# National Park-Inspired Sneakers The J.Crew x New Balance 998 Sneakers Come in Two Style Options By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2018-02-09 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/998-sneakers References: [blessthisstuff](https://www.blessthisstuff.com/stuff/wear/footwear/jcrew-x-new-balance-998-national-parks/) & [jcrew](https://www.jcrew.com/p/mens_category/shoes/sneakers/new-balance-for-jcrew-998-national-parks-sneakers/H1401?color_name=death-valley) The J.Crew x [New Balance](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-993) 998 Sneakers have been unveiled as a collaboration footwear release that will provide consumers a stylish way to express their love for the great outdoors. Inspired by American national parks, the sneakers come in two styles including a brown and tan variety, and a blue option that draw inspiration from the Death Valley [National Park](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daily-lotion-and-cream) in eastern California and the Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, respectively. The J.Crew x New Balance 998 Sneakers are limited edition and identify the stronger focus on the natural world within the fashion market as consumers look to highlight a biophilic aspect into the items they wear each day. The sneakers also work to support the [National Parks Foundation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contour-zero), which will receive $10 for every pair sold. Image Credit: Bless This Stuff ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 25% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - 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 ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **National Park-inspired Footwear:** The collaboration between J.Crew and New Balance showcases the growing trend of incorporating nature-inspired designs into fashion, providing opportunities for other brands to create similar products. - **Supporting Environmental Causes:** The partnership between J.Crew and New Balance demonstrates the increasing demand from consumers for eco-friendly products, opening up possibilities for businesses to align with environmental organizations. - **Limited Edition Collaborations:** The release of the J.Crew x New Balance 998 Sneakers as a limited edition collaboration taps into the trend of exclusivity, presenting businesses with the chance to create unique, sought-after products in partnerships. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** The fashion industry can explore the incorporation of nature-inspired designs to tap into the growing trend of National Park-inspired footwear. - **Environmental Conservation:** Environmental organizations and brands focused on sustainability can capitalize on the rising demand to support environmental causes and collaborate with fashion brands. - **Footwear Manufacturing:** Footwear manufacturers can leverage the concept of limited-edition collaborations to create high-demand products and boost brand loyalty. ## 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) - [Collaborative Earthy Tonal Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raso-gammato.md) - [Collaborative 90s-Era Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-x-mita-sneakers-mt580.md) - [Vibrantly Inspired Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/northern-lights-sneakers.md) - [Collaborative Mixed-Material Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joe-freshgoods-11.md) - [Money-Inspired Footwear Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-concepts-x-new-balance-1000.md) - [Neutral Tonal Lifestyle Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/9060-sneaker-colorway.md) - [Chromatic Suede Hiker Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aim-leon-dore-x-new-balance-rainier-low-pack.md)