In 2012, Kanye West dropped the first — and as it stands only — compilation album for his G.O.O.D. Music imprint, Cruel Summer (note: Pusha T has mentioned that the oft rumored follow up, Cruel Winter, is currently on his “mood board”). While Yeezy Season was currently in effect with the Swoosh as both Black/Solar Red and “Pure Platinum” Nike Air Yeezy 2s released prior to the roll-out of said album, a pair of less conventional Kanye kicks were also debuted during said season — the “Cruel Summer” Heels by Giuseppe Zanotti.
Today, we find the maker and title associated with the high cut heels from 2012 taking the metallic flames to menswear via the “Cruel Summer” sneaker. The silhouette follows the standard mid-top cut and side-zip styling associated with Zanotti’s work, while the title and embellishments play to the Kanye inspired collabo.
For those keep track of the trail of events, a pair of “Cruel Summer” sandals also popped up as part of Zanetti’s 20th anniversary collection in 2014 as spotted by Complex. In addition, GZ has also worked with common Kanye collaborator Kid Cudi on a range of sneakers that have also seen various color flips and interpretations since their initial launch.
This red and gold pair of “Cruel Summer” sneakers are available now for $1,250 at Barneys.
