel shirt, or with an oversized crewneck sweater or graphic T-shirt paired with sweatshorts. For brands that are easy to style with the Yeezy QNTM, I’d say if you love streetwear then Supreme would be good, or if you’re more casual then anything from the latest Fear of God Essentials drop looks really good with them too.
Sizing & Fit:
The Yeezy QNTM fits just like every other pair of Yeezys I own –– they’re a half size too small. If you’re looking to buy your first pair of Yeezys and aren't too sure of sizing, I’d recommend you go half a size up.
The comfort level of the Yeezy QNTM is also the same as with all the Yeezys I own. The Boost in them is what makes them so comfortable. I wear mine all day and my feet don’t hurt compared to other brands of shoes I own. I’d say the Yeezy QNTM is comparable to other hype sneakers in the market right now like Nike Air Jordan 1s. I know not everyone’s a fan of or can afford Yeezys, but I do think they’re worth the splurge.
Care:
I personally take very good care of my Yeezy QNTMs and try to not get them dirty when wearing them. Obviously they’re going to get dirty no matter what, so when they do I love using my favourite shoe cleaner by @reshoevn8r. My tip on keeping them clean: spray water and stain repellent spray on them before wearing them for extra protection. I also like to carry sneaker wipes with me for on-the-go quick cleaning.