# Flexible Skate Shoes These New Stan Smiths from adidas Feature a Gray Primeknit Upper By Riley von Niessen | Published 2016-09-13 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-stan-smith References: [hypebeast](http://hypebeast.com/2016/9/adidas-stan-smith-primeknit-grey) & [adidas](http://www.adidas.ca/‎) Looking to revitalize one of its most popular models, [adidas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stan-smith-lux) is offering a [new Stan Smith variation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fa-stan-smith). Covering the upper in [Primeknit](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adidas-ultraboost-5x) material, the brand makes the typically leather construction a bit more flexible on the feet, as well as more breathable. The heather gray fabric is complemented by laces in a lighter tone, in addition to a white accent on the heel and cream-colored soles. adidas' branding appears on the heel of the sole and on the tongue of the new Stan Smiths -- ensuring that its name is known despite the unconventional look for the model. Apart from being more flexible, the use of the Primeknit material on the new Stan Smiths also makes the shoes warmer for the colder months ahead. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 68% | Freshness: 8% - 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 ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Flexible Skate Shoes:** The use of Primeknit material in skate shoes allows for increased flexibility and breathability. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Athletic Footwear:** The athletic footwear industry can capitalize on the trend of using flexible materials to improve comfort and performance. - **Fashion Retail:** Fashion retailers can take advantage of the popularity of flexible skate shoes by offering innovative designs and materials. - **Textile Manufacturing:** Textile manufacturers can explore new materials and techniques to create flexible and breathable footwear. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sneaker-Converted Dress Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stan-smith-lux.md) - [90s-Inspired Bulky Skateboard Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stan-smith-xlg.md) - [Floral-Accented Textural Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atmos-pink-and-adidas.md) - [Stealthy Monochromatic Collab Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fa-stan-smith.md) - [Redesigned Flagship Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adidas-ultraboost-5x.md) - [Detail-Forward Shoe Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clot-stan-smith-beaded.md) - [Cardboard-Inspired Breathable Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samba-cardboard.md) - [Cartoon Inspired Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stan-smith-x-spongebob-squarepants.md) - [Futuristic Slip-On Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adidas-unveils-climacool.md)