# Canyon-Inspired Functional Sneakers Salehe Bembury Joins New Balance on the Upcoming ML2002R1 By Amy Duong | Published 2020-10-14 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ml2002r1 References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2020/10/new-balance-salehe-bembury-ml2002r1-sneaker-orange-release-information) & [newbalance](https://www.newbalance.co.uk/salehebembury2002.html) Salehe Bembury works on the [New Balance](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colors-be-the-palette) ML2002R1 sneaker to give it an elevated design and construction update for the season. As the Vice President of sneaker and men's footwear at [Versace](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flannels), Bembury has a strong background coming towards the functional sneaker. The collaboration was teased in April earlier this year on [Instagram](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prosperity-be-the-prize), showcasing the bold orange palette and laces. The most notable element is the blue block lettering that showcases Bembury's name at the lace-keeper. The design is inspired by the Antelope Canyon, which is a slot canyon found in Arizona. Now that the full look at the sneaker has been unveiled, it showcases the intricate textures that detail the upper complete with suede and other materials throughout the shoe. Image Credit: New Balance ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 27% | Freshness: 9% - 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) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Functional Sneakers:** Potential disruptive innovation opportunities in this trend include incorporating new materials and technologies to enhance performance and comfort. - **Elevated Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunities within this trend include integrating unique aesthetics and artistic influences to differentiate products in the market. - **Inspired by Nature:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in this trend involve leveraging natural elements and textures to create unique and visually appealing footwear designs. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Footwear:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in the footwear industry include developing sustainable manufacturing processes and creating customizable and personalized sneakers. - **Fashion:** Disruptive innovation opportunities within the fashion industry involve incorporating technology, such as smart fabrics and wearable tech, into clothing and accessories. - **Outdoor Gear:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in the outdoor gear industry include designing multi-functional products that cater to various outdoor activities and climates. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [VIbrant Collaborative Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colors-be-the-palette.md) - [Dynamic Vibrant Sneaker Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prosperity-be-the-prize.md) - [Vibrant Runner Revivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fogbethecloud.md) - [Vibrant Sneaker Releases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1906r-collection.md) - [Collaborative Bold Sneaker Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puma-and-salehe.md) - [Bold Sculptural Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spunge-osmosis.md) - [Hybrid Slip-On Textural Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/m2002na.md) - [Sleek Retro-Futuristic Sneaker Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-2000-abzorb.md) - [Bright Colorblocking Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2002r-sneaker-5.md)