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# Sporty Tonal Basketball Shoes
New Balance Unveils New Colorways of the 550 Sneaker

By Amy Duong | Published 2020-12-02 | Lifestyle
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/550-sneaker
References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2020/11/new-balance-gbb550se1-sneaker-retro-colorways-release-date)

[New Balance](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/550-sneaker-4) introduces two new tonal options of the 550 sneaker model for the season that stem from a sporty theme. The classic basketball model is a low-top structure that boasts [retro style elements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/740-sneaker) that also deliver contemporary sensibilities as well.

The two brand new colorways are spotlighted by primary hues and come in either [blue or red detailing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sky-blue-colorway-1). The white leather upper is retained on both iterations that are then respectively detailed with the brighter hues. The silhouette gets some additional support and cushioning with the sole unit. Both of the shoes sit on top of a blac outsole with a white midsole to add some contrast. Branding details can be found at the socklining, tongue, and on the side.

Image Credit: New Balance

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 0.5/10
- Popularity: 1% | Activity: 5% | Freshness: 9%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/life)

## Key Themes

### Key Themes Behind This Trend

- **Tonal Sneaker Trend:** Capitalizing on the growing popularity of tonal sneakers, this trend offers an opportunity for brands to introduce monotone colorways in their footwear collections.
- **Retro-style Elements:** The resurgence of retro-style elements in sneakers presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for brands to combine nostalgic design with modern sensibilities.
- **Sport-inspired Footwear:** The sporty theme seen in these basketball-inspired sneakers indicates an opportunity for brands to develop sports-inspired footwear lines that merge performance and style.

### Where This Applies

- **Athletic Footwear:** The athletic footwear industry can leverage the tonal sneaker trend, retro-style elements, and sport-inspired designs to create new offerings that cater to fashion-conscious consumers.
- **Streetwear Fashion:** The streetwear fashion industry can tap into the tonal sneaker trend and retro-style elements to create collaborative collections that appeal to sneaker enthusiasts seeking unique and nostalgic styles.
- **Sports Retail:** Sports retail brands and stores can benefit from the sport-inspired footwear trend by curating collections that blend performance features with fashion-forward aesthetics, attracting both athletes and fashion-conscious consumers.

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