# Sleek Alligator-Inspired Sneakers New Balance's 247 Luxe Model Received a 'Reptile' Colorway By Riley von Niessen | Published 2017-12-22 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/247-luxe References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2017/12/new-balance-247-luxe-reptile) & [featuresneakerboutique](https://www.featuresneakerboutique.com/products/new-balance-247-luxe-reptile-green-beige) Just in time for the New Year, New Balance launched a fresh iteration of its 247 Luxe model, which boasts a simplistic, brown, black and forest green colorway that's inspired by an alligator. To reflect this influence, the brand dubbed the colorway 'Reptile.' The sneakers are constructed from nubuck leather, suede, and a mesh blend, making for a lightweight and breathable build that's able to last for years. New Balance's branding is marked on the center of sides on the uppers, with a large "N" embroidered on top of the scale-like black material. Consumers can find the new 247 Luxe model at retailers like Feature, as well as New Balance's online store and it's many other retailers. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 36% | Activity: 27% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Reptile-inspired Sneakers:** Opportunity to create sneakers with designs inspired by reptiles, offering unique and visually striking options for consumers. - **Lightweight and Breathable Builds:** Opportunity to develop sneakers with nubuck leather, suede, and mesh blends for a durable yet comfortable and breathable fit. - **Branded Embroidery Design:** Opportunity to incorporate large embroidered branding on sneakers' uppers, providing a distinctive and recognizable feature for consumers. ### Who This Affects Most - **Footwear:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in the footwear industry by introducing reptile-inspired designs and lightweight, breathable constructions. - **Fashion Retail:** Opportunity for retailers to offer unique and branded sneaker options to consumers, attracting enthusiasts seeking distinctive footwear. - **Sports Apparel:** Disruptive potential in sports apparel industry by incorporating reptile-inspired designs and innovative material blends in sneaker constructions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dramatically Shaped Luxe Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reptile-sneaker.md) - [Loafer-Sneaker Hybrid Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-croc.md) - [Dynamic Pointed Luxe Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reptile-sneaker-1.md) - [Rich Green Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-993-1.md) - [Patterned Textural Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1906r-sneaker-6.md) - [Festive New Year-Inspired Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/991-sneaker-3.md) - [Green Textural Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-suede-colorway.md) - [Textural Green Leather Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/99ginger.md) - [Patent Leather Logo Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/550-silhouette.md)