Japanese retailer WTAPS works in collaboration with New Balance once again to adorn its signature 992 sneaker silhouette in a Olive Drab colorway. The militaristic palette is seen throughout the model and features a construction that blends a mix of materials together including mesh, nubuck, and suede. It sits on top of a foundational white and olive green midsole unit.
To add a slight contrast to the army green tone, the forefoot is detailed with a bright orange section as a nod to WTAPS. Additional branding details can be seen embroidered on the model at the heel, as well as co-branded details at the footbed and Made in US accents. WTAPS' website features an interview between its founder Tetsu Sishiyama and New Balance's Tetsuya Shono as the two discuss color choices and the brands' relations.
Image Credit: WTAPS
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Military-inspired Sneaker Collaborations
- Exploring collaborations between fashion brands and sneaker companies to create militaristic sneaker designs that combine different materials and colorways.
- Creative Use of Color Contrasts
- Utilizing bold color contrasts, such as the combination of army green and bright orange, to add visual interest and create unique design elements in footwear.
- Emphasis on Brand Collaborations and Branding Details
- Highlighting the importance of co-branded details, such as embroidered logos and footbed branding, in elevating the value and desirability of collaborative sneaker releases.
Where This Applies
- Fashion Footwear
- The fashion footwear industry can leverage military-inspired designs and unique color contrasts to attract consumers looking for trendy and distinctive sneakers.
- Fashion Collaboration
- Collaboration between fashion brands and sneaker companies presents new opportunities for both industries to tap into each other's consumer bases and expand their market reach.
- Branding and Marketing
- The emphasis on branding details and co-branded releases in sneaker collaborations provides an opportunity for marketing professionals to create compelling brand stories and increase customer engagement.
