# Lifestyle Sneaker Debut The Couture Club Axis Sneaker Marks the Brand’s First Move into Footwear By Amy Duong | Published 2026-01-14 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/axis-sneaker References: [thecoutureclub](https://www.thecoutureclub.com/collections/footwear)  The [Couture Club Axis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haute-couture) sneaker is the first footwear model released by the Manchester-based brand, expanding its offering beyond apparel into lifestyle shoes. The sneaker takes cues from classic skate silhouettes, translated into a [cleaner, more structured form](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hatty-fc) with panelled construction and a pronounced rubber sole. Each pair is handcrafted in Portugal, reflecting the brand’s focus on material quality and controlled production. The upper design balances smooth surfaces with [subtle textural contrast](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thug-club-1), while branding is kept minimal to maintain a streamlined profile. The Axis sneaker launches in four colourways that differentiate materials and finishes. A Chalk White version uses polished leather, while a Black option is constructed from nylon for a more utilitarian look. Two additional colourways feature Italian suede in Sand and Oak Brown tones. The outsole is embossed and designed to provide durability for everyday wear. Image Credit: The Couture Club ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 55% | Activity: 42% | 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 ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Handcrafted Footwear:** The trend of handcrafted footwear highlights an opportunity for brands to emphasize quality craftsmanship and sustainability in their production processes. - **Minimalist Sneaker Aesthetic:** The minimalist sneaker aesthetic trend offers potential for brands to appeal to consumers seeking understated and versatile styles. - **Material-centric Design:** The use of varied materials such as polished leather, nylon, and Italian suede brings focus to innovative material-centric design in footwear. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Footwear Manufacturing:** The footwear manufacturing industry can explore innovative production techniques that enhance customization and quality control. - **Sustainable Fashion:** Sustainable fashion industry players can leverage the shift towards high-quality, made-to-last footwear as a form of eco-friendly consumerism. - **Luxury Lifestyle Goods:** The luxury lifestyle goods industry can capitalize on the demand for premium lifestyle sneakers that combine luxury craftsmanship with everyday usability. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Functional Training Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dropset-4.md) - [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) - [Road Racing Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slab-phantasm-3.md) - [Musical Wellbeing Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/move-your-body-move.md)