Nike Air Yeezy 1 ‘Tan’: The Final Icon

Nike Air Yeezy 1 ‘Tan’: The Final Icon

"What if we dropped a sneaker even your grandma would recognize… without ever knowing who Kanye is?"

Back in 2009, the sneaker world came to a halt when—for the first time in Nike history—an artist, not an athlete, got his own signature sneaker. Enter: the Nike Air Yeezy 1 ‘Tan’, also known as the ‘Net’. A pair so rare, you're more likely to spot a unicorn in Amsterdam than find a size 11.5 in deadstock condition (and yes, we’ve got it).

In this blog, we dive deep into the history of this holy grail—from the iconic Nike x Kanye collaboration to why this pair is now worth around €5,000 on the resale market.

Mike Polderman, The Attic Streetwear

A Revolutionary Collab: Kanye x Nike
In the early 2000s, Kanye West wasn’t just dropping platinum albums—he was making waves in fashion with rare BAPE pieces, Louis Vuitton trunks, and custom Jordans. But no artist had ever received an official signature sneaker from Nike. That territory was reserved for sports legends like Jordan, LeBron, and Kobe.

The partnership began taking shape in 2007, led by designer Mark Smith and Nike legend Tinker Hatfield. Kanye didn’t want just a “celebrity collab”—he demanded a true performance sneaker. The result? A brand-new silhouette, featuring no visible Swoosh but plenty of DNA from the Air Tech Challenge and Jordan III【Nike, 2009】.

The First Look: Grammy Stage Heat
The world got its first glimpse of the Yeezy 1 during Kanye’s 2008 Grammy Awards performance of “Stronger” and “Hey Mama”. He wore a prototype on stage, and the internet went wild. Forums like NikeTalk and Hypebeast lit up. The myth had officially begun.

Mike Polderman, The Attic Streetwear

Release & Rarity
The Nike Air Yeezy 1 dropped in three colorways: ‘Zen Grey’, ‘Black Pink’, and finally, the ‘Net’ (Tan). Released in June 2009, the Tan colorway was the last of the trio—distributed in extremely limited quantities through select retailers only. No online release. No restock. No mercy.

Less than 5,000 pairs are estimated to exist globally【Nice Kicks, 2021】. That scarcity turned the Tan into a collector’s grail—especially in European sizes like 45.5 (US 11.5), which are nearly impossible to come by today.

What Makes the ‘Net’ So Special?
Among the three colorways, the ‘Net’ is the most refined. It features premium beige leather overlays, glow-in-the-dark soles, and pink accents inside the lining. The upper is crafted with high-end nappa leather, suede, and a midfoot strap for added stability. The sole unit is inspired by the Jordan III and includes a visible Air unit for that classic Nike comfort.

Design-wise, it’s a bold fusion of retro vibes, futuristic lines, and high-fashion swagger. Nothing else looked like this in 2009—it was ahead of its time in every way.

Mike Polderman, The Attic Streetwear

The End of an Era
The Tan was the last release of the Air Yeezy 1 series, marking the end of Kanye’s time at Nike. Frustrated by limited creative freedom and royalty restrictions, Ye eventually moved to adidas—giving birth to the Yeezy Boost era. But for die-hard sneakerheads, the Air Yeezy 1 remains the ultimate grail.

This Grail Lives in Our Vault
Yep, you read that right: this exact pair—size 45.5, pristine condition—is part of our exclusive Vault collection. That’s where we house the rarest and most iconic sneakers ever made. From Travis Scott collabs to fragment Jordans—if it’s high-end, we’ve got it.

The 'Nike Air Yeezy Tan' is available at The Attic Streetwear in size EU 45.5 (US 11.5)
Click on the image below to acces the listing