Some shoes are bought after careful consideration, while others are the ones you pull on because there’s nothing to think about. The 500 in “Utility Black” is the latter. It’s all black, so there’s no outfit combination that can go wrong.
What it looks like
The upper is built in layers: matte suede on the toe, sides and heel, with open mesh in the same shade between them. Smooth panels sit over the top to hold the shape together. The laces are black, the heel loop is black, and even the stitched detail on the side blends into the rest.
Underneath is the thick, wavy midsole this model is known for, also entirely in black. With zero contrast, the shoe looks less bulky than it is on paper. On the lighter versions, you can see every layer of the sole separately. Here, it reads as one solid mass, and that works in its favor.
What it works with
Pretty much everything, and that’s not a lazy statement but a result of the color. Black jeans, dark cargos, grey sweatpants, black track pants. Because the shoe doesn’t introduce any color, you don’t have to take anything else into account.
What does matter is the width of the trouser leg. This sole is tall and wide, and under a slim leg it creates a heavy block beneath a thin line. That’s a tricky proportion. A straight or slightly wide leg that just falls over the sole is the safe choice.
On top, you can do whatever you want. Because the shoe is completely neutral, your jacket can bring the color. An olive-green parka, a grey hoodie, a brown overshirt: all perfectly fine.
What to watch out for
Black suede is more forgiving than a light color, but the mesh in between is harder to clean. And because everything is the same shade, scuffing on the toe shows up sooner than you might expect: the nap lightens there, leaving a greyish mark on an otherwise uniform shoe.
Price is the other thing to consider. Ten stores stock it, and prices range from 191 to 551 euros. That’s almost triple the price, and with ten retailers in the mix, there’s genuinely something to compare. More from this line is on the Yeezy page, while the broader selection can be found on the adidas brand page.
One more point about the proportions. The sole extends well past the toe at the front, making the shoe look longer than it is. That works in your favor with a wider trouser leg, but it also means that a half-size difference is more noticeable here than on a flat sneaker. If you’re between two sizes, this is a model where it’s worth taking a careful look at the size chart.
In summary
A substantial shoe that’s easy to wear thanks to its uniform color, with almost any dark pair of trousers, without having to give it a second thought. Pay attention to the width of the trouser leg, and start your search at the lower end of the price range.