# Forest-Inspired Experimental Shoes HAL STUDIOS Joins ASICS to Extend the Design Thinking Project By Amy Duong | Published 2022-09-25 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/design-thinking References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2022/9/highs-and-lows-hal-studios-asics-gel-1130-release-date) [HAL STUDIOS](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hal-studios), which is Highs and Lows' in-house branch, works in collaboration with [ASICS](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ub10s-gelkayano-20) to extend the mission of Design Thinking. This is described by the company as “an ongoing conversation, a series of case studies and collaborative projects.” This time around, the duo join forces on the new [GEL-1130](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gel1130-sneaker) sneaker, which is inspired by lush forests in Japan and the Shinto shrines that rest within them. The inspiration behind this is spotlighted by the dark green mesh making up the base of the sneaker. It is then accented with overlaying details of green and black suede materials along with brown and white leather -- this adds textural and tonal contrast across the entire shoe. The Shinto shrines are referenced by the bright orange on the heel and midsole. Image Credit: HAL STUDIOS ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 23% | Activity: 15% | Freshness: 13% - 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) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Nature-inspired Shoes:** The use of nature-inspired elements in footwear design offers an opportunity for companies to tap into the growing trend of eco-conscious consumers. - **Design Thinking Collaborations:** Collaborations between brands and designers to extend the mission of design thinking provide an opportunity for cross-industry innovation. - **Textured Color Blocking:** Using contrasting textures and colors in footwear design adds an opportunity for brands to create unique and eye-catching products in a crowded market. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Footwear:** Innovative footwear design using nature-inspired elements presents an opportunity for companies to tap into the growing trend of eco-conscious consumers. - **Fashion Design:** Collaborations between brands and designers for design thinking projects offer opportunities for cross-industry innovation in fashion design. - **Sportswear:** Exploration of textures and colors in footwear design provides an opportunity for sportswear companies to create unique, eye-catching products in a crowded market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mesh-Heavy Collaborative Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hal-studios.md) - [Collaborative Tech Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hal-studios-gelnyc-2.md) - [Nature-Inspired Collaborative Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ub10s-gelkayano-20.md) - [Grinded Sneaker-Made Sustainable Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neocurve.md) - [Heritage-Honoring Technical Sneaker Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earls-collection.md) - [Biomorphic Retro Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hal-studios-adidas.md) - [Weatherized Sleek Collaborative Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelterrain.md) - [Natural Tone Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelkayano-14-organic-beauty.md) - [Collaborative Gingham-Covered Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelventure-6-1.md)