# Optimized Hybrid Footwear The Snow Peak x Tokyo Design Studio Extreme Spec R_C4 Mid is Functional By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2019-10-01 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/extreme-spec-rc4-mid References: [gearpatrol](https://gearpatrol.com/2019/10/01/snow-peak-new-balance-extreme-spec-r-c4/) & [snowpeak.co.jp](https://www.snowpeak.co.jp/news/p20190927-1/) The Snow Peak x New Balance Tokyo Design Studio Extreme Spec R_C4 Mid is a new collaboration footwear style that aims to deliver exceptional comfort and capabilities for wearers in urban or rural environments. The shoe is characterized by its hybrid design that's one part boot and one part sneaker to make it inherently comfortable for wear in demanding environments as well as city streets. This accommodates the increasing number of urban consumers seeking out [technical apparel styles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reebok-x-white-mountaineering) as they seek to convey a sporty aesthetic and stay prepared for anything that might come their way. The Snow Peak x New Balance Tokyo Design Studio Extreme Spec R_C4 Mid will launch exclusively in Japan on October 5, and are part of a larger collection of footwear styles and apparel. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 90% | Activity: 94% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Hybrid Footwear:** Opportunity to create innovative footwear that combines the comfort of sneakers with the durability of boots. - **Technical Apparel:** Disruptive potential in developing urban-focused apparel with technical features to meet the demands of active consumers. - **Sporty Aesthetic:** The trend of sporty-inspired fashion presents an opportunity to design stylish and functional clothing and footwear. ### Where This Applies - **Footwear:** Opportunity for the footwear industry to incorporate hybrid designs that cater to the needs of urban and outdoor wearers. - **Fashion:** Innovation potential in the fashion industry by creating technical apparel that combines athletic elements with streetwear fashion. - **Outdoor Gear:** Potential for disruptive innovation in the outdoor gear industry by developing versatile products that can be worn in various environments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Collaboration Modular Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/niobium-concept-3.md) - [Neutral Rugged Snow Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-niobium-concept-3.md) - [Ultra-Training Trail Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snow-peak-x-merrell-mtl-long-sky-2-matryx-sp.md) - [Slip-On Trail Footwear Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tds-610-slipon.md) - [Collaborative Knit Hiker Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wave-mujin-tl-mid-gtx.md) - [Snow Boot-Inspired Technical Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xt6-sneaker-2.md) - [Utility-Driven Collaboration Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carhartt-wip-x-salomon-xalp.md) - [Winter Boot Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-adidas-x-moon-boot.md) - [Cutting-Edge Collaboration Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reigning-champ-x-norda-001.md)