Yeezy vs NMD: Which Adidas Sneakers Are Best?

The Yeezy Boost and NMD are two of the most popular Adidas lifestyle sneakers on the market, but which is the best?

Despite both sneakers debuting in 2015, there are a number of differences between them. As a result, we've decided to compare the two before giving our overall verdict on which we think you should buy.

So, without further delay, we'll start by comparing their price...

Yeezy vs NMD - Price

One of the first things you'll likely consider when deciding between the two is which out of the NMD's and Yeezy's cost less.

Generally speaking, a pair of Yeezy 350 v2's, like these "Bone" v2's, retail for more than a comparable pair of triple-black NMD's.

Adidas NMD_R1 product image of a triple back trainer below an all-white Yeezy 350 v2.
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Credit: adidas

This is most likely due to several reasons. Firstly, Yeezy stock can be more limited than NMD stock at times, thus increasing demand.

On top of that, Yeezy's come with the accompanying name value of Kanye West, one of the most popular music artists over the last two decades.

Having said that, a pair of Pharrell Williams Hu NMD's cost about the same as a pair of Yeezy 350 v2's, thus showing the value that is added with a popular music artist attached to the release.

Yeezy vs NMD - Design

From a design perspective, the Yeezy range is far more varied, with Kanye and Adidas covering everything from lightweight, Primeknit trainers with the 350 v2 collection, to slip-on loungewear shoes, like these "Onyx" Yeezy Foam RNNR's.

adidas Yeezy Foam RNNR Onyx image of a grey foam sneaker.
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Credit: Yeezy Influence

NMD's, on the other hand, stick exclusively to the lightweight trainer model, with knitted uppers and Boost technology in their midsoles, much like comparable 350 v2's.

In terms of aesthetics, Yeezy's are usually completely void of any branding on the outside. By contrast, NMD's include the signature three stripes down the lateral and medial sides, and Adidas branding on the midsole plugs.

adidas NMD_R1 product image of a black sneaker with a white midsole and red and blue midsole plugs.
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Credit: adidas

Yeezy vs NMD - Comfort

As mentioned in our comparison of Yeezy's and Ultraboost's, both Yeezy's and NMD's feature Adidas' Boost technology, which is widely regarded as one of the most comfortable midsole materials around.

This makes it hard to separate the two from a comfort perspective.

However, you may find the typically tighter knit of NMD's uppers to be more restrictive and less breathable than the more weaved approach used on a pair of Yeezy 350's.

On top of that, Yeezy 350's come with much wider outsoles which, in turn, can increase comfort by providing more stability under your feet.

adidas Yeezy Boost 350 v2 "Beluga Solar Red" product image of the translucent brown outsole.
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Credit: adidas

It is a tough one to call though, especially as there is no definitive answer as to which is the more comfortable of the two.

Which Is Best?

It's hard to say which out of the two Adidas sneakers is best because both are great in their own right, so choosing between them will ultimately come down to personal preference.

Having said that, we'd perhaps argue that the wider variety of Yeezy models makes them a more versatile pick; however, you also have to consider their slightly more expensive price tag, especially if you're buying from the resale market.

Overall, we feel both have their place, so deciding which is best will vary depending on your own personal taste and style. We'd recommend exploring both options until the find a pair of sneakers that stand out to you.

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