# University-Inspired Sneakers Nike Ekiden Collection Pays Homage to Japanese Running Clubs By Matt Ho | Published 2011-10-24 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-ekiden-collection References: [highsnobiety](http://www.highsnobiety.com/news/2011/10/23/nike-ekiden-collection-holiday-2011/) & [nike](http://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/nike/ja_JP/) [Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cosmic-runner) is set to release the Nike Ekiden Collection, which is another impressive series that features their [high-performance runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zoom-fly-6) that have received rave reviews. This will be a part of their Holiday 2011 series. This time, the Nike Ekiden Collection pays homage to running clubs in Japanese universities. The shoe the brand will be releasing is the Lunarspider R 2 model, which utilizes Lunar technology that takes out a ton of weight from the show. The upper has a slick web design that offers flexibility, breathability and comfort. In addition to the runners, matching Full Zip Hoodies Ekiden AW77 and t-shirts will also accompany the new collection. The matching Full Zip Hoodies Ekiden AW77 and t-shirts will be available in five different colors. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **University-inspired Footwear:** Expanding university-inspired fashion lines could be a disruptive innovation opportunity for the fashion industry. - **Lunar Technology:** Incorporating Lunar technology in other types of footwear such as sandals and loafers can be a disruptive innovation opportunity for footwear industry. - **Athletic Club Homage:** Creating an athletic club-inspired fashion collection for broader sports clubs beyond running clubs can be a disruptive innovation opportunity for the fashion industry. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion:** Fashion companies can explore university-inspired fashion lines to appeal to the younger demographics and set a trend. - **Footwear:** Footwear companies can explore using Lunar technology in other types of footwear to make them lightweight and comfortable. - **Sports:** Sportswear companies can create more apparel and footwear lines that pay tribute to athletic clubs and teams to broaden their customer base. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cosmic-Inspired Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cosmic-runner.md) - [Athletic Performance Essentials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-running-collection.md) - [High-Mileage Off-Grid Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-zegama-2.md) - [Heritage Dress Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-rk61.md) - [Revived Archival Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-rejuven8.md) - [Hybrid Retooled Lifestyle Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-waffle-racer.md) - [Chunky High-Performance Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zoom-fly-6.md) - [Open-Stitch Designed Lifestyle Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/killshot-2.md) - [Trail-Inspired Joint Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mafate-x.md)