# Haute Sportswear-Inspired Sneakers The Gucci Ultrapace R Looks Ready for the Gym By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2020-01-15 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gucci-ultrapace-r References: [highsnobiety](https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/gucci-ultrapace-r-release-date-price/) & [gucci](https://www.gucci.com) The [Gucci](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shift-sneaker) Ultrapace R sneaker is the latest iteration of the Ultrapace model unveiled by the brand for its Fall/Winter 2019 collection that gives the casual footwear style a running-focused overhaul. The sneaker features a lightweight knitted upper fabric that calls to mind classic sportswear design, which is paired with a wire dial closure that's commonly found on [trail and hiking shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trailgrip-apex-gtx). The outsole of the style is transparent to give it a somewhat retro sporty look that will definitely catch eyes when worn on city streets or rural environments. The Gucci Ultrapace R sneaker is part of the growing prominence of [sportswear styles in the high-fashion market](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/viv-on-the-run) as consumers seek to outfit themselves with products ready for athletic endeavors or rural exploration. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 85% | Activity: 72% | 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) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Sportswear-inspired High-fashion:** The trend towards sportswear-inspired high-fashion has increased demand for stylish yet functional products and presents an opportunity for designers to incorporate athletic elements into fashion. - **Hiking-inspired Footwear:** The use of a wire dial closure typically found on hiking shoes in the Gucci Ultrapace R sneaker highlights a growing trend towards incorporating hiking-inspired features into fashion footwear. - **Transparent Soles:** The transparent outsole of the Gucci Ultrapace R sneaker exemplifies a trend towards the use of distinct sole designs as a way of bringing attention to footwear, creating an opportunity for innovative sole designs in footwear. ### Where This Applies - **High-fashion:** The rise of haute sportswear-inspired footwear reinforces the idea of sportswear as a fashion statement and presents disruptive innovation opportunities for designers to integrate athletic aspects into high-fashion. - **Athletic Footwear:** The Gucci Ultrapace R sneaker's focus on running and sportswear design contributes to the growing market for athletic footwear and allows for the incorporation of unique design elements, creating disruptive innovations in the industry. - **Hiking & Outdoor Gear:** The incorporation of hiking-inspired features in fashion footwear presents the opportunity for hiking and outdoor gear companies to collaborate with fashion brands or release their own stylish designs, disrupting the fashion and hiking/outdoor industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ballet-Inspired Luxury Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shift-sneaker.md) - [Minimalist Sock-Like Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gucci-slipon-sneaker.md) - [Performance-Inspired Designer Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balenciaga-x-puma.md) - [Ultra-Plump Sleek Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aruku.md) - [Chunky Plush Sneaker Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goldencush.md) - [Performance Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trailgrip-apex2-gtx.md) - [Premium Technical Rugged Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hike-sneaker.md) - [Contemporary Functional Athleticwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reebok-x-danielle-guizio.md) - [Hyper-Futuristic Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fast-rb-nitrotm-elite.md)