# Suave Suede Sports Kicks The Nike Air Ralston Mid Lite Goes for a Stylish Formal Look By Matt Ho | Published 2011-07-15 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-air-ralston-mid-lite References: [hypebeast](http://hypebeast.com/2011/07/nike-air-ralston-mid-lite/) & [nike](http://www.nike.com) The [Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/court-shot) Air Ralston Mid Lite sneakers are a real surprise from the sporting company in terms of design and style. While Nike is well-known for creating sports and casual sneakers, I'm surprised to see the brand go for a bit of a formal aesthetic in these new kicks. Not that you'd rock these with a suit any time soon, but you have to admit they look pretty darn suave. The Nike Air Ralston Mid Lite are mid-tops decked out in [complete suede](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/morse-code-cortez). You'll also notice that the swoosh that normally appears on the side of the upper is non-existent. The sneakers have been stripped down to the bare minimum for a [clean look](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/light-khaki) that stands out on its own. The Nike Air Ralston Mid Lite will be available in limited quantities. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 48% | Activity: 73% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% 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) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Formal-style Sneakers:** Opportunity for sports companies to tap into the market for stylish and formal sneakers. - **Suede Sneaker Trend:** Potential for brands to explore the popularity of suede material in sneaker design. - **Minimalist Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for sneaker manufacturers to create stripped-down, clean-looking sneakers. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Sports Footwear:** Potential for companies in the sports footwear industry to expand their product range with formal-style sneakers. - **Fashion:** Opportunity for the fashion industry to incorporate the suede sneaker trend into their collections. - **Athleisure:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for athleisure brands to combine minimalist design with functional sports footwear. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sleek Low-Cut Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/court-shot.md) - [Open-Stitch Designed Lifestyle Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/killshot-2.md) - [Supple Blue Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blue-suede.md) - [Impact-Absorption Leather Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shox-sneaker.md) - [Monochromatic Suede Layered Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dunk-low-sneaker-3.md) - [Luxurious Textured Tonal Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suede-mocha.md) - [Stealthy Monochromatic Court Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/killshot-2-sneaker.md) - [Stealthy Stitched Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/killshot-1-premium.md) - [Durable Urbanite Shoe Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-c1ty-surplus.md)