# Animal Kingdom-Inspired Sneakers Balmein Releases the Slick B-EAST Sneaker Collection By Kalin Ned | Published 2023-01-18 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beast-sneaker-collection References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2023/1/balmain-b-east-sneaker-collection-campaign-video-release-info) & [us.balmain](https://us.balmain.com/en/men/sneakers/b-east/?utm_source=BEast_HBm_US&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=BEast_HB_Dec22) The B-EAST Sneaker Collection is the latest release from the popular streetwear brand [Balmain](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unicorn) which is creatively headed by Olivier Rousteing. To spread the word (and visuals) to the public about the design-forward B-EAST range, the label tapped the popular contemporary culture and lifestyle platform Hypebeast for a lookbook and an eclectic visual campaign that spotlights aesthetic and functionality. Like many contemporary footwear capsules nowadays, the B-EAST Sneaker Collection draws inspiration from "the chunky aesthetic of ’90s dad shoes." Yet a very strong futuristic element is infused within the design of the uppers through the "use of mixed materials and luxe-detailings." One of the most noticeable features in Balmain's new offerings is the chunky outsole which draws inspiration from animal claws. Image Credit: Balmain, [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2023/1/balmain-b-east-sneaker-collection-campaign-video-release-info), [us.balmain](https://us.balmain.com/en/men/sneakers/b-east/?utm_source=BEast_HBm_US&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=BEast_HB_Dec22) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 61% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 14% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Animal-inspired Sneakers:** Opportunity to infuse futuristic elements into classic designs by drawing inspiration from the animal kingdom. - **Mixed Material Sneakers:** Opportunity to experiment with combining different materials to create unique sneaker designs. - **Chunky Outsole Sneakers:** Opportunity to draw inspiration from unconventional sources, like animal claws, to create eye-catching designs. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fashion Industry:** Fashion brands can look to the animal kingdom and unconventional sources to create innovative and eye-catching designs for their products. - **Footwear Industry:** Footwear companies can experiment with mixing different materials and integrating chunky outsoles into their designs, as seen in Balmain's B-EAST collection. - **Marketing and Advertising Industry:** Marketing and advertising agencies can tap into popular culture and lifestyle platforms like Hypebeast to spread the word about innovative sneaker collections like the B-EAST line from Balmain. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dramatically Shaped Luxe Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reptile-sneaker.md) - [Premium Technical Rugged Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hike-sneaker.md) - [Dynamic Pointed Luxe Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reptile-sneaker-1.md) - [Dynamic Fashion-Forward Basketball Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basketball-sneaker-1.md) - [Bold Sculptural Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spunge-osmosis.md) - [Phygital Sneaker Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unicorn.md) - [Trail-Ready Urban Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keen-x-bal-hightrail-sp-wp.md) - [Earth-Toned Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xalp-suede-1.md) - [Elevated Ultra-Chunky Lifestyle Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bondi-b3ls-1.md)