# Stealthy Padded Sneaker Modesl Dingyun Zhang Designs a New Version of the adidas Samba Sneaker By Amy Duong | Published 2024-05-16 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adidas-samba-sneaker-1 References: [highsnobiety](https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/dingyun-zhang-adidas-samba-release/) & [dingyunzhang](https://www.dingyunzhang.com/)  Dingyun Zhang joins forces with [adidas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-vapour) for the first time and the two shine a spotlight on the adidas [Samba](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samba-sneaker-model) sneaker model. The shoes are remixed by the designer as he gives the shoe a sleek colorway palette with an all-black finish. However, the shoe is defined by the captivating padded bumper along the heel. The shoe's T-toe box is finished in suede to retain the original build and the gum sole at the base remains -- all of these are detailed with a stealthier color palette. Additionally, the sides of the shoe are finished with a shiny update to add some textural contrast. The shoes launched online at adidas and at Dingyun Zhang's website on May 10th. Image Credit: Asphalt Gold ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 87% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 24% - 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 - **Padded Sneaker Designs:** Innovative padding techniques in sneaker design can revolutionize comfort and aesthetics. - **Monochromatic Footwear:** Single-color footwear models create a sleek, unified look that can appeal to fashion minimalists. - **Textured Contrast in Footwear:** Combining different textures in a single design adds visual interest and sophistication to sneakers. ### Who This Affects Most - **Athletic Footwear:** The athletic footwear industry can leverage padded and textured designs to offer enhanced performance and style. - **Fashion and Apparel:** Monochromatic designs can influence trends in the broader fashion industry, emphasizing minimalistic aesthetics. - **E-commerce:** Online exclusive releases capitalize on limited edition appeal and can drive traffic to e-commerce platforms. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Puffy Textural Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-vapour.md) - [Ultra-Plush Cushioned Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chunky-samba.md) - [Chunky Elevated Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samba-sneaker-model.md) - [Minimal Retail Collaborative Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muted-sambas.md) - [Colorful Patchwork Collab Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sambae-sneaker.md) - [Cushioned Base Sporty Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samba-millenium.md) - [Iconic Nylon-Covered Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adidas-samba-og.md) - [Textural Tweed Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tweed-samba.md) - [Bow-Adorned Lace Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lace-1.md)