# Bee-Inspired Kicks The New Balance 996 Puts a Spring in Your Step By Robyn Currie | Published 2009-11-02 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-996 References: [hypebeast](http://hypebeast.com/2009/11/balance-996-greyblackyellow/) & [newbalance](http://www.newbalance.com) Everyone is doing it, you know you want to too! Old school colorways are the way to play the game this year, and it is hitting the kicks you wear. The [New Balance](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2002r-sneaker-5) 996 gray/black/yellow make being comfortable and cool easy. The shoes pair a [super soft suede upper](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-suede-colorway), with mesh panels and New Balance’s [ENCAP](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/celestial-blue) stability, all rolled into one. The bold color mix is reminiscent of all those great things you used to wear as a kid. Check out the gallery for more of the New Balance 996. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 24% | Activity: 21% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Old School Colorways:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create retro-inspired products that incorporate bold color combinations. - **Comfort and Style:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop footwear that combines soft materials, breathable features, and stability technologies. - **Nostalgic Fashion:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Revive vintage aesthetics in contemporary fashion designs. ### Who This Affects Most - **Footwear:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce innovative materials and technologies in the production of sneakers. - **Fashion:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore retro and nostalgic themes in clothing and accessories. - **Sports Equipment:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create sports gear that combines style, comfort, and performance. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vibrant Tonal Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fluorescent-colorway.md) - [Bright Colorblocking Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2002r-sneaker-5.md) - [Reinvented Retro Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-1000-3.md) - [Minimal Monochromatic Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nimbus-cloud-colorway.md) - [Reimagined Stealthy Monochromatic Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1000-model.md) - [Cool-Tonal LIfestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abzorb-2000.md) - [Muted Monochromatic Lifestyle Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-and-grey-colorway.md) - [Patent Leather Colorblocking Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/550-sneaker-pack.md) - [Vibrant Runner Revivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fogbethecloud.md)