# Hybrid High-Tops The New Balance H710 is a Mix Between a Tennis and Hiking Shoe By Armida Ascano | Published 2010-09-08 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-h710 References: [streething](http://www.streething.com/archives/28202) & [newbalance](http://www.newbalance.com/) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoka-tor-summit) that has recently been released. One could say, however, that the New Balance H710 is the original [hybrid](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoka-speed-loafer). The shoe was made specifically for legendary mountaineer Lou Whitaker, whose search for something [lightweight yet durable](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoka-mafate-x-hike) 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. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 57% | Activity: 65% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### 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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Classic Retro Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/740-sneaker.md) - [Trail-Ready Hiking Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-plus-hiker-boot.md) - [Premium Technical Rugged Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hike-sneaker.md) - [Hybrid Breathable Sneaker Loafers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1906l-magnet.md) - [Heritage Trail Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-mt10t.md) - [Sleek Slip-On Technical Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/610s-sneaker.md) - [Performance Trail Hiking Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/offtrail-hike.md) - [Stealthy Technical Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hierro-v8-trail.md) - [Hybrid Slip-On Textural Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/m2002na.md)