The shoe that was endorsed by Pele, Dan Marino and Muhammed Ali is now endorsed by Snoop Dogg and Jenna Jameson. "While Pony is planning a vintage line that re-creates top-sellers from the glory days, the company also has a dozens of new styles including casual flats for women, and high-top sneakers designed in collaboration with skate brand Neff Headwear"
Implications - Retro revival is an innovation that has proved its staying power as years pass; however, the area that will be revived is always subject to change. This year, the 1980s are making an obvious comeback, which may be due to the fact that the hip youth of today was raised in the era of 8-bit and Pony high-top sneakers.
Everything Old is New Again
Pony High Top Sneakers
Trend Themes
1. Retro Sneaker Revival - Retro sneakers are making a comeback, presenting an opportunity for companies to reproduce top-sellers from the past and design new, modern styles.
2. Collaborations with Skate Brands - Designing high-top sneakers in collaboration with skate brands, such as Neff Headwear, could be a disruptive innovation opportunity for companies looking to attract younger audiences.
3. Gender-neutral Casual Footwear - The demand for gender-neutral casual footwear, as seen in Pony's new line of flats for women, presents an opportunity for companies to expand their product offerings and cater to a wider audience.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear - The footwear industry can take advantage of the retro sneaker revival and collaborate with skate brands to create new and exciting designs.
2. Fashion - Fashion companies can tap into the trend of nostalgia by incorporating vintage styles, like high-top sneakers, into their collections while still creating new, modern designs.
3. Skateboarding - Companies in the skateboarding industry can expand their offerings and reach new customers by collaborating with footwear brands and designing high-top sneakers and other casual shoes.