# Vibrant Hand-Stitched Sneakers KUON and Sashiko Gals Create a Salomon Trail Sneaker By Amy Duong | Published 2024-06-06 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kuon-and-sashiko-gals References: [highsnobiety](https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/sashiko-gals-kuon-salomon-speedcross/)  KUON and [Sashiko Gals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sashiko-gals) are some of the most notable new-generation designers who often work with the traditional Japanese technique of sashiko. It is the process of running stitch that is used in Japanese culture to reinforce fabrics -- this is usually done using a thick white thread over indigo fabric to form intricate visuals in contrast. Sashiko Gals creates custom sneakers with hand-stitched details using sashuko and KUON is rooted in Japanese practices. The two take on a pair of the [Salomon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/juntae-kim) [Speedcross 3](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speedcross-3-3) models for a progressive approach. The trail running shoes have all of the performance elements including a grippy outsole, nylon upper, and Quicklace system. The fabrication over the upper is complete with a custom sashiko upgrade with bright stitching of red, white, yellow, and orange. Image Credit: Sashiko Gals ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.0/10 - Popularity: 93% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 24% - 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) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Cultural Fusion Footwear:** Combining modern athletic shoe technology with traditional Japanese stitching methods creates unique, culturally enriched sneaker designs. - **Handcrafted Sneaker Aesthetics:** The integration of hand-stitched details in sneaker manufacturing offers a personalized and artisanal touch to mass-produced athletic shoes. - **Performance-driven Custom Sneakers:** Enhancing high-performance footwear with custom, vibrant stitching addresses both the aesthetic and functional demands of contemporary consumers. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Athletic Footwear:** The athletic footwear industry can leverage traditional handcraft techniques to offer differentiated, culturally unique products. - **Textile and Fabric Design:** Textile and fabric designers have an opportunity to infuse traditional Japanese stitching methods into high-performance materials. - **Luxury Custom Apparel:** The luxury custom apparel market can explore innovative collaborations that merge traditional craftsmanship with modern design. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sashiko Stitched Intricate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sashiko-gals.md) - [Hand-Stitched Artisanal Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sashiko-gals-1.md) - [Hand Stitched Collab Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1300jp.md) - [Couture Technical Sneaker Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/juntae-kim.md) - [Textural Stitched Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instapump-fury-94.md) - [Japanese Upcycling Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flower-mountain-reload-sneakers.md) - [Progressive Trail Running Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speedcross-3-3.md) - [Technical Vibrant Tonal Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speedcross-3.md) - [Technical Collaborative Dynamic Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speedcross-3-1.md)