# Slingback-Heel Zipped Sneaker Designs Nike Introduces the Air Max Craze in Smokey Blue By Amy Duong | Published 2025-05-08 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-craze-1 References: [nike](http://nike.com/men)  [Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-muse-1) introduces a new tonal iteration of the [Air Max Craze](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-craze) sneaker model to join its roster for the Summer 2025 season. The silhouette gets a Smokey Blue colorway palette this time around which also fuses hues of White-Dusty and Cactus-Black. The model boasts a retro model with the return of the notable component -- the slingback heel. The shoe has a [zippered enclosure at the forefoot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-sunder-1). The zipped construction keeps the model simple and laceless. Due to this, it brings attention to the three-tonal color blocking. The new colorway is set to launch later this year in the summer season. Branding is seen at the heel reading Nike Air and the Swoosh motif at the forefoot. Image Credit: Asphaltgold ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.0/10 - Popularity: 94% | Activity: 76% | Freshness: 40% - 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 Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Slingback-heel Footwear:** The innovation of a slingback heel in athletic shoes provides a retro twist that stands out in modern sneaker design. - **Zipper-closure Shoes:** A zipper enclosure replaces traditional laces, enhancing minimalist aesthetics while catering to effortless wearability in footwear. - **Three-tone Colorway Sneakers:** The utilization of three distinct color tones in a single sneaker design offers a versatile and dynamic visual appeal. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Athletic Footwear Industry:** Incorporating retro elements such as slingback heels redefines traditional footwear designs within the athletic sector. - **Fashion Industry:** The blend of fashion-forward design and functionality, as seen in zippered sneaker models, opens doors for innovation in casual chic apparel. - **Textile and Material Manufacturing:** Using varied color palettes and novel materials in high-demand sneakers prompts advancements in fabric technology and production processes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Retro Brightly Accented Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-craze.md) - [Icy Blue-Tonal Summer Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-muse-1.md) - [Boldly Designed Zipped Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-sunder.md) - [Retro Blue Tonal Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/signal-blue.md) - [Bold Gradient Tonal Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aqua-colorway.md) - [Bold Tonal Gradient Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-plus-6.md) - [Metallic-Tinged Sneaker Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-moto-2k.md) - [Bold Spring-Ready Layered Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivid-purple-colorway.md) - [Pink Gradient Zipped Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-sunder-1.md)