Kanye West has long been a controversial figure, and that controversy isn't just limited to his slightly unhinged persona. A debate has ravaged the sneaker world about whether or not Mr. West himself is responsible for Adidas's recent gains in sneaker market shares. West has made questionable fashion decisions in the past, such as $120 white t-shirts, but his Yeezy line of shoes have been selling like gangbusters, despite limited supply and exorbitant price tags (although perhaps that's part of the appeal).
In the year between May 2016 and 2017, Adidas has seen giant gains in the market, and some are trying to ascribe exactly why.