The New Balance H710 is a cross between a tennis shoe and hiking boot that makes for a strong addition to the new slew of hiking-inspired urban footwear that has recently been released.
One could say, however, that the New Balance H710 is the original hybrid. The shoe was made specifically for legendary mountaineer Lou Whitaker, whose search for something lightweight yet durable ended with the New Balance Rainier.
The new version of these kicks includes fun, funky combinations of color, suede, and the same strength and durability as their predecessor.
What's Driving This Trend
- Hiking-inspired Urban Footwear
- Disruptive innovation opportunities lie in designing and marketing urban footwear that combines style and performance for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Hybrid Shoe Design
- There is an opportunity to create innovative shoe designs that blend the features and functionality of different types of footwear, appealing to a wide range of consumers.
- Collaborative Athlete-specific Products
- Developing athlete-specific footwear in collaboration with professionals from different sports can lead to the creation of innovative and specialized products for niche markets.
Who This Affects Most
- Athletic Footwear
- There is a market opportunity to develop athletic footwear that caters to both urban and outdoor activities, merging style and performance.
- Outdoor Gear and Apparel
- Designing and producing hybrid shoes that combine elements from different outdoor gear categories can create disruptive innovation within the outdoor industry.
- Fashion and Lifestyle
- By incorporating hiking-inspired elements into urban footwear, there is an opportunity to create trendy and fashionable products that cater to the preferences of urban consumers.
