By Tim Newcomb
DeAndre Hopkins liked his Yeezy cleats just fine, scoring the Texans’ first touchdown of the season the 350 model.
Now, with that cleat available to the money-wielding masses for $250 as of today (the 750 does not yet have a release date), and not just those with NFL endorsement deals from adidas, will we start to see the Primeknit-laden cleats laced up on Friday nights across the country? That answer depends on not only the personal preference of the students, but often on a high school coach’s rules and the contracts that have trickled down to major high school football programs.
For example, at nationally ranked Mallard Creek High School in North Carolina, head coach Michael Palmieri tells Sole Collector that since his school has signed with Under Armour, that means the cleats on the Mavericks stay UA. So, no Yeezys there.
Kenny Sanchez, head coach of nationally top-ranked Bishop Gorman High School near Las Vegas, tells Sole Collector that the Gaels have a Nike deal, and not to expect anything flashy in terms of cleats from his players—Yeezy, Jordan, or otherwise.
“We dress in uniform together like an army,” he says. His “very strict” nature of uniform means that even if they were an adidas school, there wouldn’t be an opportunity for a student to step out with their own individuality.
One of Washington state’s winningest high school football coaches, Curt Kramme of Lynden High School, doesn’t have a shoe deal limiting him, allowing a little more freedom for what the Lions can wear. “We have no restrictions on footwear,” he tells Sole Collector. “Yet.”
And while Kramme admits he hasn’t paid much attention to the new Yeezy cleats, players need to check with him before they try anything too flashy. “If they draw too much attention,” he says, “I would probably say no.” But a bit of low-top Primeknit in Yeezy style likely wouldn’t draw the Kramme ire thanks to its unassuming hues.
When it comes to the players, expect a mixed bag. Scouring social media shows a mix of reactions, with some players loyal to Nike, others scared the Yeezy construction won’t stand up to the rigors of the game, and plenty players who’d love to play in the cleats—especially if someone else footed the bill at checkout.
Players at Meadowdale High School north of Seattle echo that sentiment. “If the Yeezy cleat has the same material as the Yeezy shoe there is no way I’d wear them,” says Dan Barhoum, “(I’d) for sure roll an ankle. But they are a cool looking pair of cleats.”
Quarterback Drew Tingstad says he appreciates how the premise of Yeezy moves a “stylish brand” into performance, but says he doesn’t see them as practical. “Also, the cleats Vonn Miller wore [the 750] were gross. Low-tops are the way to go.”
For those worried about how the shoes will hold up on the field, adidas used the 5-Star cleat plate and Sprintskin upper on the 350, common technology across their standard football lines that make this cleat viable for the field, as we saw during the NFL’s opening weekend. The 750 has a Quickframe plate with leather on the upper and a strap across the midfoot for support, even if it isn’t as likely to be an on-field option.
So while Hopkins may continue to sport the Yeezy for Houston, quite a few more variables may keep many high school players from following form.
Tim Newcomb covers sneakers and stadiums. Follow him on Twitter at @tdnewcomb.
