# Vintage Minimal Grain Sneakers New Balance's CM996 Sneakers Receive a Retro Textile Makeover By Amy Duong | Published 2019-08-08 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cm996 References: [highsnobiety](https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/new-balance-nonnative-cm996/) & [coverchord](https://coverchord.com/index_en.html) New Balance unveiled its latest collaborative makeover with the signature CM996 sneaker model as a part of the exclusive [996 Collaboration Project](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-992-2) in Japan. The latest design takes the sneaker model and re-constructs the design to recall the 80s. The iconic 'N' logo emblem on the side is replaced by a smaller 'NB' symbol instead and the uppers are constructed from [long-grain suede material](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-suede-colorway). This sits on top of a captivating yellow-tinted midsole foundation with a color palette of [white, black, and gray](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-and-grey-colorway) for minimalistic elements. The insole showcases the original concrete imprint with additional details including the elastic straps on the tongue to secure the fit without the need for a lacing system. The nonnative x New Balance CM996 sneakers are now available for purchase online at COVERCHORD. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 73% | Activity: 43% | Freshness: 8% - 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 ### What's Driving This Trend - **Retro Textile Makeover:** Opportunity for brands to revive vintage designs through textile makeovers. - **Minimalistic Elements:** Opportunity to capitalize on the trend of minimalistic design in footwear. - **Elastic Strap Technology:** Opportunity to incorporate innovative elastic strap technology in sneaker designs. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fashion Retail:** Fashion retailers can offer exclusive collaborations and limited edition sneaker designs. - **Footwear Manufacturing:** Footwear manufacturers can explore the use of long-grain suede and other retro textiles in their designs. - **E-commerce:** E-commerce platforms can showcase and sell exclusive sneaker collaborations online. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Minimal Monochromatic Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nimbus-cloud-colorway.md) - [Reimagined Stealthy Monochromatic Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1000-model.md) - [Collaborative Neutral Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-993.md) - [Sleek Slim Collaborative Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimus-ux200.md) - [White Tonal Vintage Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/990v6-made-in-usa.md) - [Minimal Tonal Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/509-sneaker.md) - [Retro Vibrant Detailed Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-1000-2.md) - [Collaborative Textural Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1906-sneaker.md) - [Earthy Tonal Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/574-mushroom.md)