Horween, an American leather tannery that's said to be one of the nation's longest running, worked alongside New Balance, the patriotic footwear manufacturing company that prides itself on its US-made products.
Upon first glance, Horween's mark is made clear, as the uppers are constructed entirely from burgundy leather of the finest quality. The material is used on the tongues on the sneakers as well, making for an all-around durable build that ages gracefully. Breaking up the burgundy colorway is gray branding and stark white soles.
New Balance's iconic logo is included on the side of the uppers in its minimal fashion and a transparent accent complements the heel of the sole. The American leather sneakers are set for release in the Spring/Summer of 2017.
Premium American Leather Sneakers
New Balance and Horween Joined to Adapt the 990v2 Silhouette
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Luxury - Using high-quality, durable materials such as Horween leather presents an opportunity for luxury brands to create premium and eco-friendly products.
2. Heritage Collaborations - Collaborations like the one between Horween and New Balance provide an opportunity for brands to leverage each other's expertise and create unique products that resonate with consumers.
3. Minimalist Design - The minimalistic inclusion of the New Balance logo and transparent accent on the sneakers showcases an opportunity for brands to create clean and elegant designs that appeal to modern consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Luxury Goods - The use of premium materials like Horween leather opens up innovative possibilities for luxury brands in the footwear and fashion industry.
2. Footwear Manufacturing - Collaborations between tanneries and footwear companies present an opportunity for the footwear manufacturing industry to produce unique and high-quality products.
3. Fashion Accessories - The minimalist design trend observed in the sneakers provides opportunities for brands in the fashion accessories industry, such as watches or bags, to create sleek and stylish products.