# Varsity-Inspired Footwear AVIREX x SUBU Iconic Varsity Model Updates Subu’s Sandal Silhouette By Amy Duong | Published 2026-01-20 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avirex-x-subu References: [avirex](http://avirex.com/)  [AVIREX](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-racing-club) x [SUBU Iconic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bape-subu) Varsity Model is a collaborative footwear design unveiled for the Spring/Summer 2026 season that blends SUBU’s [quilted slide silhouette](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quilted-slipper) with graphic and heritage elements drawn from AVIREX’s archive. The footwear applies patch-style graphics and branding associated with the vintage letterman jacket aesthetic to SUBU’s signature cozy upper, creating a look that references collegiate and military-inspired motifs. The construction retains SUBU’s established four-layer insole and a Teflon-treated upper intended to shed light moisture and maintain texture, while the overall shape functions as a transitional sandal suitable for cooler spring days. The design aims to reconcile the rugged visual language of archival AVIREX apparel with the relaxed, easy-on form factor of SUBU slides. The model is scheduled for release on January 24 through AVIREX channels. Image Credit: AVIREX, SUBU ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.3/10 - Popularity: 66% | Activity: 33% | Freshness: 60% - 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 ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Heritage-fusion Fashion:** Mixing traditional and modern design elements, heritage-fusion fashion creates unique products that resonate with consumers seeking nostalgia and contemporary style. - **Graphic-enhanced Footwear:** Incorporating vibrant graphic elements into footwear design allows brands to tap into visual storytelling, enhancing consumer engagement through striking aesthetics. - **Seasonal Transition Footwear:** Footwear designed for seamless transition between seasons offers practical and stylish solutions, meeting consumer demand for versatile and adaptive clothing options. ### Where This Applies - **Apparel-accessories Collabs:** Cross-industry collaborations between apparel and accessory brands open new avenues for product innovation by combining distinct design philosophies. - **Retro-inspired Fashion:** Retro-inspired fashion capitalizes on consumer nostalgia, offering opportunities to revive and reinterpret classic styles with a modern twist. - **Athleisure and Lifestyle:** The integration of comfort-oriented features into lifestyle fashion supports the growing athleisure trend, catering to consumers prioritizing both fashion and functionality. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Lightweight Comfort Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ora-primo-1.md) - [Athlete-Approved Performance Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kai3-performance-shoe.md) - [Sport Collaboration Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rift-mesh.md) - [Eco-Conscious Hiking Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/targhee-apex.md) - [Textured Casual Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dirddy-x-clarks.md) - [Collaborative Canvas Sneaker](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sapporo-beer-black-label-x-general-scale.md) - [Fuzzy Mule Slip-Ons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harbor-mule-slipon.md) - [Road Racing Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slab-phantasm-3.md) - [Seasonal Slip-On Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ora-primo-2.md)