Forget the boat shoes -- if you truly want a pair of shoes that will do the high seas justice, you want the New Balance 999 from Concepts. Concepts and New Balance have come together to create a unique 999 inspired by the Massachusetts sailing scene.
The New Balance 999 from Concepts has a gray color scheme complemented by khaki accents along the heel and toebox with a set of nautical alphabet flags prominently displayed on the tongue. The shoe has a strong enough design to be worthy of a standalone release, but Concepts has chosen to release its custom 999 alongside an sailing-inspired apparel pack featuring a sailing polo, handmade rope bracelet, bucket hat and a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers. Looks like I'll be hitting the high seas sometime soon.
New England Sailing Sneakers
The New Balance 999 from Concepts is a True Boat Shoe
Trend Themes
1. Sailing-inspired Sneakers - The collaboration between Concepts and New Balance is a disruptive innovation in the sneaker industry, tapping into the growing market of niche sneaker designs.
2. Nautical-themed Apparel Packs - By releasing the custom 999 alongside an apparel pack, Concepts has found a way to expand its business model and upsell other complementary products to consumers.
3. Location-based Design Inspiration - Inspiration from a specific location, in this case the Massachusetts sailing scene, provides a fresh take on designs and an opportunity for companies to tap into location-specific markets.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear Industry - The collaboration between Concepts and New Balance highlights the importance of brand collaborations and niche designs to stand out in the crowded footwear industry.
2. Apparel Industry - Concepts' release of a sailing-inspired apparel pack shows the potential for apparel companies to expand their offerings and diversify their revenue streams.
3. Tourism Industry - Location-based design inspiration can attract tourists and provide a unique experience, creating an opportunity for the tourism industry to partner with designers and brands to promote local culture.