# Contemporary Color-Blocked Sneakers New Balance's MS997 Sneaker is Minimal and Chunky By Amy Duong | Published 2019-02-05 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ms997 References: [highsnobiety](https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/new-balance-ms997-release-date-price/) & [newbalance](https://www.newbalance.com/) Sportswear label New Balance introduces the MS997 sneaker in two colorway options as a part of the signature 997 series. The brand is partaking in a project that revives some of its archival footwear designs and the new iteration boasts contemporary elements through its [tonal infusion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fluorescent-colorway). The sneakers have a black colorway option and a light gray option -- both versions are decorated with color-blocking accents of purple, pink, blue, yellow, white, and green. The colorful components accents the heel area of the shoe. Notably, the uppers boast a soft textile look as it uses a [suede fabric](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-suede) for its construction. The chunky colorful soles are incorporated to contrast against the [monochromatic suede uppers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nimbus-cloud-colorway-1), rounding out a sleek design. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 71% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 8% - 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 ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Color-blocked Fashion:** The trend of incorporating bright color-blocking designs in fashion accessories like shoes or bags can be taken to the next level by utilizing new materials or incorporating other creative design elements to disrupt the industry. - **Archival Revival:** Brands can take advantage of revitalizing their past designs by incorporating new materials and modern elements, potentially leading to the creation of new sub-trends and disrupting the industry. - **Minimalistic Chunk:** Utilizing minimalistic designs with chunky elements like soles or heels can provide opportunities for brands to create innovative, eye-catching designs that appeal to consumers looking for something both comfortable and stylish. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion:** New designs and trends in color-blocking, archival revival, and minimalistic chunk can provide opportunities for fashion brands to disrupt the industry by appealing to a wide variety of consumers and setting themselves apart from competitors. - **Athletic Footwear:** Incorporating new color-blocking techniques and utilizing minimalistic designs with chunky soles can push athletic footwear brands to new heights in terms of innovation, potentially leading to the creation of new sub-trends. - **Textile Manufacturing:** New materials and techniques utilized in designing and constructing color-blocked fashion items like the MS997 sneaker can lead to further disruption in the textile manufacturing industry by creating unique, eye-catching products that appeal to consumers and set brands apart from competitors. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bright Colorblocking Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2002r-sneaker-5.md) - [Minimal Monochromatic Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nimbus-cloud-colorway.md) - [Patent Leather Colorblocking Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/550-sneaker-pack.md) - [Retro Vibrant Detailed Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-1000-2.md) - [Spring-Ready Lifestyle Sneaker Colorways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1906r-sneaker-model.md) - [Muted Monochromatic Lifestyle Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-and-grey-colorway.md) - [Minimal Tonal Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/509-sneaker.md) - [VIbrant Collaborative Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colors-be-the-palette.md) - [Stealthy Chunky Collaborative Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-1000-sneaker.md)