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# Washed-Out Sneaker Mule Hybrids
Nike Updates the N7 Free Crater Trail Shoe into a Summer Version

By Amy Duong | Published 2022-05-26 | Lifestyle
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/n7-free-crater
References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2022/5/nike-n7-free-crater-trail-mule-dq7605-200-release-date) & [dpbolvw.net](https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-7941379-13067763?sid=HBEN-DA-FW--&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nike.com%2Fw%2Fnew-mens-shoes-3n82yznik1zy7ok%3Fsort%3Dnewest)

Just in time for the summer season, [Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-forward-moc-2-n7) introduces a new take on its signature N7 Free Crater Trail sneakers by updating it to be a [mule silhouette](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-jordan-mule-loafer). It retains most of the original design, keeping the sole unit foundation and leaving the elements of the entire upper half as is.

It is then complete with [woven paneling](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/field-general-82-3) and has webbing details that run by the ankles and continues around the toe front sections. It has a light beige colorway as the base hue and is accented with contrasting tones of dusty pink that create a patterned effect. Additional details include the N7 logo that marks the tongue and can be seen in green by the heel tabs.

Image Credit: Nike

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 2.8/10
- Popularity: 36% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 12%
- 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) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)

## Key Themes

### Why This Trend Is Growing

- **Sneaker Mule Hybrids:** Shoe brands can explore the potential of creating their version of this mule silhouette sneaker as a fresh addition to their product line.
- **Woven Paneling:** Incorporating woven paneling to existing shoe designs can offer added texture and visual interest, potentially breathing new life into a familiar style.
- **Contrasting Tones:** Exploring the use of contrasting tones in shoe designs can create a unique and eye-catching look that sets them apart in the market.

### Industries Being Reshaped

- **Fashion:** The fashion industry can explore the opportunities that this new sneaker design presents and incorporate it into their seasonal collections.
- **Footwear:** Existing footwear brands can explore the potential to create their version of the sneaker mule hybrid and differentiate themselves within the market.
- **Textile:** The textile industry can explore new methods of incorporating woven paneling into their designs to create unique texture and visual effects.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Summer-Ready Lightweight Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-forward-moc-2-n7.md)
- [Camouflage-Inspired Patterned Mules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calm-mule-2.md)
- [Smooth Suede Slip-On Mules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rufus-mule-1.md)
- [Slingback-Heel Zipped Sneaker Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-craze-1.md)
- [Summer-Ready Woven Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watercat-sneaker.md)
- [Deconstructed Hybrid Sneaker Mules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2002r-mule-2.md)
- [Vintage-Inspired Summer Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-muse-2.md)
- [Camouflage Pattern Slides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/light-blue-realtree.md)
- [Woven Textural Summer Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/field-general-82-3.md)
