# Racing-Inspired Running Shoes The New Balance x Casablanca 'XC-72' Borrow From '70s Sportscars By Niko Pajkovic | Published 2021-08-24 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-x-casablanca References: [highsnobiety](https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/casablanca-new-balance-xc-72-exclusive-interview/) & [newbalance](http://newbalance.com) Parisian luxe clothing brand [Casablanca](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/philosophy-fresh-cream-soft-velvet) has announced the launch of the [New Balance x Casablanca](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sezane-x-new-balance) 'XC-72,' a new footwear collection inspired by the designs of old-school European racecars. The limited-edition collection will include a brand new sneaker offered in two unique colorways. One pair comes in Casablanca's signature organ, green, and white color scheme, while the other is adorned with a red, yellow, and black combination that pays homage to retro racers. Designed by Charlotte Lee, these summery kicks feature the same '70s inspired stylings found in Casablanca's [previous New Balance collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-x-mita-sneakers-mt580), and once again feature double treads that are split down the middle. “From when we first started working on the collaboration, we dubbed it the 'sports car for your feet' as it evokes that feeling of when you first saw a luxury car as a child'" said Casablanca's Creative Director, Charaf Tajer. Image Credit: New Balance, Casablanca ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 52% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - 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 ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Racing-inspired Footwear:** Designing a line of racing-inspired footwear for different industries such as construction, healthcare or foodservice will disrupt the market and attract a new customer base. - **Retro-styling Sneakers:** Retro-styling sneakers with modern designs tailored to people who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or camping can serve as a disruptive innovation opportunity. - **Signature Color Scheme Collaboration:** Collaborating with designers to create a signature color scheme for a product or service can add a personalized touch and help to differentiate from competitors. ### Where This Applies - **Athletic Footwear:** Introducing racing-inspired running shoes in the athletic footwear market can disrupt the industry and appeal to customers who want a unique and stylish shoe option. - **Fashion Industry:** Designing retro-styled sneakers in collaboration with designers can add unique elements in fashion and appeal to customers who want to stand out from the crowd. - **Automotive Industry:** Creating products with design cues from the automotive industry can be disruptive to industries outside the automobile sector, such as sports equipment or technology. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cafe Collaborative Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fuelcell-super-comp-elite-v4.md) - [Wine-Inspired Collaborative Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brut.md) - [Collaborative Vibrant Sneaker Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rc56-sneaker.md) - [Refined French Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sezane-x-new-balance.md) - [Retro Racecar-Inspired Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/porsche-911-gt1.md) - [Vibrant Tonal Collaborative Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rc56.md) - [Performance-Inspired Designer Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balenciaga-x-puma.md) - [Film-Inspired Shoe Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speedcat-og.md) - [Bright Collaborative Running Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cascadia-18.md)