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# Manga Racing-Inspired Sneakers
no-brainer Teases New 'Initial D' Nike Dunk Low Concept

By Niko Pajkovic | Published 2022-07-04 | Fashion
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/initial-d
References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2022/7/initial-d-fujiwara-tofu-shop-ae86-sneaker-concept-info) & [nike](http://nike.com)

Sneaker customization platform no-brainer has unveiled a new Nike [Dunk Low](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reverse-curry) concept inspired by the main character from Takumi Fujiwara’s beloved driving manga series 'Initial D.' More specifically, the sneaker leverages design elements from the series' [Toyota](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fast-furious-x-puma) Sprinter Trueno AE86 model -- the delivery car used by the [Fujiwara Tofu Shop](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/initial-d-3).

As a result, the new Dunk Low features black and white leather uppers with purple paneling. In addition, subtle hits of orange are found on the shoe's heel. According to the company, the orange heel tags are meant to resemble the Toyota Sprinter Trueno's blinkers. In addition, the sneaker comes printed with the shop's name on the lateral heel and comes equipped with black rubber outsoles.

As of right now, the new Initial D-inspired sneaker has yet to receive an official release date.

Image Credit: No-Brainer

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 6.9/10
- Popularity: 98% | Activity: 98% | Freshness: 12%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- 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 Makes This Trend Stand Out

- **Manga-inspired Sneaker Collaborations:** Collaborating with popular manga series to design limited edition sneakers is a disruptive innovation opportunity for athleisure companies.
- **Customization Platforms for Sneakers:** Providing customers with the ability to customize their sneakers online is a disruptive innovation opportunity for e-commerce companies.
- **Automotive-inspired Sneaker Designs:** Incorporating design elements from popular cars into sneaker designs is a disruptive innovation opportunity for fashion and automotive collaborations.

### Sectors Adopting This

- **Athleisure:** Athleisure companies can explore limited edition collaborations with popular manga series to design unique sneakers for race enthusiasts.
- **E-commerce:** E-commerce sites can develop customizable options for customers to design their own sneaker iterations using different design elements.
- **Fashion and Automotive:** Fashion companies can partner with automotive manufacturers or racing series to create truly unique and high-fashion designs for sneakers.

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