# Mutant Scaled Sneakers Black Scale & Gourmet Preview a Leather Scaled Sneaker That is Fresh By Jonathon Brown | Published 2013-01-23 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-scale References: [hypebeast](http://hypebeast.com/2013/1/black-scale-x-gourmet-2013-fall-winter-preview) & [black-scale](http://www.black-scale.com/) These Black Scale sneakers are covered in rough, [scale-like material](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chuck-70s-1) that make them look straight out of a [science fiction movie](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-flightposite). Would you let these shoes slither onto your feet? The shoe comes as a collaboration between Black Scale and Gourmet and builds on the 35 silhouette. The design is interesting because it's dark enough that it carries a bit of understated strength, but its texture makes it stand out in a crowd. The upper section is dominated by [dark leather slabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/made-in-uk-2). The side of the slabs is a tan color, which simply by way of the leather cut end up accenting the shoe. The bottom section of the shoe is a simple white trim. This sneaker is part of Black Scale's 2013 fall/winter collection. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 15% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% 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) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Scaled Sneakers:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in footwear design using scale-like materials. - **Collaborative Design:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in fashion by partnering with other brands for unique product offerings. - **Textured Aesthetics:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in fashion by incorporating unique textures into designs. ### Who This Affects Most - **Footwear:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the footwear industry by exploring new materials and textures. - **Fashion:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the fashion industry through collaborations and unique design elements. - **Apparel Accessories:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the accessories industry by incorporating textured aesthetics into products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Reptilian-Inspired Bold Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glowaconstrictor.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) - [Scale Texture Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/year-of-the-snake.md) - [Sleek Textural Sneaker Colorways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-ostrich.md) - [Loafer-Sneaker Hybrid Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-croc.md) - [Stealthy All-Black Durable Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelyeti-tokyo-hi-gtx.md) - [Futuristic Sleek Bouldering Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ab2-11s.md) - [Reptile-Pattern Sleek Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chuck-70s-1.md)