# Patriotic-Themed Casual Sneakers Darius Bazley Creates His Own 997 New Balance Sneaker Design By Amy Duong | Published 2019-04-15 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/darius-bazley References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2019/4/new-balance-997-the-intern-darius-bazley-closer-look) & [twitter](https://twitter.com/nbhoops) New Balance signed Darius Bazley to an internship deal last October -- the basketball recruit from Syracuse college creates his own iteration of the iconic 997 sneaker. The new version boasts the name, 'The Intern,' and it is adorned in a colorway that is truly patriotic. It is plastered with hits of red and blue, translated with [premium suede materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/action-bronson-x-new-balance-992) along with leather and embroidery accents throughout the uppers. The toe box is complete in red suede and the [navy blue](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/made-in-usa-990v6) is found through the paneling details. The heel cup features beige colors and "THE INTERN" is inscribed across the design as well. The sneakers sit on top of the [ENCAP](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/celestial-blue) sole unit foundation with 997 branding accents on the side. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.6/10 - Popularity: 8% | Activity: 3% | 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 ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Patriotic-themed Fashion:** Fashion brands can incorporate patriotic themes into their designs for a unique and trendy twist. - **Customized Sneaker Designs:** Companies can offer customizable sneaker designs to allow customers to create their own unique look. - **Sports Star Collaborations:** Brands can collaborate with emerging sports stars for fashion items that appeal to both sports enthusiasts and fashion-forward consumers. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion:** The fashion industry can leverage patriotic themes for clothing and accessories for a patriotic look. - **Sportswear:** Sportswear companies can collaborate with athletes for unique designs that appeal to fans of the sport. - **Customization Services:** Companies that offer customization services can expand into the sneaker industry for a new revenue stream. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Festive New Year-Inspired Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/991-sneaker-3.md) - [Dark Olive Green Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dark-camo-colorway.md) - [Navy Blue-Inspired Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/made-in-usa-990v6.md) - [Dynamic Vibrant Sneaker Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prosperity-be-the-prize.md) - [Earthy Tonal Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/933-sneaker.md) - [Blue Tonal Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/990-sneaker-model.md) - [Collegiate-Inspired Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/550-sneaker-4.md) - [Minimal Monochromatic Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nimbus-cloud-colorway.md) - [Summer-Ready Blue Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/celestial-blue.md)