# Modern Fuzzy Chunky Sneakers New Balance Unveils the 997 Sport with a Fuzzy CORDURA Paneling By Grace Mahas | Published 2019-09-20 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/997-sport References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2019/9/new-balance-997-sport-cordura-prism-purple-stonewater-steel-release) & [newbalance](https://www.newbalance.com/pd/997-sport/MS997SV1-31662-M.html?dwvar_MS997SV1-31662-M_color=Prism) Fans of the streetwear sneaker brand New Balance may be drawn to its latest iteration of the 997 Sport that includes a fuzzy CORDURA paneling on the sides. The new [chunky sneaker](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balances-tech-explosion) is available in three colorways including a vibrant and bold 'Prism Purple' colorway, a more muted and neutral 'Steel' colorway, and an eye-catching and dynamic 'Stonewater' colorway. These [fashion-forward sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fresh-foam) boast a chunky black and white speckled sole with a mesh toe front and the shoe is ultra-comfortable thanks to the [ENCAP](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dark-camo-sneaker) Reveal technology that cushions and protects your foot. These stylish sneakers are perfect to wear while commuting to the office or a night on the town. Consumers can purchase the 997 Sport sneaker online and in select retailers for $120 USD. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.3/10 - Popularity: 90% | Activity: 90% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Chunky Sneaker Fashion:** The trend towards chunkier, more prominent sneakers to create a fashion statement continues to rise, offering new opportunities for design and material innovation. - **Fuzzy Paneling:** Incorporating fuzzy CORDURA paneling is a trend in sneaker design that provides an added texture for fashion appeal, presenting opportunities for experimentation with material and design. - **Comfortable Sneaker Design:** Sneaker design focused on comfort continues to grow in popularity and advances in technology to create lightweight yet durable materials could be the key to creating a new generation of comfortable footwear. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion Industry:** The fashion industry can take advantage of the popularity of chunky sneaker fashion and the use of fuzzy CORDURA paneling to create unique designs and materials. - **Footwear Industry:** The use of ENCAP Reveal technology and other innovations in sneaker design creates new opportunities for the footwear industry to create more comfortable and durable footwear products. - **Sportswear Industry:** The trend towards fashionable yet comfortable sneakers can provide opportunities for the sportswear industry to create products that appeal to both athletic and fashion-conscious consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mesh-Heavy Bulky Sneaker Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1906r-cordura.md) - [Vibrant Colorway Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1906r-green-astral-purple.md) - [Bright Colorblocking Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2002r-sneaker-5.md) - [Minimal Monochromatic Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nimbus-cloud-colorway.md) - [Rugged Urban Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dark-camo-sneaker.md) - [Futuristic Running Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-1906f.md) - [Vibrant Runner Revivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fogbethecloud.md) - [Retro Vibrant Detailed Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-1000-2.md) - [Spring-Ready Lifestyle Sneaker Colorways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1906r-sneaker-model.md)