# Collaborative Performance Sneakers Lululemon and APL Created a Line of Footwear By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-11-17 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/performance-sneakers References: [shop.lululemon](https://shop.lululemon.com/c/women-shoes/_/N-8f3?cid=EMCA11152017W-FEATURE-418982-APL&locale=en_CA&sl=CA&riid=19) & [wellandgood](https://www.wellandgood.com/good-looks/new-lululemon-and-apl-sneakers/) Earlier this summer APL and [Lululemon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lululemon-2) launched the first pieces of [performance sneakers from their footwear collaboration](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyper-paf) and now, the pair is continuing their efforts with the release of three new styles: the Cinder Rose Phantom, Ascend Black Ombre and [Ascend Black Reflective](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ascend-wellness-holdings). These high-performance footwear pieces introduce stylish and highly functional athletic pieces for those who are looking to invest in high-quality gear. One of the most standout designs from the Lululemon x APL collaboration is the Ascend Black Reflective sneaker, which is made with a reflective yarn material that's exclusive to Lululemon. Like many of Lululemon's running apparel designs, these sneakers are ideal for wearing during early morning or late-night runs. APL's work with Lululemon marks the first time that it has launched a new color and material as part of a collaboration. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 32% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Performance Sneakers Collaboration:** Collaborations between well-known fitness brands can create thoughtful and stylish performance sneakers that provide a competitive edge. - **Reflective Sneaker Material:** The use of reflective material in the design of athletic footwear can provide safety benefits for athletes during low-light conditions. - **Fashion Meets Functionality:** The combination of style and performance in athletic footwear overall suggests increasing market demand for wearable tech that not only performs well, but also looks good. ### Where This Applies - **Fitness Apparel:** Collaborating with other established brands, like in this partnership between Lululemon and APL, can help fitness apparel companies offer a complete performance package for athletes. - **Athletic Footwear:** Developing and using unique design elements, such as reflective materials in the Lululemon x APL collaboration, can help differentiate brands in the highly competitive athletic footwear market. - **Wearable Technology:** The incorporation of functional technology, like performance tracking sensors, with fashionable design in performance sneakers could appeal to a more diverse range of customers who want both style and functionality in their clothing. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Stylish Everyday Men's Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lululemon-2.md) - [Premium Lifestyle Apparel Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lululemon-x-erewhon.md) - [Trail-Inspired Joint Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mafate-x.md) - [Performance-Inspired Fashion Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reebok-x-white-mountaineering1.md) - [Whimsical Activewear Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lululemon-x-disney.md) - [Sleek Performance Collaborative Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/70-collection.md) - [Low-Profile Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunset-sneaker.md) - [Balletcore Collaborative Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelkinetic-fluent-1.md) - [Collaborative Performance Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyper-paf.md)