# Forest-Inspired Cobranded Kicks The Packer Shoes x New Balance Collab is Inspired by Pine Barrens By Rebecca Byers | Published 2016-03-25 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pine-barrens References: [highsnobiety](http://www.highsnobiety.com/2016/03/23/new-balance-mt580-pine-barrens/) The [Packer Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/megaride-s2) x New Balance MT580 "Pine Barrens" are an upcoming special edition release that celebrates the sneaker's 20th anniversary. The [vibrant kicks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colors-be-the-palette) boast an [earthy palette](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raso-gammato) inspired by Pine Barrens forest in New Jersey, which spans an impressive one-million acres, and the legend of the Jersey Devil. The collaboration between Packer Shoes and New Balance makes sense given that Packer Shoes is an iconic New Jersey family-owned brand founded in 1907. The special 20th anniversary MT580 kicks will have an extremely limited release, with only 500 pairs expected to be produced. The Packer Shoes x New Balance MT580 "Pine Barrens" will be available through Packer's web shop and select retail location after March 25, 2016. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 58% | Activity: 49% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Forest-inspired Sneakers:** Opportunity to collaborate with brands to create limited editions of sneakers inspired by natural environments. - **Limited Release Collaborations:** Creating a sense of exclusivity through limited edition collaboration releases can increase demand and brand value. - **Heritage Brand Collaborations:** Partnering with heritage brands can create unique brand stories and tap into nostalgia and brand loyalty. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fashion and Apparel:** Collaboration opportunities exist for fashion and apparel brands to create unique product lines that appeal to consumer's individualism. - **Outdoor Gear and Equipment:** Outdoor gear and equipment brands can use natural environments as a source for inspiration in product design and marketing. - **Retail and E-commerce:** Creating limited edition collaborations between brands can provide unique product offerings that drive traffic to both online and offline retail stores. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Collaborative 90s-Era Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-x-mita-sneakers-mt580.md) - [Collaborative Vibrant Tonal Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/991v2-sneaker.md) - [Collaborative Mixed-Material Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joe-freshgoods-11.md) - [Vibrantly Inspired Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/northern-lights-sneakers.md) - [Biking-Inspired Collaborative Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mt580-sneakers.md) - [Dynamic Vibrant Sneaker Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prosperity-be-the-prize.md) - [Camouflage-Detailed Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/realtree-camo-colorway.md) - [Neon-Tinged Dynamic Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1906a-neon-pack.md) - [Money-Inspired Footwear Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-concepts-x-new-balance-1000.md)