# Decade-Celebrating Plush Sneakers J.Crew and New Balance Unveil the Limited 997 Sneaker Model By Amy Duong | Published 2020-11-20 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/997-sneaker-model References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2020/11/j-crew-new-balance-997-release-date-info) & [jcrew](https://www.jcrew.com/p/mens_category/shoes_sneakers/exclusives/new-balance-x-jcrew-997-10th-anniversary-sneakers/AR396) J.Crew and [New Balance](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-993) works in collaboration on a new iteration of the 997 sneaker model to celebrate its decade-long collaboration. The duo take the classic sneaker silhouette and detail it with two colorways that are inspired by a neutral palette. The upper is constructed from suede materials in the minimal hue of gray at the midfoot, the ankle collar, and the toe box paneling throughout. There is a darker shade that adorns the tongue, toe tips, and flecked laces. All of this sits on top of a Encap midsole foundation with a thin overlay that peaks out by the bottom of the throat. To celebrate the decade more directly, the heel features the embroidered "X." Image Credit: J.Crew ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 44% | Activity: 21% | 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) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Collaborative Sneaker Designs:** The trend of fashion brands collaborating with sneaker companies presents opportunities for innovative partnerships and unique limited edition products. - **Minimalist Color Palettes:** The use of neutral and minimal color palettes in sneaker design offers a clean and sophisticated aesthetic that appeals to modern consumers. - **Embroidered Details:** The incorporation of embroidered details on sneakers adds a personalized touch and creates a sense of exclusivity for customers. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fashion Retail:** Fashion retailers can explore collaborations with sneaker companies to create limited edition products that appeal to sneaker enthusiasts. - **Footwear Manufacturing:** Footwear manufacturers can focus on producing sneakers with minimalist color palettes to meet the demand for clean and fashionable designs. - **Embroidery Services:** Companies specializing in embroidery can cater to the growing trend of incorporating embroidered details on sneakers by offering customization options. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Collaborative Neutral Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-993.md) - [Mushroom-Inspired Collaborative Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/993-sneaker-model.md) - [Lifestyle Technical Joint Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hours-and-days.md) - [Stealthy Chunky Collaborative Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-1000-sneaker.md) - [Collaborative Lifestyle Revived Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-992-2.md) - [Minimal Monochromatic Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nimbus-cloud-colorway.md) - [Festive New Year-Inspired Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/991-sneaker-3.md) - [Collaborative Mixed-Material Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joe-freshgoods-11.md) - [Collaborative Vibrant Sneaker Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rc56-sneaker.md)