# Rugged Performance Sneakers Element's Emerald Collection Features a New Mid-Top Silhouette By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-12-22 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/element-emerald-collection References: [highsnobiety](http://www.highsnobiety.com/2014/12/22/element-hakone/) & [eu.shop.elementbrand](http://eu.shop.elementbrand.com/w/shoes/emerald) Element's Emerald collection for the Fall/Winter 2014 season features an unusual silhouette for its [mid-top sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jasper-sneaker). The intriguing new design of the Hakone, for example, is part [desert boot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baffin-introduces-sea-green), part contemporary sneaker. The rustic new look happens to be equipped with the same performativity as the rest of the brand's sneakers, which is evidenced by [high-performance features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terrain-collections) such as the Eco Step Vibram outersole, the Ortholite insole and Phylon midsole. Other details and features include a Bamboo lining and a mesh inner sock, which was added for greater breathability and comfort. The Eco Step Vibram sole, in particular, is made from 30% recycled rubber, showing that the brand is staying environmentally conscious with its designs and materials. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## 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 - **Rugged Sneakers:** Opportunity for sneaker companies to experiment with non-traditional silhouettes and incorporate high-performance features for durability and functionality. - **Sustainable Materials:** Opportunity to use recycled or sustainable materials in sneaker manufacturing to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. - **Hybrid Designs:** Opportunity to combine different styles of footwear to create unique silhouettes that appeal to a wider range of consumers. ### Who This Affects Most - **Footwear:** Companies in the footwear industry can benefit from incorporating sustainable materials or hybrid designs to differentiate themselves from competitors. - **Outdoor Apparel:** The rugged and high-performance features of these sneakers make them suitable for outdoor activities, providing an opportunity for companies in the outdoor apparel industry to partner with sneaker companies to offer a complete outdoor outfit. - **Athletic Gear:** Incorporating high-performance features in sneakers, such as the Vibram outersole, provides an opportunity for athletic gear companies to partner with sneaker companies to offer top-notch athletic footwear. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Suede-Paneled Performance Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoka-elite-terrain-system-clifton-l-suede.md) - [Durable Hyper-Lightweight Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deckers-x-lab-enduro.md) - [Dynamic Sleek Technical Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jungle-moc-evo-vent-1trl.md) - [Breathable Mesh Technical Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edge-flex.md) - [Outdoor Performance Footwear Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-1trl-aw25.md) - [Nature-Inspired Boot Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baffin-introduces-sea-green.md) - [Stealthy Technical Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hierro-v8-trail.md) - [Chunky Autumnal Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haven-x-hoka-stinson-evo-gtx.md) - [Off-Grid All-Terrain Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tropicfeel-allterrain-collection.md)