A massive crowd forming outside Pacific Plaza can only mean one thing: Yet another release of an adidas shoe. This time, it was the Yeezy Boost 350 “Pirate Black”.

By Daniel Loy
Photos by Dahalan Sarlip

Despite the funny enquiries that popped up on social media following the announcement of the “Pirate Black” restock earlier this week, it was all serious business when the actual ballot took place earlier today at the adidas Originals store at Pacific Plaza, Singapore. Sneakerheads came out in full force, hoping to score themselves a pair.

“My hands were still shaking even after exchanging the ballot ticket”

Beginner’s luck rubbed off on first-time winners like Tan Wei Shen, who couldn’t take part in previous Yeezy Boost ballots because he was overseas. “I wasn’t gonna miss out on this one, and the feeling of winning is indescribable. My hands were still shaking even after exchanging the ballot ticket,” he said.

Even couples got lucky too. A man, who only wants to be known as Benjamin, convinced his wife to give the ballot a shot, and both of them were grinning from ear to ear as they left the store with two pairs of the coveted kicks. “It’s our first time taking part together, and I was shouting with excitement when my number was called,” he said.

“Yeezus ain’t looking after me”

Of course, many others came away empty-handed as well. Tay Boon Shen has tried to secure a pair of the Yeezy Boost through ballots a total of three times with little luck. “Yeezus ain’t looking after me. I wouldn’t pay resale for the 350 but I might do so for the 750,” he said.

Resellers draw the ire of sneakerheads

Some winners were quick to put their reseller’s hat on, as they were seen negotiating deals with individuals who were unsuccessful in their ballot attempts in the vicinity of where the ballot took place. Word is the going rate for resale pairs came up to a whopping S$1,200.

This has earned the ire of sneakerheads like Zul Azman. “I saw winners immediately selling off their shoes to buyers outside the store. Where’s the ethics in that?! I wish there was a clause to discourage or control resellers,” he said.

Yeezy season is busy season

One thing’s for sure, the popularity of the Yeezys has increased. An educated guess tells us there were more people in attendance at today’s ballot for the Yeezy Boost 350 “Pirate Black” compared to the ballot held in December for the “Oxford Tan” colorway.

What’s next in the lineup of Yeezy Boosts is anyone’s guess, but an ever-increasing turnout at these release events proves that Yeezy fever is at an all-time high.

If you’re still on the hunt for a pair of the adidas Yeezy Boost 350 “Pirate Black”, your best bet would be to drop a ballot slip at Limited Edt, which will be conducting its draw tomorrow, February 20^th. That’s not a lot of time, but it’s worth a shot.