New Balance continues to grow its partnership alongside atmos with a new tonal iteration of the iconic 550 sneaker model dubbed 'Back in Black.' The shoes are defined by a sleek tonal palette with a predominant black tone throughout the silhouette.
It is imagined in a slew of materials starting with nubuck and layered with leather and mesh along the upper for an elevated and breathable feel. All of this is done in black to nod to the AC/DC at the same time. Other details include the jersey mesh tongue that is detailed with contrast tonal branding in a sleek white hue shown in the form of the 'N' logo on the lateral side of the shoe, tongue details, and the '550' branding.
Image Credit: @atmos_japan
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Tonal Lifestyle Sneakers
- The rise of tonal colorways in lifestyle sneakers, such as New Balance's 'Back in Black' 550s, presents an opportunity for brands to create sleek and cohesive designs.
- Material Layering
- The use of multiple materials, like nubuck, leather, and mesh, in sneaker design allows for elevated aesthetics and enhanced breathability.
- Contrast Branding Accents
- The incorporation of contrast tonal branding, like the white 'N' logo on New Balance's 550s, adds a subtle pop of color and visual interest to sneaker designs.
Where This Applies
- Footwear
- The tonal lifestyle sneaker trend opens up opportunities for footwear brands to offer consumers sleek and versatile options for everyday wear.
- Fashion
- The use of material layering in sneaker designs enables fashion brands to create visually appealing footwear that combines style and comfort.
- Sportswear
- Incorporating contrast branding accents in sneaker designs allows sportswear brands to infuse their products with a touch of branding while maintaining a clean and cohesive aesthetic.
