# Lightweight Durable Basketball Shoes Ibn Jasper andConverse Drops the Pro Leather Honoring Dr. J By Amy Duong | Published 2019-09-12 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pro-leather References: [highsnobiety](https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/ibn-jasper-converse-pro-leather-release-date-price) & [converse](https://www.converse.com/) Barber, designer and fashion stylist Ibn Jasper works in collaboration with [Converse](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shai-001) on a new iteration of the 'Pro Leather' sneaker model. The duo joins forces to work on the silhouette that was notably worn by Julius Erving, also famously recognized as Dr. J. The sneaker made its original debut in 1876 and was captivating with its lightweight elements and durable construction as a basketball model. Jasper talks about the collaboration, -- “the aesthetic is based on a photo of Dr. J. walking into the arena with an all-white outfit. He looks like he just stepped off of the runway. I thought to myself: ‘How can I distill this image and vibe into a collection?" The uppers are constructed from leather detailed with suede accents and boast a zipper enclosure. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 48% | Activity: 47% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, 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 ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Lightweight Durable Basketball Shoes:** There is an opportunity to create more lightweight and durable basketball shoe materials using technology. - **Collaborative Sneaker Designs:** The rise of collaborative sneaker designs presents an opportunity to create unique and personalized sneaker options for consumers. - **Reviving Classic Sneaker Models:** There is a market opportunity in reviving classic sneaker models and updating them with modern materials and designs. ### Where This Applies - **Sports Apparel and Equipment:** Sports apparel and equipment companies can benefit from innovating with more advanced and high-tech materials for basketball shoes. - **Fashion and Design:** Collaborative projects between designers, fashion stylists, and fashion brands, like Ibn Jasper and Converse, may yield highly unique and marketable sneaker designs. - **Retro Sneaker Industry:** Companies that specialize in retro sneaker designs and remakes can tap into a niche market of consumers who appreciate classic aesthetics. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Timeless Revived Basketball Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kareem-abduljabbar.md) - [Collaborative Stealthy Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jabbar-dress-lo.md) - [Basketball Performance Sleek Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shai-001.md) - [Signature Court Shoe Styles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shai-001-1.md) - [Basketball-Honoring Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bb-4000-li-basketball-shoes.md) - [Collaborative Textural Skate Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/one-star-pro-2.md) - [Reimagined Low-Cut Suede Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jabbar-low.md) - [Resilient Collaboration Fashion Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rise-through-the-ropes.md) - [Heritage Loafer Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jack-purcell-1935.md)