# Monochromatic Mid-Top Sneakers The New Balance 696 Shoe is Built for the Outdoor Enthusiast By Christopher Magsambol | Published 2015-10-06 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-696 References: [sneakernews](http://sneakernews.com/2015/10/03/new-balances-mid-top-696-is-too-clean/) & [thepremierstore](http://www.thepremierstore.com/footwear/new-balance/696-outdoor-pid-28482) The recently released New Balance 696 is the perfect shoe to keep you warm for the cool autumn months. The classic New Balance silhouette is recreated but paired with a sleek mid-top finish. This will ensure more coverage of your foot and ankle, while keeping the iconic brand's style in check. The [monochromatic black finish](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1000-model) gives you a neutral shoe perfect for any outfit. Throughout the upper, there is a [Cordura mesh-like fabric](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1906r-cordura) to contrast the [black suede exterior](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-suede) and leather branding. An off-white REVlite midsole gives the shoe a vintage look while also maximizing comfort. The sleek all-black finish provides your wardrobe with a reliable and comfortable sneaker. The New Balance 696 fuses together the classic look of a Sneakerboot while incorporating a modern black color palette. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 86% | Activity: 88% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## 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 - **Sleek Mid-top Finish:** Opportunity for footwear brands to create fashionable mid-top sneakers that offer more coverage and style. - **Monochromatic Color Palette:** Potential for fashion brands to design neutral shoes with a single color scheme that can easily be paired with any outfit. - **Vintage Look with Modern Comfort:** Possibility for sneaker manufacturers to combine retro aesthetics with advanced cushioning technologies for a stylish and comfortable shoe. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Footwear:** Footwear companies can explore innovative designs and materials to create mid-top sneakers that offer style and functionality. - **Fashion:** Fashion brands have the opportunity to incorporate monochromatic color palettes into their collections, providing versatile options for customers. - **Sportswear:** Sportswear brands can tap into the demand for vintage-inspired sneakers that combine retro aesthetics with modern comfort features. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Minimal Monochromatic Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nimbus-cloud-colorway.md) - [Rugged Urban Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dark-camo-sneaker.md) - [Neutral Tonal Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/m991wtr.md) - [Mesh-Heavy Bulky Sneaker Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1906r-cordura.md) - [Navy Tonal Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/990v6-1.md) - [Reimagined Stealthy Monochromatic Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1000-model.md) - [Monochromatic Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/back-in-black.md) - [Collaboration Monochromatic Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comme-des-garons-homme-x-new-balance-860v2.md) - [Summer-Ready Neutral Sneaker Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1906-franchise.md)