Ye just linked up with Ian Connor and sent him home with a pair of the Yeezy 800, per a post shared August 19th. Photos show them at what looks like an event, followed by a shot of the Yeezys fresh out the box.
The pair shown is done up in dark, earthy tones with a rugged, trail inspired build. Mesh panels run across the upper, layered with suede and leather overlays. A chunky sole wraps around the bottom, giving the shoe a heavier, outdoor ready look.
The Yeezy 800 is set to release to the public in December. That makes this early pair a preview look months ahead of the general drop, and it lines up with Ye's history of getting samples into his circle long before retail.
It's a familiar angle for anyone who follows his page. The classic foot check that's become his signature way of showing off new pairs. Based on the shot, this looks like one of the first real on foot looks at the shoe outside of Ye's own previews.
Ye revealed the Yeezy 800 just weeks ago, and pastel colorways followed shortly after that first reveal. Getting a dark, earth toned pair into Connor's hands this early suggests Ye is still expanding the shoe's color range as December gets closer.
Kanye Gifts Yeezy 800's
This isn't the first time Connor has had early access to Ye's footwear. He's been tied to the Yeezy brand since its earliest days. He's often surfacing in samples and unreleased colorways before the public ever sees them.
The access has made him something of an unofficial preview source for Yeezy drops over the years. Fans have come to expect an early look whenever Connor posts something new from Ye's camp.
The Yeezy 800 also marks a bigger moment for the brand.
It's Ye's first numbered flagship sneaker since splitting from Adidas. Further, it's expected to roll out through a wider retail push when it drops in December. An early pair landing with Connor now only adds to the buildup heading into that release.
