# Luxury Leisure Sneakers The Balenciaga Contrast Panel Trainers are Headed in the Right Direction By Romina S. Cortellucci | Published 2012-05-23 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balenciaga-contrast-panel-trainers References: [highsnobiety](http://www.highsnobiety.com/news/2012/05/22/balenciaga-contrast-panel-trainers-springsummer-2012/) & [ln-cc](http://www.ln-cc.com/invt/bal0108011mul) The [Balenciaga](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basketball-sneaker-1) Contrast Panel Trainers are the perfect example of a [fashionable men's sneaker](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lv-buttersoft-sneaker). Created by the Spanish fashion house Balenciaga for its Spring/Summer 2012 Collection, these high-end kicks blend the perfect mix of sporty and dapper. A shoe made for the casual gentleman who still likes to dress sharp. The design of the shoe has the main body feature color-blocking material panels. The trainers are available in two different color palettes -- the classic black/white/grey style and vibrant blue/aqua/silver version. The contrasting colors work to bring the out the classic design that creates a clean look. The perfect shoes for a more relaxed men's look that will still manage to keep it stylish, Balenciaga has managed to kick it out of the park with these trainers. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 84% | Activity: 90% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## 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 - **Fashionable Men's Sneakers:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create stylish sneakers that combine both sporty and dapper elements for the casual gentleman. - **Color-blocking Material Panels:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate color-blocking techniques in the design of shoes to create a clean and vibrant look. - **Relaxed Men's Look:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop footwear that combines comfort and style for a more casual and relaxed fashion approach. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce innovative designs and materials in the fashion industry to create fashionable men's sneakers. - **Footwear:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new shoe designs and technologies that offer a balance of style and comfort for relaxed men's looks. - **Luxury Fashion:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Blend high-end fashion with sporty elements to create luxury leisure sneakers that appeal to fashion-conscious consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Chic Slim-Fit City Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balenciaga-city-sneaker.md) - [Dynamic Fashion-Forward Basketball Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basketball-sneaker-1.md) - [Dramatically Shaped Luxe Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reptile-sneaker.md) - [Dynamic Pointed Luxe Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reptile-sneaker-1.md) - [Premium Technical Rugged Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hike-sneaker.md) - [Performance-Inspired Designer Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balenciaga-x-puma.md) - [Vibrant Luxurious Panelling Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yellow-orbit.md) - [Dynamic Ultra-High Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/platform-sneaker-1.md) - [Luxury Basketball-Themed Fashion Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basketball-series.md)