# Nautical Summer Baby Shoes New Balance's 996 Baby Sneakers Have a New Seersucker Design By Madison Mackay | Published 2018-04-19 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/996-baby-sneaker References: [hypekids](https://hypekids.com/2018/4/new-balance-996-stripes-hbx-kids-shop) & [hbx](https://hbx.com/kids/brands/new-balance/996-infant-1) Popular athleticwear company [New Balance](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/990v6-1) released a fresh and summer-ready design for the [classic 996 baby sneaker silhouette](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/990v6-made-in-usa). The brand's refreshing new shoes are perfect for the beach and are available in sizes for babies, toddlers and kids. Taking the classic seersucker material and giving it a twist by adding the New Balance 'N' logo on the side, as well as a heel protector in [navy blue](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/made-in-usa-990v6). With easy-on velcro handles, the shoes are perfect for children that are learning to take off and put on shoes. The white and navy 996 baby sneakers from New Balance feature the brand's famous supportive sole that molds easily to any foot, making them comfortable enough to wear all day. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 45% | Activity: 20% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Refreshing Summer Designs:** Opportunity for athleticwear companies to release new, seasonal designs for baby shoes. - **Seersucker Material Revival:** Opportunity for fashion industry to incorporate the classic seersucker material in innovative ways. - **Easy-on Velcro Handles:** Opportunity for shoe companies to develop user-friendly closures for children's shoes. ### Who This Affects Most - **Athleticwear:** Athleticwear companies can explore the market for baby shoes and develop trendy designs. - **Fashion:** Fashion industry can incorporate seersucker material in various apparel and accessories. - **Footwear:** Shoe companies can focus on developing innovative closure systems for children's shoes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sustainable Knitted Toddler Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swoosh-1-trainer.md) - [Navy Tonal Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/990v6-1.md) - [Minimal Cozy Velcro Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/8040-sneakers.md) - [Summer-Ready Blue Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/celestial-blue.md) - [Summer-Ready Neutral Sneaker Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1906-franchise.md) - [White Tonal Vintage Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/990v6-made-in-usa.md) - [Kidult Baby Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-baby.md) - [Patent Leather Logo Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/550-silhouette.md) - [Retro Casual Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1300-sneaker.md)