Kanye West fans camp in street for week to get Yeezys

Yeezy fans are a dedicated bunch, but this week Aussie shoppers took their brand loyalty to the next level to get their hands on a pair of sneakers.

People have been camping out in Bourke Street Mall since Wednesday to buy Yeezy sneakers. Picture: Sarah Matray

There’s commitment to a brand … and then there’s this.

Melbourne’s Bourke Street Mall was a scene of absolute chaos this week, as hundreds of eager shoppers queued for days for the chance to own a pair of Yeezy sneakers.

The latest Yeezy 350 V2 ‘Triple Black’ sneakers — designed by musician Kanye West — went on sale for $340 at sneaker stores in Melbourne at 8am today.

People have been camping out in Bourke Street Mall since Wednesday to buy Yeezy sneakers. Picture: Sarah Matray

Some reports suggest the queue along the mall stretched for more than 500m, with several shoppers claiming they had even camped out since Wednesday.

To combat the freezing cold overnight temperatures in Melbourne city, customers came prepared in puffer jackets, beanies and gloves.

People have been camping out in Bourke Street Mall since Wednesday to buy Yeezy sneakers which go on sale 8am Friday at the Foot Locker store. A group of people gather with their shoes in Bourke Street. Picture: Sarah Matray

People have been camping out in Bourke Street Mall since Wednesday to buy Yeezy sneakers which go on sale 8am Friday at the Foot Locker store. First lot of people let into the store. Picture: Sarah Matray

Foot Locker appeared to be the store of choice for more than a hundred people, with some claiming they had been sleeping on the street for days.

The Herald Sun reported one couple had set up their chairs more than 24 hours ago and have had “a little nap”.

About 100 people have lined up outside Foot Locker in Melbourne’s Bourke St Mall ahead of the new release of Kayne West’s Yeezy sneakers. A couple at the front of the queue have been camped out for more than 24 hrs. @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/gRwGiLH9Ln

— Alanah Frost (@akfrost_) June 6, 2019

But walking in and out with a fresh pair of Yeezy’s wasn’t as simple as you may think.

Customers had to go into a draw, which involved filling out an expression of interest registration form between 7.30am and 8.30am today.

Those who were lucky enough — and patient enough — were all smiles as they re-entered the civilised world with a fresh pair of kicks this afternoon.

All smiles after a long, tedious wait. Picture: Sarah Matray

Others took their shopping spree to an entirely new level, emerging from the store with armfuls of sneakers.

This guy must have bought a pair for every one of the Kardashians as well. Picture: Sarah Matray