# Luxe High-Performance High fashion sneakers evolve from mere aesthetics to high-function. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Oct 22, 2018, updated Oct 24, 2018 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/luxe-highperformance ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.3/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Luxe High-Performance trend? **Luxe High-Performance:** Upscale fashion brands are beginning to expand sneaker collections with new high-performance designs, incorporating rugged materials and professional features. As a result, these offerings provide enhanced support and comfort for consumers. ## The consumer insight behind the Luxe High-Performance trend Those who have a dynamic lifestyle are placing emphasis on comfortability in what they wear. Coupled with a desire for items that fit one's personal brand and status, many seek to strike a balance between outward aesthetics and high-performance functionality. In doing so, individuals feel not only seen for their style in public, but also more confident as they maintain the support and comfort their body needs on a day-to-day basis. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 26 to Oct 22, 2018 - Published: Oct 22, 2018 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Luxe High-Performance trend ### High-Performance Fashion Sneakers Fashion brands are beginning to expand sneaker collections with professional features and rugged materials to provide enhanced comfort and support, balancing style and functionality. ### Fashionable Exclusivity Exclusive availability through appointments and to affluent consumers only is becoming more prevalent, creating demand through perceived value and creating a sense of exclusivity. ### Luxe Branded-Sole Sneakers Luxury fashion brands are incorporating premium materials like lambskin and wool to create a mix of textile clothing for sneakers, with the iconic brand logos on rubber waffle soles. ## What the Luxe High-Performance trend means for industry ### For Fashion Industry The fashion industry has the opportunity to develop high-performance sneakers with professional features and rugged materials to provide enhanced comfort and support while balancing style and functionality. ### For Luxury Goods Industry The luxury goods industry can create exclusive availability through appointments and to affluent consumers only, resulting in perceived value and exclusivity through limited availability. ### For Sportswear Industry The sportswear industry can incorporate premium materials like lambskin and wool to create a mix of textile clothing for sneakers, embellished with the iconic logo on rubber waffles soles, making the sneakers fashionable and functional. ## Workshop question How can a product offering more closely associated with style-motivated purchases be redesigned with a new emphasis on high-performance? ## Trend signals for Luxe High-Performance Trend score 5.3 out of 10, from popularity 73%, activity 78%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 73% - Activity: 78% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Luxe High-Performance trend 4 featured examples from Apr 26 to Oct 22, 2018. - [Exclusive In-Store Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balenciaga-track): The Exclusive 'Balenciaga Track' Can Only Be Bought by Appointment (Category: Business) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Luxury fashion brands can explore exclusive in-store sneaker releases to provide a unique shopping experience and attract high-end consumers see… - [Heavy Traction Sock-Like Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/security-sneaker): Maison Margiela Introduces a New Iteration of its Security Sneaker (Category: Fashion) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate innovative materials and designs to create unique and luxurious fashion items. - [Luxe Branded-Sole Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chanels-new-sneakers): Chanel's New Sneakers Boast a Premium Mix of Textile Materials (Category: Luxury) Implication: Brands in the fashion and luxury goods industry can explore opportunities to create premium-material sneakers with branded soles for affluent consumers. - [High-Fashion Athletic Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/louis-vuitton-vnr): The Louis Vuitton V.N.R. Style Costs an Extravagant $1,170 (Category: Fashion) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating athletic elements into luxury fashion brands to appeal to the athleisure market. ## Recent trend clusters - [Scaled Restraint](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/small-luxury-watches) (Fashion) - [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion) - [Ritual Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritual-systems) (Fashion) - [Athletic Styling](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/athletic-styling) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [Paisley-Shelled Collector Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paisley-shelled-collector-sneakers) - [Fruit-Inspired Digital Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/themed-wristwatches) - [Deluxe Beauty Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-and-prestige) - [Modular Winter Wardrobes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moose-knuckles-fallwinter-2026) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)